Reloading Equipment/Procedure Basics For Beginners - Read This First!

[fingers80002]

I'm new to reloading and there is a lot more to this than I thought. I need help to make sense of it. I'm so ignorant to the topic I don't trust myself to look at kits and know that "it's" all there; know what I mean?

I want a reloading kit so I don't have to spend time I don't have tracking down all the individual components. By this I mean just the reloading equipment, I'll get the shells, primers, bullets, etc. seperately of coarse.

I shoot 40S&W. What are the best "all in one" kits? Thanks in advance.

Lee makes a kit, that has everything, except components.

[ReconLdr]

I have been reloading 9mm for a few weeks and will start loading .45 ACP hopefully this weekend. As I was shopping for dies and other things I noticed there is a set of dies available for Match Grade Ammo (.308)!?!

The main reason I got into reloading is so I can load ammo for my LR rifle. This being said, I have a few questions:

1) Do I really need to spend the extra $80.00 for the "Match Grade" .308 dies?

if so:

2) How much of a difference will I see with these dies vs regular .308 dies?

I haven't seen these in person only in the midway usa catalog.

[Koli01]

I have been reloading 9mm for a few weeks and will start loading .45 ACP hopefully this weekend. As I was shopping for dies and other things I noticed there is a set of dies available for Match Grade Ammo (.308)!?!

The main reason I got into reloading is so I can load ammo for my LR rifle. This being said, I have a few questions:

1) Do I really need to spend the extra $80.00 for the "Match Grade" .308 dies?

if so:

2) How much of a difference will I see with these dies vs regular .308 dies?

I haven't seen these in person only in the midway usa catalog.

If you are shooting matches and attempting to go from Master to High Master level then yes it would be worth it. Anything other than that and you most likely won't even notice the difference. Save the money and shoot more.
my $.02

[bubbaafd5]

I just got into reloading and after much research and reading decided to go with the Lee Classic Turret press. It has the ability to act as a single stage press or as a progressive press. I got it in kit form from Kempf gunshop. The only thing that was not included was a scale. It comes with the Lee Powder disk charger. I have loaded 40s&w and it was very easy to setup and use.

[a747freak]

I just bought the Lee 50th Anniversary single stage press. I have it all set up and i'm looking forward to trying it out (still need powder, dies, and a tumbler - next paycheck). I'll be using it to load 30-06 and 9mm and anything else I get in the future.

One question though: I've read it here and elseware that certain powder measures work better with certain powders. My kit comes with the Perfect Powder Measure and I was wondering if anyone knows of specific powders that work well with it? Also, I saw on youtube someone recommended using a rubber band to secure a dryer sheet around the hopper to prevent static cling. Anyone else have input on that? Thanks.

[PhillyG29]

Well after much thought and research on the forums I belong to, I decided to purchase my first setup to initially reload 10mm fmj. If I catch the reloading bug, I will expand calibers and upgrade equipment in the future.

I bought the following items from various sources including, Midway USA, Ebay and Amazon:

Lyman 49th Edition Reloading Handbook
Lee Modern Reloading 2nd Edition Book
Lee 50th Anniversary kit 90050
4 xtra Lee quicklock bushings
Lee deluxe 4 die carbide set for .40 s&w and 10mm
Frankford Arsenal puller
Frankford Arsenal perfect fit reloading trays

I know I have quite a bit of equipment yet to buy including a tumbler, digital micrometer, better scale, hand primer setup, dillion case gage, ammo boxes, labels, powder, primers, projectiles but have a few questions.

I don't even plan on unpacking everything until I read both books cover to cover.

Here are my questions:

1. Any other suggested books or other media sources?
2. Is there a local Reloading supplier in the general area of Philadelphia?
3. Anyone know of any classes for the novice reloader?
4. Any experienced reloaders out there willing to meet and guide me through the setup and first run with my single stage press?

[phillyfred]

2. Is there a local Reloading supplier in the general area of Philadelphia?

Kings Shooter Supply in King of Prussia has just about everything you need. Powder, Primers, Brass, etc. They have a large selection of cast bullets also. I'm not sure what they stock in jacketed bullets but those are easy enough to get online. Nice people and very helpful, they're more than happy to answer any questions you might have also.

[Pector55]

Count me in as a new reloader as well. I just ordered a Hornady Classic kit from Cabelas. I got free shipping and used over 30 bucks in points so I saved $50. I need to buy shell holders, dies and components. At this point I believe I will start out with .223. I have a lot of firearms that shoot .223 and it doesn't beat you up while you shoot a lot to get it all figured out.

One questions, how much are you guys averaging per box of 50/100/1000 rounds? I'm curious about 9mm, .40, .45 ACP, .223/5.56, .243, .270, 308, 30-06, and 300 win mag. I'm not planning to load all of those, that's just what I shoot a lot of so I will know what I currently spend in comparison.

[Pector55]

My Hornady kit was waiting for me when I got home yesterday. I have it bolted to the table, all ready to go. I ordered dies for .223/5.56, 9mm and .308 to start but they are not here yet. I also picked up a universal shell holder kit since I'm sure I'll expand to other rounds. Since I have no dies, I did go ahead and practice putting Federal 205, small rifle primers in 100 rds of Winchester .223 brass. It went much better than I expected.

I may see if my neighbor has some .223 dies so I can load a few. For now I'm going to make sure my powder setup is set right and see if it will drop a consistent amount.

I wish I had picked a kit up sooner but I'll admit that I was a bit intimidated by the idea.

[cephas]

Some links I seem to keep bringing up in posts:
http://stevespages.com/page8.htm go down to the bottom of the page to get into his info.
http://www.reloadbench.com/menu2.html
http://www.three-peaks.net/reload.htm
http://www.frfrogspad.com/ check out the Q&A page
http://www.lasc.us/IndexBrennan.htm for reloading and cast info.