Getting started with reloading in 2024? 10 things I wish I knew before I started reloading
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 พ.ย. 2023
- When you are getting started reloading, some things you learn the hard way. If I were starting to reload in 2023, in this video I cover things that I wished I knew before I started got started. There were several things that held me back when I started and in this video we cover 10+ of them.
Other videos we talk about in the video:
Reloading tools playlist: • Starting Reloading - E...
Support the Channel on Patreon: / boltactionreloading
Subscribe here for more informative videos: goo.gl/pMHmvu
#midwayusa
DISCLAIMER:
Videos on this channel are for informative, and entertainment purposes only. Using any of the information is at the risk of the individual using the information. We (including TH-cam) will not be held liable for any injury to yourself or damage to your property resulting from attempting anything shown in any our videos. By viewing or flagging this video you are acknowledging the above.
Reloading tools that aren't in your reloading kit playlist: th-cam.com/play/PLXl7rMHW73NPuwsykAr9sWCRShsN6sjIB.html
I started reloading- in 1971 because I couldn't buy factory ammo for the only rifle I could afford- a 7.7 Arisaka. Now, I load for accuracy.
If you think you're wasting time. I am watching this as a non gun owner.
I’m sure you’re great at conversations tho
The algorithm has spoken 🙌🏼
Get a few hundred bucks, go to your local FFL and change that. Guns are cool, fascinating and most importantly its fun. Oh and its your right. Give it a shot one day, youll like it. No pun intended. All decent humans are welcome in the gun community
Hahahahaha love you
Made my day
Choose a cartridge that is easy to reload with good case life. Choose a caliber that has a good available inventory of bullets and powders.
That’s why i chose 308
i only shoot 100yd target, i chose 300 BO, cases don't need trimming the first 100 times. big oy bullets with small powder charges some 1 hole groups.@@jasebrown9761
Where do you get primers? For the life of me, I can't find large rifle primers anywhere.
@@THall-vi8cp I’m in the UK and it’s hit and miss, powder, bullets and brass are no problem. Primers are on back order constantly.
@jasebrown9761
I'm in the States. I've only found large rifle primers available from one company and they won't ship to my state. Other than that, I can find small pistol, small rifle, and shotshell primers.
I shoot antique rifles that use obsolete ammunition. Need I say more?
I can never get enough of your videos mate. Please keep them coming!! I direct ALL new shooters to your channel. Absolutely top shelf 👌🏼
I couldn't agree more with you and this video. After two yrs of reloading, I believe I might have finally broke even on the cost I put into everything. My shot groups have dramatically improved. I found several combinations for my rifle and I average .25" groups with it at 100 yards. You have assisted me in reaching this goal. Thank you and keep up the amazing work.
I've been watching your videos for years, this is the best recap of what's important... I really appreciate it. It's so easy to get wrapped around 5,000 different axles when it comes to reloading.
I got started because of boutique rounds like 303 and 50AE. When I was hunting, it was really nice to have consistent deer loads year to year. I am now a member of an 800 yard range
Great video! Been reloading a year now, only handgun. May start rifle soon, a little intimidating, but channels like yours help. Thanks
Wonderful Video! SO true. I started out over 40 years ago with a single stage Lyman Orange Crusher press, loading 45 acps, then 38 spcls. needed for shooting 3-4 times per week after work. By the time my tooling required was adequate, I could have purchased my Dillon 550B press. I discovered myself dreading the reloading, knowing how long it took compared to how much, how fast I shot that ammo. Eventually, I did acquire the Dillon 550B, set up with separate plates for many different calibers and loading about 3-600 rounds per hr. still pausing to check powder charges every 10-20 rounds. I kept and still use my single stage Lyman press for all of my rifle loadings, which take tons of prep time, done one at a time. Some years ago, I decided that I would no longer need the Dillon so sold it all, then by habit got back into shooting big time. Now I have a Lyman multiple station progressive press that allows me to have 2 calibers set at all times, with separate powder chargers on each station. A completed round every 3-5 seconds, with pre-primed brass. I still practice a constant of checking powder charge and overall lengths, appx. each 10-15 rounds, stuck on using my large quantity of IMR 700X powder for all of my pistol target rounds. Reloading is a splendid hobby, relaxing and rewarding. The excitement of knowing the load is more accurate than that possibility of the shooter is a good thing. Salivating over the Wonderful, Splendid tooling this gentleman has, is dangerous for any budget. Single, torn 1 hole groups are easily obtainable with practice and study. Thanks again for this and other similar educational videos.
