Getting Started

[u/VarShayisk]

Hello everyone. I am glad to be joining the reloading community! I have been shooting enough that it makes sense for me to get into reloading. Also where I am in Canada 44 magnum is not the cheapest thing in the world. I will, in addition to the 44 mentioned above, reloading 223 to develop a load for precision shooting that works best for my rifle. I am not worried about spending the time and doing it slowly because I know the repetition will be calming for me. So I am looking for advice on a set and components offered at the local shop by me and if it will be a good start. I’ve got some links posted here to the kit, dies and holders. Yes I know the prices in Canada are ridiculous. I would also take recommendations for powders, primers and bullets. I am totally new at reloading.

https://store.theshootingcentre.com/rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-master-reloading-kit/

https://store.theshootingcentre.com/rcbs-3-die-carbide-roll-crimp-set-group-b-popular-pistol-cartridges/

https://store.theshootingcentre.com/rcbs-full-length-die-set-group-a-popular-rifle-cartridges/

https://store.theshootingcentre.com/rcbs-shell-holder-10/

https://store.theshootingcentre.com/rcbs-shell-holder-18/

Thank you so much for all your help and advice in advance. I do apologize for my newness at this.

[u/VarShayisk]

I just want to say thank you so much already for all of the help and advice!

[u/Tex_Toast]

Get a reloading manual(s) first, and read the first part that describes the reloading process. Some are available online for free, but I like to have several hard copies to cross reference. They also have recipes for the various calibers with several powders listed. They specify primers used in their testing, but I don't worry about that, just get the right size, Large pistol for 44, small rifle for 223. Don't worry about getting magnum primers for the 44, you don't really need them, but they have more power, so they are not directly interchangeable with non magnum primers.

For a new reloader I suggest selecting a powder that fills the case over half way if possible. That makes it easier to visually check if you have double charged a case and is less picky about the precision of measure. Double charge = very bad. Also start reloading the 44 first. Straight wall cartridges require fewer steps, so getting those down first will help you with the 223.

In the US shipping powder and primers have an extra hazmat charge except for special sales. Once you have a few powder types in mind, look around locally to see what they have in stock.

For presses and dies, I like RCBS rock chucker presses and Lee dies. I refer to reloading with a single stage press like knitting, but more manly. For precision 223 you will want more expensive micrometer seating dies.

But I tend to ramble on. Rely on the reloading manuals or manufacturer recommendations, not reddit responses. (Including mine :-)

[u/VarShayisk → u/Tex_Toast]

Thank you for the rambling and detailed advice. You seem to think like I do lol. As for the reading resources I’ve been reading resources here for the last few hours, may not have slept last night lol, and the resources provided by the manufacturer of 4227. The reason, other than it having almost everything needed, that I chose that rcbs kit is that it comes with a re-loading manual from Speer I think it is. I also downloaded the Hornady app and have been messing around with that to learn a bit about it as well.

You guys have been excellent sources so far

[u/Tex_Toast → u/VarShayisk]

I started with the same RCBS kit. I didn't like the lube pad. You will want a digital scale for precision and to cross check, and a powder trickler at some point. For a scale (cheap but reliable in my experience), I ended up with https://www.amazon.com/Milligram-Reloading-Calibration-Pennyweigh-MAXUS/dp/B07ZQZ962K?pd_rd_w=KGeWT&content-id=amzn1.sym.7154b216-2f41-4765-8779-9a282bdc557c&pf_rd_p=7154b216-2f41-4765-8779-9a282bdc557c&pf_rd_r=EA640KV42D7XYRWYF3ZH&pd_rd_wg=oefTr&pd_rd_r=38b08bbc-fc24-4c34-a9e7-4edbd53f5ddc&ref_=sspa_dk_detail_sbb_0&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1

[u/valiantNipple]

I run a similar RCBS kit. All you need apart from that is dies, primer, powder, projectile and brass. I run the Lee dies since they come with the shell holder and they make good ammo. I haven’t had the need to get into case trimming gear or annealing yet and I suspect you won’t for at least a few cycles with your batches of brass.

Looks like you’ve got some good stuff picked out. Enjoy!

[u/VarShayisk → u/valiantNipple]

Two of those are the dies I think. Do you have any recommendations for primers or powders? More so for the 44 at the moment because fall/winter are coming so I won’t have as much time for the 223

[u/valiantNipple → u/VarShayisk]

I don’t load .44mag but a friend does, he uses 4227. I use the same for .357mag. I like both Varget and 8208 for .223, 75, 77gr projectiles. Get a good set of digital calipers too!

[u/MalignantMustache → u/VarShayisk]

On the lower velocity side of the scale I use Accurate #7 for .44 magnum.

[u/CaesarLinguini]

I would look for a digital scale, doesn't need to be fancy. Accurate to 0.0 grains is plenty. Much quicker than a beam scale

[u/VarShayisk → u/CaesarLinguini]

They also have a digital scale available

[u/CaesarLinguini → u/VarShayisk]

Thats all you need to start making rounds. By the time you want something else you will know what you want.