I am new to big-bore handgun shooting and with the price of the ammo I would like to learn how to reload my spent brass. Thus, is there anyone out there in the Denver area who would want to Show and mentor a new guy on the art of reloading?

Thanks,

Dan

Dan,

I am not in your area, but you can learn. Step #1 --- Buy a couple of good reloading manuals & read them (a couple of times). Then ask questions.

Dan,
Lee puts out a good book called Reloading Handbook. It's what I stared with. Gave me a list of the items I'd need and a good foundation to start doing my own reloading.

I suggest you get a copy of the book called The ABCs of Reloading by C.Rodney James. Also RCBS has a couple DVDs. Even YouTube has some helpful videos. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the book suggestions. I have read about reloading a couple times and there seems to be some nuances to it, thus my comment in the first post "art". I am near a Cabelas so will swing in and see if they have the books.

Dan

The manuals are a wealth of information, and with the addition of youtube(since I started) you'll do well. Not to mention you have forums like this one should questions come up. Reloading is not at all difficult, but your mind will have to be in the game at times. I still use the same gear I pieced together 20 years ago, none of it matches like a kit would, but almost all of it was begged or bartered for, and now I kind of like it. Reloading is a great way to spend time, and goes hand in hand with handgunning. Good luck.

If you can go to a reloading seminar, get a Hornady manual.

The lyman manuel is pretty good too.

I just ordered Reloading for Handgunners by Patrick Sweeney. Is it any good? I recognized Sweeney from Guns and Ammo.

I can attest that the Lyman manual is very good too.

Lee puts out a nice kit but with youtube videos you can see how its done but a good manual will show you all the steps,Lyman's is a good one to start with

The LEE manual is very versatile and loaded with many loads, not just the manufacturers.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I bought the Lee reloading book and so far it seems pretty straightforward. Once I assemble all the pieces and build a few rounds I will be back on to ask some questions. Thanks again.

Dan

Dan,

Good for you sir! Just take your time and avoid distractions and you should do well. There are many sources for reloading online from the manufacturers as well as local guys and others online. I cannot say it enough to go slow and enjoy yourself. Bruce

Lee equipment are great and a hornady load book

A question on crimping.

I have read both yes and no on crimping 454 Casull reloads. Thus, what do you do?

Dan

If a revolver, absolutely, and a firm one. If a single shot it is not necessary to crimp to keep the bullets in the cases, but it may help to get a more consistant ignition.

Thanks for the advice. I just finished loading my first 454 Casull rounds and it went fairly smooth. I simply followed the information in the Lee book as well as the directions that came with the Lee Loader. Just need to blast them off at the range to see how they perform. There were only 2 malfunctions with primers (user error).

Videos are helpful as the others have said, but still it is great to have someone show you the ropes as you will certainly have a learning curve.

I started with a Lee Aniversary Kit 20+ years ago and still use it. I did upgrade to an electronic scale. One thing I would caution against is picking your powder based on economics. I started looking at the powders my manual recommended for my 44 mag then choosing one based on which gave me the highest velocity with the smallest charge: more shots per pound of powder. Not always best. I got poor accuracy. It is also MUCH easier to accidentally put a double charge of powder in and not know it. I now choose powders based on the ones that give me a safe charge that best fills the case- all based on manuals. If I double charge one that should be 80% full with a charge of powder... the overflowed, spilled powder on my bench tells me I messed up.

That is sound advice on the powder. I followed the Lee Manual and used Accurate #9. Hopefully that will be a good choice. When I get out to shoot my hand loads I will report back..

I made it to the range and put 20 of my hand loaded 454 rounds through my pistol without a flaw. The groupings were similar to my factory loads and with comparable recoil. Overall I am happy with my reloads.

Thanks to all for your advice. More questions to come.

Dan

There's nothing like having success with that which you created.