Its time to start

[ajvigs]

I got the bug, and I really want to get my feet wet into reloading. After the holidays once I have everything squared away, I am going to purchase a kit (looking really hard at a Rockchucker) and start tracking down brass, bullets, and powder.

With that being said, how easy is it to reload? I have never done it before, and dont wanna fudge anything up. I see terms like COL and seating depth alot on here, and dont have a clue what they mean.

Think I can give it a go myself? Or better to track someone down somewhat locally and have them show me the ropes?

 

[DrMike]

Whatever kit you get, get a good reloading guide (e.g. Nosler No. 7) or the Speer Manual that will come with the Rock Chucker kit. Make certain you read the guide; it will be invaluable. Frankly, it doesn't hurt a thing to have a couple of good guides. It just so happens that Nosler and Speer put out two of the finest. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

 

[ajvigs]

I have had the Nosler #7 for some time now and it has a lot of good information in it.

 

[gerry]

Mike is right, I poured over the Speer manual for many hours and learned a lot. It is still the best for learning IMO and Nosler is a must too. I still use the RCBS Reloader Special 5 kit bought over 20 years ago, highly recommend it. I have added a few items over the years but it has everything needed to start other than dies and shell holder.

 

[RememberBaker]

A year ago, I was right where you are now. I bought myself a Rockchucker kit for Christmas. Then Dies, .243 Win, 257 Roberts, .256 Newton, 7mm-08 Rem, .308 Win, 30-06 Spring, and 30 Newton. A few hundred
pieces of brass for each. I have the Nosler and Speer manuals and bought the ABC's of Reloading and read them all. I picked out some powders that I thought would work to start with and added a few more, IMR 4350, IMR 4895, H4831, Varget, RL 15, 19 and 22. If I had to pick a single powder, it would be IMR4350, I think I could make that work for everything except the 30 Newton. Eventually I added a universal decapping die and a collet bullet pulling die and various collets. I got an RCBS Chargemaster in September for my birthday. Over the past year, I may have been the best customer of SPS, I've got a better bullet inventory than most small shops.
I've had a great year learning to hand load and my daughters and I have gone to the range every 10 days or so since spring. In the past it might be twice a year.
You are going to have a great time! Read everything you can find and ask a lot of questions.

 

[DrMike]

On the subject of reading, I will note that I read each new manual I can get. Each update is the subject of intense scrutiny. While the articles on the individual cartridges will be interesting, the meat--especially for the initial efforts at hand loading--will be the "how to" section at the beginning of the guide. A sleeper for learning is the Berger Manual. I don't use a lot of Berger bullets, but the articles on hand loading for precision shooting are excellent. No one can deny that Walt Berger is a master at such knowledge; one would be well advised to heed his advice. Still, the Nosler and Speer manuals are essential to my knowledge base.

 

[truck driver]

The only other thing you might need is a brass cleaner. I use a Dillon vibrating cleaner. The smallest one they make is plenty big enough with crushed walnut hulls.
You don't need the most expensive kit out there to get started just practice the KISS( keep it simple Sam ) method and you'll be OK. Just read a lot and what you don't understand ask questions. If you know someone who already reloads close by ask him or her to show you how it's done.
I know everyone here will help as much as they can, all you have to do is ask.

 

[Sas874runner]

Load safe. Follow all warnings and cautions. Be aware. There have been a few posts on here recently of people who were not paying attention when loading and ended up very very lucky. If you run into something you don't like or feel right about, stop and ask. Its not worth getting hurt over or worse. But handlinG is a great thing to do in my opinion. And is an even better feeling when you harvest your first animal with your own loads.

 

[ajvigs]

I have the 7mm08 and 308 page sticky-noted in the Nosler guide. I figure that I can use their best accuracy load listed as a base point to launch off from when the time comes. Plus, I have run across a few threads on here that have showcased some stellar accuracy. and will be starting to write those particular loads down in a notebook for future reference.

 

[SJB358]

7-08 and 308 are probably two of the best to start with AJ. Both are usually very accurate, ton's of components for both and your working with very easy to use and non tempermental powders..

 

[DrMike]

Cartridges based on the .308 Winchester can be very gratifying for the beginning hand loader. Few of them are finicky about powders and/or bullets. You'll do well, AJ.

 

[ScreaminEagle]

I remember the day when my grandfather showed me how to reload. We used an old balance beam scale, didn't tumble the brass, no special measurements, just picked a starting load and went with it. Turns out 36gr of IMR 3031 and a 140gr gameking wasn't a bad combo in my little 7mm-08! Get a good reloading manual, STAY within the safe guidelines, and have fun with it. You'll have plenty of time to worry about standard deviation, highest velocity, and all that other anal stuff later.

 

[Oldtrader3]

AJ, I have been using the Rockchucker RCBS press for 50 years now hand loading with out having any issues and having still all my fingers and toes. My press is in the garage where I can load and concentrate without TV and people talking to me. Concentration and double checking every thing is the most important thing for me.

I only have one set of components and dies on the press at one time for safety.

 

[rjm158]

I think it's hard to beat a Rockchucker overall............

Ron

 

[ajvigs]

For a beginner, would it be best to use a balance scale or an electronic scale? Will I need a chronograph as well?

Secondly, what do you suggest for dies for the 7mm08 and 308?

I already have a plan to make a light 308 load for the sig. other, and to give the 150grn ABLR a whirl in the 7mm08. That and the 120 ballistic tip.

 

[DrMike]

Either a balance beam scale or a digital scale will work well; just be certain to tare the pan when you start and check from time-to-time. A set of calibrated scale weights is a good investment in either instance. Dies are a matter of choice. I've made some very fine ammunition with Lee and with Lyman dies, which are considered to be quite cheap (hence, inferior) by some people. I use a lot of Forster, Redding and RCBS dies, which are each fine dies. I am also pleased with CH4D dies. Each of them will produce fine ammunition if you take the time to set them up.

 

[SJB358]

I echo what Mike said, nothing wrong with a good balance beam scale..

As for dies, for the money, it seems hard to beat Forster's then Redding's.. Those are the two I prefer. I do use a whole lot of RCBS though, and never had a problem.

 

[Oldtrader3]

I use a digital scale now but I keep the balance beam scale around to check loads.

 

[CatskillCrawler]

The Speer manual does have an excellent 'How-to" section and I always find myself referring to the Lyman manual as they have the broadest selection of bullets in their loads.

 

[SJB358]

I am very much a fan of the Speer Manual. It is the one I learned on, and lays everything out real well. Plus, they have a great assortment of loads for just about any bullet in most cartridges too..