First time reloader - Best tip?

[tommac919]

I was at the range last week and another gent wanted to get started in reloading.

After we chatted a bit about the basic needs and good books, He asked me the question, " whats the best tip you can give me "?

Thought about it and what I thought at the time for a new reloader was... Try to find a powder that fits you needs AND fills more than half the case so you'll know it if you ever double-charge a case.

So, whats your best tip???

[The_Shadow]

How about being self sufficiently supplied, especially in the SHTF or worst situations!

So far it's not too late, but the time is coming quickly, where "O"Communist may CHANGE the whole shooting industry.  The last lead smelting plant in the USA is being shut down!
http://www.nraila.org/news-issues/articles/2013/10/end-of-an-era-last-us-lead-smelter-to-close-in-december.aspx

[Thunderjet]

Best tip?
Buy all the top name reloading manuals and read them from cover to cover.

[DenStinett]

Best tip?
Buy all the top name reloading manuals and read them from cover to cover.

+1 there
I don't believe in jumping right in and buying a high-end Press, just to find out reloading is or isn't for you
Good Dies are worth more (to me) then a high-end Press
And this kinds goes without say, but;
Start-out with the Caliber you feel you'll use the most, and / or the one that costs the most to buy as loaded Ammo

[enidpd804]

All good stuff.  I'll play Mother Hen: 

Devote full attention and go SLOW. 

[ctrout]

Buy a chronograph.  I hear newbies all the time talking about the velocities that they are getting and then I ask them what chrono they are using and they tell me they don't have one.  They are merely spouting out the velocities listed in the manual for the charge they have selected (usually the max load).  Unless you are using a chrono, you have no idea what the true velocity is and as often as not, the velocity may be noticeably higher than the book states, indicating the possibility of overpressure.  The chrono is an essential safety tool imho.

[Geeman]

Start slow, err on the safe side, work into a process that avoids mistakes, and never stop learning.

Greg

[denclaste]

If you are unsure STOP, go back and review what you did. If possible have a experienced reloader watch you load a trial batch so that your actions can be approved/what the h*ll are you doing. Go slow, go slow, go slow. One of the scariest moments in your life is when you touch off your first hand loaded rounds.
Dennis

[blastfact]

Best Tip?

Check Weights!

[sqlbullet]

Buy manuals of the same vintage as the powder you are loading.  Alliant (Hercules) 2400 is significantly faster today than it was 40 years ago.  Using old data with current powder is likely to create hand grenades.

[Caneman]

dont load over book

[sqlbullet]

dont load over book

Most likely, some day you will.  But don't.  Seriously.

[Caneman]

tip #2:  get a chronograph and a quality caliper, indispensable imo

[Caneman]

dont load over book

Most likely, some day you will.  But don't.  Seriously.

Already did.

By accident... of course.   

The extractor chipped.

Replaced it.

Thanking Jesus thats all that happened and i still have my hands.

Won't let it happen again.

[tommac919]

dont load over book

Some will try... some will win, some will loose!

PS wear gloves!