Great Video !
Dig your channel . I too wish, I knew then what we know now about reloading .
You nailed with the Giraud Trimmer... best tool I bought out of the entire reloading room that saves ALOT of time !
Lapua, Lapua, Lapua… didn’t believe until starting loading 6.5 PRC. Incredible difference. Love the Chanel
Great video! I have always enjoyed your video's, Lots of great info presented very straight forward. Please keep them coming.! Thank You
I bought a Dillon 550 in 2000, and have reloaded thousands and thousands of pistol & rifle ammo. I shot IDPA & PLC monthly for several years, and in those days it was much cheaper. Now a days it's just being able to reload when ammo is frightening expensive & I continue to reload with pre-covid purchased componants. I also just enjoy the process. There is a simple pleasure in shooting ammo I reloaded.
Great advice.
Great video, as always.
You are one hell of a gadget man but you’re a good reloader I’ve watched a lot of videos you have made and it has helped me to understand xyz thanks for sharing
Reloaders always spend more than factory ammo however i find it very satisfying to have great groups with ammo i assembled
Excellent video! Thank you ! 🙏
Definitely will share with friend’s interested in reloading.
Awesome, thank you!
Love the channel and all the information!
Much appreciated!
Thank you for making this video. I been shooting for 20 years and have thought about getting into it many times. After watching your video I think I will wait to start reloading until I want to do precision shooting
Thanks. Great video.
When I first got into it I was going to make pistol and 223 cheaper. Then it moved to avaialability with the 2012 shortage. Then got into long range shooting so it moved over to better than factory ammo. Now it's my favorite hobby to craft super consistent accurate ammo. Guess we all get into it for similar reasons and sometimes those reasons change or evolve.
Thank you !
I have every tool to prep the brass... And took a step back and do most by hand with a handpress, a lee cutter, hornady chamfer tool and primer tool. I do it in front of the tv or looking youtube videos. It somehow feel less like a burden and all the brass are ready to be load at the end of the week. I bought a lyman gen 6 powder dispenser and it's the tool I "need" the most! After that I use my arbor press and le wilson bullet seater... Looing at youtube videos, taking my time 😂
good video...thanks
I just hate trimming cases . I enjoy the process and the ritual of everything else. So much so that got me into premium brass . I have good luck with Nosler rifle brass. Rcbs x dies have helped quite a bit as well
Great wisdom 👍
Good video! Lots of great information. The book you recommend in your video is no longer available! :(
I've been using a big cat litter jug some dawn soap and lemmie shine for years now to clean my brass I've never had a Tumblr or a sonic cleaner or any of that. I'll admit my brass isn't the shiniest stuff around but it's clean and works for precision rounds.
I started out 30 years ago wanting to load accurate sub-moa rounds from a hunting rifle on a budget.
Lee products were my go-to for cost.(I'm cheap)
After failures of 3 different presses, I got an RCBS cast steel (not cheap aluminium)
Going cheap cost me more in the long run.
I still have my Lee powder dump, but all else has been replaced by RCBS, Lyman or Hornady (not their small weigh electric scale though. That was complete garbage)
You have a lot of great products in this video, but there has to be a middle ground cost for hunting accuracy reloads
The lyman xpress trimmer is an awesome unit aswell. Paired with the rcbs brass boss. Ive reloaded since 2020 and still dont own any tumbler. Never had brass get so dirty even at prs comps that felt the need to get one.
This is really good. I like the way you put this together. I also have a question on the testing of your load work up.
Once you do a load test. Say 5 shots each of 7 different loads in .5 increments.
There are three of them pretty good. The best load and one on either side. Do you go back to retest?
Now, taking the best load and going out .4gr on either side in .2gr increments?
Example:
Best load 46.5gr
Either side. 46.0 and 47.0
Test. 46.1, 46.3, 46.5, 46.7, 46.9
Once you find the best of the best, do you do a seating depth test also?
