Reloading 101

[Mickp7]

Man, you all probably should have warned me about what I was getting into. With your help, I've narrowed down the equipment and ordered a few things, but the cartridge component availability makes me consider taking up pounding my head against a wall as a better hobby idea.

Any ideas on primers?? Bullets, brass, and powder have limited, but sufficient availability to get me started, but I am striking out on primers.

I need a beer...

 

[Old Rooster]

On the advice from folks on this site a few years ago I went to a site where Primers,Brass and Powders become available from time to time.
You have to be quick as they don't last long:

ShootingBOT Reloading Engine: Primers, Powder, Brass, Bullets

shootingBot : Search and Instant In-Stock notifications for modern day treasure: Primers, powder, bullets, brass and ammo

www.shootingbot.com

I am waiting on Large Rifle Primers right now and next week they will show up thanks to shooting bot.
Check with you LGS from time to time as I have seen Large Rifle Magnum primers show up and I was able to buy a brick.They will usually have a 1 brick per person limit.
Edit to add:You have to create an account to get the notices in your email inbox

 

[YZ-80]

I really appreciate all the knowledge you all have shared. It is way better than trying to figure everything out from scratch! The links to the products and other forums helps as well.

I am a home builder (carpenter by trade) and believe in buying the right tools. Below are some pictures of the room I've been working on. I put the cabinet doors and hardware on the last couple evenings and will receive the work bench top on Monday. That will be the last component of this room (other than the reloading equipment!).

If anyone has anything to add, please do. I've been reading each post and learning as much as I can about everything you've

With a reloading room like that you will need to wear proper attire. Like this guy….

 

[Mickp7]

With a reloading room like that you will need to wear proper attire. Like this guy….
View attachment 537318

With a reloading room like that you will need to wear proper attire. Like this guy….
View attachment 537318

Lol, I would but it looks like all the reloaders stock purchased all the vests along with the primers!

 

[Mickp7]

On the advice from folks on this site a few years ago I went to a site where Primers,Brass and Powders become available from time to time.
You have to be quick as they don't last long:

ShootingBOT Reloading Engine: Primers, Powder, Brass, Bullets

shootingBot : Search and Instant In-Stock notifications for modern day treasure: Primers, powder, bullets, brass and ammo

www.shootingbot.com

I am waiting on Large Rifle Primers right now and next week they will show up thanks to shooting bot.
Check with you LGS from time to time as I have seen Large Rifle Magnum primers show up and I was able to buy a brick.They will usually have a 1 brick per person limit.
Edit to add:You have to create an account to get the notices in your email inbox

Thanks Old Rooster. I've put in for notifications on a couple spots but will definitely keep an eye on shootingbot and sign up with LGS (assuming I can google that and figure out what it is!)

 

[Berrnard]

setup alerts on ammoseek too
its not just "ammo"

 

[Old Rooster]

L G S is Local Gun Shop or Store.

 

[Mickp7]

setup alerts on ammoseek too
its not just "ammo"

Done, thanks

 

[FireFlyFishing]

What kind of shooting are you doing and what do you want to accomplish?

You can fork out cash for reloading stuff and get a better end product for sure. But….from what I've found with 30+years reloading…Time is money and the best stuff is accurate and precise and SAVES TIME! Some gucci reloading equip is worth it, some not so much.

Area 419 press is stupid expensive. Totally not worth it IMO.

 

[Recon$$]

I'll join the opinion of go more basic, figure out what you are doing, then build up the tools that help the process. Been at it 18 years and I think I've just replaced every component I own from my original kit. I will say a good powder dispenser is nice and you can skip learning on junk. I jerry rigged few things to start but got there. It's a process for sure. I created a makeshift hornady guage when I first started that required no rod. It's a fun journey, and you can have a few cold ones while you learn (sorry safety police) as its a nice decompress from life/something you'll enjoy.

 

[glide71]

I'll join the opinion of go more basic, figure out what you are doing, then build up the tools that help the process. Been at it 18 years and I think I've just replaced every component I own from my original kit. I will say a good powder dispenser is nice and you can skip learning on junk. I jerry rigged few things to start but got there. It's a process for sure. I created a makeshift hornady guage when I first started that required no rod. It's a fun journey, and you can have a few cold ones while you learn (sorry safety police) as its a nice decompress from life/something you'll enjoy.

 

[glide71]

Beautiful shop but I think you're going to need more bench space. I like sitting at a desk to do powder and bullet seating. Standing gets old fast. Beautiful work.

 

[Mickp7]

Makes great sense guys.
To the type of shooting question, I am focusing the reloading initially on long range shooting/ accuracy/ cartridge optimization... mainly accuracy. We have a place not too far off we shoot out to 1400 yards, perhaps a mile if the neighbor will let me shoot from his hilltop. Eventually, may add a progressive press for handguns and plinkers. I have a close friend who will be working with me as well. We shoot together all the time.
My first Lyman manual came last night. I ordered the Berger one as well, as I intend to use at least some of their bullets. Other than needing to light a match every time I want the gun to go off (based on primer availability), I'm really enjoying learning and am excited to get into it. It's been a long time coming.

 

[highfinblue]

I used a RCBS kit for decades, at least three of them, and their equipment has proven sufficient for almost anything. I still own the original press, can't even tell you the model, it was before the Rock Chucker, and it still functions flawlessly. I also use a Forster Co-ax now, I've had it around five years and I really like it. Once you get your dies set with their lock rings changing dies cannot be easier. I have a RCBS electronic powder dispenser and scale, and it has worked great for me. Several priming tools, and they all function as intended. I would encourage you to buy quality measuring devices. I hesitate to call them calipers, my machinist friend that built parts for the space shuttle has rebuked me enough for calling them that, but that's another story. Midway calls them calipers, and I bought a set that cost close to $200. I really only load one rifle for what you asked the question about, and I have a set of Whidden dies, click adjustment resizing die, and micrometer seating die. Those along with my scale, and doing my part I can bang steel with little to no problem in the right conditions at 1000 yards with this setup. I will also say I am not a high volume shooter or loader, so that might come into play with your question. I hunt Colorado for elk, Kansas and Oklahoma for whitetail, and coyotes and bobcats. Everything else is just plinking around at generally less than 500 yards, and rimfires for plinking and small game. The guys that shoot A LOT will definitely be able to help you if that's what you do, if you're just looking to get your stuff to shoot really well, but not that often you can probably save yourself a few dollars with some of the less expensive gear.