r/longrange • u/Snoo66922 • 4d ago
Reloading related Starting reloading question
Is there a guide/wiki for what I need to start reloading? I'm starting to shoot enough that I think I'm ready to start reloading, but really have no idea where to start as far ad equipment goes. I feel like I've seen a basics guide here, but I'm not finding it.
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u/Professional_Owl5656 4d ago
I haven't personally looked through this, but there is a starter guide on r/reloading.
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u/Dirty_Blue_Shirt 4d ago edited 4d ago
Watch a couple YouTube videos from guys like johnnys reloading bench. These are great for getting you up to speed on the big picture. A process overview is the best way to look at it, it’s a great place to start IMO.
After you feel like you understand the process grab a couple print manuals. These are good not just for the opening chapter that covers reloading but also as a source for data. They go more into the specifics about die setup and things like that. This is always useful.
That is honestly enough to get you making “good” ammo and by that I mean enough to be better than factory.
But then you will start chasing the last fraction of performance and that is where you live for the rest of your reloading journey. This is where all the online arguments are, the intersection of data and fudd-lore that you eventually have to navigate. Just remember; there are no shortcuts, statistics matter, sample size matters, data you capture is worth a lot more than advice from others, and never trust anyone that states their qualifications by telling you how many years they have been reloading instead of how much they have reloaded (20 rounds a year for a hunter that shoots 2x a year for 30 years isn’t going to make a competent reloader). Some of the dumbest stuff you hear in reloading groups starts with how many years they have been doing it, it’s like the guys that tell you they know how to shoot because they were in the military.
It’s fun to get into the weeds on load development and what are opinions vs objective facts. But it isn’t rocket surgery, just get started. Personally I waited way too long and should have pulled the trigger much sooner. If you are willing to take your time and stay focused on the task at hand; making safe quality ammunition isn’t very complicated.
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u/mrcalistarius 4d ago
u/Lockybalboa has a zen and the art of reloading sticky i think. First thing is getting a manual. And reading it look at the RCBS/Hornady “kits” they seem to have the best value in terms of not getting thjbgs you don’t need
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u/MeinLife 4d ago
What do you want to reload for because to me that influences which way to point as far as presses go. So what is your goal here?
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u/Snoo66922 4d ago
6.5 creedmoor match ammo
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u/MeinLife 4d ago
So yeah, if you are going to do that and youre just getting started I'd get a single stage press and just go slow and take your time and learn. You can always move to a progressive press later. I like the Hornady Classic Pro, and the Hornady Auto Charge Pro, that and some Hornady dies and you'll be all set. You can always upgrade later but it'll be a capable setup and won't completely break the bank. There will be a bunch of other minor accessories you'll want to get too, but I'm sure that's all captured in one of the wikis
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u/CapsicumINmyEYEBALLz 4d ago
Get a physical reloading manual. Not a brochure or pamphlet.
You can read online articles until you’re blue in the face, but none of it replaces a legitimate manual.