Reloading - What do I need?

[Onin24Eagle]

With the price of ammo these days and the number of people in our hunting party, we've been discussing the option of purchasing reloading equipment for our rifles and shotguns.  None of us have ever done this before. 

My basic question is this.  What exact equipment do I need to reload the following cartridges and can anyone recommend a good book on reloading to go with it.  Please remember we are beginners at this, I don't need any "advanced" stuff, just the basics.

.270 WSM
.300 WSM
30-30
30-06
.444
.243

We'd also like to do shotgun reloads for 16 Ga, 20 Ga and 12 Ga and .410

We do some shooting from time to time but mostly go through ammo when hunting, especially shotshells as we do a lot of grouse/duck/goose hunting.  I mention this just to let you know that we won't be reloading thousands of rounds, just enough for the occasional target practice and hunting.

[beeker]

well.  I do shotgun reloading. I would suggest watching the classifieds or posting "wanted" adds on craigslist, here, local gun clubs.. many guys have abandoned reloading for the reason you want to get into it. they just weren't saving any money any more. lead shot up, primers went crazy (if you could find em).  personally.... I love reloading for shotgunning, but I shoot alot of targets. I haven't heard of a shotgun reloading that will do all gauges so I would focus on the most common of em.. 12ga... metro gun club and most ranges have bulk once fired hulls you can buy for reasonable prices. and then watch the sales. buy wads when they're on sale, I once bought 10k primers for shotgunning because they were on sale.. when the price is right you have to be ready.  also... steel is a bich to reload, many guys gave up and just watch the clearances after the season.

another thing that would be good is find someone close buy who wouldn't mind "mentoring" you... allot can go wrong with a reload. when I first got into it, my buddy came by and set up my MEC reloader for me.. just tweaking the press so it would get me past the initial set up and to the point where I felt comfortable making changes.

thats my shotgun advice.. I'm sure someone will come along with rifle reloading info for ya.. good luck, hope it helped..

[NephronRacing]

I'll start with saying that reloading is a great hobby.

Most people start reloading for one of two reasons; to get custom loads or to save money.  People like competitive shooters are matching a round to their rifle and looking for consistency.  

By the sounds of it, you are in the saving money camp.  If that's the case, then you need to do some math to figure out at what point you'll actually save money.  Remember to factor in your time as well.  For rifle/handgun any of the top names provide descent basic loading kits.  Your looking at around $300 for the basic kit.  Add in dies at around $40 and a brass cleaner.  You're sitting around $400 for the basics of one caliber.  After that initial investment (assuming you don't want to upgrade) the only expense is consumables and time.  Add brass, bullets, powder and primers for your consumables.  

Depending on how many rounds you shoot, it may take a while to see savings.  The other thing to consider is that some people shoot more because they're "Saving Money" when in reality it ends up costing them more.

Beeker answered the shotgun reloading question.  I gave it up due to time and the relative low cost of trap grade loads.

[Onin24Eagle]

Thanks for the replies.

Based on some other research I did and what you mentioned above, we'll probably skip on the shotgun reloading for now.

I still think it would make sense with the rifle ammo.  There are 18 guys in our hunting party and we've discussed this and agreed that we'd split the cost of the equipment and set it up at my dad's place since that's where we do almost all of our hunting.  After the equipment we'd be on our own for dies/bullets/powder.  For instance, I'm the only one that shoots the 270 WSM, so I'm stuck buying the dies for that, but almost all of us have a 30-30, including me, so the cost of the dies, bullets and powder for that will be minimal when split between us, provided we all agree on what grain and style of bullet to use.  I think there's 3 guys with 300 WSM and 2 with 444 marlins.  A couple of us, again myself included, also have a 30-06 (I'm of the "you can't own enough backup rifles" camp).  My short mag is my primary rifle.  I love that gun, but it seems as if the cost of a box of ammo goes up by $10 every year.  I've saved all of my brass from day one.  I'm thinking the cost for me will be less than the cost of 2 boxes of premium ammo so I think it's worth the money.

I've been looking at a Lee breech lock Challenger kit, which is supposed to have everything I need.  Anyone use this brand and what are your thoughts on them?  If you're familiar with that kit, are there any other accessories I will need to get?

[NephronRacing]

I'm right there with you on the 270WSM.  That stuff is expensive!  I almost mentioned that reloading that might make it all worth it.

[beeker]

I personally have allot of fun reloading.. just tweaking the shell and trying new recipes. I don't factor in my time, it's something to do in those winter months when your stuck inside

[Onin24Eagle]

OK,

I got the kit in today, everything arrived except 2 rather important items and that's the books that I ordered to go with it.  They both shipped yesterday and hopefully I should have them tomorrow.

I watched some pretty good instructional videos online and when the stuff came in I just got so dang excited I had to give it a try.

I only loaded 10 cartridges.  Everything went fairly smoothly.  I did ten rounds of 30-30 ammo with 150gr round nosed soft point Barnes bullets.  

Here's the thing, and I need some advice here, as I mentioned I do not have my books yet.  One book is simply a reloading for beginners type while the other is the Hodgdon reloading manual, since we got all Hodgdon powders.  The kit came with a book that had some reloading data in it and it only gave one load for the 150gr soft point using Hodgdon "LeverRevolution" powder and that was for 38.5 grains.

