New to Reloading

[Doyled96]

I'm kicking around getting into reloading for my .375. Does anyone have recommendations on finding supplies? I'm going to just go with a single stage press. I have no interest in reloading for any of my other firearms right now.

 

[Fenstar]

Midway or RCBS, direct.

 

[Nevada Mike]

Lee Deluxe die set, RCBS RockchuckerII press, ACCURATE powder scale, Nosler, Hornady, and Norma reloading manuals.
Strongly recommend Norma brass.

 

[Rem700stw]

I would look for used equipment as much as possible. Reloading tools tend to bring very little in the secondary market.

I second the Norma brass suggestion. Lapua and Nosler are top notch as well. I prefer Redding dies.

2 scales may save you from disaster and a chronograph is a must have in my book. Remember that velocity and pressure are somewhat proportional. If your velocity is higher for a given load than the manual says your pressure may be as well. I have a modern 7mm rifle that gives much higher velocities than the listed loads indicate and has shown pressure signs with factory ammo.

Congratulations on starting down the rabbit hole of a fascinating pastime.

 

[Rob404]

E-Bay, There is always used Rockcrushers for sale sometimes you can pick up a set of reloading dies

 

[shootist~]

Graff and Sons is another to check. My fav priming tool:

RCBS Universal Hand Priming Tool 32 ACP to 45-70 Govt - Graf & Sons

Features a universal shellholder system that will accept cases from 32 ACP to 45-70 Government. Simply install the appropriate size screw-in primer plug, fill the primer tray, insert it into the tool and you are off and priming. The ergonomic grip is comfortable to use by right or left handed...

www.grafs.com

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

gun shows are good too for secound hand equipment

 

[cajunchefray]

RCBS dies and their Rochucker press are solid presses.Redding Big Max, and Lee, make good single stage presses.

If buying today, I would spend the extra $150 and get a Lyman, or Redding Turret press. Easiest to set up a set of dies for a caliber, and makes concentric ammunition.

Other reloading dies are Redding, and Hornady.

A Lee Factory Crimp Die is essential.
Will insure consistency in loaded ammo, readily available,

Will last throughout your reloading lifetime.
A proper caliper, and an LE Wilson headspace gauge will insure you are making In Spec ammo.

 

[shootist~]

I agree with @cajunchefray on the Redding Turret press (T7). Buy once.

 

[RAVEN ROCKS PRECISION]

You don't need to invest a lot to get started, but it becomes it's own hobby...

We've got you covered on the Norma 375 H&H Brass when you're ready.

 

[SFRanger7GP]

@Doyled96, I sent you a PM.

Safe shooting

 

[TucsonFX4]

I’m a bit surprised to not see more than one passing mention of a reloading manual. I highly recommend getting a couple of educational reloading manuals/books to learn about the basics. It is an overwhelming hobby and easy to spend lots of money on various trinkets. Understand the basics, get the basics, then add to your collection based on your preferences and desires.

Good luck, have fun, but be SAFE. Reloading is absolutely a dangerous hobby. Mistakes can have serious repercussions. I would even encourage finding a friend/coworker that is an experienced reloader and let them help you through your first couple sessions.

 

[TarponBum]

What

I’m a bit surprised to not see more than one passing mention of a reloading manual. I highly recommend getting a couple of educational reloading manuals/books to learn about the basics. It is an overwhelming hobby and easy to spend lots of money on various trinkets. Understand the basics, get the basics, then add to your collection based on your preferences and desires.

Good luck, have fun, but be SAFE. Reloading is absolutely a dangerous hobby. Mistakes can have serious repercussions. I would even encourage finding a friend/coworker that is an experienced reloader and let them help you through your first couple sessions.

Tucson do you have any recommendations on good manuals for first time/perspective reloaders that have good coverage on African Calibers as well as fundamentals?

 

[Fenstar]

Pierre van der Walt, African Dangerous Game Cartriges. Also, I frequently use my subscription to “Load Data” for a helpful bounty of handload data.

 

[TucsonFX4]

What

Tucson do you have any recommendations on good manuals for first time/perspective reloaders that have good coverage on African Calibers as well as fundamentals?

I’ve got the ABCs of Reloading, and it is a suitable book to learn the fundamentals. I think you would do fine just looking at the basic books on Midwayusa, Midsouthshootersupply, or similar place and picking one that looks good and is well reviewed.

African Dangerous Game Cartridges is definitely a great book and read, and his discussion on reloading focuses on more basic than advanced, but I wouldn’t consider it a good source to teach a novice reloader how to reload. I would definitely suggest you purchase it, just not for it to be your sole form of basic education.

 

[small bore]

Amazon currently has for sale Mic McPherson's book about components, tools, and techniques for loading ammunition. It's about $30. I've found McPherson to be a valuable resource in trying to teach myself how to handload and maybe you will, too.

"Metallic Cartridge Handloading: Pursuit of the Perfect Cartridge"; 2013, Safari Press, 425 pages. Mine is an 8 1/2 X 11 paperback with lots of photographs. Hardcover editions are also available.

This is not a traditional manual that lists load data for individual cartridges. It's more of a comprehensive technical discussion of the subject in overview and in detail. Amazon's summary of the book and reader reviews describe it well.

 

[shootist~]

Gunblue490 has a series of videos on reloading (and lots more). Geared for a novice, but a good place to start if you have limited experience.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Shop for used stuff. RCBS Junior press works for my needs (although a bit short for my 404 which has same length case as 375). Ebay usually has a ton of components. You can start with a balance scale for measuring powder. Just get a trickler. Don't forget the hammer style bullet puller. Absolutely critical. If you try a load and it's not working, you can cleanly remove bullets and save powder. Should be able to pick up cheap a simple case trimmer that works with electric drill. I bought used a great digital scale/dispenser for $150. Like all electronic technocrap, the junkies are always upgrading and getting rid of "outdated" stuff that still works fine. My dispenser only retains a couple dozen loads in memory ... new ones will store hundreds. I've never bothered using the memory. Just punch in the weight I need at the time.