44 Mag Reloading/Getting Started

[Boo Vuccla]

Looking for some advice:
I want to get into reloading and want to start out with doing 44 mag/44 Spl. I'm going to hunt with a pistol this season, (Scoped 44 Super Blackhawk), and want to dial in my abilities with this gun using my own handloads.
For just starting out with nothing more than a desire to learn this, what would you purchase as a kit to get off the ground?
What would you upgrade from "the kit" right away?

There are so many kits from the manufacturers in so many configurations, I don't want overwhelmed but also don't want a setup that I will upgrade in a short amount of time.

Thanks!

[Remington788]

I gather that you are not reloading anything else right now.
What other calibers do you have? I ask, because once you load for one gun, you will soon want to load for all of them.

[MT1]

This has got to be one of the top 3 re-occurring questions that come up in the forum. In addition to the responses you get, try the search feature. You'll see this same question about getting started reloading discussed in dozens of threads. The calibers discussed may be different but you'll see through reading that the advice remains consistent. There's enough data on here if you look to keep you busy reading for many hours. Good luck.

[markshere2]

start with a lee single stage kit.
read lots.
buy multiple books.
heres a good one to start with
Lyman 49th Edition Reloading Handbook
http://www.amazon.com/Lyman-49th-Edi...loading+manual

its not rocket surgery.

[cephas]

http://forum.pafoa.org/showthread.php?t=40420
http://forum.pafoa.org/showthread.php?t=22608

Stickies at top of forum.

[dkf]

I don't know what quantity you want to load but if you are loading under 1000 rounds a month a Lee Classic Turret kit from Kempf's gun shop is a good place to start. Are you going to use cast bullets, jacketed bullets or both? The answer depends on what dies I would recommend.

[wanneroo]

When I started reloading I ended up not buying the prepared kits but instead picked out all of my items individually. If I buy something for reloading I research the items individually and buy the best thing for my budget. So I have a mix master of equipment from many different companies.

If budget is an issue, Lee is the cheapest and mostly works fine. Some of the Lee items like the $20 powder measure will get you started but for serious work it's worthwhile to upgrade and spend the $100 on a proper measure. RCBS and Hornady are middle of the road in terms of cost and quality. Redding and Forster are American made, top quality in materials and finish, but you pay top dollar. I have moved away from RCBS stuff over time as I find some of it is a bit fiddly to use and requires keeping a plethora of allen wrenches, wrenches and screwdrivers on hand to adjust their items.

To get started you need:

1. bench or table that is comfortable to sit or stand at
2. single stage press
3. powder measure
4. digital calipers
5. digital scale
6. reloading manual
7. loading block/tray
8. die sets for whatever calibers you want to load
9. a hand primer if you don't want to prime on the press
10. a case gauge for whatever caliber you load to check your work

There are other doodads you will find you need in time, that's just part of the process.

What helped me getting started was watching videos on youtube to see how it's done and also reading different reloading manuals as most have several "how to" chapters. You can also ask questions on here as well. It's good when you start to be methodical and always check your work.

[pennlineman]

start with a lee single stage kit.
read lots.
buy multiple books.
heres a good one to start with
Lyman 49th Edition Reloading Handbook
http://www.amazon.com/Lyman-49th-Edi...loading+manual

its not rocket surgery.

This is what I'd suggest except I'd go with the RCBS kit. Even if you go all hi-tech later on you can always find a use for a single stage press at times.

[Gunsnwater]

See what is available on craigslist and auctions. You can find deals if you look.

[MT1]

Don't pay Nancy's prices. Stick around here long enough and this will make more sense to you.