I had a bit of trouble getting the powder measure to meter out exactly what I wanted so I set it just a tad light and then put the powder on the scale and trickled a little at a time until each load was dead on.  Later I decided to check the charts on Hodgdon.com and it turns out that 38.5 grains is the MAXIMUM load.  Now I'm a bit worried about even trying these.  Thank goodness it was dark when I got done or I might have been tempted to do so.

There is one bit of information on the chart on Hodgdon.com that does give me a bit of relief and that is the pressure.  The max load of the LeverRevolution powder produces 34,800CUP while the max pressure when using the maximum load of Hodgdon H4198 powder is 36,800CUP.  Considering this, do you think these 10 rounds are safe to use or should I pull the bullets and start over?  The starting load I should have used according to the Hodgdon chart is 35.0 grains.

I'm thinking that 38.5 grains might be the max load simply because you probably couldn't fit any more in the case.  When I looked into the cartridge prior to seating the bullet it didn't look like there was room for much more than what was already in there.

Edit - In case you're wondering, I got the Lee Challenger kit.

[Benny]

If I remember right the manufactures max load is set so that even the older rifles or rifles from foriegn countrys with weaker metal can still shoot these rounds.

You should be safe so long as your sure the grains measured out correctly.

I wouldn't load any "hot rounds" with more powder till your really into reloading and know what your rifle is capable of handling.

By going a tad light is always good till you need to be precises for grouping those real tight patterns.

Also one book from any given company might very a little from the next one on powder measure so don't sweat it too much.

Benny

[beeker]

if there is any doubt in your mind.. pull em apart. but.. most guys when they start out reloading are more careful then once they get comfortable with it. so if your at the max spec.. you should be fine as long as you followed the recipe and feel everything is seated correctly.  all reloaders at some point in the game have to pull rounds/shells apart or grab the shopvac because something didn't go the way  it was suppose too.

[Onin24Eagle]

Thanks for the replies.  I think what I'm going to do is pull apart 9 of them and keep the first one I made (sentimental value).

I know I got the measurement right, however I don't want to start out with a "hot" load.  I'm going to re-do these probably down at 36 grains.

I will say this though, I was surprised by how little powder it takes to move the scales once you get close to where it's set.  Even just a couple granules seemed to move it significantly.  It took a little while for me since I made sure to have every one dead-nuts on zero before I charged the cartridge.

Another thing, It seems to me that this could get as bad as my winemaking hobby.  Once I set up last night I took inventory of the situation and realized I need more stuff.  I bought a cabinet with little drawers to keep all of the gages, dies, deburring tools, etc in a nice little organized fashion.  I also bought some bins to separate and store used brass.  I'm sure I'll notice something else that's missing each time I do this.....

[NephronRacing]

Okay, forget about the savings...you are already hooked.  It's now going to be a hobby.  I see an ultrasonic case cleaner, motorized case prepping station in your future... and the list goes on and on!  Enjoy!  It's a ton of fun.

[lentz]

im just curiouse because i am thinking about reloading 30-06

how much did your kit cost?

[Onin24Eagle]

im just curiouse because i am thinking about reloading 30-06

how much did your kit cost?

Got the Lee Precision 50th Anniversary Challenger kit.  Cost was $143 direct from the Lee Precision website.  I also got dies, length gages, powder, primers and bullets.  Add it all up, if you're only doing one caliber, you could probably get by with spending about $300.

I have not yet invested in a vibratory tumbler, and I don't think I need to.  I'm just doing 20 or so rounds at a time right now so after I trim and chamfer the case I keep it locked in the shell holder on my drill and run some 0000 steel wool on the outside for a couple of seconds.

Other than the die, length gage and consumables the kit has everything you will need and is super easy to set up.  Instructions are straight forward and simple as well.

If you are confused as to the process, as I was at first, there are some great online videos on how to use this specific model.

[Swany]

If you have not pulled them apart I would just crossreference your load with another company's book. Like Benny touched on, there is not universal number between companies.
Personally I would feel fine shooting one of the cartridges you feel is hot. (As long as you know that 38.5 is where you are exactly at.)
The primer will tell you a lot of the story after the round is fired. If it craters, you are plenty warm, if it turns flat, you are way hot.

[beeker]

the gander in forest lake has tumblers 25% off. and a bunch of other stuff 25% off.. the down side is at 25% off at gander puts  it still about the same price of other places

[Onin24Eagle]

@ Swany:  I already pulled them apart but thanks for the info on the primer.  That's good stuff to know.  I'll keep that in mind from now on.

@ beeker:  The Gander in Bemidji also has all reloading supplies at 25% off.  I spoke to one of the employees there and he said that they are getting out of that business (I assume he meant at that particular retail location).  I wonder if the Forest Lake Gander is doing the same?  The guy in Bemidji said that they will stay on sale until it all sells.  Once it's gone they are not stocking it any more.  They used to have 2 full aisles of the stuff and now there's just a few things left in a corner. 

[beeker]

that's the same thing in forest lake. they're dumping the business except for one small isle of overpriced stuff. I don't like gander for any of my reloading stuff. even on sale it's still higher than some of the local clubs or even having it shipped.

[cva54]

I started handloaden about 2 years ago at first it was for the cost untill I got in to it. Now I am on a quest for the perfick round! As for loading for your hole party tell them to get the same cal. as you. Hopefully it is .308 & .06 LOL 7mm rem mag started me what a powder HOG sold it for a .308. Just go look at the ballistics. if you are looking for a reload shop look around hopkins area ron will treat you right.