Recently I’ve seen a HUGE surge in interest from people wanting to start reloading their own ammunition! This trend isn’t surprising given current world events which is a bit of a “wake up call” for gun owners that don’t yet load their own ammunition. Better late than never! In this article I’ll share some resources to help you get your reloading pastime/hobby/craft off the ground.
Taking Inventory: What You’ll Need
The first thing to consider is: do you want to load handgun ammunition, rifle ammunition, or both? Based on your answer to this question, you can use the following resources to help put together your shopping list:
What you need to load pistol ammunition
What you need to load rifle ammunition
What Kind of Press Should I Buy?
After you put your basic list of components/tools/supplies together, you’ll need to decide what kind of press to buy! Here’s an article I put together that explains the differences between single stage presses, turret presses, and progressive presses:
Understanding Different Types of Reloading Presses
You can read more about types of reloading presses on this site here:
Understanding the Pistol Reloading Process
Yes, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to reload ammunition, but FEAR NOT! I’ve put together a start-to-finish free resource here on Ultimate Reloader to guide you through the process of reloading your own pistol ammunition! You can start the training right here:
Reloading 101
Rifle Reloading End-To-End
Want to reload precision rifle ammunition? I’ve got you covered! Here’s a video and article that will guide you through the process from start to finish:
Loading 6.5 PRC with MEC Metallic Gear End-To-End
From that article:
Additional resources for rifle reloading:
Precision 224 Valkyrie Reloading Start to Finish
224 Valkyrie Progressive Reloading on the RCBS Pro Chucker 7
Reloading the 22 Nosler: An Overview
Reloading Safety
If you are going to start reloading, the most important thing is: SAFETY! There’s an entire section of this website dedicated to reloading safety. Here are some of the links:
RELOADING SAFETY
Get the DATA
One of the most important things you’ll need when you start reloading ammunition is the proper load data for the cartridge you’re loading, adn for your combination of components. Here are some great resource for load data:
Free: Hodgdon Reloading Data Center Online
Free: Alliant Load Data Online
Free: Speer Rifle Data, Speer Handgun Data
Free: Nosler Load Data
10th Edition Handbook Of Cartridge Reloading
Modern Reloading Manual 2nd Edition by Richard Lee
50th Edition Reloading Manual (Lyman)
Find A Reloading Mentor/Teacher
In addition to reading tutorials, manuals, and watching videos it’s a great idea to get in-person training! Perhaps a family member, friend, or co-worker would be willing to teach you how to reload. If that’s the case, take them up on it! For some things, it’s just more effective to learn in-person from an experienced mentor and teacher. If you don’t have this kind of resource (as I didn’t when I started to reload), don’t worry, just take your time and proceed cautiously!
I wish you the best of luck in starting your own reloading journey. It’s fun, exciting, and satisfying to get “just what you want” out of your ammunition!
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Thanks,
Gavin
Hi Gavin, thank you for all the informative videos! I really enjoy watching them. I’m new to reloading. I want to load rifle and pistol ammo. I’ve seen all kinds of info on the web about reloading, some of it is a bit overwhelming. My question is about cartridge length and bullet seating depth. Should I just stick with the COAL listed in the reloading manuals and use that along with different powder charge weights to work up loads? I’d like to try using the bullet comparators and headspace comparators but I’ve seen so much differing information and how to use videos, it’s got me confused and nervous to try them. Thanks, Mat
Thanks for your content. When I wanted to learn to reload I searched YouTube and found you and a couple of others and you delivered great content.
The first of my reloads I shot through my rifle I stood up and pulled the trigger with my head turned away. LMAO. Apparently I had concerns about my reloading abilities- to say the least. Low and behold, my gun didn’t blow up! I shot the other 10 rounds I reloaded and again- low and behold- they were all inside of an inch ! Not only was my rifle not blowing up- but this reloading works! I was elated! And I barely knew what I was doing back then. I figured as long as I go in between maximum and minimum all should be fine. And it turned out better than fine. I can’t begin to tell you how excited I was. It was as exciting as getting a new bicycle on Christmas morning. What an exhilarating feeling. And that was all done with a cheap Lee Breechlock Challenger kit.
I doubt anyone will be disappointed by taking up reloading. It is fun, therapeutic and addicting. Of course I’ve spent more on upgrades as many reloaders will. Try it and you will like it. It’s added depth and fulfillment to firearms ownership.
Forgot to mention: I watched every Ultimate Reloader video I could find-and others. Gavin
is a great contribution to the world of firearms.
Beginners will be well served to watch them.