{"id":11320,"date":"2020-12-13T05:26:41","date_gmt":"2020-12-13T13:26:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/exhaustnotes.us\/blog\/?p=11320"},"modified":"2020-12-13T06:04:54","modified_gmt":"2020-12-13T14:04:54","slug":"getting-into-reloading","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/exhaustnotes.us\/blog\/index.php\/2020\/12\/13\/getting-into-reloading\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting into Reloading"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve thought about reloading, you\u2019ve read stuff from us and others about the benefits of reloading, and you want to do it.\u00a0 But how?<\/p>\n

Hey, I was born into it.\u00a0 My Dad was a reloader and I had a pretty good idea what to do when I wanted to start, but the urge to do so didn\u2019t hit until I was a young guy in the Army at Fort Bliss. \u00a0I was lucky.\u00a0 The guy who ran the Fort Bliss Gun Club (Roy Johnson) had a room set up for just that purpose and he walked me through the process some 50 years ago.\u00a0 But Roy has gone on to his reward, you’re probably not stationed at Fort Bliss, and you want to get into the game.\u00a0\u00a0 That\u2019s what this blog focuses on, and in particular, the equipment you\u2019ll need to get started.<\/p>\n

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Inside the Fort Bliss Gun Club. This is a fabulous place where I spent a lot of time as a young Army dude. Next time I’m in El Paso you can bet I’ll stop in again.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reloading Advantages<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are three advantages to reloading:\u00a0 Cost, accuracy, and availability.<\/p>\n

Generally, reloaded ammo costs less than factory ammo, and in some cases (especially for more exotic rifle ammunition), the savings are huge.\u00a0 \u00a0For example, factory .416 Rigby ammo costs $170 for a box of 20 rounds; I can reload .416 Rigby ammo for well under a buck a round.<\/p>\n

From an accuracy perspective, reloading is the only way to go.\u00a0 You can tailor a load to a particular firearm by varying bullet type, bullet seating depth, crimp, powder type, powder charge, brass, and primers to arrive at a combination that delivers superior accuracy (and it’s fun doing this).\u00a0 I have rifles that shoot 3-inch groups at 100 yards with factory ammo; with my custom reloads, I can get half-inch groups.<\/p>\n

Today, if you reload and you’ve laid in a good stock of components, you can reload your way through any ammo shortages.\u00a0 Nobody has .45 ACP, 9mm, or .223 ammo in stock right now; I have enough components on hand to reload thousands of rounds.\u00a0 I’m on the range two or three times a week enjoying my shooting hobby while other folks are online whining about not being able to buy ammo.<\/p>\n

What You Will Need<\/strong><\/p>\n

The things you will need to start reloading fall into two categories:\u00a0 The reloading equipment, and the reloading components.\u00a0 The reloading components<\/span> are the things that combine to bring an empty brass cartridge case back to life (that includes the bullets, the propellant, and the primers).\u00a0 The reloading equipment<\/span> includes the gear you need to take the components and turn them into a ready-to-fire cartridge.<\/p>\n

If you want to get into the reloading game, I believe the best way to do so is to buy a complete equipment reloading package from one of the suppliers like RCBS<\/a>\"\" or Lee<\/a>\"\".\u00a0 That’s the RCBS kit shown in the big photo above.\u00a0 I’ll talk about it, the Lee kit, and a couple of others further down in this blog.\u00a0 \u00a0First, let’s review each bit of gear.<\/p>\n

The Reloading Press<\/strong><\/p>\n

That\u2019s the lever-operated press that accepts the dies (more on that in a second) for reloading your ammo, and sometimes the press includes a mechanism for seating primers in the cartridge case after the old primer has been removed.\u00a0 In other cases, a separate priming tool is used.\u00a0 \u00a0Presses are offered by RCBS<\/a>\"\", Lee<\/a>\"\", Lyman<\/a>\"\", Hornady<\/a>\"\", and other companies.<\/p>\n

\"\"
The Lee Challenger press. It’s a decent unit at a decent price, and an ideal way to get started in reloading.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dies<\/strong><\/p>\n

