Reloader need help please.

[killinmammals]

I am still waiting on my ar lower so I can start building it but when it comes in I would like to be able to do my own reloading. The only problem is I have non of the equipment and don't know where to start looking for good stuff. I would also like to do my reloading on my .45 too. Any help would be appreciated!
Brian

[Multidigits]

Buy a loading manual, get one from the bullet maker that you prefer to use.

Buy a RCBS press, which ever one you can afford.

Buy a set of dies -- carbide for the .45 and full length resizer for the .223 semi-auto.

Buy a pound of powder, a thousand primers and a box of bullets depending on what you picked out of the manual when you selected your loads. For 223 and 45 you'll need different powder unless most likely.

Now, you need some other goodies, such as a scale or a powder measure device of some sort. You have to measure by weight or volume. Weight is better, so buy a scale. You'll need a primer pocket cleaner, and some case lube and a pad to roll your cases on.

The dies will come with instructions on crimping, which you'll need to do on both calibers your loading for.

Start with a light to medium load and work up. Don't load too light or too hot till you know what your doing.

[trust me]

Got any friends that reload? It would be great to actually get some hands-on with different equipment to see what you like.

For high volume use in semiautos, you need lots of ammo. I've never used progressive reloaders but you would be well-advised to go that route. Dillon Square Deals have a good reputation and they come already set for your caliber with all adjustments made. The others should be pretty good as well but I'm not sure their warranties are as good as Dillon.

I've used single stage for all my reloading including 45 and it suits me but probably wouldn't be for you. Too slow.

You'll have to shoot a bunch to save any money. But reloading is fun and can be its own reward.

[killinmammals]

Believe me, I do plenty of shooting. I finally got to shoot the new springfield last weekend and went through 100 rounds in about 20 minutes, and probably about 150 shotgun shells in an hour. My buddies and I go shooting atleast once a month, and 2 or 3 times a month in the summer. Thanks for the help, I'll try and do a little research this weekend after I'm done with all my tests at school this week.

[Multidigits]

For just popping caps and blowing stuff up, you can buy case lots of imported 223 cheaper than you can reload a quality load. 45 ACP is about the same, as is 9mm.

[trust me]

Multi is right. If you just want to go sling lead, imported by the case is the way to go. It's cheaper and easier than getting set up in reloading.

Lead prices have finally gotten to the point I don't load much for shotguns. Hard-to-find 16 gauge is all I make now. 12 and 20 factory stuff is good and costs about the same as rolling my own.

[killinmammals]

So far I haven't had any trouble findin the loads I need in 16 gauge. I'll have to check the bulk buying deal. Any brands to look for or avoid?

[trust me]

I'll have to check the bulk buying deal. Any brands to look for or avoid?

I've not heard any bad stories on any of the stuff available today. It all goes bang.

[Multidigits]

Some of the imported rifle and pistol cartridges can't be reloaded, some can but with extra work, and some might have corrosive primmers. So, you'll be wise to know what you have and make sure it fits your needs. I also doubt that you'll find many deals on 16 ga. shotshells. Buy a 12 and save.

[trust me]

Anything Berdan-primed or steel-cased should be avoided if reloading is in the picture. The corrosive primers should be all gone by now, but who knows for sure. A lot of the 1950's stuff was corrosive and if you didn't know what the lot numbers meant, there was no way to know what it was until your barrel rusted shut.

I discovered Berdan primers when I ran one through the press and discovered I couldn't budge the primer. I was getting ready to get a bigger hammer when Pap explained what might be the problem. Fortunately i didn't break a pin or anything.

A book that keeps me out of trouble is the NRA's "Reloading" which is still available. It has short features on about a hundred topics related to reloading and reloading data as well.

[mwezell]

I am still waiting on my ar lower so I can start building it but when it comes in I would like to be able to do my own reloading. The only problem is I have non of the equipment and don't know where to start looking for good stuff. I would also like to do my reloading on my .45 too. Any help would be appreciated!
Brian

I have a shop about 20 minutes west of B.G. with a good bit of reloading stuff. I have presses and other equipment set up in the store so you can see it work and get your hands on it. I'd be happy to help you get started at reloading. If this sounds good just give me a shout.
Mike