Thinking about doing my own handloads..

[Gunner21]

From what I've seen getting started can be fairly reasonable. Looked at a few starter kits at Midway. Can anyone point my at a source for a starter. List of supplies needed. That sort of thing.

At the moment I roughly go through at least 300 rounds a month, sometimes more depends on what matches I might catch. it's starting to add up would like to reduce my costs a bit. Besides i thought it might be fun to learn.

[SlickTX]

What are you reloading for and what sort of volume per week/month will you need?

[Gunner21]

9mm for IDPA and Action pistol

At the moment it's Just action pistol and shooting for fun at 3 gun... I would like to get involved in IDPA. For Gun games alone I guess I'm looking at around 450 rounds a month maybe a little more if I throw in a range trip.

[suthdj]

Has anyone done an ROI for hand loading to see how many bullets would you have to shoot to see a return in 3-6-9-12 months?

[UpTheIrons]

My usual response to these questions is to direct the fledgling nut job (Um, I mean... reloader-to-be! ) to "The ABCs of Reloading" by Bill Chevalier, and any recent edition reloading manual. Read both twice, and you'll be well informed to make a decision.

I'd suggest a LEE turret as your first press, but any of the name-brand presses out there will do the job. Your reading will help you decide which way to go.

Welcome to the obsession!

[OldCannon]

My usual response to these questions is to direct the fledgling nut job (Um, I mean... reloader-to-be! ) to "The ABCs of Reloading" by Bill Chevalier, and any recent edition reloading manual. Read both twice, and you'll be well informed to make a decision.

I'd suggest a LEE turret as your first press, but any of the name-brand presses out there will do the job. Your reading will help you decide which way to go.

Welcome to the obsession!

Ditto!

I actually started with the Lyman Reloading Book, which is great as well, but doens't have as much "introductory" material. I totally spaced on posting a notice that the Kindle version of the ABSc of Reloading book was available last week for $2.99 (it's now back to almost the exact same price as the printed version).

I also STRONGLY recommend you get the "kit" from Kempf's Gun Shop (https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?pag ... &Itemid=41" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;).

Get the Pro Auto Powder measure upgrade for $12 too. This is great because you get a Lee Classic Turret press (the Classic Turret is much nicer than the non-Classic Turret, IMHO) as well as the dies needed to start reloading. You will also NEED:

• A bullet puller
  A scale (I recommend a digital one)
  A caliper (for measuring OAL - very important)

Also, your profile doesn't show what part of Texas you're from, but it never hurts to talk to other folks that do reloading face-to-face. We LOVE to brag about the "perfect" loads we've found, our fave powders, etc. Remember: Reloading is the Manly Man's Version of Cooking

If you're in the Austin area, I also recommend you do business with Whitestone Castle Armory for your reloading supplies, unless you have friends that will go in with you on bulk orders.

Oh, as a beginner, I recommend you experiment with different powders in low-to-medium charge settings. This lets you decide which powder(s) you like best. You might even find some reloaders nearby that will let you walk away with some samples of their fave powders.

If you do go with the Lee Classic Turret, here's an AWESOME website that guides you through all the necessary steps: http://www.surplusrifle.com/reviews2006 ... /index.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (seriously, I can't begin to tell you how fantastic this guide was!)

[sjfcontrol]

My usual response to these questions is to direct the fledgling nut job (Um, I mean... reloader-to-be! ) to "The ABCs of Reloading" by Bill Chevalier, and any recent edition reloading manual. Read both twice, and you'll be well informed to make a decision.

I'd suggest a LEE turret as your first press, but any of the name-brand presses out there will do the job. Your reading will help you decide which way to go.

Welcome to the obsession!

I have been reading-up on this recently. I got a book titled "The ABCs of Reloading" (9th Edition), but it's by C. Rodney James. (Or at least it says "Edited by") Is this a different book?

[OldCannon]

I have been reading-up on this recently. I got a book titled "The ABCs of Reloading" (9th Edition), but it's by C. Rodney James. (Or at least it says "Edited by") Is this a different book?

Chevalier was the editor of earlier versions. The newest 9th edition is by James.

[Rifleman55]

Buy a Dillon 550B and be done with it, It costs more than the Lee and is well worth it.

[OldCannon]

Buy a Dillon 550B and be done with it, It costs more than the Lee and is well worth it.

Seriously? This is awful advice for a beginner.

This isn't a slam against the 550B, which has an excellent reputation, but the expense is easily 2x and is wholly inappropriate for beginners. One of the reasons many of us recommend turret presses is that they are inexpensive and versatile enough to be used as "single stage" presses in the beginning. More importantly, many people that jump from a turret or single-stage to a progressive like the 550B keep the original press around, because it's versatile for custom loads.

True, progressive presses are inevitable if you're shooting a LOT, but if you're not, or you want to safely stick the toes in the water, a turret (or even a single-stage) is a smarter way to go. Way smarter.

[Capt Roy]

I agree a turret is a great place to start.. I was a beginner not to long ago and I started with a turret and learned so much during the process. Last week I ordered a Hornady LNL ap just so I can turn out more... More time shooting and less time reloading..

I still feel like there will be a learning process moving to a progessive and I plan to keep my Turret for working up new loads..

[TxKimberMan]

Buy a Dillon 550B and be done with it, It costs more than the Lee and is well worth it.

Seriously? This is awful advice for a beginner.

This isn't a slam against the 550B, which has an excellent reputation, but the expense is easily 2x and is wholly inappropriate for beginners. One of the reasons many of us recommend turret presses is that they are inexpensive and versatile enough to be used as "single stage" presses in the beginning. More importantly, many people that jump from a turret or single-stage to a progressive like the 550B keep the original press around, because it's versatile for custom loads.

True, progressive presses are inevitable if you're shooting a LOT, but if you're not, or you want to safely stick the toes in the water, a turret (or even a single-stage) is a smarter way to go. Way smarter.

I understand your point about about a newbie jumping into reloading with a single stage or turret press, but I feel that depends mainly on the capability/knowledge of the individual and their budget.

My first press was a Lee 1000 progressive (1986)...I couldn't get rid of it fast enough (sold it 3 months later). They were cheap (read lower priced) and cheap (read not well built). Plastic parts indexed the shell plate, and I had to replace them twice. When it worked, I could pump out the ammo...900-1000 9mm/hr. But I had more issues with that press than any other progressive I've ever touched.

I have some extensive reloading experience, I worked for a commercial reloader part-time (Load-X) http://www.loadxammo.com/in northern Kalifornia, while I was in the service. They had two kinds of presses:
Dillon 1050's - http://www.dillonprecision.com/content/ ... Super_1050
Camdex - http://www.camdexloader.com/2100Pistol.aspx

Now I'm not suggesting either of these machines for a newbie, or even the more seasoned (unless budget isn't an issue). But my experience with Dillon Precision presses has been wonderful. Just keep in mind that you get what you pay for, and "cheap" (however you read it) isn't always the best way to go. Look for quality and function.

[fm2]

Gunner, hows the reloading working out?
Best Shot has a co-op order started for July, if you need any supplies. I was very pleased with the powder & primer prices the last go around.