Go Back   Alberta Outdoorsmen Forum > Main Category > Guns & Ammo Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 02-23-2014, 11:39 AM
tyler_maclean99 tyler_maclean99 is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Whitecourt Alberta
Posts: 22
Default Reloading

Hi I am thinking about getting into reloading. I was wondering what is the best way to start this, should I buy a starter package or buy all the pieces individually? Also what brand of reloading gear are people using? Any advise would be appreciated.
TML
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 02-23-2014, 12:16 PM
gitrdun gitrdun is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: High River, AB
Posts: 10,788
Default

I really enjoy helping out where I can. But this question has come up so many times in the past month that I've lost count. Read threads back or do a search for crying out loud. This forum is starting to look like a gd nursery.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 02-23-2014, 12:37 PM
qwert qwert is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,443
Default newby reloading tool questions

It is getting a little tiresome answering the same old newby reloading questions for new members who are not able or willing to read the stickys or do a search of prior threads. A search of this forum on "reload" or "reloading" will yield 20 pages of results, each page seems to have 2 -3 threads that discuss exactly what the OP is asking.

I respectfully suggest that the OP do some homework and read at least some of what has been contributed previously and then if he needs more clarification on a particular post he can quote that post or start a new post in that existing thread and ask his question for further information or clarification. The new post will bring the old thread to the top of the active thread listing and indicate that he has done at least something to cut down on the repetition and improve the forum for all of us by reducing the S/N (signal/noise) ratio.

Reviewing postings in the search results will also rapidly inform the newby of the usernames of the most (and least) helpful posters and he can then also do a search of only their postings.

I hope this suggestion is helpful,
Good Luck, YMMV
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 02-23-2014, 12:37 PM
Sashi's Avatar
Sashi Sashi is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,158
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by gitrdun View Post
I really enjoy helping out where I can. But this question has come up so many times in the past month that I've lost count. Read threads back or do a search for crying out loud. This forum is starting to look like a gd nursery.
Boy aren't we full of ourselves, What a turn off.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 02-23-2014, 12:46 PM
qwert qwert is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,443
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sashi View Post
Boy aren't we full of ourselves, What a turn off.
IMHO, a 22x poster should be more respectful of a 5729x poster if they expect much help here.

IMHO, children should lurk and be quiet unless they have something helpful to contribute.

Just my .02, YMMV
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 02-23-2014, 12:55 PM
Leeper Leeper is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,008
Default

Tyler,
Just a little way down the main page there is a thread on beginner reloading wherein your question may well be answered. Have a look. Leeper
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 02-23-2014, 12:57 PM
purgatory.sv purgatory.sv is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 5,296
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Leeper View Post
Tyler,
Just a little way down the main page there is a thread on beginner reloading wherein your question may well be answered. Have a look. Leeper


yes
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 02-23-2014, 01:28 PM
Ebrand Ebrand is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Behind my Sako
Posts: 1,025
Default Or

Shoot me a pm and I can try and give you some answers.

There is value in searching some of the previous threads as well.

I will answer you or point you towards answers regardless of your post count, everyone needs some advice once and a while.

Good luck in your new hobby.
__________________
Keep Dreaming- Freddy Krueger.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 02-23-2014, 01:34 PM
Sashi's Avatar
Sashi Sashi is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,158
Default

Looks Great much better responses.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 02-23-2014, 03:22 PM
gitrdun gitrdun is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: High River, AB
Posts: 10,788
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sashi View Post
Boy aren't we full of ourselves, What a turn off.
I'm not interested in "turning you on" nor do I seek your approval. This forum is full of answers for beginning reloaders if they don't mind spending the time to do a bit of searching. In fact there is a sticky at the very top that Hotwheels posted addressing that very topic. There are also a lot of suggestions as to what people think of starter kits, prices and where to purchase.

Each and every loading manual that I own is filled with reloading how to's, from beginner to advanced.

I personally have dedicated time to help people out, had them in my home and helped them over the phone. But, I did so because they showed a hint of wanting to help themselves like putting on the miles to come out, or spare the time to learn.

