re: Reloading Costs for a Beginner

Thanks for all of your insight.

For guys saying you'd be unable to do it... They are overstating how "difficult" it is. I agree that pistol cartridges are much easier to load, but loading rifle rounds is not that difficult.

The resizing die will resize your brass so it won't over "stretch" as you say. It will be resized each time you rub it through.

If you want to embark on this, post specific questions and I'll answer them when I'm on my computer. I'm on my phone right now.

You can't do something you've never done and not be a first timer. The only way to learn is to do it. Granted, pistol reloading is easier, basic rifle loading for beginners isn't impossible.

Alright, so for rifle reloading in its most basic form you'll need these components:

Die Set (with shell holder)
Press
Case trimmer
Deburring/chamfering tool
Priming Tool
Tumbler
Reloading Guide

and of course:

Powder
Primers
Bullets

The products I use for each one with price estimates:

Die Set - RCBS Small Base .223/5.56 Dies ($40)
Press - RCBS Rock Chucker Press ($200)
Case Trimmer - Lee Trimmer with chuck ($15)
Deburring/Chamfering Tool - RCBS Trim Mate ($100)
Priming Tool - Lee Autoprime ($30)
Tumbler - Thumler's Thumbler with Stainless Steel media ($220)
Reloading Guide - Hornady 2008 Edition ($30)

Granted, these steps can be completed with much cheaper tools, these help me to load as quick as I possibly can on a single stage press. To go any faster, I would need a progressive press, and I will eventually get one.

Also, with the concerns of the whistle blowers telling you that you could double charge a case and blow your gun up - come on! First of all, if you double charge a .223, it will overflow EASILY. Secondly, any experienced reloader should check the charge each time before charging the cases and examine these cases for powder levels before seating the bullets. And lastly, if you follow a reputable reloading guide, these published charges are WAY below pressures compared to factory rounds. To get absolute max charges, you can check their website. If not, follow the book and you'll have no issues. You should still start at the lower end of the charge and work up though.

My process for reloading rifle rounds is as follows:

1. Lube, deprime, and resize fired cases
2. Tumble cases
3. Trim cases
4. Chamfer/Debur cases
5. Prime cases
6. Charge cases
7. Seat bullets in cases
8. Shoot, shoot, shoot, etc...

I do agree with Ninthward that it would be easier to start with handgun loading, but if you wish to start reloading rifle first, it wouldn't be impossible.

If you referred to my videos in the FAQ thread and they weren't helpful enough, I've been entertaining the idea of doing some videos for rifle reloading. Let me know if this would be helpful to you and I can add it in there.

Good luck and happy shooting!

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(example) say he reloads first with a .45 acp and with a powder like Unique a double charge is obvious.

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It will be obvious in a rifle charge too! When I load, I pump out 100 at the time. I charge all casings before crimping. Use a flashlight to check each charge is a must.

For hunting rounds, I weigh each charge to the Tee.

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You can't do something you've never done and not be a first timer. The only way to learn is to do it. Granted, pistol reloading is easier, basic rifle loading for beginners isn't impossible.

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I don't think anyone said impossible, just a pain in the arse.

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Thanks to all three of you guys for your contributions on educating a newb like me.

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Just utilizing the power of the interwebz.

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Lake City brass

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Just one more step for a guy that doesnt know what the hell he's doing.

We have all had a mentor at some point in hand loading.

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We have all had a mentor at some point in hand loading.

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This is absolutely true. My dad has been a rifle loader for 20+ years, so I had a pretty distinct advantage to others with no experience.

OP, if you have any questions, feel free to ask me. Like I said, if I can make extra tutorial videos to help with the process, I will be more than happy to do it.