DrLove Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 Ok folks, so I’ve tried to avoid reloading all I can but I’m failing. Other than the AAA 38 super major loads I can buy every now and then, I’m feeling I’ll just have to start reloading. Now you have to understand I’m a complete newbie to the whole world of reloading. I have no clue what kind of equipment, or supplies do I need. So I really need to ask for a big favor. Can someone just give me a “summary for dummies” kind of thing now on how do I even start. I don’t mean reloading data, I actual mean everything, tools, etc. I have no clueJ. My plan would be to reload 9mm major at some point, that’s all I knowJ. Also, just curious, can i use the same equipment for reloading both 9mm and 38 super? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superdude Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 Probably the best place to start is to check out some of the links on this website and others, and find a book or two on the basics of reloading, and do some reading. Reloading is not magic, it is science, but easy enough. It is simply the assembly of components. I've taught people who knew nothing about it, and had them cranking out ammo in no time. Also, you could check with Brian here. I'm sure he'll be happy to set you up with whatever you need. Also, feel free to come to this forum (and others) with your questions. We'll be happy to help you with anything. 38 Super and 9mm. You can use the same equipment except for the dies. Dies are caliber specific because the cases are different. You can use the same bullets etc. Basic required equipment: Reloading press. Dies. Powder scale - to weight gunpowder charges. Powder dispenser (comes with a progressive, Dillons anyway). Calipers - for measuring overall length - VERY important. A manual or two or three. Most manuals also cover the basics of reloading. A tumbler for cleaning the cases. Some folks do without this, but I think they're nuts! i've probably forgot a thing or two..... What you don't need: Case trimmer - not needed if you're loading pistol ammo only. If you start to load bottleneck rifle cartridges, then you'll need one. There are two basic types of presses, single stage and progressive. A single stage is slow and will produce about 30-45 rounds an hour. A progressive is much faster - several hundred an hour, and if you're going to be a volume shooter it's highly recommended. They are a bit more complex than single stage presses, but I know folks who have started with a progressive and do just fine. You can also load one round at a time with a progressive, just like with a single stage press. If you have the money, a progressive is where to start. It will save you tons of time. If you're loading for IPSC and need to know how fast your bullet is traveling, at some point you'll probably want a chronograph. Don't sweat that at the present. loading rifle ammo is slightly different than loading pistol so try to focus on information related to pistol. Pistol is simpler. look for some videos on youtube, there's probably tons of them. some potentially useful links: http://www.midwayusa.com/general.mvc/index/AppCharts~guide-beginning-reloader http://www.ammoland.com/2012/09/how-to-reload-ammunition/#axzz2aDmfo6qV http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showforum=52 http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=315439 http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=402320 http://www.dillonprecision.com/ http://www.dillonprecision.com/customize-reloader.html http://www.dillonprecision.biz/ http://www.hornady.com/reloading/metallic-reloading http://38super.net/Pages/Handloading%20Links.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stick Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 Probably the best place to start is to check out some of the links on this website and others, and find a book or two on the basics of reloading, and do some reading. Reloading is not magic, it is science, but easy enough. It is simply the assembly of components. I've taught people who knew nothing about it, and had them cranking out ammo in no time. Also, you could check with Brian here. I'm sure he'll be happy to set you up with whatever you need. Also, feel free to come to this forum (and others) with your questions. We'll be happy to help you with anything. 38 Super and 9mm. You can use the same equipment except for the dies. Dies are caliber specific because the cases are different. You can use the same bullets etc. Basic required equipment: Reloading press. Dies. Powder scale - to weight gunpowder charges. Powder dispenser (comes with a progressive, Dillons anyway). Calipers - for measuring overall length - VERY important. A manual or two or three. Most manuals also cover the basics of reloading. A tumbler for cleaning the cases. Some folks do without this, but I think they're nuts! i've probably forgot a thing or two..... What you don't need: Case trimmer - not needed if you're loading pistol ammo only. If you start to load bottleneck rifle cartridges, then you'll need one. There are two basic types of presses, single stage and progressive. A single stage is slow and will produce about 30-45 rounds an hour. A progressive is much faster - several hundred an hour, and if you're going to be a volume shooter it's highly recommended. They are a bit more complex than single stage presses, but I know folks who have started with a progressive and do just fine. You can also load one round at a time with a progressive, just like with a single stage press. If you have the money, a progressive is where to start. It will save you tons of time. If you're loading for IPSC and need to know how fast your bullet is traveling, at some point you'll probably want a chronograph. Don't sweat that at the present. loading rifle ammo is slightly different than loading pistol so try to focus on information related to pistol. Pistol is simpler. look for some videos on youtube, there's probably tons of them. some potentially useful links: http://www.midwayusa.com/general.mvc/index/AppCharts~guide-beginning-reloader http://www.ammoland.com/2012/09/how-to-reload-ammunition/#axzz2aDmfo6qV http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showforum=52 http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=315439 http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=402320 http://www.dillonprecision.com/ http://www.dillonprecision.com/customize-reloader.html http://www.dillonprecision.biz/ http://www.hornady.com/reloading/metallic-reloading http://38super.net/Pages/Handloading Links.html Very well said! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deerassassin22 Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 I would add Case Gage to required equipment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fmj3 Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 Lots of good info above. If you're looking to start out on a budget the Lee Classic Turret (or kit) is hard to beat. It's also a great press to get comfortable reloading, it's a lot easier to keep an eye on one cartridge at a time. You'll be kicking yourself for not reloading sooner once you figure out how easy it is. Just be patient and pay attention to detail and you'll turn out ammo that shoots better than factory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RePete Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 I would add Case Gage to required equipment. A good idea, but not necessary because you already have the best case gauge with the barrel. Do the "plunk" test. