Looking for advice on getting started reloading

[Kynoch2015]

If you can find a trusted, experienced reloader, a little in person coaching goes a long way. I learned from my dad. The very first “bench” I built was in my college apartment. I mounted a small RCBS press on a wooden step ladder. Kept my foot on the first step as I resized cases. Could fold it up and put in the back of the closet. Please mind all the safety precautions.

 

[jpr9954]

You can spend a good amount of money getting started if you buy everything new. There is nothing wrong with that. However, most reloading equipment is built to last many lifetimes and this is especially true of most single stage presses. Don’t be afraid to buy used, good condition equipment including presses and dies. People will want to upgrade their equipment all the time and will sell existing stuff to finance it.

I have presses from RCBS, Lee, Lyman, and Redding with dies from all of the above plus Hornady, Pacific, and CH-D. 99% was bought used at auctions, from forum classifieds, and at gun shows. Facebook Marketplace is another option.

My Forster case trimmer I bought new along with some shell holders and a Lee priming tool. Other little tools I bought new.

 

[Journey]

Example of a used setup on a local gun forum.

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

Example of a used setup on a local gun forum.

View attachment 783330

That looks like a good buy to get started, maybe get rid of the Lee products ( they are cheap for a reason regardless of what some will tell you ) and use the press primer function to start with
Gumpy

 

[deewayne2003]

@Noah Hutchens

Judging by your firearms purchases as of late it’s safe to say you have the means to acquire just about whatever you want, just don’t go crazy in the beginning with things that are complicated or automated.

Start simply and with something easy and economical to load, I started loading .270win and the Lee reloading book is a great way to get started.

 

[SCHUNTER73]

Aside from the basic equipment, I would really recommend finding someone nearby you that can “coach” you in person. Tons of YouTube videos out there that can be very helpful, but I found having a buddy with tons of experience right there over my shoulder. I would second also getting a manual powder throw to get started. Good luck. It’s very satisfying.

 

[ftrovato]

Hornady and others that produce reloading equipment haver some great videos online.

Read, read & read some more on accredited websites.

I've been doing it for 50 years and still feel like there is much to learn!

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

RCBS for me. If your patient you might be able to find an older press with the larger seating area. I use a newer one so I just have to feed the bullet in first then put my shell in before seating when reloading really loan OAL cases. Just an extra step and few seconds.

 

[forshoes]

Some NRA Instructors offer courses in Metallic Reloading. Check the NRA site for locations and dates.

This would give you instruction as well as offer the opportunity to have questions answered.

 

[Jefferry404]

I started with the Rcbs supreme kit for the 505 Gibbs and used for quite awhile, The press is great but plastic tools, etc….
I would get the Boss 2 if not considering the Gibbs.
And buy separate tools…
A big consideration is the bench and storage.
Here is mine (a bit messy but CO fire ban on shooting has dampened my summer reloading).
I like Forester tools, good quality and seems to work (calipers, case mouth cleanup, digital powered dispenser, digital weight scale and the classic? case trimmer for up to the Gibbs)
I never used the Hornady ultra sonic (helped out Huntington when they were closing down) but use the old vibrator)

 

[Taylorz1]

Go to YouTube. Look up "Desert dog outdoors" watch the reloading videos.