[kyle31490]

So My birthday is in about a week, and I was thinking about getting a reloading kit. I just recently took an interest in reloading and I know very little. So does anyone have any advice for a newb? My biggest concern right now is finding things, assuming most is sold out like ammo. I want to reload .45, .380, 3006, .308, .223, etc. Maybe 12 gauge?

What kit would ya'll suggest, and where can i buy it for best deal? How much money do I need to start?

Any advice for a beginner? One thing I know you will recommend is getting a book. Honestly I may or may not we'll see. With the internet age upon us i may be able to get what info I'll need digitally. We'll see though.

So as of right now, I know nothing. Within a couple weeks I'd like to be competent to reload safely ofcourse. What advice and tips can you give me?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Davy Crockett]

You gotta start somewhere. You can find components if you keep looking even though it may take a while. When I started 30 yrs ago I knew nothing also. I learned from books, no internet, no video, no friends or family reloaded. Now its even easier to learn with all the resources. The biggest thing is to observe the safety rules. Most of thr mfg have starter presses and complete kits to get you going, I'd recommend the RCBS rockchucker which will outlast you. Get a reloading book or 2 and a dvd or 2 and start doing it. You'll likly make some mistakes like maybe overlubing a case or something but again always keep the safety rules (in the books and DVDs) in mind, never use a round you loaded that you have doubts about its safety if you think you made a mistake with it. There are ways to disassemble those. There are plenty of people here and elswhere (like gun shops) that could help. I haven't priced equipment in a long time ( still got my first rockchucker press) but I would think you could get the equipment you would need for about $200 or less. Right now obtaining components like bullets, brass and primers is a little more problematic but I think by summer we'll start to see supplies return. I got some bullets and primers this past week.

 

[mike76er]

The RCBS kit is about $300. I started reloading about a year ago and that is what it cost then. RCBS has been running some pretty good rebates too if you spend enough money. You can find a lot of stuff on the Internet, no doubt, but buy book(s). They are relatively inepensive. I bought 3 different books for probably $60 total. I would recomend you watch some videos or take an NRA course. I am/was spoiled that my dad reloaded all my ammo. I figured it was time I learned so he showed me the basics. I crushed a casing and even got a casing stuck and had to ship it back to RCBS. It happens.

I suggest a very quiet place to reload. You don't want to be distracted with noise (i.e. kids, TV, etc.). Reloading/Handloading is definitely a plus. It's cheaper in the long run and you can load exactly what you want.

 

[crappie-hunter]

(May not buy a book) WOW, I see a disaster in the making.Please buy a book or two and read them cover to cover at least twice. I have about twenty or so and refer to them often, almost every time I go to the loading bench. and I have been at reloading since the mid to late 50"s. Yeah, I know the electronic age I use that a lot too, but that will not replace a book or two.. MY 2 cents worth.

 

[Pa. Slim]

an RCBS reloading kit is a good start. you will get almost everything you need to get into loading. there will be a few things to buy as far as extra things you might need later. a couple of good reloading manuals are a must too. if you know someone that been reloading for a while it would be advisable to talk to them and get advise or help until you get going. good luck.

 

[basdjs]

When I started reloading about 50 years ago a friend of my dad's, who was a veteran reloader, let me come to his house a couple of times to actually walk me through the whole process. Most of my equipment...press, dies, scales, etc. is RCBS or Lyman and their equipment has never failed me. I'd really recommend you connect with a veteran reloader and get some one-on-one help. It helps to go through the operations with a veteran looking over your shoulder. I'd bet your local gunshop could connect you with someone they would trust. Obviously with You-Tube and other videos on the Internet you can get a pretty good idea of what to do and what equipment you need, but it really helps to have someone you trust right there with you to answer questions. I also think a book is a good idea or go to manufacturer sites like Hodgdon's. I'd be careful of load recommendations on forums without checking them out. People make errors and typos and a safe load in one gun may not be safe in another. I like to look at recommendations from other on sites like HPA and then consult the manufacturer's data to see if it makes sense. Safety is a primary concern for all serious reloaders. Personally, I always load conservatively without getting near max loads. I've grown quite fond of all my fingers and facial parts. Use the Internet for information but be cautious. By the way, I'm a French model...Bonjour!

 

[Buckbeast]

Before you plunk down any money on equipment, I would recommend you buy 2 books. The ABC's of reloading and the Lyman reloading book (which I think is now the 49th edition). The ABC's book will give you a great overview of all things reloading.... instruction, processes, saftey, etc... for handguns, rifles, & shotguns. The Lyman book will give you some of the same, plus a good place to start with load data. The internet is also a good place to look for info, but I like having the book right at my fingers when I am at my bench.

If after reading through these books you decide that it is something you would like to do, then I would recommend buying a kit in your favorite color between green or red (RCBS or Hornady) there is nothing wrong with either kit. That would give you everything you need to get started less the components (bullets, powder, primer, brass).

 

[spur]

I have the Lyman Crusher II kit. It comes with almost everything you need except a tumbler and media, a bullet puller, and a powder trickler. Granted, you don't need them, but they are useful.

As far as components. It is extremely difficult to get components, and presses/kits at this time. I know there are people that are being eternal optimists stating you will be able to find components by summer. The long-timers seem to be eternal pessimists when it comes to components. They saw the same thing happen 4 years ago and it took over a year for the components to show up on shelves again. They are not sure if you will be able to get the components in the next 2 years.

So the take away from this is even if you do purchase a kit, you may not be able to get your components to make the ammo you want/need in the near future. If you can't find primers (can't find anywhere!) you aren't making any ammo! If you want to make 9mm or .357 Sig or .40, GOOD LUCK!!!

Keep in mind Cabelas IS your friend. On Cabelas website, you will see that they are out of everything but backorderable. Place your order anyway. I noticed that they stated 3-4 weeks backorderable, I received all items in 3 days. I think they are trying to scare away the waiting impaired crowd.

 

[buddys dad]

Absolutely, My mom and dad got me a rcbs rock chucker in 1974, I still use it today, I dont shoot factory ammo. if i buy a new gun I just by dies and all I need to reload and away we go. I love it..

 

[outofstater]

Its like anything else in life, you start by knowing nothing than learn. Please ask for advise on here i for one will help you all i can. Read the books that was mentioned than ask us if any question. For me theres nothing like reassurance of hearing it from some else also.

 

[kyle31490]

I'm learning all I can still!

The only purchase i've made so far is a book haha, I got the ABC's of reloading and am researching!

 

[wrangler1120]

We bought the hornady lock and load kit for like $300 and got 500 free bullets. I like the kit, just keep in mind like all of the kits out there it doesn't come with a tumbler, case trimmer, dies, or shell holders.

 

[outofstater]

Ive been reloading for 25 years and still buying trinkets.

 

[stroker97]

Its not going to pay off in money value for a few months, but you can smile when there is a run on ammo at Walmart and people are running around looking for anything to put into a gun. I do it all the time. Around here Walmart still sells guns. I go and look to see what I want, I don't need them, I want them. The girl behind the counter always asks, do you need ammunition? Nope. I look at the prices and laugh. She looks at me funny. I told her I reload, and she asked what that was and I told her. So now she don't even ask, unless I buy a rim fire.

You will be paid back, when you produce your first round.

 

[outofstater]

Now the big thing is finding your components. Brass, dies, and powder.