The dies are cartridge specific.\u00a0 For handgun cartridges, the die set usually includes three dies; for rifle cartridges, the die set usually includes two dies.\u00a0 The good news is that die threads are pretty much standardized, and every company\u2019s dies will fit every company\u2019s reloading press.\u00a0 In other words, if you buy Lee dies, they’ll work on an RCBS press.\u00a0 If you buy RCBS dies, they’ll work on a Lee press.\u00a0 Dies are offered by several companies, with the most popular brands being Lee<\/a>\"\" and RCBS<\/a>\"\".<\/p>\n

\"\"
A three-die pistol set from RCBS.\u00a0 The first die knocks out the old primer and resizes the fired case.\u00a0 The second die flares the case mouth to accept a new bullet. The third die seats the new bullet and, if you want, crimps the bullet in place.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
An RCBS two-die rifle set.\u00a0 The first die knocks out the fired primer and returns the case to its original dimensions.\u00a0 The second die seats the bullet and, if desired, crimps it in place.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A three-die pistol cartridge set from Lee Precision. Lee includes the shell holder with their die sets.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shell Holder<\/strong><\/p>\n

You will need a shell holder for the cartridges you wish to reload.\u00a0 That\u2019s the piece that holds the cartridge case in place so the press can push it up into the die and then extract it from the die.\u00a0 RCBS does not include the shell holder with their die sets (so you’ll need to buy RCBS shell holders<\/a>\"\" separately); just about all other die makers do (when you buy their dies, the die set includes a shell holder for that cartridge).<\/p>\n

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A shell holder. You need to buy these separately if you buy RCBS dies.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A Powder Dispenser<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a device for dropping a precisely-metered powder charge into each cartridge case.\u00a0\u00a0 There are fancy (read: expensive) electronic powder dispensers, but you don\u2019t need those to get started and a lot of folks (myself included) don\u2019t like them.\u00a0 A simple mechanical dispenser will work fine (as mine has been doing for 50 years).\u00a0 Both RCBS<\/a>\"\" and Lee<\/a>\"\" offer good powder dispensers; the Lee is substantially less expensive.<\/p>\n

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An RCBS powder dispenser on the left, the Lee powder dispenser on the right.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A Powder Scale<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a simple balance beam scale to allow you to measure the weight of the propellant charge and adjust the powder dispenser to throw that charge.\u00a0 There are electronic scales, too, but they add complexity and considerable expense where none is required.\u00a0 Again, the dominant brands are Lee<\/a>\"\" and RCBS<\/a>\"\".<\/p>\n

\"\"
A simple Lee balance beam reloading scale. These scales can measure to a tenth of a grain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cartridge Trays<\/strong><\/p>\n

When we reload, we use a cartridge tray (to hold the cartridges as we work through the process of reloading).\u00a0 A variety of manufacturers<\/a>\"\" offer these.<\/p>\n

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An RCBS cartridge tray. These are available from several manufacturers. I’ve been using mine for nearly 50 years.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A Case Lube Pad<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a simple foam pad.\u00a0 You put case lube on the pad and roll the brass cases on it to lubricate the exterior prior to running them through the resizing die (the first die used in the reloading process).\u00a0 If you have a straight wall pistol cartridge, you can buy tungsten carbide dies that don\u2019t require lubing the cartridge cases.\u00a0 If you\u2019re going to reload 9mm, .38 Special\/.357 Magnum, .45 Auto, or .45 Colt, my advice is to spend the few extra bucks and get the carbide dies.<\/p>\n

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An RCBS case lube pad. You put a bit of case lube on the pad and roll the brass on it to lube the cases prior to running them through the resizing die.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Case Lube<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is the lube used as described above.\u00a0 To mention it again, if you’re going to reload straight wall pistol cartridges and you buy tungsten carbide dies, you won’t need case lube (or the case lube pad).<\/p>\n

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RCBS case lube.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Alternatively, you can buy spray-on case lubes, which eliminate the need for the case lube pad.\u00a0 I’ve tried spray-on case lubes and I prefer using the pad and case lube instead.\u00a0 Other reloaders like the spray-on approach better.<\/p>\n

