How can I challenge someone that has so MANY rounds?
How much reloading do you plan on doing. Seriously. I would buy a Dillon. You can always slow the process down on a Dillon (insert other maker also) but it is hard to go faster than what a reloading press was designed for. I can put out 400 rounds an hour of .40 cal without even trying.
That is the BEST press that you can buy to start with, seriously. If you are going to load less than 200 rounds a week, it will last absolutely forever.
The other thing I will offer up here is that reloading is one of those hobbies where it's not about "finishing" something, but enjoying the process. I like spending time at the reloading bench. I'm in no hurry to get it all done because then I won't have any reloading left to do! ... I reload for hours of relaxation and enjoyment.
Not looking for "Fast" and by no means do I need to crank out 400 rounds an hour.
That is probably the route that I will go (not 100% sure, and still open to any and all suggestions). 200 rounds a week would satisfy my needs, even if I were to do 200 rounds a month I would be happy. Also know that at that rate of speed it will last forever helps. I know I say 200 rounds a week or month now, and I'm sure like other things once I get hooked I'll want more and more.
That's the plan, I want it to be a hobby that I can enjoy and be able to take my time and learn the skill. I just want the satisfaction of saying that I loaded my own rounds and be able to save a little bit of money in the long haul.
Reloading is something that I am going to do, and I am going to plan on taking a class before I make the plunge. Again it will probably be sometime this summer before I can start the process. Again, thanks for all the help and recommendations.
So I took the first step today...
Stopped in the local Goodwill to get a couple pairs of jeans for work, and while I was there figured I'd look threw the books to see if they had any books that pertained to shooting and/or reloading. Sure enough all the way at the bottom of the shelf there were 3 books.
-Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading "Rifle-Pistol Third Edition" (1989)
-Nosler Reloading Manual "Number Three" (1989)
-Speer Reloading Manual "Reloading Manual NO11 For Rifle & Pistol (1987)
Even though these are older and may be outdated could I still use these for reference and load data? In the Hornady book I even noticed some hand written noted under a few of the different calibers.
My comments had nothing to do with the my manufacturing ammo. It has everything to do with me teaching classes and providing advice to reloaders all day.
It's a fact that many people just shouldn't be in front of a press.
I have never met Andrew. It you take his class, fine, if not, the only thing that that does is keep him from eating regular square meals!
He has proven himself over and over to be concerned about the new loader and THAT is priceless.
All of that being said, if you can read, you can teach yourself to reload, um, period.
If you are a nervous nelly, well, maybe there are other things you should do with your money, like..........................knit or something! (All in fun!)
The primers will do you no good in loading 357Mag. You need small pistol primers and if you use the powder in the picture, H110, you will need magnum ones at that.
The 44Mag brass is probably nickel plated, not ss. Just a guess though.
All you need to start is a good manual, one with the instructions in the front of it, a place where you don't mix what is in the bottles in the picture with the components that are there, and different primers and cases. Bullets can be purchased locally I would think. You are pretty close to Indy. Lots of places to buy from there.
Gander Moutain on the North East side is a pretty good place to go. You can get in store specials there and make out real good. I bought an Encore Muzzle Loader there, one that you could switch barrels on, for just a dab over $400! It wasn't advertised, just an in store deal. One worth the drive for me!
Another thing about what you have in the picture, H110. That powder is not supposed to be reduced to get a starting load. Not the best way to start out loading, in my opinion BUT, there will be NO WAY you can get enough of that powder in a 357Mag case to blow up a gun designed to take that round, no way. So, that could be a good thing.
You will need a scale and some way to dispense powder. If you can find a Lyman #55 used, get it. They are like $75 new so........There may be others that are as good, I just have no experience with them. Honestly, save your money and don't buy the Lee powder measure. They work, I have one, use it too, there are just better ones out there. Maybe someone will chime in here on that note.
Adam, make sure you read the front of the manuals you have before you load one single round. If you get Lee dies, make sure you read the front of his manual, it deals specifically with them. They are about all I use. The also have videos on their website on how to run their equipment. Make sure you watch them too.
Well, this post is forever long, I hope it doesn't keep you from reading it all.
I know people who can read, yet can not put a simple piece of office furniture together. It takes a lot more than being able to read when it comes to reloading. Many people lack "attention to detail". You where in the service, so you know all about "attention to detail".
Don't listen to the guys who say you "need" to take a reloading course. I'm not saying it's a bad idea, but there are certainly other ways of getting into it. The majority of guys never do take a course and we ain't blowed oursefs up YET!
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