Thread: Reloading begginer info needed

Righto, could anyone enlighten me on what reloading equipment I would need to start out reloading?
Have allways used shop bought ammo without any issues, but with old lock down I thought I would have been a good time to do some research on what to purchase, I hunt with 223 and 7mm08, any info would be greatly appreciated! All the best stay safe, be good and if you can't be good then be careful!!

I have just been gathering a bit of reloading gear together myself and $4000 later Im getting close.

In the current climate probably not a good time to start as its a sellers market and there is a shortage of everything but enough $ will buy anything.

Only advice would be to buy good quality but others on here will be able to help you better.

Good luck.

Greetings @Countryside,
I did a thread a while back on equipment for handloading and will try to dig it up for you later today. The first bit of advice on first steps is to try and find a mentor. This would be an older handloader who can take you through the steps so you understand the reasons behind them. They will also help you set up the equipment once you purchase your own. They will also have made mistakes in their early handloading years and can save you repeating them.
Regards Grandpamac.

Stuck case remover.

The advice I offered (just a couple of days ago):

Find a reloader locally who'll take you under his (or her) wing and mentor you.

Find & join a club & range, target shooting or hunting, locally where you can shoot and test your loads.

Listen carefully, think about it, use what works for you and your setup.


When you do buy stuff, buy quality. It pays off in the long run.

Think about your desired, required, accuracy. How much do you really need to do, especially in case preparation?

Online videos can be helpful, but again you need to filter out what will work for you and what won't.


If everything else fails ask here.
You'll get some useful answers, some less useful answers and some rubbish. You'll have to filter (again).

Be patient, no isn't a good time to be purchasing.
Keep a lookout for quality second hand gear.

what kind of budget do you have? I would probably look at the hornady classic reloading kit ($899), dies for each caliber ( $50-119) case trimming gear, probaly something bench mounted over the lee stuff ($150-300 ) decent set of calipers ($80+ ) then if you can find components thats probaly gonna be at least $300 for primers maybe 2 different powders and a range of projectiles, probably something else ive forgoten, but if your in no rush like I was I spent probably about 2 years buying used stuff at good prices at gun shows, this form, trade me etc and i got it alot cheaper...

I don't like buy once cry once. How can you buy once if you don't know what you want. Better to start off cheap (try someone else's gear, secondhand etc.) and then invest in quality once you have a good idea on what you want. Also don't be afraid of Lee.

As for minimal kit:

Chronograph or access to one (I consider this a must)
Reloading handbook or online data (from a reputable source)
Beam scales
Powder dippers
Press
Priming tool (if not included with the press)
Calipers (vernier or dial)
Case trimmer
Chamfer and de-bur tool, primer pocket cleaner (usually bought as a set)
Two die set (full length and seating)
Shell holder
Case lube

Extras:
Case neck brush
Bullet comparator
Headspace comparator (to setup your sizing die for maximum brass life)

Greetings @Countryside,
The thread I mentioned was called "Keeping it Simple for New Handloaders" and the last post was on 13/01/21. I suggest you have a look at it and (I can't stress this too much) find a mentor. Join one of the shooting clubs, NZDA or similar which should get you on the right track. I loaded my first cartridge about 1970 and I still learn things damn near every time I sit down at the bench. It is hard to provide the level of detail you need in posts or even threads and U tube can be good, bad or indifferent all in the same one. Getting a manual, mentioned above, is a good start especially one of the older ones. Most mentors, including me, just do it for the joy of seeing someone learn what can be an extremely rewarding pastime. In 1980 I subscribed to Handloader mag and still do. This has advanced my learning no end. You may not need much of what you may be told by some is absolutely essential kit. I am a very low tech handloader, originally out of necessity and more recently by choice. Please ask me any questions you have.
Regards Grandpamac

Some good bugger put this search advice up.
Works a charm
Just substitute for the 222 bit

site:nzhuntingandshooting.co.nz .222


PS a Lee kit will get you going.
Some of us started with the old whack a mole ones.

https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....5/#post1206929

Originally Posted by Countryside

Righto, could anyone enlighten me on what reloading equipment I would need to start out reloading?
Have allways used shop bought ammo without any issues, but with old lock down I thought I would have been a good time to do some research on what to purchase, I hunt with 223 and 7mm08, any info would be greatly appreciated! All the best stay safe, be good and if you can't be good then be careful!!

You are in Auckland, join one of the NZDA branches there are two of them even if only for one year you will learn more from their members than
going it alone they both have Ranges, I think Auckland branch has a Web page check them out before spend any money on gear But do buy a Reloading
Manual first the Hornady is good and most shooters use Hornady projectiles.

There are no shortcuts in reloading. There's a rather delightful long winded old fella on YouTube who can tell you all you need to know to get started and he knows what he is talking about..Google Gunblue490 and look for his series on reloading and settle back

Thanks for all the info! Really appreciate it cheers

Originally Posted by mimms2

Headspace comparator (to setup your sizing die for maximum brass life)can be done by much simpler, and free, methods.

Do tell, or at least point me in the right direction.

Originally Posted by Jonno

bump down till the bolt just closes nicely

Yes method I use but once determined I measure the result with a comparator and note that reading for future use.
You don't have to have a comparator you can just try each case as you size it. I do at any rate. Seen many a shooter either on the range and sadly out hunting unable to close bolt on freshly full length sized brass.

Method only works properly if your bolt doesn't have a plunge ejector. The striker/firing pin assembly need removing. Otherwise you cannot get the feel when closing the bolt. Plunge efector will push case fwd and give a false feel. Progressively size/adjust until bolt just closes. I aim for 1 thou clearance on my rifles.

And as warned many times by GPM don't oversize. Can lead to head seperation.
Most bolts once striker/firing pin assembly is removed and bolt closed in action will have a small fwd and backward slop say maybe 5 thou. It is important to not oversize and get outside that slop into no man's land. Yes, the bolt drops nicely but you have no idea how much you may have oversized by.

I used to adjust the die so there was slight feel at the final part of the bolt closure. Have gone away from that and use the 1 thou clearance.
You don't want to be setting back more than say 3 thou as you will then begin to get head seperation onset.