Reloading Kit - I've got nothing right now

MooseD · Sep 5, 2020

I know there are many experienced hands in our community, looking for some advice. I see brands like Lee, Dillion Precision, RCBS, Hornady Lock-N-Load and single stage vs multiple. Not sure what to get.

I've watched a few youtube videos and will watch many more. I have nothing right now so starting from scratch. Looking to load 556 with 77gr to work better with 5" barrel (Maxim PDX) and 9mm for subsonic. I'm thinking to focus on 9mm to get good with the process and start with off the shelf reload casing before cleaning and prepping my own casing for the first/two rounds to understand how things work. I have a feeling that I may be doing this for a while (gun owner for the past 25 yrs, hits indoor range 3+ days a week).

So to begin with, knowing what you know, where should I start? what should I get? If you have extra equipment or looking to upgrade yours, what do you have? I'm in Kirkland WA, can pickup locally. Thanks!

4x401 · Sep 6, 2020

Worthwhile endevor! 3 days a week at the range!! Man, you need to reload if you're buying ammo!

Been in the game myself over 40 years. So my advice is worth exactly what you're paying for it..

Used equipment come up in the marketplace here OFTEN! I've scored MANY good deals!

You need to start with the basics.
Buy a used single stage press by RCBS, Redding, Hornady...Lee presses are junk/.
Lee makes some decent dies, but I prefer, RCBS, Hornady, Redding, Forster, and I have / use all of them. Buy Carbide dies, they don't require the use of a lubricant when resizing the cases. Get a recent edition reloading manual by any of the names listed above. They all have step by instuctions for beginners. Read, Read, READ! Don't take everything you see on Uboob as GOSPEL!

awshoot · Sep 6, 2020

There's a recent thread on the topic -- lots of good info:

Double check my setup

So I'm starting to put together my reloading setup and was hoping some folks here could double-check that I'm not missing anything major for reloading .223. The list (with pictures) is as follows Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Single Stage Press Kit (Comes with powder drop, scale, hand primer...

www.northwestfirearms.com

You should definitely read the reloading mistakes thread, and not just for the lulz -- mistakes are informative:

Share your hand loading mistakes!

Share the dumb things you have seen or done so that others may learn and laugh.

www.northwestfirearms.com

MooseD · Sep 6, 2020

4x401 said:
Worthwhile endevor! 3 days a week at the range!! Man, you need to reload if you're buying ammo!

Been in the game myself over 40 years. So my advice is worth exactly what you're paying for it..

Used equipment come up in the marketplace here OFTEN! I've scored MANY good deals!

You need to start with the basics.
Buy a used single stage press by RCBS, Redding, Hornady...Lee presses are junk/.
Lee makes some decent dies, but I prefer, RCBS, Hornady, Redding, Forster, and I have / use all of them. Buy Carbide dies, they don't require the use of a lubricant when resizing the cases. Get a recent edition reloading manual by any of the names listed above. They all have step by instuctions for beginners. Read, Read, READ! Don't take everything you see on Uboob as GOSPEL!

Thank you!