I really don't have time for people who simply come on here and ask "help me out, please, I'm too lazy to do my own research, I need a quick internet answer. If one is so incapable to at least get something started by their own means, perhaps one shouldn't play with projectiles and explosives.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 02-23-2014, 04:41 PM
birdee's Avatar
birdee birdee is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: edmonton
Posts: 668
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by purgatory.sv View Post
yes
better children use your inside voice lol
__________________
the more people i meet the better i like my dog
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 02-23-2014, 04:44 PM
Jjolg123 Jjolg123 is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Calgary
Posts: 379
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by tyler_maclean99 View Post
Hi I am thinking about getting into reloading. I was wondering what is the best way to start this, should I buy a starter package or buy all the pieces individually? Also what brand of reloading gear are people using? Any advise would be appreciated.
TML
I went the RCBS starter package from prophet river when i started. I had an idea of what main tools i needed from reading a couple different reloading manuals i picked up. I also found youtube to be a good resource, for some one just getting into reloading it helped seeing the all the different tools and steps in action. If there was any tools i wanted to upgrade i would also use youtube to research the new item i was looking at buying as i could see it in action and get an idea if it really was what i wanted.

As far as brands go, i know good friends that have been reloading for many years with the most basic of kits and tools and they all got the job done. Alot of it depends on how much you plan on reloading how many different calibers. For me i liked the rcbs as it was on sale and after using some of the starter items for a while i then could decide which i would upgrade to make the job easier but in the end the starter tools did the same job just sometime needed a bit more time or elbow work.

As a few already stated searching both the forum and google will reveal alot of info, i found a forum for the particular caliber i like to reload and that made finding out info that much easier as i don't live to close to a range.

Don't be too turned off from asking questions from a few that replied, the forum is here to discuss and sometime times i wish people that didn't have anything to say would just hit the back button and not say anything at all.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 02-23-2014, 07:44 PM
SkytopBrewster SkytopBrewster is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Rocky Mountain House
Posts: 1,395
Default

Sorry, couldn't resist. Can we make this a Sticky, please don't ban me, I edited it


[IMG][/IMG]
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 02-24-2014, 06:57 AM
AMisler AMisler is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 550
Default

The nerve of some people... if you dont like the thread, dont read it, dont post, and move along. Very simple. Ignorant people these days.

There are a lot of beginner start up sets you can buy that will get you going. Personally I use the rcbs rock chucker press kit although there are a few items I have added or subtracted to make the operation smoother.

I still consider myself to be relatively new to reloading but I will still answer any questions I can for ya! Send a pm if you would like. Good luck on getting set up, the hardest thing you will have to do is source out gun powder!
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 02-24-2014, 07:25 AM
1899b's Avatar
1899b 1899b is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Sherwood Park Ab
Posts: 6,308
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by tyler_maclean99 View Post
Hi I am thinking about getting into reloading. I was wondering what is the best way to start this, should I buy a starter package or buy all the pieces individually? Also what brand of reloading gear are people using? Any advise would be appreciated.
TML
PM me if you want some links to some very very good reloading discussion boards. Welcome aboard!!!! For the record Gitrdun is a very helpful and experienced member here and i understand where he is coming from.....
__________________
An awful lot of big game was killed with the .30-06 including the big bears before everyone became affluent enough to own a rifle for every species of game they might hunt.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 02-24-2014, 08:34 AM
Lefty-Canuck's Avatar
Lefty-Canuck Lefty-Canuck is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Look behind you :)
Posts: 27,797
Default

Tyler,

Talk to Normanrd about reloading, I am sure he will assist you. You couldn't ask for a better mentor to show you the ropes. Or we can discuss things this weekend at the archery tournament Normanrd and I will be there.

