New here and have never reloaded

[djsethall]

I like the idea of being more self sufficient and having better accuracy with my rifle. My long range gun is a 700 VTR in 308 with a Vortex Viper PST 6x24x50. I have a box of Nosler red tips that I plan to use this year for a deer and an elk. The rifle groups well already with Winchester white box 7.62x51 (sub moa) but I wonder how tight I can get the groups with hand loads. I do have plenty of brass that I've collected from the range in multiple calibers of the firearms I own. So, where is the best place to start?

[Wes Sage]

Welcome to the right place for answers
You will be able to tailor the loads to your gun by hand loading, and will be able to get the savings, accuracy, and pleasure from doing it yourself.
Best to get a few reloading books, and one called the ABC's of reloading. Read them before making the plunge.
When you are ready, feel free to post here and get input on the best or cheapest things to get to get you started.
You can actually do it pretty cheap to start

[JeffreyDeGraff]

Wes pretty much summed it all up.


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[Arcanias]

Another good idea is to have a plan when it comes to start up cost. It's not just buy a press and go. You have to factor in a bench, if you don't already have one, a cleaning method for the brass (wet tumbling vs. dry tumbling), the cost of powder and bullets, plus all the other brass prep machinery (prep centers, powder measures, etc). Also try to come to a decision of how much of it you want to do the manual (slower in most cases) way and how much you want automated. This will all factor into cost so you need to keep your budget in mind. Once you get going the cost isn't as painful but the startup is the rough part. Just something to keep in mind.

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[Lewdogg21]

OP - I'm just starting as well. I'm got nearly everything I need to actually start doing it and it's like a zillion $. Don't think about the cost or you may question yourself why. I did it due to the no lead for hunting starting July 1st 2019 here and the stupid ammo ban where I can't have ammo shipped to my house anymore. California sucks.

[EUDE75]

I know others may not agree but in my opinion once you've read the books Wes suggested and you're ready to start buying is this. Start with a turret press. Alot of people say start with a single stage. I don't totally disagree with that. Yet here's why I suggest a turret. You can lock it down to use as a single stage to begin with yet once you get more comfortable doing it you already have your press to advance to the next level. For my rifles I still use mine in single stage. (Except for 223.)For my pistols I use the turret. At some point I plan on going to a progressive press for my pistol ammo. Also I'd suggest a kit. It'll have pretty much everything you need to get going. Now everyone has their own preferred brand. I have a Lyman Tmag. Cabelas has the kit for around $550. . As Wes said. Ask questions. My grandfather use to say the only stupid question is the question not asked. While I do disagree on that in some cases (lol) when it comes to reloading I dont. Lastly. Welcome to the wonderful world of reloading. Have fun and most of all be safe

[chasray1953]

It is possible to start on the cheap and see if you are going to continue reloading.
I started with a Lee single caliber so lone ago I don’t remember. Lee makes a hand press that works well (IMO). I can make pretty good ammunition with this hand press. Sizing the brass is a little hard on the press and on you. I think you can get one of the hand press kits for about $70. I don’t like the scale as I am old and the littl bugger is hard to see.
Maybe a RCBS Pardner on a bench would be a viable bench ice for you. Get brass and some projectiles from Wes.
I do like the comment about a turret press and I use it in similar fashion as the post above states. To this day I use my hand press to deprive and seat bullets.
Have fun and keep asking questions, we were all where you are now!!
PM me if you like. There is a wealth of knowledge right here but books a good too instead of trying to figure it out on your own.

[EUDE75]

It is possible to start on the cheap and see if you are going to continue reloading.
I started with a Lee single caliber so lone ago I don’t remember. Lee makes a hand press that works well (IMO). I can make pretty good ammunition with this hand press. Sizing the brass is a little hard on the press and on you. I think you can get one of the hand press kits for about $70. I don’t like the scale as I am old and the littl bugger is hard to see.
Maybe a RCBS Pardner on a bench would be a viable bench ice for you. Get brass and some projectiles from Wes.
I do like the comment about a turret press and I use it in similar fashion as the post above states. To this day I use my hand press to deprive and seat bullets.
Have fun and keep asking questions, we were all where you are now!!
PM me if you like. There is a wealth of knowledge right here but books a good too instead of trying to figure it out on your own.

Yes. Lots of knowledge here. I wish there had been groups like this when I had started. Of course the internet wasn't what we have now.

[Clopez]

You started in the right place. This forum will in time be loaded with the knowledge one needs. Wes put you in the right direction with those books he recommended. Start there and feel free to ask away there are plenty of great people here to help.


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[ReneeMicelli]

I know others may not agree but in my opinion once you've read the books Wes suggested and you're ready to start buying is this. Start with a turret press. Alot of people say start with a single stage. I don't totally disagree with that. Yet here's why I suggest a turret. You can lock it down to use as a single stage to begin with yet once you get more comfortable doing it you already have your press to advance to the next level. For my rifles I still use mine in single stage. (Except for 223.)For my pistols I use the turret. At some point I plan on going to a progressive press for my pistol ammo. Also I'd suggest a kit. It'll have pretty much everything you need to get going. Now everyone has their own preferred brand. I have a Lyman Tmag. Cabelas has the kit for around $550. . As Wes said. Ask questions. My grandfather use to say the only stupid question is the question not asked. While I do disagree on that in some cases (lol) when it comes to reloading I dont. Lastly. Welcome to the wonderful world of reloading. Have fun and most of all be safe

I totally agree. There is nothing wrong with starting with a single stage, and for some people that might be all they ever need or want. I did all my loading on one for years. If you do that and eventually move to a turret or progressive you will still find uses for the single stage press. On the other hand if you know you are going to want to move up a turret is a better place to start because as you gain experience you can move ahead without additional expenses. Either one is a excellent option.

The biggest thing is that you need to start by educating yourself, and I don't know of a better way than to start with the book Wes recommended. Then ask questions here when you need to.