Is anyone interested in reloading, but would like some help?

KonoctisWigwam · Monday at 1:10 PM

If you're interested in reloading, but have never done it and would like some help, please hollar.

There was a guy here looking for help with 308 Win, but he seems to have disappeared.

Any cartridge will do, if you need help buying an inexpensive press, hollar!

All you really need to get started is a pair of calipers, a press, dies, and a scale.

Do we have anyone interested in learning how to create your own ammo? Personally, I wouldn't shoot anything I couldn't reload...call me old fashioned...

xchecker · 2026-01-28T21:12:50-0500

My biggest issues are a location to setup, and the time to invest in the process. I would likely have to reload for 5-7 calibers.

Yes, Wiggy, you are are old-fashioned and thats OK with me. There was a time when reloads were more economical than store/factory munitions. But that gap has closed to where reloading is actually more expensive. But when TEOTWAWKI comes I'll be kicking myself when I run out of ammo and cant defend myself.

KonoctisWigwam · 2026-01-28T22:36:37-0500

xchecker said:
My biggest issues are a location to setup, and the time to invest in the process. I would likely have to reload for 5-7 calibers.

Yes, Wiggy, you are are old-fashioned and thats OK with me. There was a time when reloads were more economical than store/factory munitions. But that gap has closed to where reloading is actually more expensive. But when TEOTWAWKI comes I'll be kicking myself when I run out of ammo and cant defend myself.

You don't need a lot of equipment, but you do need some type of scale, press, caliper, and dies. Do you have any of this stuff? I have an inexpensive Hornady scale I would offer to send you, if you don't have a scale. Could be any caliber, even pistol.

Reloading certainly can become expensive, quickly. Some of the high end tooling is costly.

For a scale, I highly recommend an RCBS Chargemaster Lite, or Chargemaster Supreme. I use the later, I bought it used on Accurate Shooter, for $250. It really assists well when dropping charges.

There are a couple Chargemaster Lites (1500) on Accurate Shooter right now for sub $200.

There are a lot of great dies. I have traditionally preferred Redding, but recently I kind of like the Forester Ultra Micrometer. For 300 WSM I have a Forester Ultra Micrometer and a Redding FL sizing die. I used to load a lot of 45ACP, but haven't shot pistol in a number of years. I have a set of Redding dies for that.

Do you have any of this tooling?

xchecker · 2026-01-28T23:37:12-0500

Acquiring the equipment is the least of my issues. I have a lifelong friend who reloads and has offered numerous time to assist. Again my biggest issues are an available area to setup and time. I've plenty of brass to get started, 5K SPP, 1K SRP.

Thanks for your generous offer
I even acquired these, although they are so old that they no data for many of my calibers:

KonoctisWigwam · 2026-01-28T23:58:13-0500

Ok, those manuals are pretty old but we can use online data also. Get the Barnes PDFs for the calipers you're going to reload, and use the Hodgdon site for data as well. I like to store the Barnes PDFs for the rifle calipers I use on my hard disk.

Then we'll need some powder, 1 lb. will do, and a scale. It is good to have a case gauge also, so as you get going there will be some amount of chatchkas to buy.

FWIW, those old manuals will work fine, anything that worked in them should continue working, if you can find the components, that's the key.

Some people like to crimp their pistol rounds, I have some crimpers and use them sometimes. The Lee factory crimp dies are inexpensive.

Didn't you mention you're in East Bay? Are you close to any Sportsman's Warehouse, or Bass Pro? Can probably find a lb. of powder that will work. I mentioned a can of worms, cause now you will need to decide how you will seat your primers, and you'll need the proper size primers.

xchecker · 2026-01-29T00:21:40-0500

SoCal - Ventura County. Appreciate the encouragement though

KonoctisWigwam · 2026-01-29T00:53:14-0500

xchecker said:
SoCal - Ventura County. Appreciate the encouragement though

I just found this link, so no relation to me, but this would be good, I've attended several reloading clubs in the past and most of the people are good folks.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/ventura-county-reloading-club-camarillo?osq=Reloading+Supplies

When you can get free hazmat, it is worth it to stock up from Midsouth Shooter or Powder Valley.

I don't need to explain the problems in getting components in California though...I think you know that story...hehehe

You might be able to meet some local folks that would know where the better local stores are to buy specific products from. Or you might meet someone that has a lot of powder on hand that would sell you some. I used to be able to find what I needed on Cal Guns, but it's kind of defunct nowadays. They had a good reloading forum, and a classified nested within it.

Is anyone interested in reloading, but would like some help?

KonoctisWigwam

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xchecker

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KonoctisWigwam

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xchecker

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KonoctisWigwam

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xchecker

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