A Primer Seating Tool<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some reloading equipment companies incorporate a primer seating tool in their press; others offer separate primer seating tools.\u00a0 I have an RCBS press that came with the primer seating tool, but I like using a manual hand priming tool instead.\u00a0 Several manufacturers offer these; I use one from Lee.<\/p>\n

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The Lee hand priming tool. These work well. You can feel each primer seating and better control seating depth with these hand priming tools.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A Bench<\/strong><\/p>\n

You may already have a sturdy workbench where you can mount the reloading press; if not, there are reloading-specific benches available.<\/p>\n

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A Lee reloading bench. These work well if you don’t have a workbench for mounting your press.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A Reloading Manual<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are several available, including the excellent offerings from Sierra, Speer, Hornady, and Lyman.\u00a0 Don\u2019t think you can skip this; a good reloading manual is a must-have item for any reloader.\u00a0 They all explain the reloading process at the beginning, and they include safe recommended load levels for nearly all cartridges.\u00a0 I’ve acquired several reloading manuals over the years and they are all good; my favorites are the ones from Lyman.\u00a0 Others are published by bullet manufacturers (these include the manuals from Hornady, Speer, and Sierra) and those manuals include loads only for their bullets.\u00a0 The Lyman manual is more generic.\u00a0 But like I said, they’re all good.<\/p>\n

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I have reloading manuals going back 50 years. The Lyman manuals are probably the best.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That\u2019s the reloading equipment.\u00a0 In addition to that, you\u2019re going to need the ingredients for the cartridges you want to reload.\u00a0 That includes the brass cases, the bullets, the powder, and the primers.<\/p>\n

Brass Cartridge Cases<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can buy virgin brass online, you can buy once-fired brass at the range or at most gunstores, or you can do like most of us have done:\u00a0 Save your brass when you shoot factory ammo and reload it.<\/p>\n

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.35 Whelen brass waiting to be charged with propellant.\u00a0 This ammo costs $43 for a box of 20 factory rounds (and you can’t find anybody who has it in stock right now); I can reload it for under 50 cents a round.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bullets<\/strong><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll need bullets to reload your ammo.\u00a0 There are lots of options here, and they basically break down into either cast or jacketed bullets.\u00a0 I\u2019m a big fan of cast bullets for handgun and reduced velocity rifle reloads, and I use jacketed bullets for full-bore factory level (high velocity) rifle loads.\u00a0\u00a0 Most folks these days order bullets online from reloading suppliers like MidwayUSA, Graf\u2019s, MidSouth, Powder Valley, Natchez Shooting Supplies, and others.\u00a0 Smaller gun stores are disappearing, and you usually don’t find decent prices at the big chain stores.<\/p>\n

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Cast bullets waiting to be loaded into .45 ACP cases.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Propellant<\/strong><\/p>\n

For lack of a better term, we usually call propellants “powder,” and there are a wide variety of powders available.\u00a0 The reloading manuals show which powders work best for the cartridge you wish to reload.<\/p>\n

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Unique propellant and my RCBS powder dispenser. The reloading manuals will help you select the powder you need.\u00a0 Unique is a good general purpose propellant I’ve used for a variety of handgun cartridges and a few cast bullet rifle loads.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Primers<\/strong><\/p>\n

The primer is the component that lights the candle when you pull the trigger.\u00a0 \u00a0There are several primer suppliers.\u00a0 The trick today is finding them, as there has been a run on primers since the pandemic began.\u00a0 If you can find primers in a local shop, buy them.\u00a0 The same suppliers listed above for bullets also sell primers (they are all out of stock now, but that will change as supply catches up with demand).<\/p>\n

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Winchester primers being loaded into my Lee hand priming tool. Other primer makes include Remington, CCI, Federal, and a few more.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Best Equipment Approach:\u00a0 A Complete Kit<\/strong><\/p>\n

As I mentioned at the start of this blog, I believe the best way to get into the game is to buy a complete equipment reloading package from one of the reloading equipment suppliers.\u00a0 \u00a0My advice if you are a new reloader is to go with the Lee package.\u00a0 It’s the least expensive and if you decide that reloading is not for you, you’ve minimized your cash outlay.\u00a0 I should add, however, that I don’t know anybody who ever tried reloading who didn’t get hooked on it.\u00a0 It is a marvelous hobby, and I believe it is as much fun as shooting.<\/p>\n

