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Reloading Information
TexasSS
Member Posts: 307 ✭✭
Want to get into reloading but I dont know a thing about it or anybody local that could teach me. So gonna have to do it myself. The only thing I know to do is grab some books and start reading.
With that in mind what would you all suggest for someone of extremely limited knowledge. Id like a few that really hit the basics. Any ideas?
With that in mind what would you all suggest for someone of extremely limited knowledge. Id like a few that really hit the basics. Any ideas?
Comments
Search the forums for RCBS. There a post not long ago that had a link to a video on reloading.
Use the search tool here, and Gunbroke also has a reloading forum if not aware? Ah, the modern age-- info is freely plentiful all over the internet.
More questions will arise as you gain knowledge, and helps us if knowing what ammo you want to reload, too.
Very basic:
--Treat reloading same as shooting/handling firearms-- safety first.
--Keep an orderly, clean reloading area.
--Follow the step-by-step instructions laid out in the reloading manual.
--Keep focused... no distractions, or stop and come back later.
--On that last note, a true confession of my own making-- loading a batch of .30 Carbine early on when starting out, I loaded up one squibb load, (no powder charged into that particular case, big oops). Luckly, no damage done, as when fired that cartridge, the dislodged bullet would not allow another cartridge to be chambered. Whew, there is a god! So, very humbly learned this and now gladly pass it on, that after having a full loading block of cases powdered up and ready to seat the bullets, to first visually inspect each and every case under good light, (I even use a flashlight), for uniformity of powder volume before moving on to the seating step. This also is added insurance against a double powder charge. (Did I mention safety first?).
--Purchase name brand componets and hardware.
--Ask more questions.
--Take your time and enjoy. To roll your own quality ammo is not difficult at all.
I also agree with the single stage press when starting out, moving on to a multi-tasker turrent type progressive press later on, and then if wishing high volume, my opinion.
Look for a package kit containing most everything you need for basic starting out reloading. Saves some money that way, too. I started out with the already time-proven RCBS Rock Chucker Press and package deal-- reloading manual, the press, powder scale, one set of dies of my choice of caliber, powder charger, powder trickler, lube, lube pad, etc). This was some 30-odd yrs ago and has never failed from small pistol to large magnum rifle. If recall, I think I only had to buy a case trimmer and the blocks as extra.
Hopes this helps,
45er
Don't try and get cute
by down loading a 44
trying to get the round to
bounce off a piece of plywood.
Been there without good results!
also, most reloading manuals contain good guidance.
Get ABCs of reloading before you buy anything else.
Good luck and happy safe reloading.
Ed
Great video instructions .
run some searches on youtube?
Search the forums for RCBS. There a post not long ago that had a link to a video on reloading.
+1
Quick, easy way to get some info. Lots of videos on how people go about things. Just keep in mind some of the videos(not commericaly made, example...Billy Bob Buckshot) may not always provide correct or safe info.
Try looking at reloading companies, reloading componet companies for info. RCBS, LEE, HORNADY,ect...
One of the reloading videos I hope you find on you tube shows loading your initial ladder with the bullet just into the lands. This will always be your highest pressure. You probably won't ever make it to 'book max' doing that. But that is one way benchrest and long range reloaders get great accuracy.
I will definitely get you up to speed and then you can supplement it with all the other resources to get multiple takes on the same issues.
Have fun!
One point I like to stress, Powder load data does vary from one book to another. IE one book's starting load might be another books near Max load.
Lymans reload manual is a very safe start. Not to say other manuals are not safe, I have ran across a few that push the limit with a narrow margin for error. The easy way to over come that problem with 3-6 load tables is to find "the center of the road" (Average) and you will always have a good working point to start with.
Just a little something to file away and keep in the back of your head.[:)]
Come back here a lot and ask every question you have. Reloaders seem to like to help each other out. And remember, while proper reloading is safe, there aren't any stupid questions when you're dealing with explosives.
One point I like to stress, Powder load data does vary from one book to another. IE one book's starting load might be another books near Max load.
That's very true, and a good point to stress. Most beginning reloaders don't realize why all manuals list the brand of case they are testing the presure with along with the data. Fact is, different brands of cases have different capacities, and therefore, different pressures. What may be a mild load in a winchester case could easily be a near max load in a federal or remington case, and so it goes.
For the most part, when one sees such a difference in charge amounts, it's because the manuals are using different brands of cases to test the loads. It also may explain why you see so many posts about charge table velocity being so different versus what a shooters chronograph measures.