The easiest way to get started reloading is with a turnkey kit like Rock Chucker Supreme Kit one of these from RCBS. It has all the essentials you need to start loading safe, good-quality ammo for your rifle or handgun. That being said, you might feel a bit overwhelmed when you start pulling parts and pieces of your reloading kit out of the box. Each component has specific uses and needs to be set up properly, so it can feel complex to the beginner. With a simple step-by-step approach and a few basic tips, you can navigate and enjoy the process of cartridge reloading.
Get Your Reloading Bench
Your bench is the platform on which everything the reloading happens, so you want to put some thought into selecting one that will work well. Many reloaders build or buy heavy-duty benches, but you don’t need to burden yourself with a bench that weighs as much as a small car. The most important thing to look for is a bench that is stable, with a rigid working surface. You can use a variety of tables and workbenches, just find one that doesn’t shake or wobble and has a sturdy top to mount your press to.
Your reloading bench can be as large or small as you need it to be. Larger tables can be useful, but can sometimes become cluttered. You only need enough room to mount your equipment and work through each step in an organized manner. Some reloading benches can fit in a closet or be stowed away when not in use.
Old desks can be a great option for a reloading bench because they’re readily available, affordable, and usually have storage options like drawers or shelves. Storing some of your reloading equipment or bullets in your reloading bench setup can also add extra weight and improve stability.
Mounting The Equipment (Press and powder thrower)
One of the first steps in setting up your reloading kit is to mount the press. Each press is slightly different, but most mount to the bench with bolts that you typically need to get from a hardware store. The classic way to mount a press to your bench is to drill properly-sized holes through the benchtop, and clamp the press to the bench with bolts. Your kit will have detailed instructions on how to do this, and some even include a paper template to drill the holes.
Sometimes a better option is to use an RCBS base plate that can be fastened to the top of your workbench, to which you can attach your press. This eliminates the need to drill big holes, and works well with a variety of mounting surfaces. You can mount it to bench or desk tops that would otherwise be difficult to run bolts through, and they can be removed quickly and easily if your reloading setup needs to be taken down and stored after using. If you’re especially restricted for space, you can even make your own base plate out of a thick piece of plywood and use c-clamps to secure it to your workbench when you need it.
Prepping Your Dies
Another important step when setting up your reloading equipment is to disassemble and prepare your dies. Reloading dies arrive from the factory with a coating of oil that protects them from rust and corrosion. You need to clean and remove that oil before they are ready to use. If that preservative oil isn’t removed it can damage cases or cause them to get stuck in the die.
Follow your manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning and setting up your dies. You will need to make sure all parts are set up correctly and tightened appropriately. Reloading dies can seem complex, but it’s important that you understand their components and how each die works so that you can use it properly. RCBS has a lot of great informational videos on setting up and using various types of reloading dies.
Selecting Components
The term “components” is one that reloaders like to throw around, but what exactly does that mean? It’s simple. Reloading components include the projectile (bullet), the gunpowder (aka propellant), the primer, and the brass.
Choosing reloading components to use in crafting your own ammo depends on the type of ammunition you’re loading. For help with this, turn to the reloading manual your kit comes with or utilize a reputable online resource like Hodgdon Powder’s Reloading Data Center. Each cartridge is compatible with specific bullets, powder, and primers, and the reloading manual tells you which ones will work and how much powder is safe. It will also give you information like how long a cartridge should be when you load a given bullet.
Picking a Bullet
Reloading manuals are usually brand-specific when it comes to bullets, so each one will give you info on that company’s bullets, and which ones are suitable for your cartridge. If you want to try another brand of bullet, you want to get one of their reloading manuals.
Picking a Powder
After picking a bullet you want to use, refer to your reloading manual, looking under your specific cartridge and bullet for suitable powders that have been tested with those bullets in your cartridge. You’re going to want to do this before investing in a specific powder.
As you do more research, you’ll find some powders work well in a variety of cartridges, which can make your reloading more efficient and potentially save you some money if you plan to craft ammunition for multiple chamberings.
Picking a Primer
Your reloading manual will detail which type of primer you need for the cartridge you are reloading. Use only that type of primer. There are a variety of primer brands, but there are six common rifle and handgun primer types: Small Pistol, Small Rifle, Large Pistol, Large Pistol Magnum, and Large Rifle Magnum. Generally, all small primers are the same size, and all large primers are the same size, but make sure you’re using the specific type that your reloading manual lists for each cartridge.
Other Essential Gear
In addition to a good press and dies, reloading requires a few other tools. A good reloading kit will come with all the basics, but sometimes you’ll need to pick up a couple more items. As you become more experienced, you will likely modify your setup even further. Here are some key items that you’ll need:
- Calipers: Digital or analog, you want a set of calipers to measure brass and cartridge length
- Powder Scale: This is absolutely essential for accurately weighing powder charges
- Loading Block: These simple trays hold your cartridge cases upright securely while you fill them with powder.
- Case Sizing Lubricant: This stuff allows the sizing die to smoothly and consistently reform the case. There are several different types, and you’ll probably want to experiment to find what you like best.
- Case Trimmer: Usually these are sold separately from kits, but you’ll need one to shorten case necks back down after they stretch.
- Neck Chamfer Tool: This little cutting tool lets you remove burrs from trimming the case neck.
- Priming tool: Many presses have a priming feature, but a handheld priming tool is easier and faster.
- Powder Funnel: Your powder funnel will help you quickly and consistently fill cases without losing kernels of gunpowder.
- Stuck Case Remover Kit: Eventually, you’ll get a case stuck in a sizing die, and this kit allows you to easily remove it without damaging your die.
The list of tools and accessories can seem overwhelming when you are getting started, but RCBS technical support is happy to help you with what items you might need and any questions about using them. Picking a reloading kit that includes most of these tools is the best way to get started.
Time to Reload
Now that you’ve got the tools you need and your reloading workspace set up, it’s time to start making ammunition. Reloading is a simple process that you don’t need to be intimidated by. Here are some tips to help you make quality ammo for yourself. (Link to other RCBS story)
Remember to always follow instructions from a trusted source like RCBS. Information from internet forums can be helpful, but load data or advice from non-qualified sources can sometimes be dangerous to follow.
Final Thoughts
Cartridge reloading is both enjoyable and practical for producing quality ammunition. Taking the process one step at a time and learning each piece of equipment in your reloading kit will make it easier to digest and help you produce the best ammunition possible.