How do I begin getting into reloading in 2026

[Jeepsnguns]

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.

https://soundcloud.com/scottcleveland%2Fdebbie-downer-wa-wa

 

[Jeepsnguns]

Back when I first started reloading I had a friend that had already been reloading for years who mentored me.
He recommended the Hornady reloading manuals.
I found those to be very informative.
They contained a lot of information about getting started etc. other than just the reloading charts.
Best of luck with your pursuit of a new hobby.

 

[Flymph]

Ya know, I was going to just say get a Hornady progressive press, assuming you're going to load calibers I would just buy... but all the comments about studying first make the most sense.

I have to expand, a progressive press is good for pumping out round after round is great... but you have less quality control and precision that a single stage press (arguably about the only reason to reload).
I'm in an odd place where precision is less important than the value saved of some cartridges, some of which just aren't available for purchase.
It's a good skill to have and well worth the practice, given you can afford the time.

 

[Mark W.]

I understand the why but I am fascinated by peoples tendency to assume someone getting into reloading would be based on common pistol or even common rifle calibers. Throw in a round like .303 Brit or 30-40krag maybe even .30 carbine or other uncommon like .405Win 45-90 or even as common a round as 30-30 but with uncommon bullets and the cost ratio changes dramatically. In the case of .30-40 krag based on the costs I bought most my supplies and the box prices at the time I was or am saving a $1.00 each round so $20.00 a box. Thats a substantial savings. .30 carbine running as much as a buck to 2 bucks a round its easy to see where reloading can save a bunch of money. I load a 125gr. FPHP Sierra slug in my .30carbine handgun loads something not available factory. I also load some very modern and hi performance rds for my model 1895 Winchester that approaches . 308win performance. While factory 30-40krag is suited to the much weaker 1898 Krag Jorgensen rifle in case the rounds are used in those rifles. This would severely limits what my 1895 Winchester can do.

So Reloading allows me to match my ammo to my firearm. Now if your a shooter in the 9mm .223 etc world then it might not be as advantageous.

 

[Koda]

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.

Here is a link to the basic instructions, also note the equipment needed in each step. RCBS sells package deals, but I agree start with a single stage press.

Reloading 101

Learn how to reload ammunition like a professional with our expert guide. Step-by-step instructions included.

rcbs.com

Next get your powder and reloading data free on your bullet manufacturers website, if your unsure which powder to try start with Hodgdon, pick the one listed in your bullets load data. I prefer the bullet manufacturers data, but you can also get free data from Hodgdons website.

Reloading Data Center – Hodgdon Reloading Data Center

hodgdonreloading.com

 

[Peteralexander78]

For me why do you want to reload? If it's to save money. Then you're only going to save money on the none main calibers. If you want to make competition cheaper? When I started everyone said single stage but I watched enough videos that it was slow and steady and would out grow it quickly. Progressive press was way out of my skill set since I didn't have a teacher. I settled on a turret press. I got the Lee classic turret. It's great. Been using it since 2013. It makes ammo fast enough and I have full control like a singe stage. Swapping calibers is easy enough. If you have more questions DM me.

 

[Peteralexander78]

For me why do you want to reload? If it's to save money. Then you're only going to save money on the none main calibers. If you want to make competition cheaper? When I started everyone said single stage but I watched enough videos that it was slow and steady and would out grow it quickly. Progressive press was way out of my skill set since I didn't have a teacher. I settled on a turret press. I got the Lee classic turret. It's great. Been using it since 2013. It makes ammo fast enough and I have full control like a singe stage. Swapping calibers is easy enough. If you have more questions DM me.

View attachment 2317484

You can look Hodgdon's website to see what powders you need for stuff

 

[RVTECH]

even as common a round as 30-30 but with uncommon bullets and the cost ratio changes dramatically.

Exactly ! And often using 'uncommon' bullets means one may be loading ammo for a gun that is NOT commercially available such as reduced loads.

I ROUTINELY load reduced .30-30 rounds with lighter bullets such as .30 carbine bullets or the Speer 100 grain 'Plinkers' and not only am I saving quite a bit but have ammo I could not buy.

.30-30 ammo with FMJ Carbine bullets and 10 grains of Unique. Damn Accurate !

 

[crstrode]

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.

Save your brass

 

[Mark4]

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

The main 2 would be .308 win and 7mm rem mag

Ive also heard that its possible to reload shotgun shells?

Does anyone know about this?

 

[roseburger]

The main 2 would be .308 win and 7mm rem mag

Ive also heard that its possible to reload shotgun shells?

Does anyone know about this?

Are you trying to reload to save money or gain accuracy? Yes, you can reload shotgun.

 

[Alexx1401]

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.

Have you looked at what .44 or 45 Colt ammo runs? Don't have either gun anymore but, if I still did? I would not be burning up factory ammo with them like I do with my 9s and 45's

 

[Alexx1401]

The main 2 would be .308 win and 7mm rem mag

Ive also heard that its possible to reload shotgun shells?

Does anyone know about this?

Of course you can. When I was playing with shooting clay we rolled those too. Made it a LOT more fun.

 

[RVTECH]

Have you looked at what .44 or 45 Colt ammo runs?

Those are bad enough however there is some .357 factory close to a buck a round as well!

Even if someone wanted to equate them with reloads it could be done for approximately half or a little more.

 

[roseburger]

Have you looked at what .44 or 45 Colt ammo runs? Don't have either gun anymore but, if I still did? I would not be burning up factory ammo with them like I do with my 9s and 45's

That falls into the expensive pistol ammo category.

 

[Alexx1401]

Those are bad enough however there is some .357 factory close to a buck a round as well!

Even if someone wanted to equate them with reloads it could be done for approximately half or a little more.

Hell yes, the "good" ammo in any of them runs PRICEY. The stuff I use for carry in my 9s runs $1.65 a round to buy. I laid in several cases of it years ago and even then it was pricey. What got me to roll to begin with was .44 Special. Had a couple wheel guns made for CC. Back then we common folk could not buy ammo on our own. There was little choice in the ammo and it was pricey. So I bought a setup to roll that and it was so much fun I was soon rolling everything until they started letting us just mail order ammo.

 

[2ndtimer]

Are you trying to reload to save money or gain accuracy? Yes, you can reload shotgun.

While you can reload shotgun shells, it requires a completely different set of hardware than center fire rifle and handgun cartridges. If rifle cartridges are all you plan to handload, then a good quality single stage press is all you would need. My RCBS Rockchucker is still going strong since 1982. If you plan to shoot a lot of a handgun cartridges, a Dillon is a quality piece of equipment, particularly if you are set on a specific load for your firearm. If you are more into experimenting with different loads or a variety of cartridges, the single stage press is still the best option, IMO. My Dillon RL-550B is set up to load 9mm, I use my single stage press to load .38, .357 Mag, 10mm and .45 ACP. (I do have a tool head set up for the Dillon for .45 ACP, but I hardly ever shoot mine, so I haven't switched over. .45 bullets are a LOT more expensive than 9mm's.)