whats needed for reloading rifle shells?
 

I've been considering reloading for quite a while. I don't know the first thing about it or whats needed. If I get into this I will not be reloading a great deal as I don't shoot that much. Maybe I could shoot more if I reload because its cheaper!

Chief

RE: whats needed for reloading rifle shells?
 

RE: whats needed for reloading rifle shells?
 

Thanks Rebel. From those prices at Cabelas. Reloading simply is not practical for no more shooting than I do. I would like to be able to practice more. Any ideas on how to locate some used reloading supplies??

RE: whats needed for reloading rifle shells?
 

Ebay

RE: whats needed for reloading rifle shells?
 

+1 on Ebay , lots of goodies posted often.. just avoid the bidding wars they like to get into. Lately people been running used prices up to almost new, if not more.
I just got started myself, shopped Cabela's due to powder/primer reasons and left there for about $450 invested.

RE: whats needed for reloading rifle shells?
 

Got any gun shows coming up in your area? Good place to look for used equipment. If you can, find someone who knows about this stuff to go with you and check it out. You CAN save some bucks this way. There was just one last weekend out my way, and lots of used reloading stuff available.

RE: whats needed for reloading rifle shells?
 

Used reloading equipment might just be the only good deals left at gun shows. That's the main reason I go to them anymore. :D

RE: whats needed for reloading rifle shells?
 

Reloading had always been of interest to me, but I felt that it looked too complicated.
Then, a few years back, I got tired of the goupings that I was getting with boxed ammo. So, I bought Lyman's Reloading Handbook.
This is a very comprehensive "How-to" book for the beginner (IMO).
It took a lot of the mystery out of reloading both rifle and handgun cartridges.
The ABC's of Reloading is an excellent follow up book. You will probably want to pick up bullet manufacture's books along the way as well. They too, have great info.
I have been reloading for just 2 years now, and I think that I enjoy the reloading as much as the shooting. And there is still tons for me to learn!
I don't think that you will be disapointed that you started, even if you "don't shoot that much." It is enjoyable, and your accuracy will improve.
Nothing like "Man-time" at the reloading bench!

RE: whats needed for reloading rifle shells?
 

Here is the list our group of guys from the forum have assembled, to help beginners get an idea of what is needed to start reloading. Please reference this list BEFORE making a post in the forum. If you have a question after reading this list, feel free to ask it.


1. Safety Glasses
2. Sturdy work bench.
3. Well - lit area.
4. Reloading manual(s). ($20-$25)
5. Powder, bullets, primers, casings
6. Press ($65-$115 press only)
7. Dies ($18-$50)
*8. Primer pocket cleaner ($5)
9. Case Lube (case lube and pad kit $17)
10. Case lube pad
11. Dial Calipers or Veneers ($20-$50 make sure it reads to .001")
12. Case trimmer & pilots ($50-$75 comes with pilots)
13. Powder scale (beam type $50)
14. Loading blocks ($5)
15. Powder funnel ($5)
16.Set of standard allen wrenches ($5-10)
*17. Hand priming tool ($40)
18. Deburring tool (Deburring chamfering tool combo $15)
*19. Flashole deburring tool ($10)

*Items with * are not necessarilyneeded, just highly recommended.
Prices were obtained from www.Cabelas.com as ageneralballpark figure, you may find these items cheaper elsewhere.