Want to..but where do I start?
 

I want to get into handloading, for my rifles. I was at the gunshop and baffled about what I would need to start handloading. So many brands, prices, etc. I don't want to go cheap, but at the same time where do I start? I need it all. If you guys can help me with brands/models and all accessories I'll need to get started I would appreciate it. Also what should it cost to get the equipment when starting from scratch...so I have an idea?

I want to reload 7mm Mag and 270 for starters.

Thanks

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Want to..but where do I start?
 

Skeeter. Gunfighter gave you some good advice. I was in your boots in 1999 after plunging myself into Cowboy Action Shooting. It became apparent real fast that reloading would save me a bundle in the long run. I reload .44-40 for Cowboy and .30-06 and .300 RUM for hunting. I got the RCBS Master Reloading kit through Cabela's. I think Midway offers a reloading kit also. It may be an RCBS. The one nice thing about this kit was that it has just about everything the beginner will need. Of course you will have to purchase the 7mm and .270 dies. I got a couple extra items not included in the kit. I purchased a bullet puller and a dial caliper from Midway and a powder trickler out of the Cabela's Shooter's Magazine. The kit I bought also included Speer's current reloading manual.
I had a friend who was an experienced reloader do what Gunfighter described, supervised and taught me as I reloaded a box of 06's. Once I went through the process with my friend, everything in the manual came to life.
Other companies besides RCBS offer kits. You might want to call Cabela's or visit their website, www.cabelas.com They will send a magazine free. Same thing with Midway. Their website is www.midwayusa.com and toll free is 1-800-243-3220 Good luck

RE: Want to..but where do I start?
 

another good place to get things is www.midsouthshooterssupply.com one of the better starter kits out there is the RCBS rock chucker kit.

RE: Want to..but where do I start?
 

Get a good reloading manual and study, there are several very comprehensive books readily available, Lee, Sierra, Lyman, etc. To start out I suggest you get a beginners kit, check out Ebay if your on a budget, but check several other sources before you buy. As you get more experience you'll find other things that work better for you. You'll see soon enough how much money you can save, especially if you shoot alot. A good website to check out is www.reloadbench.com

RE: Want to..but where do I start?
 

Thanks guys, some great info. I used the links and sort of get what the price tag will be.

I have actually watched and helped a buddy, he use to do all my loading...before he moved. I am meeting up with him in a few weeks, so I'll pick his brain a bit then.

Yeah I looked at a RCBS Master kit and Lymen's T-mag kit locally. Is the RCBS the better of the 2? I actually have been reading up on reloading lately. I do own a couple of ballistics tables and an older manual but I am going to buy new manual as you suggested...Thanks.

RE: Want to..but where do I start?
 

I personally like the tmag better, if you load for pistol and do a lot of shooting the turret press will save you alot of time. Either way the press may come with a ram prime, I don't reccomend using it, spend an extra $20-25 and get a Lee Autoprime and set of shell holders. Easy to use and more consistent when seating primers. There are a few internet retailers but I have found that all around Midway and Cabelas have about the best prices as well as a large selection, usually if you place an early on Monday you have it on Friday. That point is moot if you have a number of retailers near you. For 270 and 7mm mag there is a good selection of bullets available, I suggest once you get started, buy the USA single caliber load books, they contain data from all the most popular data sources. They take up a lot less room. I like the Lyman manual because they specify loads that duplicate factory ballistics and serves as a great baseline.

Edited by - thndrchiken on 09/23/2002 10:42:25

RE: Want to..but where do I start?
 

Remember three rules when handloading:
1-work up all loads from the suggested starting loads.Just because a load is listed in a manual does not mean it is safe in your rifle
2-When developing loads change only one component at a time
3-Use manuals as a starting point and guide but don't take them too literal.Published velocities and most accurate loads are for the rifles tested in the manual and may differ greatly in your own gun

Edited by - stubblejumper on 09/24/2002 22:35:56

RE: Want to..but where do I start?
 

like stubblejumper said, start from below the max loads, not really reduced loads as that could lead to some problems, start with the lowest published value.

propmahn
you can never have too many guns