I’ve used reloading equipment over the years from all the manufacturers.\u00a0 My personal setup is centered around an RCBS<\/a>\"\" Rockchucker, but equipment from any of the suppliers is good.\u00a0 Basically, you can’t go wrong in this game from an equipment perspective.\u00a0 With that said, let’s take a look at what’s out there.<\/p>\n

First, the Lee<\/a>\"\" Challenger reloading kit:<\/p>\n

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The Lee<\/a>\"\" Challenger reloading kit. These were sold out on Amazon (and everywhere else) when this blog was published. Keep an eye on the Amazon site; it’s a good place to order the kit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There’s only one problem with the Lee Challenger reloading kit:\u00a0 It’s such a good deal (well under $200 for the entire kit) that literally everyone is out of stock right now.\u00a0 As you know, we’re going through unprecedented times in the shooting world (guns, ammo, and reloading components are sold out due to the civil insurrection in many large cities, a new anti-gun administration on the horizon, and the global pandemic).\u00a0 That will change, but at this instant, no one I could find has the Lee kit in stock.<\/p>\n

Next up is the RCBS<\/a>\"\" kit:<\/p>\n

\"\"
The RCBS<\/a>\"\" reloading kit. RCBS<\/a>\"\" makes high quality equipment that will last a lifetime. It costs more, but it’s worth it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I’ve been using RCBS equipment for the last 50 years, and I believe it to be the best.\u00a0 It is built to last.\u00a0 If I couldn’t get the Lee package as a newbie, or if your budget will allow it, I’d go with RCBS equipment.\u00a0 At about $400, it’s just over twice the price of the Lee kit, but it’s still a great deal compared to buying all the different equipment items separately.\u00a0 The RCBS package shown above includes an electronic scale instead of a beam scale, a powder trickler (it allows you to finesse adding individual powder kernels to attain a precise charge weight), and a couple of case preparation tools that the Lee kit doesn’t include.<\/p>\n

Lyman<\/a>\"\" is another outfit offering a complete reloading kit:<\/p>\n

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Lyman’s reloading equipment package.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What’s a bit different about the Lyman kit is that it comes with a turret press, which allows you to mount all the dies in the press head and rotate them as you progress through the various reloading steps.\u00a0 I’m not a big fan of this approach; other folks are.\u00a0 The Lyman kit is just under $1000; the turret press and the inclusion of a case trimmer are what drive the price to that level.<\/p>\n

And Hornady<\/a>\"\" has a kit as well:<\/p>\n

\"\"
Hornady’s reloading package. I have the least experience with Hornady reloading gear, and I’m not wild about their dies. Hornady bullets are fantastic.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Hornady kit is about $550.\u00a0 That’s substantially less than the Lyman kit, but more than either the Lee or the RCBS kits.<\/p>\n

So there you have it.\u00a0 Remember that no matter which reloading kit you buy, you’ll still need dies and a shellholder specific to your cartridge.\u00a0 You’ll probably want to purchase more equipment as your reloading interest develops, including more dies (so you can reload more calibers), case cleaning and polishing accessories, a micrometer, and more.\u00a0 But what we’ve outlined here will get you started and keep you in the game for years.<\/p>\n

\n

In this blog we’ve covered the equipment you’ll need to get into reloading.\u00a0 If you would like to read about how to use this equipment, we have you covered there, too.\u00a0 We have a bunch of information on reloading various cartridges on our Tales of the Gun<\/a> page, and a complete series on reloading handgun ammo that you can review here:<\/p>\n

Reloading .45 ACP Ammo:\u00a0 Part I<\/a>
\nReloading .45 ACP Ammo:\u00a0 Part II<\/a>
\nReloading .45 ACP Ammo:\u00a0 Part III<\/a>
\nReloading .45 ACP Ammo:\u00a0 Part IV<\/a><\/p>\n

If you would like to watch a quick video of yours truly reloading ammo with cast bullets for a Mosin-Nagant rifle, check this out:<\/p>\n