Good source(s) for the beginning handloader

[alfsauve]

All the "big" reloading manuals have sections on how-to. 

Lyman manual is probably the oldest.  Their loading data though tends to lean towards lead bullets since they're known for the bullet molds.

Speer manual is also very good.

[Pathfinder]

Also check local shops - they may sponsor or even run reloading classes, or can refer you to someone who is experienced and knowledgeable, and willing to help. Or maybe just to look over your should as you do your first loads, point out any ways to be more efficient or safer.

I know you asked about magazines and web sites, but you are dealing with things that go BOOM, so caution is a good thing.

[jaybet]

I started reloading about 6 months ago. I don't know a whole lot, but I've had great success so far with my pistol ammo- .38, .45 acp, and 9mm. I got a Lee turret press with a turret for each caliber. I got the Lee 4 pc carbide die set for each caliber too. Once it's set, it's just a question of the powder charge, the bullet, etc., but I can switch from caliber to caliber easily.

I could make a lot more bullets with a progressive press, but I like looking at each casing, looking down in the casing at the powder charge, and looking at each finished bullet. I can then have confidence in my ammo and I have had very few problems.

I used the information with the press and the dies to get set up. I looked at several powders and saw several blogs. I was able to find Hogdgon powders locally to try them, so I went to their website, and they have loads for every combination of materials you can come up with.

I haven't sat down with a good loading book yet, but I did research everything available as I mentioned above and I'm off to a great start with reloading. Now when I pick up some books I'll know a lot more about what I'm reading, and in the meantime, I've got plenty of ammo at a decent price.

[tombogan03884]

So I take it you would like to get a progressive press then. I know every says start with a  single stage... I call BS.

for some one that is looking to make pistol ammo, I would highly recomend a progressive press or at the very least a turret.  

with both of those you don't have to change dyes, which is a good thing for a beginner, since dye set up is where most people f things up.

For the money the dillion square deal press is hard to beat, the only down sideis you have to use dillon dyes and it won't do rifle rounds...

 Mark this on your calendar !   I agree with TAB.
 single stage press is OK if you want to work up loads, or just make a few special or oddball rounds. But unless you are "into" mixing and matching components, or you are reloading for the sake of reloading its self it is slow and boring as hell.
If you want to make ammo to shoot in quantity go with the progressive set up, it gets the job done so you can get to the range and SHOOT.

[Badgersmilk]

Just got this email.

Let us know what you get. 

http://www.midwayusa.com/static.exe/getstaticpage?page=120120097_page.htm&eblastid=120320094&custnum=100529387&utm_source=BIGimage&utm_medium=eblast120320094

[Sponsor]

[Badgersmilk]

Choose what's best for you.  I started with a single stage press, never had a problem with it, but got tired of having to remove / replace, & re-adjust the dies every time you go from one stage of the load same load to the next (sizing, pressing bullet, crimping).  After a year or so I picked up a "Lee CLASSIC 4 stage turret press" (I recommend the "classic" over their regular 4 stage for it's construction and ridgidity).  I like a turret press better myself because I can leave all the dies in the turret and just pop in a new turret anytime I change caliber.  The dies all stay adusted properly saves HUGE time, agrivation, and wasted supplies.  I chose LEE because after I did some calculations on ALL the supplies it takes (your buying a LOT more than just a press and dies here!) they had the widest variety in equipment, were the most widely recommended, economical, and practical for me.  Never regretted my choice once.

Any recommendations you get, ask for all kinds of details on why.  NEVER accept generalizations.  Those are BS covering for stupid pride / enbarassment in someone having dumped their money into something they probably regret buying.  Most people who've purchased RCBS will die on the cross for them because they dumped thousands of dollars in that equipment, so surely it's somehow the best.  A good friend of mine has dumped said money into such stuff, he and I can't find a single advantage in all his stuff over the cheapest single stage press made other than time savings (it's a 6 or 7 stage turret monster with digital displays built in).  He freely admits it's all just a toy for him.  

[fullautovalmet76]

Let us know what you get. 

Thanks for the link, Badger.

I have had some of the components for awhile now, but I have finally completed the setup tonight.

Press: Lee Classic Turret Press - it's a solid rig and I like the idea of being able change the dies out by changing turret plate.

Scale: RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 - I bought this tonight from Natchez for $279. Heck, this scale costs almost as much as my press and the accessories that came with it. I heard good things about it and was told by others on the forum (M25 comes to mind) to not cheap out on a scale. And the thought of having to use the beam scale and measure for each load was just too much for me.

Couple of Lee 4-Die sets: 9mm and 45 ACP

A gadget from Lee to de-burr the primer pocket.

A brass cleaner from Franklin. Right now I use the corn cob media, but I have heard walnut is better....

A tumbler

Calibers and case gauges.

A nice work bench from Sears.

A reload manual from Lee.

I think that's about it for now....

[fullautovalmet76]

From a novice (me), a die question:

If I get a .357 magnum die set from Lee, can I use it for .38 Special too?

[Badgersmilk]

At least with the Lee stuff, your good for .357 & .38 with a single set of dies.  PN90964

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1259985805.2366=/html/catalog/dies-pistol.html

Sounds like a real nice setup to me!  Don't forget to pick up a bullet puller, flash hole tool (for inside the case).  I got those and a deburring tool from Lyman.  Their bullet puller has got to be the toughest plastic in all our galaxy!!!  I've pulled many military rounds apart with it and BEAT THE POOP OUT OF IT to get them apart.  Thing has proven super easy / quick to use, and indestructable.

http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/case-prep/case-prep-tools.php

[tombogan03884]

From a novice (me), a die question:

If I get a .357 magnum die set from Lee, can I use it for .38 Special too?

Yes, but you will need to adjust for the shorter case.