I like a consistent and precision shot.
I would love it if you would do a video on indepth reading of the targets.
Where do you change powders or primers and or seating depth?
How do you get that bullet hole in bullet hole target?
Or even close to it.
Chronographs are awesome. I just can't afford one. And now supplies are much more expensive.
I love my shooting and hunting. Can't stop due to prices.
Thank you,
Jeff D.
Took me back seeing those boxes of .32 Win special.
Ironically, I love the idea and sciwnce of reloading very much but I dont shoot alot. Its just something I wanted to learn. I am completely content to sit in my reloading room, surrounded by all my jars full of colored bullets and buckshot and just read a book or watch tv on my phone. I really love having the know-how of reloading, I just dont hunt or even shoot much. I just like knowing that I can if I want to😊( Not to mention that the idea of using up all my components that I bought before 2020 will be difficult to get again as they cost so much)
This is wild. Its been two months since youve posted and 10 months since Johhny's reloading bench posted. Now yall both are back the same day! 👍
Haha thought the same thing. Praise be reloading channels
It wasn't coordinated but I would like to spread that rumor. I have been working on a ton of crazy content that I think you guys will enjoy. I wish I was a better planner and could be more consistent.
@@BoltActionReloadinga friend just told me it's all but impossible to find primers. I had called him to ask if if he had some of them for a project I was working on.
Great video. Totally agree. Have your SS pins gone dull on you or have they stayed shiny? If shiny, what is the secret sauce please.
In Norway We pay about the same price for factory lapua cartridges as we do for lapua brass. Are there any reasons to purchase brass instead of factory ammunition then? I just bought a new barrel and 200 rounds with it. My thoughts are to use those rounds to “shoot in” the barrel. After that the barrel is more consistent and I can start load development.
Don't buy once fired brass buy new brass so you are able to check consistency buy weight of a finished cartridge. Range pick ups are good especially if you see the person shooting new factory ammo
Great video we need more please thank you Donald Costello
I just recently started reloading for 300win mag. I love the series you did years ago on it, great information. I have recently acquired some N568 and have found it to be.... Ok? Any chance you would be interested in busting out the ol 300 for a round of testing with 568? I'm curious how Quickload feels about 81.3gs under a 212eldx seated to 3.550 oal..getting 2890 fps out of a 24" Barrel. Brass looks fine, but that's not always an accurate read.
The Lee case trimmer and cutter (ca. $8) with gauge (ca. $6) works very well. If desired, use an electric drill, or, get the Lee Zip Trimmer for about $25.
I agree 100% with everything you said lol. 0% cost saved bc you shoot more. Also same thoughts on 9mm buy it instead of reloading it.
I recently sold my reloading equipment, prior to watching this video. I asked myself all these questions. The best advice I could give, is to find all your components First. Considering time and equipment, it's hard to save money like you could years ago. In my opinion, you need to really enjoy the hobby. Over the counter ammo is fine for over the counter Rifles . Like was stated " you can't shine a turd " . Also, when ammo is short , components are short. There is also neck turning. Case annealing, concentricity tools , on and on . A quality trigger is a priority. This can be an expensive hobby. If you're a common man hunter, I suggest keeping it simple.
Gordons reloading tool is also a great help to develop loads and gives you a lot of insight on how much each factor will influence your pressure and velocity.
Looking forward to the Garmin and 7 prc.
Have you done a video using the pressure trace to track increases in pressure based on barrel cleaning and degradation and accuracy
Got into reloading after buying an m1 and M1A. Good308 ammo is about $2 a round. American eagle m1 ammo is 1.65 a round. It’s adding up fast. I’m mostly loading for plinking ammo and cheap ammo is kinda disappointing.
If you are a hunter, pick your first caliber to reload on a basic easy cartridge like a 308 Win, 270 Win, 30-06, 6.5 Creedmor, 7mm-08, etc.
Pick something that has plenty of brass, bullets, to experiment. I would recommend a Lee breech lock hand press also. It stores out of the way and doesn't need to be mounted on a bench as a single stage press setup.
Cost is #1 for me. Buy bulk when on sale. Availability and cost of ammo in Canada is a challenge.
