doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Reloading 101: What do you need to start?

Now that I am starting to shoot more and more, reloading seems like the way to go, but before I start, I wanted to see what you need to start.

It seems like there is a glut of used equipment on market. If you had to do it all over and start from scratch, what would be in your kit? What can one expect to pay? I know the sky is the limit, but lets try to keep this in the realm of a hobbyist.

I just ran the cost of reloading on trapshooters.com and the calculation came to 4.53/ box. using costs of components in this area. Is it worth it?
I enjoy reloading, particularly for my old doubles.,but otherwise I am not sure I would do it.

Great starter is the MEC Jr. I recommend their micro-adjustable bar, YMMV. You will be able to load at lower cost depending on your location of lead shot. Advertise to buy folks' old stock. Of course, for many of us the opportunity to load premium ammunition is the greatest concern, and then the savings really start to add up--look at the price of premium shotshells these days...with the exception of Bismuth--it's too high for the shot alone!
If you are able to bite the bullet a bit, there are better loaders which taper the end of the shell in a full length sizer, or have a more rapid rate of sequential loading (good for high volume, but I probably wouldn't buy one used) etc. You get a better tool for a few more dollars, and lessen frustrations a bit. Steve

I think you need to answer several questions:
Why are you reloading? - Cost? Custom loads not readily available?
One gauge or several?
High volume loading or a box or two?

Depending how you answer these questions, I would give different answers, ranging from 600 Jr to higher cost progressive loaders

The price is not so much the factor anymore, you can buy SOME shells cheaper than reloading, but for some of the vintage shotguns we shoot, reloading is the way for me. I don't shoot hundreds of shells a week or a month. Some shoots are a 100 rounds but that is only a few times a year.

One of the main things to have in doing this is a good scale, either a beam type or a cheaper digital one for under $50.
I still use the Mec 600 Jr, the old and newer one with the part added so that you know where you left off if you have to leave the machine.

You need strong, stable workbench space; not less than 3'-4'. Storage space for supplies must be established; how much depends on how many shells you will load and how many supplies you will stock.

Loading presses come in single stage (one operation on one shell per handle stroke - multiple handle strokes per single loaded shell) while progressives perform each operation on differing shells per one stroke of the handle (one shell loaded per handle stroke). Normal sequence is to start with a simple single stage and stay with it until you master reloading and prove to yourself that you need higher volume for time spent.
some people go directly to a progressive and save the cost of a single stage. The hazard is that they often become frustrated with the learning curve and abandon loading all together.

Buy a $35 Hornady digital electronic scale (or similar); a wonderful little tool. Plan on an assortment of shot and powder bushings.

You will need a coordinated supply of powder, primers, wads, and shot. Remington compression formed hulls (Gun Club, etc.) are often found at shooting ranges in considerable quantity and are usually good for several loadings.

Go to and have fun.

DDA

Thanks for the advice. I want to try some custom loads for my vintage guns and go from there. There is no way that I am going to reload for my trapshooting as that would be too much.

This thread interests me because I can't buy RST in Canada.

My answers would be:
Low pressure loads suitable for older guns.
12 and 16 gauge
low volume.

As Leighton/Stallones mentioned above, the cost is not much of a savings over the "Mart" store offerings that are shelf ready......

But, reloading does allow the shooter/reloader to control his product to suit his shooting needs, especially where vintage guns are involved....i.e., low pressure, low or high volume, rolled or star crimped, short-medium or long hulls and so on.....and for some it is a lot of fun and rewarding.....

Used single stage presses on ebay, for example, cost near what new MEC presses cost from Grafs or one of the larger retailers.....I would suggest new equipment which includes warranties and "no headache" quality, i.e. void of rust and prior user damage etc......there is a lot of junk out there.....IMO.......

First thing would be to buy a good shot shell reloading book and read in detail to see if this adventure suits your liking........it's not for everybody, that's for sure.........

I load multiple gauges and have found that having a press set up for each gauge is advantageous if you have the room.....

Sounds like your definitely going to be a low round count reloader. A basic single stage loader will probably suffice for you.