LC
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 02-24-2014, 08:50 AM
Mike_W's Avatar
Mike_W Mike_W is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Stony Plain
Posts: 6,433
Default

Simple mistake to miss doing a search.
FWIW I like RCBS and Redding myself. Some kits are pretty decent and offer a good savings. which is probably a good starting point. If you know anyone maybe get out and do some reloading with them to see how to and what equipment you might like to get.
Personally one of my favorite pieces of equipment is my RCBS Chargemaster which isn't available in a kit.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 02-24-2014, 09:30 AM
elkhunter11 elkhunter11 is online now
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Camrose
Posts: 45,515
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike_W View Post
Simple mistake to miss doing a search.
FWIW I like RCBS and Redding myself. Some kits are pretty decent and offer a good savings. which is probably a good starting point. If you know anyone maybe get out and do some reloading with them to see how to and what equipment you might like to get.
Personally one of my favorite pieces of equipment is my RCBS Chargemaster which isn't available in a kit.
The Chargemaster is available in a kit that Cabelas sells for around $800. If a person has the cash, it is an excellent kit.
__________________
Only accurate guns are interesting.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 02-24-2014, 09:40 AM
super7mag's Avatar
super7mag super7mag is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Vermilion ab
Posts: 2,289
Default

Side note if logging in from an I-phone the search function is useless.. If I want to look up an old thread or search something have to go to the lap top. I do 90% from my phone now so it does suck a bit.
To the OP buy the rcbs kit , buy a few reloading manuals, buy some imperial sizing wax. And if possible find a mentor . Good luck and happy reloading.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 02-24-2014, 09:53 AM
skidderman skidderman is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Spruce Grove, AB
Posts: 3,044
Default

I started by finding an older gent who had most of the stuff I needed. Was able to buy it for 50 cents on the dollar. You can look up reloading tips online, buy a reloading book, the lyman reloading manual is cheap and from there list the steps required. Head all of the safety requirements especially handling primers and powder. You will need a place to shoot as you will be starting with the starting load and working your way up. For me the hardest part was understanding pressure signs unless obvious and missing little things. There are a couple of ways to set your dies. One just full length the other adjusting until it fits your chamber. Later on you can get into annealing brass, changing bullet length and so on. One thing you need to understand is that every rifle is different so what works in one may not work in the other. If you are serious you need to spend time researching, adjusting and going out to the range a few times. If you can't or are unwilling to make the time it may not be worth it for you. Everybody is different. There are tons of info on AO, gunnutz and 24hr campfire. The info is endless. Its fun.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 02-24-2014, 10:45 AM
wannabe wannabe is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Rosemary, AB
Posts: 339
Default

First off
Do the math and see if it's going to pay off for you in the end? (unless you have the $$ to play with then ignore me)
Do you do a lot of shooting or do you just plan on reloading for hunting?
If I was just a hunter and shooting one or two calibers I wouldn't even bother reloading, buy a good gun with the right ammo and you will be happy.
If you shoot a lot(hundreds of rounds a year) then I think it is worth it. Get a used reloading setup for half the price of new and go have fun.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 02-24-2014, 11:19 AM
elkhunter11 elkhunter11 is online now
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Camrose
Posts: 45,515
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by wannabe View Post
First off
Do the math and see if it's going to pay off for you in the end? (unless you have the $$ to play with then ignore me)
Do you do a lot of shooting or do you just plan on reloading for hunting?
If I was just a hunter and shooting one or two calibers I wouldn't even bother reloading, buy a good gun with the right ammo and you will be happy.
If you shoot a lot(hundreds of rounds a year) then I think it is worth it. Get a used reloading setup for half the price of new and go have fun.
Cost savings is only one reason to reload. I reload to to able to choose the bullets that I want to use, and to be able to work up more accurate loads for my firearms.
__________________
Only accurate guns are interesting.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 02-24-2014, 11:29 AM
Flight01's Avatar
Flight01 Flight01 is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Fort McMurray, AB
Posts: 2,515
Thumbs up Custom rounds

