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Need Reloading Advice

bwgarrett3

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Someone offered me a deal I could not pass up over the weekend! They were getting rid of all their reloading stuff and offered it to me VERY cheap. I've never done a single reload but plan to learn as much as I can about it. What I'm looking for now are just some basic "Dos and Don'ts" that you guys can give to an absolute beginner. I've included the some pics to give a better idea of what I'll be working with. Thanks for any advice you can give!
 

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Few more pics...
 

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Work your way up to the hottest load recommended in the manual.
Leave your phone or any other distractions outside of your reloading area.
Weigh your finished product to make sure you didn't double charge.
Keep really good notes on all your loads and the results at the range.
 
MUP":2dboxxz1 said:
Get reloading manuals and read, read, read. Read up well before you attempt the first step to reload ammo. Congrats on the good deal!

There are several manuals included. Does it look like there's enough there to get me going?
 
rtaylor":lnyo87s9 said:
Work your way up to the hottest load recommended in the manual.
Leave your phone or any other distractions outside of your reloading area.
Weigh your finished product to make sure you didn't double charge.
Keep really good notes on all your loads and the results at the range.

Sounds like good advice!
 
Yes, start with the Sierra manual.

Normally there is an introduction piece that gives (you think) the view at 50,000 feet. Patience and questioning attitude is what you need to get started. Reloading is at the grain of sand level....start at the pre-amateur level and work up.

As mentioned above you need to familiarize yourself with the components, abbreviations, and parameters before you begin to reload.

Some basic rules have been mentioned above-no distractions while loading, no TV no radio, no internet, no smoking, no alcohol and NO PHONE.

Some additions: When you begin to load, only one caliber should be on the reload bench. One type of primer, one type of powder. When you finish everything goes back where it belongs.

Ask questions. no one here objects, far as I know.

Reloading is a great hobby. Go slow, keep excellent records, ask plenty of questions.

And congratulations on the gift from your friend.
 
bwgarrett3":fkx82y37 said:
MUP":fkx82y37 said:
Get reloading manuals and read, read, read. Read up well before you attempt the first step to reload ammo. Congrats on the good deal!

There are several manuals included. Does it look like there's enough there to get me going?

Looks like. I use the Lyman quite a bit. They make interesting reading, learning the language and the components and such. Down the rabbit hole you go! :super:
 
I would check with any of your local friends that have been reloading for a bit to get a walk through using your equipment. Alternatively, there are a few Youtube videos, though I'd probably post a link here and see if there are any glaring errors in it, but there are a bunch of decent ones out there. I would start with pistol ammo, as straight wall cartridges are a bit easier, though steps are similar. And definitely ask if you have any questions as a penny's worth of powder can have catastrophic consequences.
I started reloading pre-internet and followed the steps in my Lee, and later Speer reloading manuals. I didn't know anyone that reloaded then, so I just paid attention to each step and double checked everything I did. You seem to have some top notch equipment, and even the powder dropper has the baffle which helps prevent the one thing that is hard to keep an eye on, which is proper powder drop. My only issue was when my dropper bridged and I had some very light loads in my 9mm, I could see the bullet traveling to the target, just lucky I didn't get one lodged in my barrel.
 
Omega":3rb9wjqr said:
I would check with any of your local friends that have been reloading for a bit to get a walk through using your equipment. Alternatively, there are a few Youtube videos, though I'd probably post a link here and see if there are any glaring errors in it, but there are a bunch of decent ones out there. I would start with pistol ammo, as straight wall cartridges are a bit easier, though steps are similar. And definitely ask if you have any questions as a penny's worth of powder can have catastrophic consequences.
I started reloading pre-internet and followed the steps in my Lee, and later Speer reloading manuals. I didn't know anyone that reloaded then, so I just paid attention to each step and double checked everything I did. You seem to have some top notch equipment, and even the powder dropper has the baffle which helps prevent the one thing that is hard to keep an eye on, which is proper powder drop. My only issue was when my dropper bridged and I had some very light loads in my 9mm, I could see the bullet traveling to the target, just lucky I didn't get one lodged in my barrel.

Thanks! I'm not sure I know anyone that does it. Maybe I'll ask around and see.
 
If u live close to Crossville you are welcome to come over and we can do some hands on stuff. Or once u get the presses set up I can visit and help you walk you thru some steps.
 
Snowwolfe":3765yvvp said:
If u live close to Crossville you are welcome to come over and we can do some hands on stuff. Or once u get the presses set up I can visit and help you walk you thru some steps.

I live in Harriman but everything will be set up at my dad's house in Wartburg. We both plan to learn how to do it. Once I get it all set up I'll get back with you. Thanks!
 
markwondi":2041xkmn said:
Where in E.TN are you located? If somewhat local, I could offer a hand getting you familiar with loading.

I live in Harriman but everything will be set up at my dad's house in Wartburg. We both plan to learn how to do it. Once I get it all set up I'll get back with you. Thanks!
 
If you pull the trigger and hear click or pop, but no boom, check for a barrel obstruction. Read, read, and read some more, then measure, measure, measure. Get with some body that reloads and listen, take notes, pay attention. One "kaboom" could change your life, and not in a good way.
 
Dont be scared, but be CAUTIOUS. Things I've learned


A ceiling fan or AC vent can adversely affect the scale
kids are a terrible distraction.. Reload only when you can concentrate
Once you get a load that works for your gun, make a dummy round to keep with your dies. Gives you a quick reference to OAL to compare against
Get a binder with places for each caliber you will reload, and keep notes
 

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