Been out of reloading game long time. I am guilty of prob having to much of certain types of powder that I bought when crunch started. But I feel if in long I don't need it. I can sell or trade with those who do. Not necessarily a win win. But an option none the less.
Greetings BAR. Excellent videos. 1 Thing I'd ask you to mention is... When people are thinking about purchasing "Factory Seconds" when buying projectiles. Sure- we all want to save money... but saving a few pennies per round at the cost of accuracy just isn't really worth it. (Unless maybe your just making blasting ammo for your AR). I've made this mistake more than once. Keep up the great work.
Whole reason I’m getting into reloading is because it looks pretty fun and I’m gonna mostly reload rarer ammo, like 45-120 Sharps
Thank you. I’m interested in reloading but I can buy factory rounds cheaply so I’ll hold off until I have a good supply of brass. I use a .223 and .308; do you have any recommendations for factory rounds with a view to reloading the brass?
I hate tedious things, however, I love the precision of reloading. I load for a 300 win mag, it's extremely expensive to buy them from the factory. 3 to $10 per cartridge. So I can save about a. $1.50 per cartridge by loading my own.
The value gained from hand loading varies a lot by cartridge and application. If you are shooting 9mm Luger for fun, I don’t think there is a break even point. However, factory .45 Colt is stupidly expensive. The cases last forever, and you can load anything from very mild “cowboy loads” to near .44 Magnum (lever action rifle only!). For rifles, a similar comparison might be .223 vs. 7x57 Mauser. Factory ammo for 7x57 is hard to find and very limited. However, it is a great cartridge and with modern bullets and powders you can do a lot with it.
Great video, have question. I usually reload for my bolt guns, the semi auto is diffrent to me, I have read, watched videos but nothing really lays it down. So my question will standard 5.56 dies work ? And does the AR PRIMERS a must or can I use small rifle ?
I reload in order to become un-disarmable.
I do reload to save money, but I also shoot at least 200 9mm, 150 5.56 and 40 7prc every Monday. I firmly believe that constant practice is critical to both performance and safety. I also conceal carry making constant practice even more important. Also, my wife doesn't care if I spend time. The same can't be said for money...lol
I wish I had known that if you adjust your sizing die per die manufacturers instructions you'll probably have excessive case headspace.
about trimming cases - I only reset the case 0,002mm and I havent trimmet a case i 5 years.
I’m looking at doing it mostly because it feels like I’m beginning to horde spent factory brass and the price for what i use isn’t that bad
I started reloading after a couple shortages, and to have ammo for odd calibers.
I just bought a 6.8 western, not any ammo at my local gun stores
The variety of reloading kits or presses and accesories these days is a bit daunting for a pretty fair number of people,. Much easier for a person with only one or two guns to start out with, to buy a kit like a Rockchucker kit, and have it last thru a lifetime and add goodies as they see fit, doesn't come with everything, but, has the least amount of stuff to upgrade shud a person go down the various rabbit holes and add guns, or get into disciplines that need the different accessories.
Wet tumbling: use chips instead of pins. Makes it much easier.
What was the chart showing in regard to brass? I couldn’t discern what the values represented. Thanks.
its showing how many out of a lot are a certain weight so narrow and tall are what you are looking for, where others are wide and flat.
You can save a significant amount per round but you will end up shooting more. Total cost to shoot per year went through the roof compared to what I was paying buying ammo. But there again my total rounds shot more than doubled as well.
Can you or anyone suggest a decent scale I shoot about 3500 cartridges a year would be more but components are now difficult for a 6.5x284 Norma. I'm 68yrs disabled so the best bang for the buck. Thank you for your time.
I started down the rabbit hole with 9mm & .223, now I'm one of THOSE GUYS with 5 gallon buckets of brass.
Is there any consideration for the environment when reloading. Can you reload in your garage? I notice you have a nice reloading area. What areas should you avoid?
It will just depend on what you are using and the actual conditions. I did some powder tests that showed some crazy swings in velocity based on the exposure of the powder to high and low humidity. Electronic scales are certainly more finicky with a breeze and temperature swings. If you find some videos with Scott Satterlee he has his reloading area in a garage if I remember correctly and he has made ammo that has won some matches. (I believe its his skill over the ammo that won the match to be fair)
Shooting is a SPORT and reloading is a HOBBY !
