Beginning Reloading

[GoldenVolt]

Originally Posted by Big Smoke

I'm not qualified to give you an answer as to if you should or not. But I will add that if you do, I would definitely use a single stage press. That way you can keep an eye on each step of the process before moving on, making sure have have everything correct. A progesssive press makes you think about several different things at the same time, and can be a little confusing.

Jim,
I would agree with Big . But I would suggest, you get a turret press. That way the dies could be set and you wouldn't have to remove one die to install another.
Start out with very small batches like 5. De-prime and resize the 5 cases. Clean out the 5 primer pockets. Bell and prime each case. Charge each case, weighing each one. Place 5 bullets and seat 5 bullets.
After you get the hang of it you can increase the batch size.

Greg

[Jdl2]

Where do you guys buy your bullets? And do you use lead?
Thanks to both of you.
Jim

[DaFadda]

JDL.... Also not qualified to make your decision as to whether or not to reload. THAT said (standard disclaimer-lol) the Lee Classic turret press is a good choice. I use one myself, in addition to a Rockchucker. The advantage for you is that once you have the removable turret set properly, it will hold its tolerances quite well (not too many adjustments once its set up correctly.) Remove the auto advance ratchet on the press, and you have a VERY servicable single stage press (to the point of other respondents) that can be hand turned to the next operation.

All of this said. I have some experience with friends with MS. Your wife is very wise to have some reservations. My sincere suggestion is that you find a reloading partner, and only charge and seat loads when you two are together. Four eyes and two brains are better than one. There are a lot of steps in reloading that can be done alone, so you would have plenty to do. I.E.

1. cleaning
2. Depriming/case prep
3. priming ( I prefer Hand priming)
4. Belling / Flaring of Cases

All the above can be done by yourself. Having an extra set of eyes and hands to check powder charges, and to seat and taper crimp the final rounds? This is where your MS MAY (and I stress MAY... only you, your Doctor and the Mrs. know your limitations) require the assistance of a trusted friend.

I would suggest a Wilson or Dillon "Pistol Max Gage" in all calibers you are reloading for. It checks the critical dimensions of the completed round. It's basically a "go-nogo" gage. If the round fits, it will fit in your chamber. If it don't... it won't. I don't put a lot of lead down my barrels, I prefer Montana Gold FMJ or JHP in 230 grain. I buy them in 1000 - 2000 lots. (I'm getting lazy, don't want to work at getting the lead out).

Good luck in your decisions. And show your wife this thread. Talk it through with her. "its a good thing."
God Bless,


In all things, please.... Safety first.

[DaFadda]

Jdl... here's what it looks like. The turret installed in the press is for .357 magnum. On the bench to the left is a turret that is already set up and ready in .40 S&W. All I have to do is a 1/4 twist and lift off the turret and replace with the new caliber. The three dies are the deprime/case straightening, Second is belling, third is seating.

By removing the auto index ratchet (not shown, I also prefer batch processing) this is a very servicable and reliable setup.

Just my 2 cents

[GoldenVolt]

Jim,

I also don't like shooting much lead. It will crud up your dies and smokes like a fraught train when shot.

I mainly use Rainier plated bullets. Depending on who has the best price on the day I order Midway, Natchez or Cabalas.

Stay safe.

Greg

[DaFadda]

a "Fraught ". Methinks you speaketh the King's English faultily my liege!
ROFL

[svandamme]

The smoke is actually not to bad if you keep from maxing out the loads.
I run 200 grain LSWC with VihtaVuori powder and they don't smoke any more then my factory Fiocchi 230 ball.

I do also have Magtech 200 grain LSWC, i shoot that just to get fresh brass , plinking and yes , the smoke on those full power Magtechs is terrible..



Have fun with yer reloading , i think you'll be fine with a turret press.

MS is a biotch, but it's not like you have to rollover .. stay active, I'm sure , if you take your time, you'll be just fine reloading..

[GoldenVolt]

Originally Posted by DaFadda

a "Fraught ". Methinks you speaketh the King's English faultily my liege!
ROFL

My bad. I was watching Full Metal Jousting.


Correction...... Freight . why would spell check let that go through?

[Lane]

Lots of good info here, and as you've already figured out, everyone will help as much as we can. I found the best thing for me was to establish a strict routine when loading. ALWAYS do everything in the same order, the same way. That allows you to ensure that you don't under/over charge a case, or try to press a primer in a case that's already primed.

Do you have a friend or neighbor who reloads who can walk through it with you a few times? Every reloader I know is always willing to help a newbie get started.

Originally Posted by Jdl2

Where do you guys buy your bullets? And do you use lead?

I use jacketed, and buy my bullets from Precision Delta. I've found their prices to be very good, and they include shipping (your mail carrier will HATE you - give a good tip at Christmas! )

I've found reloading to be very relaxing and therapeutic - I think you'll enjoy it. Please feel free to post questions as the come up.

Lane

ETA: I missed your last post - sorry to hear that it won't work out for you. If you lived closer I'd have you over for reloading sessions (that usually involve some leather cutting...)

Best wishes and prayers for you...

[Jdl2]

Thanks, Lane. Disappointing but in the scheme of things not the worst to happen to me by far. My prayers are with you, too. Each day.
Kind regards,
Jim