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.

 

[Alexx1401]

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.

New people have it made now days, you have the net. I started in the 70's with just a book, the one Lee put out. Now you have enough video's to spend months watching Best to start out with strait wall pistol and go from there. What to buy is all about how much you want to roll, how fast you want to roll and how much money you wish to spend. When E-bay came along I had several things I had "upgraded". Was easy to sell what I no longer used and even buy used stuff I wanted.

 

[BAMCIS]

As others have said, start on a single stage. I'd also add, start on straight wall pistol calibers, 45ACP, 9mm etc.

Oh, and don't believe for a second you'll "save" money because you won't. But you'll wind up shooting much more.

 

[dangerranger60]

As others have said, start on a single stage. I'd also add, start on straight wall pistol calibers, 45ACP, 9mm etc.

Oh, and don't believe for a second you'll "save" money because you won't. But you'll wind up shooting much more.

I have to say I have saved a ton of money reloading. You won't save much loading 9mm or 223. But if you shoot 38 super, 32 S&W, 45 Colt etc... I can load for 50% or less than ammo on the shelf. DR

 

[RVTECH]

Oh, and don't believe for a second you'll "save" money because you won't.

Technically YES you are correct (depending on calibers) however in a couple 'shortages' I SAVED money because I was stocked up with reloading components, did not have to 'fall victim' to 'scalpers' or 'scam' ammo sites or chase around looking for it.

I had ammo when others I knew (who didn't reload) were caught short but that was not my problem.

As I have often said before reloading (for me) is an 'extension' of my interest in shooting and the ability to create the BEST ammo FOR my shooting and hunting experiences.

 

[Alexx1401]

I have to say I have saved a ton of money reloading. You won't save much loading 9mm or 223. But if you shoot 38 super, 32 S&W, 45 Colt etc... I can load for 50% or less than ammo on the shelf. DR

YEP. I have 5 gallon buckets of 9mm and .45 brass now that I no longer bother to roll them. For things like .45 Colt, or .44 mag? When you look at what a box of factory ammo runs WOW!. The stuff that is not made in mass rolling your own can save a LOT.

 

[roseburger]

Unless you're either shooting a lot of expensive people ammo or are trying to get bench accuracy, I'd forgo reloading now; components are expensive.

 

[terdog]

Seems like primers have come down a bit. But 9mm is still a push IMHO. might as well buy factory.