Quote:
Originally Posted by elkhunter11 View Post
Cost savings is only one reason to reload. I reload to to able to choose the bullets that I want to use, and to be able to work up more accurate loads for my firearms.
This is why I am thinking of getting into reloading. With a 7-08 and a 338RCM and my buddy has a 30-378 I would like to save money but more importantly I want to make a round that I really cant buy. Only Hornady makes the 338RCM right now and I want a nosler partition so I will eventually begin to roll my own.
The 7-08 will be fun as ammo is often scarce and I too want to make a round that suits my needs.
My buddy and his 30-378... well that will be interesting to say the least. I'm pretty sure the first few reloads will be a big savings but when the brass is ready to be replaced...ouch its gonna get expansive again.
__________________
Be sure of your target and what lies beyond.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 02-24-2014, 11:54 AM
Dick284's Avatar
Dick284 Dick284 is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Dreadful Valley
Posts: 14,658
Default

Get these books first, and make sure you read them!
ABC's of Reloading
Speer reloading manual
Lyman reloading manual.

After thorough reading, feel free to come ask some more pointed questions.
__________________


There are no absolutes
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 02-24-2014, 03:39 PM
FallAirFever's Avatar
FallAirFever FallAirFever is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SE Calgary Ab
Posts: 2,627
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dick284 View Post
Get these books first, and make sure you read them!
ABC's of Reloading
Speer reloading manual
Lyman reloading manual.

After thorough reading, feel free to come ask some more pointed questions.
I would add Lee's Modern Reloading to that list as well. I found it very well written for a beginner when I was starting out. It is very pro Lee gear but it it their book after all.
__________________
FallAirFever
Spend some time outside today, it will lift you higher
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 02-24-2014, 05:47 PM
Huntsman's Avatar
Huntsman Huntsman is offline
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Morinville
Posts: 1,313
Default Youtube

Quote:
Originally Posted by tyler_maclean99 View Post
Hi I am thinking about getting into reloading. I was wondering what is the best way to start this, should I buy a starter package or buy all the pieces individually? Also what brand of reloading gear are people using? Any advise would be appreciated.
TML
Tyler, what I did before the rise of technology in computers & the internet I picked up a copy of "Lee Reloading" from WSS when it was on Hwy 16 & 97th.
Anyway, in 1998 I was headed up to Alert Nunavut for a few months and figured what a better place to pass the time and give it a read. After my fair share of questions like yourself I now turn to Youtube.
If you ask it, Youtube will tell.
Since '98 I'm still using the same Lee Anniversary kit and upgraded scales & primer seaters to RCBS and dies to Redding.
Fear not, you'll make it there.
Best of luck,
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 02-25-2014, 01:35 AM
Faststeel Faststeel is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Alberta
Posts: 2,581
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by gitrdun View Post
I really enjoy helping out where I can. But this question has come up so many times in the past month that I've lost count. Read threads back or do a search for crying out loud. This forum is starting to look like a gd nursery.

Fella has7 post and you have 5700, who needs your valuable assistance?
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 02-25-2014, 01:42 AM
Faststeel Faststeel is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Alberta
Posts: 2,581
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by qwert View Post
IMHO, a 22x poster should be more respectful of a 5729x poster if they expect much help here.

IMHO, children should lurk and be quiet unless they have something helpful to contribute.

Just my .02, YMMV
Man you gave a whole nickels worth there. Keep it coming
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 02-25-2014, 06:57 AM
u_cant_rope_the_wind u_cant_rope_the_wind is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: grew up in Alberta moved to SK, sure miss Alberta
Posts: 2,332
Default

Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 02-25-2014, 08:22 AM
Cement Bench's Avatar
Cement Bench Cement Bench is online now
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: alberta
Posts: 1,998
Default

2 things

1. ABC of reloading this should be mandatory for any answer and they do not pass go until they have purchased the book and read it twice,


THE ORIGINAL POSTER (OP FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN AROUND A WHILE)

HAS JOINED IN 2008 YOU WOULD THINK HE HAD SOME BRAINS AFTER THIS AMOUNT OF TIME

make a sticky and make the new guys read it cannot anybody read the darn rules any more


GET A LIFE, AND SANCTION SOME OF THE GRADE 2 POST ON HERE, NO WONDER I CRY MYSELF TO SLEEP


off for a nap on a

Cement Bench
Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:49 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.