Where do I start?

[trukinbear]

I'm giving my grandkids matching pistols in 30SC (.30 super carry). My son pointed out that he remembers when I used to reload when he was a kid, and that I shouldn't just give them pistols in an odd caliber, but I should teach them how to reload them too. Obviously I don't want some elaborate system where they can crank out rounds by the dozen, and we're only focusing on one caliber 30SC and possibly 9mm. The 30SC appears to be a cut down .30 carbine, with a small rifle primer instead of a pistol primer. What do I need at a minimum equipment wise to get them started? I've already verified that Lee has the dies.

Thanks I'm advance,
TBear

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[VinnieBoomBah]

I have one of these and love it.

APP PRESS

The Automatic Processing Press is your first choice for primer pocket swaging, bullet sizing, bulge busting and single stage reloading.

leeprecision.com

 

[Nosferatu]

The RCBS Rockcrusher kit is the defacto standard minimal starter kit. There are other flavors in different brands as well.

They can often be found in the second hand market as well if you have some allergy to new stuff. There's a lot of "I want to get into reloading so I bought the kit, but only stared at it after pulling it out of the box. My loss, your gain. NO lowballers, I know what I got." deals out there.

 

[Lilhigbee]

Get a book. I recommend the Lyman 50th (or whatever version they're at) Reloading Handbook, but any manual will have information on getting started. Search this site. There are many threads asking this exact same question with pages of good info.

 

[Twilight]

For a simple starter setup, all you really need is a single-stage press, dies, shellholder, scale, powder measure, calipers, priming tool, and a manual. Lee Classic or RCBS Rock Chucker kits are hard to beat. Keep it slow, precise, and safe, perfect way to pass the torch.

 

[Local Loader]

Any intro single stage kit should work, Hornady has a nice one that comes with all but a case cleaner and dies. Bi-mart normally has them cheap and carries the dies and shell holders as well.

 

[RVTECH]

when I used to reload

Well, If YOU used to reload you should have a good idea of the basics.

Obviously there is new equipment, accessories and more components available now but the basic reloading processes haven't changed much however I agree on getting a new manual or two and studying up on it - and try to avoid YouTube - for now anyway.

 

[trukinbear]

Any intro single stage kit should work, Hornady has a nice one that comes with all but a case cleaner and dies. Bi-mart normally has them cheap and carries the dies and shell holders as well.

As luck would have it, bi-mart is just about the only store in this town

 

[trukinbear]

Well, If YOU used to reload you should have a good idea of the basics.

Obviously there is new equipment, accessories and more components available now but the basic reloading processes haven't changed much however I agree on getting a new manual or two and studying up on it - and try to avoid YouTube - for now anyway.

I do have a really good idea of the basics. I had a really elaborate system back in the day that would crank out a ton of ammunition and switch calibers and all kind of stuff. I was basically just asking for recommendations on one of the kits that looks like they've got enough stuff to for my grandkids to start. I'd rather not have to piece it all together unless I can do it with the used stuff from you. Nice guys

 

[Richo877]

I started this same process about a year and a half ago. Here's my thread:

Getting into reloading, where should I start?

I've been thinking about getting into reloading lately. I'm not a gunsmith by any means, but I've built a few AR's, I've tinkered with triggers, done some repairs, changed out springs and detents, done some playing around with lots of little moving parts. I've really enjoyed all the time I've...

www.northwestfirearms.com

Since then, I've been learning and loading in .45 acp, .38spl, 9mm, .223 rem, 7mm mag, and .30-06.
Best place to start is a book. If you're in the area, I've got a great starter catalog insert from Handloader that really break downs the simplicity of the basics. You're more than welcome to pick it up.

Equipment-wise you need a single stage press, shell-holder and dies for your desired caliber, a priming tool, a scale that weighs in grains (you can get digital ones for very cheap to start), a powder measure/drop if you want to make powder dispensing convenient, otherwise, you can weigh every charge independently. For bottleneck rifle cartridges, you'll want a trimmer. Oh and a tumbler/cleaner. Other tools exist to make things easier and smoother, but those are the necessities.
I decided on the RCBS rebel kit (the next generation of rockchucker), and I've been very satisfied with the decision. Enjoy the journey!

 

[RVTECH]

I do have a really good idea of the basics. I had a really elaborate system back in the day

What press did you have?

Like previously mentioned the RCBS RockChucker kit is the popular 'cornerstone' many of us started with (I did) and never had a complaint.

DO some studying up on the Rockchucker kits as I BELIEVE they made some changes to the design and now offer couple different styles.

 

[trukinbear]

What press did you have?

Like previously mentioned the RCBS RockChucker kit is the popular 'cornerstone' many of us started with (I did) and never had a complaint.

DO some studying up on the Rockchucker kits as I BELIEVE they made some changes to the design and now offer couple different styles.

Yeah we're talking like 40 plus years ago. I don't actually remember, but I did remember that dies came from Lee which is where I checked to see if I could get the dyes. So I'm guessing that my equipment was Lee because I don't recall RCBS... But then I don't recall what I had for breakfast either

 

[dangerranger60]

For a starter kit any of the single stage kits will let them turn out good rounds. I have a lee kit that I bought in the early 90's. It still turns out good ammo.
I also own a RCBS Rockchucker and 4 progressive presses. they all do the same job.
Some people really enjoy the reloading, some people look at it like watching paint dry.
I would start them with a basic loader, and if they take to it, build up from there. DR

 

[quneur]

Depends on how much you want to spend. Get a good scale and caliper. Tools that will help in critical measurements. Too bad there's no ammo checker for that caliber.

 

[1911Fanatic]

That Lee kit looks pretty doable. I had a Dillion back in the 90's.