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superdude Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 I would add Case Gage to required equipment. A good idea, but not necessary because you already have the best case gauge with the barrel. Do the "plunk" test. Agreed. The barrel is the best case gauge of all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLove Posted July 27, 2013 Author Share Posted July 27, 2013 thanks guys for the info but is there like some sort of a "starter kit" I can just order with all the components I can start with? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hi-Power Jack Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 is there a "starter kit" I can order ? Yup, phone our host, Brian Enos. He'll square you away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nj mike Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 Lots of good info above. If you're looking to start out on a budget the Lee Classic Turret (or kit) is hard to beat. It's also a great press to get comfortable reloading, it's a lot easier to keep an eye on one cartridge at a time. You'll be kicking yourself for not reloading sooner once you figure out how easy it is. Just be patient and pay attention to detail and you'll turn out ammo that shoots better than factory. This the lee classic turret set will get you started .As you get comfortable with the process you will eventually step up to the Dillion 650 .With the lee you can load 150 to 200 rounds per hour .Good Luck on your decision Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLove Posted July 27, 2013 Author Share Posted July 27, 2013 How about this thing: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/679228/hornady-lock-n-load-ap-progressive-press what else do need guys? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magpulled Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 Dillon is great, but for the money the lee kits are a good place to start. Either way you go a progressive is the best option if you plan on burning 200 or more rds per week. If I were just starting i would get the Lee loadmaster kit for your caliber. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superdude Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 okay, i'm picking these examples at random. it's up to you to figure out if they fit since i know nothing of hornady products. got that? Yes, you'll have to do your homework!!! Dies: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/682035/hornady-custom-grade-new-dimension-nitride-3-die-set-with-taper-crimp-9mm-luger shellplate to fit the dies: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/771537/hornady-lock-n-load-ap-progressive-press-shellplate-8-30-luger-38-super-9mm-luger case cleaner: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/414369/frankford-arsenal-quick-n-ez-case-tumbler-master-kit-with-quick-n-ez-rotary-media-separator-110-volt manual: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/575530/hornady-handbook-of-cartridge-reloading-9th-edition-reloading-manual powder scale: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/922317/hornady-balance-beam-powder-scale calipers: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/119623/frankford-arsenal-dial-caliper-6-stainless-steel this is a start. read!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kneelingatlas Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 Brian has a section of his web store specifically designed for the new reloader: http://brianenos.com/pages/dillonfaqs.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLove Posted July 28, 2013 Author Share Posted July 28, 2013 Thanks guys, I actually found that Dillon is probably has the best deals. So for a starter, which Dillon package do you guys recommend? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kneelingatlas Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 I buy Dillon equipment from Brian Enos because he walks you through the process and as a thank you for creating this forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superdude Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 http://www.brianenos.com/store/dillon.650.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hi-Power Jack Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 is there a "starter kit" I can order ? Yup, phone our host, Brian Enos. He'll square you away. If you talk to Brian, he'll suggest what you might find to be YOUR best package. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hi-Power Jack Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 which Dillon package do you guys recommend? Talk to Brian - he'll give you all the info you need to make a wise decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
practical_man Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Thanks guys, I actually found that Dillon is probably has the best deals. So for a starter, which Dillon package do you guys recommend? For a first loader, get the 550 "as it should BE", scales and a good loading manual like Lyman or Hornady. Call Brian. He will help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emanon Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 Always nice to support a forum but another option I can suggest is the Lee Classic Turret kit from Kempf and get the Pro Auto disk powder upgrade. It is basically a turn key kit for a solid, single stage turret with one convenient click. Besides the kit you would need a scale, calipers and manual. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DillonBlue Posted August 1, 2013 Share Posted August 1, 2013 +1 for what practical_man said, that is just what I did (550B "as it should be") and am very happy with the choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
okieSteve Posted August 1, 2013 Share Posted August 1, 2013 My first foray into reloading a few months back, I got the 550b "as it should be" through Brian also. I've not had any issues and after 2k rounds sent down range I am enjoying the reloading process. Good luck with what you decide to go with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KLR Posted August 1, 2013 Share Posted August 1, 2013 The best advice I received was to buy once cry once. I was turned on to a very nice dillon 650 with all the bells and whistles and am very glad I did. Others I know have bought a cheaper press and within a year went to a 650 also after seeing the difference. With a dillon progressive you can spend more time shooting than loading! If on a budget at least start with a nice press and you can always add the luxury accessories a little at a time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoffer Posted August 1, 2013 Share Posted August 1, 2013 Just ordered another 550 from Brian yesterday. I had a 1050 and it was good but finicky. The 550 will get you a consistent 400 rounds an hour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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