How did you get started reloading

[Smilin_Bob]

Hello,

I am in the process of reading Lymans 48th and other manuals and I am thinking about down the line getting into reloading. I am curious as to how others here on this forum started reloading. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Smilin Bob ;D

[hunter63]

I started with a "Lee Loader" after I bought a .225 win rifle and found that there isn't much commercial ammo out there.

I was able to reload my brass and I only invested about $20.00 bucks at the time.
I have since moved on to a regular press, dies etc., but it ws a good start for not much money.

http://www.leeprecision.com/html/catalog/cleeloader.html

[kawalekm]

Back around 1980 my first gun was a .177 pellet rifle. A friend invited me to shoot his .22 and I was sooo impressed with the power. He also had a 38 special and a Lee reloader. I helped him make 38spl. and that's how I got interested in reloading. Shortly afterwards, I was able to get a second hand Ruger Security Six, and I decided I'd continue reloading my own ammunition. I decided to splurge though and got a RCBS junior press which I still have today. I use it for reloading all my rifles and handguns. It has been a matter of honor for me to have never fired factory ammunition in most of my firearms.

[shadowwalker]

My father reloaded in the sixties and on. I started in the late 70's reloading when I got big game rifle calibers that weren't common. I could reload far cheaper than buying shells in the sporting goods store. I also got a 44 magnum. I really liked to shoot. I could reload almost four boxes of fifty shells for the price of one box at the sporting goods store. I then found I could customize my shell for the game or targets I was shooting at.
Now I do it because I like to reload for what I am shooting at.

[DM]

I got started reloading in the mid 60's when my dad bought reloading equipment so we could get "cheaper" ammo... It didn't take long for that to change to, so we could get "better" ammo...

By 1970 i was at it full scale selling shotgun shells to make some extra income! I was also casting bullets by then too.

By 1980 i had an ammo mfg license and was selling ammo out of a gunshop i started. i also was into designing cartridges and mfg ammo for them. I started swageing "bonded core" bullets and selling them by then too...

Anyway, it all seems like a long time ago now...

DM

[RangerRick]

Sittin at the knee of Dear Old Dad in the early 60's. Back then we got all of our gear out of Herter's Sporting Goods catalogue. Actually I've still got and use Dad's powder measure and scale and they still do a good job. Back then reloading 60 rounds was considered substantial. Sure made for some memories talking with Dad about past hunts and plans for future trips. The best memories do pull the heart strings.

Rick

[jlmissouri]

I started for the economy, and the pride/independence of making my own amo. My first gun, not counting air rifles was a 30-06. So it wasn't cheap to shoot, and I like to shoot. It took a long while to get set up - I am not rich, but now I can cast my own bullets, and load ammo for a lot less than it possible to buy it.

[Shortstack]

My dad taught me how to reload back in the mid 60's. I got my own set up in the early 80's. Still have most of the original equipment.

[cmdan]

Me, I was forced into reloading. I am having too much of a hard time finding the ammo I want, so I started making it and love doing it, which is all the better. :O)

[NotSoFast]

Hello,

I am in the process of reading Lymans 48th and other manuals and I am thinking about down the line getting into reloading. I am curious as to how others here on this forum started reloading. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Smilin Bob ;DWhen I bought my first gun I looked at the price of ammunition and knew I wanted to save money if I could. So I bought the Lee Turret Press kit, the appropriate dies, components and I was off.

It has been a relaxing hobby for me. And it has saved me a lot of cash by being able to reload some less than popular calibers I like.

[Watonga_Jim]

I started about 5 years ago by buying a new starter kit by Lee that had all the basic equipment to get started. I then borrowed the dies and a few other items from a family member that had been reloading for years, getting me started at a low cost. With the recent ammo shortages, I'm glad that I stocked up on some reloading supplies for the rounds I shoot. And, I found a lot of good loading data that's available online for free from some of the powder companies.

[Incoming]

been pullin the handle for many years now as a means of enjoying my hobby while keeping more jingle in my pocket.

[mtl272]

the best thing to do is finish reading the book then make a list of the materials and equipment you'll need. then start shopping, craigslist doesn't let people advertise gun related items but they do it anyway search for equipment and components by name or type. it's best to buy carbide dies for pistol cal. i like lees challenger press they had an anniversary kit that was a good deal. i have owned and use lee,rcbs,lyman,and dillion equipment. i recommend starting off with a single stage press. i have two rcbs rock chuckers and a lee challenger love them all.
http://www.reloadbench.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/Ultimate.cgi?action=intro&BypassCookie=true
http://www.powdervalleyinc.com/
good luck finding primers at this time