How do I begin getting into reloading in 2026

[Mark4]

Have no idea where to begin and have had a tough time seeing what machines I should buy, what powder to use, ect.

Would appreciate some insight.

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[kmk1012]

Start with a good reloading book, really any one from Lyman, Speer, or the other bigger names. Get familiar with the equipment before buying so you don't end up with a bunch of items you never use. Observe someone load always helps too.

 

[wombatz]

It is old, but still worth it...

The abc's of reloading,
By Dean A. Grennell

 

[oa98pistol512]

As a new loader get a single stage press. What calibers do you plan on loading?

 

[DirectDrive]

I would consider a GOOD kit unless you want to read up and hunt down each part.
Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit I would consider a good kit.
You can move up to a different press as time goes on but you will always have a place on the bench for a solid single stage press.
That kit goes on sale from time to time. Don't get the cheaper "Partner" kit.

 

[wombatz]

Can't go wrong with a Rock Chucker, but Lee is worth looking at if you want to save some money. Stick with the Chucker if you will be working on large rifle rounds.

 

[RVTECH]

All GREAT info and DITTO + on a good manual to start and:

It is old, but still worth it...

The abc's of reloading,
By Dean A. Grennell

Is excellent advice.

Now MY advice? Do NOT 'gravitate' to YouTube vids about reloading. In all fairness there are a few that are informative however the biggest problem with YouTube reloading vids is weeding out the actual professional, informative ones from Clem Earl & Lew Bob's reloading retreat in the corner of their ge-rage.

I learned to reload long before the Internet but I've watched a few vids and many are not very educational in that it's mostly the people showing their system or ways of doing things and not really focused on teaching the basics and fundamentals.

 

[gmerkt]

It would be helpful if you could partner up with a mentor who is already experienced at doing it. Way back when I was fortunate to have a cousin who was knowledgeable. Then you can build on that by studying the books. You'll even find things that your mentor was doing wrong.

 

[dangerranger60]

Look around at your shooting friends and find a mentor, Then get a good manual. But nothing beats hands on. Once you decide to start get a basic kit. and a manual from the maker of that kit. Any manual will give you basic setup info but the writers of the manual for that kit will give detail that is focused on the tools they sell.
It doesn't matter what brand you start with, they all do about the same job. I would start with a single stage press kit.
Once you have the process down you can mix and match tools.

 

[JoshR]

Starting with a single stage will eliminate a lot of hiccups.

I jumped right in with a 4 stage Lee. Found a great used one for a deal. Next was the Lyman 50th edition for load data. A lot of fun learning to get it right, but mistakes always teach the best lessons. Might as well get your bullet puller while you're at it.

You didn't mention the calibers or the intent (hunting, competition, just shooting, that will form decisions)

All that said, it's a fun hobby and it's not rocket science. You get to learn a lot about primers not seated properly, missing primers when you notice the powder falling out of the brass, etc, etc...., (and why is it so hard to get the @!#%@! Primers to feed correctly!)

Good luck!

 

[Ben B.]

I started loading.to make IPSC/IDPA ammo, first for .45 ACP on a 5-station progressive, then .40 & 9mm, then .38, then rifles.

I still don't have a single stage. Don't want one.

 

[RVTECH]

Starting with a single stage will eliminate a lot of hiccups.

And quite often will be all the 'average' shooter will ever need.

The addition of a 'secondary' press (in addition to the 'original') might be practical - as it was for me when I added a Bonanza Co Ax press to my 'bench' - but with my Rock Chucker still mounted off to my left - but reality is probably 70% of reloaders (even those who shoot regularly) will be able to keep themselves well supplied with 'reloads' with minimal effort with single stage presses.

 

[Gonzales]

First question: what do you shoot the most?
Second: how much do you shoot?

We can go from there. This will help determine if you should get a single stage press, or progressive.

I'm fine loading expensive rounds on a single stage or turret style press. But if I'm going for bulk / quantity, then there are better options.