I would like to get into reloading for my 30-06, 30-30, and maybe my .357 magnum. I have never done this or been around anyone who has. I have been looking at starter kits at Cabelas and Gander Mtn. but would like some advice on this. Is this something I should have a teacher on or will I be able to learn it on my own with instructions and books? Also what is some good inexpensive equipment? I don't need the top of the line able to load lots of bullets quickly. I just want the easiest to learn with and possibly save some money on bullets by loading my own. Where can I get some more info on reloading that is not too confusing for someone new to this?

HAAS: Start out with "ABC's of Reloading" a lot of basic information with spelled out 'whats and whys' Midway has it in the book section. Can you do reloading without a 'handholder' yes. Best info available; Get many 'reloading' manuals; they are manufacture dedicated; with still good info.
Online resources are abundant.

follow up with your thinking.

neophyte hit it on the nose, start reading. I also didn't have a mentor getting into reloading, but I pretty much read the ABC's of Reloading and several other book completely through before I ordered any equipment.

The starter kit is a good way to go, I went with the Lee Anniversary Kit, but they are pretty much all designed to give you the equipment you are most likely to use in the beginning. From there you can add as you learn what equipment you like or don't like, and what would make your loading easier, faster, better, etc...

So start reading. As you learn more and more you will start to realize what you need and what you will want to start with. Then keep looking around to find the best deal on the equipment you want.

Good luck, and enjoy it!!!!!!!

I've been reloading now for better than 40 years. Like the commercial what's in your wallet I'll second colohunters suggestion on the Lee anniversery kit. That's whats on my bench and has been for the last 15 years. My Rockchucker press went in a yard sale several years ago, not because it was a bad press, but because it just wasn't has handy as the Lee press was.

All the equipment on the market today is there because as user's we've sorted it out as quality equipment.

For hand on experience there are several good DVD's that walk you thru reloading. This is the era when a picture is worth a thousand words.

I'd suggest getting several reloading manuals and reading them thru. Lee's manual is very good and so are RCBS's and Lyman's.

Reloading isn't rocket science and basically consists of three steps.

1. Deprime and resize the case.

2. Reprime and add powder.

3. Top off with a bullet.

Straight cases such as revolver and pistol cases have an added step of belling the case mouth prior to adding the bullet and it's just that simple.

Good luck.

HAAS, you might also go to Lee's website (http://www.leeprecision.com) and check out the videos on how their equipment works. You can get all the reloading data you want on component manufactures websites once you have your equipment as well. Just make sure you start with published starting loads and work up until you see pressure signs. If you look around on this forum, I think you can find all the advice you need for getting started that you will need. I like Lee equipment because it is cheap when compared to other brands and it works!

One of the best investments is a good reloading manual, such as Lyman's 48th edition. Read the front portion throughly, then use the manual for load recommendations. You'll use it again and again.

Have just about all the current reloading manuals, but tend to go to the Lyman first when seeking info.

IIs this something I should have a teacher on or will I be able to learn it on my own with instructions and books?

Unless you suffer some sort of severe mental disability....like a democrat holding public office....you will be able to pick it up on your own without any serious difficulty. It would be interesting to note how many of us on this forum are self-taught or taught by others. You've come to the right place if you want to learn and stay safe in the process.

HAAS,
When I decided to get into reloading, I started with the Lee Loader. The Lee Loader comes in this small box and with the addition of a hammer, is all the tools you need to start reloading.
This is a great way to get your feet wet in reloading. The included instructions are plenty thorough to make good ammo. Best of all, the Lee Loader sells for like $15.00 new, and there are usually a lot of 'em on Ebay for half that price.
After I gained my confidence and wanted to produce ammo faster, I went with dies and a press.
Don't hesitate to go to your local sporting goods store if you need help. Go to the store that you buy your stuff from. I remember my old boss at Gander showing a guy on one of the demo presses how to reload ammo. We sporting goods guys LIVE for that kinda' stuff!

Jim

Thanks for all of the advice. I was looking at the lee anniversary kit at Cabelas but wasn't sure if it was good since I have no experience with this. I will defineately pick up the literature that was suggested and give her a go. I just want to make sure I have a thorough understanding of this before I try it. Once again thanks for all of the advice.

I would like to get into reloading for my 30-06, 30-30, and maybe my .357 magnum. I have never done this or been around anyone who has. I have been looking at starter kits at Cabelas and Gander Mtn. but would like some advice on this. Is this something I should have a teacher on or will I be able to learn it on my own with instructions and books? Also what is some good inexpensive equipment? I don't need the top of the line able to load lots of bullets quickly. I just want the easiest to learn with and possibly save some money on bullets by loading my own. Where can I get some more info on reloading that is not too confusing for someone new to this?

Reloading is fun and easy to learn, I have been doing it since 1973. A co worker of mine was into reloading, I had him reload my empty .38 special brass for me, I guess he got tired of reloading for me and got me started. I purchased a RCBS rockchucker, it is the only press I have ever owned and I use it today. Even after all these years I am still learning, recently purchased a chronograph and having lots of fun. I would suggest starting off with reloading for your 357, then get some dies for your rifles. Thats how I started, I began to reload for my 357 using 38 special target loads and slowly advanced to reloading for my hunting rifles.

Just go slow and you'll do fine.
Reloading really isn't all that hard, but you want to read the instructions until they are clear in your head. If something doesn't sound right, hop back in here and get it clarified. And take the instruction literally. There have been thousands of guys, and gals, figuring out these loads for years, and by now the books will pretty well have all the info you'll ever need.
Also, keep in mind that you're looking for the very best ammo, not necessarily the greatest amount of it.

I don't plan on doing any reloading until I have a very good understanding of all of the steps and why you do them. I will defineately have some reading to do before I do anything.

Oh ya, and go to www.leeprecision.com They have some videos on their website that shows you the reloading process. Have fun!

Jim

Once you have the tools, it cost me for .357 mag $.12 for brass, .12 for bullets, .03 for primers and .03-.04 for powder per round. That is about $.30/round on the first load and $.18/round each time I reuse brass compared to $.40+/round buying it off the shelf!

Get a good manual such as Lyman or Lee. Read them carefully, study the pictures that are in them and read these forums and be careful and you will be safe. I learned to heck at least 2 published sources for load data. Lee listed a starting load of Blue Dot for .357 mag at 13.1 gr. so I loaded 5, Shot them, Flat primers!:eek: When I fired them, I thought they felt as strong or stronger than the factory rounds I had picked up and I almost had to go get a hammer to pound on the ejector rod to get the empties out!:eek: So I went back home and looked at my Lyman manual and it showed the MAX load was 13.3!:o I am now loading 11.3-11.5 grains and it is a much more manageable load to handle the recoil on.

So easy a Frenchman could do it...
http://chasse-tir.ifrance.com/comment%20recharger%20vos%20munitions.htm

:)