how to get started reloading?

[krafcheck]

If I got that hornady (or similar) reloading kit. What all do I need to get going.  I got people that said they would teach me once I got set up.  Just don't know all what I need.  Here's what I think:

Kit
10mm die set
Bullets
Cases
Primers (large)
Powder (brand?)
Crimping (?) Tool

I'm a straight up noob and this is for practice ammo only.  Example have 200 gr. At 1100-1150 fps.

Thanks for any help

[tommac919]

First off, get a couple of books.... like The ABCs of reloading and a loading manual like Lymans 49th .
Then read, read , read some more, plenty of info on the site.

Also what you will NEED is a good scale and caliper ( to measure powder weight and chk sizes of cases/bullets.
After this, throw in a tumbler to clean brass ( unless you use only new )...
throw in a notebook for info on loads made.

Work when your not tired, drinking, or distracted and set up a slow system so there's no mistakes.

good luck

[DenStinett]

Here's what I think:
YES......A good Load Book is a MUST
Kit     Any good Press will do.....Lee makes a nice Press / Kit
10mm die set    Again, any good brand.....some come with your "KIT"    I use RCBS Dies
Bullets   Any weight Jacketed or Copper Plated, I use 165 or 180 gr Copper Plated
Cases    Virgin or Once Fired
Primers (large)      Any Brand, I use Winchester myself
Powder (brand?)    Several to chose from, I prefer Accurate because it flows very well
Crimping (?) Tool    Your Die set could have a Factory Crimp Die, but a separate one really is not needed

[DeltaSteve]

        ^
      ^  ^
Yes  all of the above and also You Tube ...... Some of the video posters take a little while to get use to  Read, Read, Read.

[The_Shadow]

Seeing how krafcheck was talking about loading for the 10mm I moved the topic here in the 10mm reloading section!

Your dies set will probably do most everything needed...The dies all have 7/8"x14 threads and they fit most any of the presses.
That being said I use RCBS dies and also the LEE FCD (factory crimp die) as a "Pass-Through" set-up.  Have a look in this section to learn more; http://10mm-firearms.com/reloading-10mm-ammo/pass-thru-sizing-using-lee-fcd/  I added a link to a video yesterday evening.  This important step helps improve longevity of your brass by reconditioning it and improves feed and function.  If you are starting with new cases the pass-through can wait...

Powders, I would work with Power Pistol, Blue Dot and LongShot because they are easier to measure uniformly from a powder drop.  Power Drop is a great tool and will probably come with your kit.  Finding powder available will be a task, just like finding your primers.  CCI 300/350 Large Pistol,  Win Large Pistol, Remington 5 1/2 whatever is available. 

Bullets...You should probably start with true jacketed bullets, as you setup and make your die adjustments.  Using plated or cast require more attention to details in the expander die setup and use.  165-180 grain JHP or FMJ would be a good choice, but again whatever is available should work.

Cases, Star-Line are a good choice for the price if you can afford to by a thousand shipping is free, get your order in the Que to hurry things.  Case tumblers can be wet or dry these days, I prefer keeping my stuff dry! Period!  media can be forund in large pet stores...crushed walnut or corn cob, lizard liter is said to contain corn cob and is way cheaper than gun outlets.

You can find reasonable calipers at the Harbor Freight stores, I got mine on sale for $9.89 good to resolution of 0.0005"

Your kit will probably come with a reloading manual, having more than one helps to compare and some are bullet maker specific.  Lyman is a great choice, write the powder makers and get their books sent out to you and also download what they offer and keep older copies!

Loading bench can be simple or extravagant its up to you.  I have worked on a 24" X 48" double 3/4" Plywood table top with a good set of folding table legs for 35 years.

Take your time and ask questions if there is any doubt with anything that doesn't look, feel or sound right!   

Best regards and be safe!

[krafcheck]

Thanks guys.  I have a 3 people saying they will help me learn. One does nothing but shotgun, another is a rifle loader, and the last competition shoots with a 45.  My brother has loaded all types but has been years since he last done it.  I have one of his books " Sierra bullets" reloading manual copyright 1978. Old school in my book. I was 1 when that was published. 

But I have my shed and table ready. 

How many rounds will one pound of powder make approximately (I would assume thousands)?  i see one and five pond containers. Dont remember brand. It looks like a progressive kit would be easier?.  Would that be a better bet (besides cost)?

[The_Shadow]

1 pound of powder = 7000 grains of powder

10.0 grain load = 700 cartridges

[DenStinett]

It looks like a progressive kit would be easier?.  Would that be a better bet (besides cost)?

It may just be me being old school
But I don't feel it's a good idea for new Handloader / Reloader to go straight into a Progressive Press
I feel it's best to learn loading  / reloading on a Single or Manual Turret Press first, then progress (no pun intended) into a Progressive set-up if they feel it's necessary to go that direction
Just my $0.02

[sqlbullet]

I tend to agree with DenStinett.

In general I hate generalizations...

But the guys I know that have started on progressive presses tend to be a little more sloppy in their reloading practices.

[cmemiss]

+1 0n starting on a single stage.

[tommac919]

+1 0n starting on a single stage.

I started on a single stage many yrs ago...  But there are some progressives that can function as single stages.

I'm a firm believer that 'buy good and buy once' is the way to go...

But I will say that most progressive's are meant to be "cookie cutter" loading. One style of recipe but make many. 
A single stage is much better for setting up and fine tuning loads ( or many diff calipers ) before  transfering that load over to the "cookie cutter".

So I guess best world is to have both!

[DenStinett]

I started out with the Original Lee Loader
Loaded tens of thousands of Rounds with that little Tool
Then I moved to a Lee Turret Press (which I run as a Single Stage) using RCBS Dies

[sqlbullet]

Getting into single stage is way cheaper too.  The lee reloader press can be had for about $25.00, and I go to this press far more than any other I own.

[Osageid]

I guess I was going against the current.  Started on a Dillon xl 650.  I was meticulous setting up press and paid very close attention. Especially if there was ever a problem on shell plate. If I was ever worried about ammo it got pulled.  Whether caution can be exchanged for experience to a certain degree is debatable.  I think that caution and buying a press that meets your needs and mechanical abilities is very important.  Loading without distraction is key no matter what press.  I load 45 acp, 10 mm and 9mm and my son loads 223. Doubt any other will get loaded.

[hammer1]

I do the vast majority of my reloading on a lyman turret press, and a rcbs rockchucker. It becomes a disease, you can get alot of guns for a song because of weird calibers. I love em all, read, its the best way to start. I started with the lee kit, and putting out 222 rem. Now I reload for 222 rem, 22250, 6mm rem, 2506, 6.5x57, 6.5x06, 280 imp., 7mm weatherby mag, 308, 3006, 300 win mag, 340 weatherby mag, 338 lapua, 8mm rem mag, 375 h and h mag, 416 rem mag, 505 gibbs, 9mm, 10mm, 38 special, 357 mag, 41mag, 45 colt, and 45acp. The experimenting can almost become mad scientist, use caution, be safe, and have fun.