Wish I would have never bought a kit. Got stuff I never used and replaced most of the components. In the long run I ended up spending more!
If it comes down to buying a new barrel, which brand or company would you recommend?
Depends for the application. I have a 223 Wylde SPR barrel and a Bartlein 6.5 CM from WOA and they are both very good. I have another few custom chambered Bartlein barrels and they are so far I am very happy.
Thanks for convincing me not to reload. I thought it would save more money than it does but hey there's always the old .22!
I’d say reloading if you live in Canada would be considerably cheaper if you’re shooting larger calibres, a box of Remington core lokt for 30-06 is anywhere from 64.99 and up. Federal seems to be the cheapest but if had lots of duds with federal. Never shot hornady before because I can’t justify 94.99$ for a box of 20 30-06. Great video though lots of information.
Where do you get large rifle primers? Where oh where?
They do pop up online occasionally, but I have found them at my local shop pretty consistently. (at least CCI-200s) I found some Winchesters last time so I picked up 500 just to try them out.
Haven’t seen any in 3 years! I’m in NE Georgia. If you go in any gun shop and ask for them, you just hear laughter! Can’t find them at Midsouth shooters supply, or Midway USA. I’ve been waiting for 3 years to purchase reloading equipment because I was not interested in spending the money and not being able to find supplies! I don’t know why we can’t get large rifle primers in this area! Thanks for your videos!!!
If you really want to save money as a prime reason for reloading, make sure you're shooting at least 1000 rounds of handgun or 500 rounds of rifle per year. Then buy quantities of components that actually give you a quantity cost reduction. Then consider how much you value your own hourly rate. Then determine the max throughput per hour of the tools you buy.
My favorite tip in this video was talking about learning from someone else. I wish I had access to people who reload so I could learn from them with them on their tools while they're making their own rounds. Do not undervalue this luxury. Take the opportunity if you have it.
Having a hand loading mentor is gold. There are so many little things that you can pick up just watching someone else reload. Just make sure that you keep thinking for yourself and use multiple information sources.
Pun intended. Nice!
Good thinking went into this presentation. But the audio faded in and out many times.
HI Troy I just listened again to the video and I just don't hear anything fading in and out. What are you listening on? I am not doubting you I just want to know if there is something else I should be testing.. Thanks in advance, BAR
Bummer. I was hoping to see a reply from JRB.
In my experience with wet tumblers I've found they cause a small lip to develop on the inside and outside of the end of the case neck. Have you experienced this too?
How long are you tumbling for?
@@BoltActionReloading 4 hours. The pins I have are .25" long and about .04" in diameter. I'm using a Thumler's Tumbler
I don't tumble any longer than and hour, most cases (pun intended) less. After this my brass is plenty clean enough and no issues.
@@BoltActionReloading Good to know, thanks!
Have you seen Eric Cortina work with 2 stock Remington rifles, half MOA?
6.5 Needsmore?
I have. Is this in disagreement with having a good barrel? I am sure that Eric wouldn't disagree that a good barrel is worth it, but you can ask. Never said that a factory couldn't shoot but all of them don't. At some point you need to stop chasing your tail and admit that a replacement would end the frustration.
@@BoltActionReloading no, it just fascinated me how good modern machining is compared to a decade ago, even a cheap barrel shoots.
Absolutely its far better, at least as far as I remember. I spent a lot of time behind Minute of deer barrels vs MOA. MOA are more fun, but both are fun on any given day.
1. Dont buy Lee.
2. Stick to stick powders- they meter so much better in electric powder dispensers.
3. Full length size every time, and neck size separately with an expander.
4. Dont use One Shot case lube on anything bigger than 223. Imperial die wax is infinitely better and less messy.
I think we've all found small things in hind sight that we would have done differently. Tools that were a waste or unnecessary.
1- I bought Lee, I'm on my 2nd press in 40 years of reloading, the first one lasted 34 years. Thousands of rounds reloaded in 14 calibers.
2- N/A
3- I never full length resized ever, I anneal the case necks after 10 firings, I only neck size and I have brass from 35 years ago I still use. I inspect after every firing.
