This is your sign to start reloading

[u/Fickle_Ice_7584]

I'm sure there's lots of people like me, who want to start reloading but don't know where to start. It's intimidating at first, especially when you hear horror stories of people blowing themselves up. Maybe you think you need the perfect reloading bench/set up, maybe space is an issue for you.

I'm here to tell you/show you, you don't need much to start your reloading journey ($1000 and a dream) I'm currently living in the MIL's home so I couldn't make a permanent work bench or anything that I couldn't take down with ease. So I built a bench off a folding plastic table. It's a bit janky, and on my first version the press was ripping off the table every pull of the arm, made some improvements and she's holding up pretty good.

I'm a self proclaimed RETARD and I've managed to figure out how to reload 44 mag and it's been a blast, so far I've made 172 rounds, 100 FTX 225gr and 72 CPTC 240gr using H110 powder, my groups are on par if not better than factory ammo after my first attempt, I'm confident I can dial these in further with more tinkering, groups aren't amazing but I'm proud of what I have accomplished so far.

Top left of picture 2 is my handloaded FTX 225gr vs Factory Hornaday leverevolution at 50 yards

Bottom right is my 240gr vs PMC bronze 240s on top

3rd pic is my FTX 225s at 100 yards with Bushnell 1-4 lpvo

Reloading has taken my love of shooting to a whole new level, I'm excited to get off work these days so I can get my next batch ready for the weekend. Where before I started reloading I'd struggle to find something to do with my free time that felt worth it, long time gamer that just doesn't enjoy gaming anymore.

So if you've been on the fence a while or just started thinking about it this is the universe telling you to do it! Money is temporary, glory lasts forever.

[u/looloopklopm]

What do I need to get started? Picking up a long range rifle soon and want to know how to feed it the good food.

[u/Fickle_Ice_7584 → u/looloopklopm]

If you just want to get started I'd suggest 1. A press single stage is way cheaper than a turret press and much less complicated. 2. Shell holders for the rounds you wish to reload. 3. Case trimmer 4. Shell dies 5. Deburring tools 6. Priming tool (Rockford Arsenal one is really good quality and comes with like 10 shell holders. 7. Digital calipers

Those 7 things will let you go from spent brass to brass that just needs powder and projectiles. If you're not in a addicted rush like I was you could prep all your cases first, then look into what powder and projectiles you want to shoot ( however some bullets call for different case lengths so it is good to know what projectile you'd like to use before you do a mass trim (ask me how I know lol )

[u/Primary_Judge → u/Fickle_Ice_7584]

I'm really curious on what caliber calls for different case lengths according to projectile selection. I've never encountered that and I'd like to read up on this

[u/Fickle_Ice_7584 → u/Primary_Judge]

Well maybe it's not as common for most bullet types but normal max trim length for .44 mag is 1.2850 but for the ftx rounds you have to trim the case to 1.2550 perhaps it's just an FTX thing.

I've only reloaded 44 so far and only the two different rounds so in my experience I had to deal with it right away, good to know it's not that common though.

[u/Primary_Judge → u/Fickle_Ice_7584]

Ah, after a quick read, the tips protrude and longer OGIVE.

Nevermind Hornady loads (assuming) as they are too conservative with their charge. Download GRT, take the time to set it up. It's super useful to figure your shit out