where to start?

[ls81]

I keep saying that i want to start reloading. I haven't yet because i have 3 different pistol calibers i could potentially reload for and i am trying to figure out which would be the easiest and most forgiving for a beginner.

9mm
.40 s&w
45acp


Also suggestions on beginner equiptment would be nice. thanks in advance everyone

[IntenseImage]

Read the sticky in this subforum and buy some loading manuals and READ READ READ ... loading any of those pistol calibers is basically the same.

For a beginner a progressive press typically isnt recommended as it gives the user several things to keep track of at once. I personally went right into one without issues, but I have several checks in place to catch mistakes.

A good place to start ... and will be able to still produce a pile of ammo quickly would be the Lee Classic Turret (Deluxe Kit)

[M&P Chris]

As for the easiest? They are all the same procedure.

What do you shoot the most?

[hornady]

Components will be your main stumbling block, They are still hard to find. I would recommend reloading the 9 or 40 to start only because both use the same small pistol primers. Most 45 acp take a large primer, Check on bullet availability in your area. Once you find the bullet you want to load you can match the powder to the bullet. For a beginner I would recommend a generic reloading manual. Lyman or Lee both are very good for the beginner. These manuals only because manuals written by bullet manufactures cater to their brand bullet and it can be confusing to the new reloader. Good luck with your new endeavor.

[filgun11]

In addition to the stickies, reloading manuals/books, etc. Here are some videos:

Fletch's series
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGAiw_7iXrI (First part of the series)

Brownell's reloading series:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...oyUjofNaCCm89G

[ls81]

Thanks guys some of the things i have read suggest that .40 is more dificult because of the higher pressures involved. That is probably what i shoot the most.

[ettorment1916]

Thanks guys some of the things i have read suggest that .40 is more dificult because of the higher pressures involved. That is probably what i shoot the most.

As M&P Chris said earlier, there is no difference in the reloading procedure for any of the three calibers that your mentioned. The fact that 40 S&W is a high pressure round has no bearing on the actual reloading procedure.

Basic pistol procedure (all the same):
1 - resize & deprime
2 - bell the case mouth
3 - seat primer
4 - load powder charge
5 - seat bullet
6 - taper crimp

As others have said get a few loading books, read a bunch, watch videos, and ask plenty of questions.

[M&P Chris]

Read, research and start low.

[justashooter]

the Lee classic turret press has removable die turret heads that allow for fast caliber change. start with the 45 ACP and a ball powder like accurate #2 for uniform results. missouri bulllets is a good source, as is bob's better bullets. buy a turret head for each set of dies you collect. you can get up to 300 rounds per hour with a total investment under $250-300 in all three calibers if you shop midway or other vendors for specials. not a particularly strong press so not really good for large caliber rifle rounds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2sSZIsxPOc

[elementfreak431]

I recommend to every who starts reloading to buy a single stage press as their first press. Get the more complicated turret/progressive presses once you have more experience and know what your doing and now how to spot/fix errors. Thats just my opinion. You have to learn to walk before you run.