4- Lee again.
This is what has worked for me.
You won't save much doing 9mm especially if you count your time. If you load boutique ammo it adds up. I reload 180g xtp 44 magnum full powers for .50 cents vs the cheapest 44 rounds are at least a 1 per.
Hello Sir, Can you share Zediker book? Maybe you have pfd?
It was for same on amazon. Looks like its out of stock at the moment. I don't have a PDF. When he died I thought that someone in the family was still offering his books for sale. I just looked on ebay, wow the prices have sure gone up.
@@BoltActionReloading I'll be very grateful if it possible to ask you to make a photo maybe? If it needed, I can pay you for this, because there is no ability to get this book. Thanks in advance. Greetings from Ukraine.
I checked Midway USA and they say it's discontinued😢.
I discovered buying everything from someone who is getting out of reloading is a great way to save money. You get a great discount. And then I sell what I don’t want. Slowly I have ended up with what I want for free.
I regularly shoot 1000 rounds and over a week reloading is saving me 60% I fully paid for my set up in less than 3 months if you're shooting less 500 rounds or less each week or only shooting 1 or 2 times a month it probably not cheaper to reload
if i take a look at the calibers and guns people use, i come to the conclusion, that low cost are the main interest! what about performance? my goal are better Results on a cold bore shot on a one Mile distance, or more!
Well, I started reloading when I was 14, i'm now north of 66. One thing you forgot, and in my opinion is one of the main reason for reloading. What is it? Government overreach! Being able to reload regardless of what government restricts in the future. Yeah, it can be cheeper to reload, but mostly it's a great hobby and makes custom loads available to the poor man.
I started reloading around 20 years ago. Primers were $1.80/100, powder was around $15/lb and bullets were very very inexpensive. I could reload .45 for around eight cents. All that said, with prices the way they are now , reloading is more for therapy than cost, and the ability to increase my stock. In the past, .45 was
I would like to know your thoughts on the lyman ultimate reloading press kit system. It seems to have most stuff that will be needed as a beginner
I guess it really depends on what you are looking for. I am not personally interested in a turret press, vibratory tumbling, analog calipers, I own the trimmer and I prefer the lee with a drill if you own one,, or the FA trimmer if you can swing it in your budget (and are reloading shouldered cases) and I have no experience with its hand primer. Personally I would put together a kit with parts that specifically fit your needs.
BAR
Better off buying tools one at a time. You can catch them on sale at Midway USA, or just pick out the best tools you can afford and buy them up all at once. But the kits are usually a joke, once one understands that upgrades are necessary, and the money wasted on the junk tools could have been spent towards the upgrades.
A note on brass cleaning that a lot of people don’t know - the residue left behind from the primers has lead in it. This has been reported as a major cause of lead poisoning in reloaders. Dry tumbling tends to put this lead dust in the air and then breathed in and absorbed though your lungs. Wet tumbling helps mitigate this problem.
Reloading my hunting 7mm mag does not cost $1.80 a round. Primers were .9 cents. Bullets are .36 cents and powder is about .35 to .60 cents per round. Depending on which powder u use. And that’s a magnum cartridge. So on the high end you’re looking about $1.05 a round for me since I already have a ton of brass. It all depends on how much you want to shoot your rifle. If your only gonna shoot 100 rounds a year then go ahead and pay $250 a year which the ones I buy are actually $3 a round and I like to practice about 250 to 300 rounds per year. Do the math over 10 years for 300 rounds a year
I buy cheap ammo, disassemble and reload it. A consistent powder charge and seating depth can shrink groups considerably.
😊😊😊😊😊
And you can reuse your brass up to 20 times
I'd like too reload, but I don't get too shoot enough. And it costs a lot more to reload than to just buy ammo and shoot. Not worth the investment or time. Getting better performance than factory is kind of not needed, factory loads are already great and getting sub moa regularly.
I think the only way for reloading to be profitable to ones self the cost of primers @ power need to become affordable and available again!!! Like everything else. I been reloading for over 20 years and had to stop because cost of primers @ hazmat fees .It is a very thin line !!!💲💲💲💲💲💲💲💲