Are you just starting out in the cartridge reloading world?
These tips on what you need will get you well on your way for gearing up to be a rifle and handgun ammo reloader.
Work bench or other viable working spot option.
A sturdy base is important for mounting your reloading press onto and also for other steps you will need to do. Any beefy work bench will do that has no wobble when pressed on from above. An old solid wood desk, heavy table or similar item can work well also. Make sure that there is plenty of room for a solid mounting option to it. Also, be sure to have a quiet spot where there will be no interruptions.
Precise amounts of powder must be used for safety and proper accuracy. Investing in a precise one such the RCBS M500 Mechanical Scale is a very wise decision.
Hodgdon just released their 2026 Annual Manual. You will want this one for your load data and great reading too! While researching load data in older manuals is quite fun, make sure you use up to date data from a current reloading manual for actual loading.
There are a variety of different powders that have different burn rates. Some are good for some loads, while others are the best pick for additional cartridges. This is where your up to date reloading manual comes into play. Be precise on your selection and keep accurate records to avoid any problems in the future.
Projectiles and empty cartridge cases.
While range pick up empties are great, new brass is the primo! I prefer Starline Brass for new brass, and as for projectiles, I do really enjoy casting my own out of lead. I can also cast the projectiles as hard or soft as I want out of my own molds. Of course, commercially made lead or jacketed bullets are the best for the beginning reloader. You can always work your way into a new hobby of lead bullet casting in the future.
Don’t forget the primers.
Not much can be loaded without primers! Be sure of what size you need, as they run in small and large for rifles or handguns, and if they need to be standard or magnum.
Reloading dies for your caliber of choice.
Pick your caliber. There will either generally be 2 or 3 dies in a set, depending on what jobs must be done with that caliber set. Always use case lube on your brass cases when using any reloading die or you will have stuck brass.
Some reloaders might tell aspiring loaders to buy the cheapest press as their first press. Well, using a substandard or worn out press might just as well dissuade new users from getting their full enjoyment out of it. A great starter press I can highly recommend and I reviewed above is the RCBS Partner Press.
If you will be loading larger rifle cartridges then the RCBS RockChucker is a very wise decision. It is a strong and heavy weight press that is made for extra leverage and high volume loading.
Reloading is a hobby that you can always grow. In the future for reloading handgun and rifle ammunition for competition shooting or maybe plinking, you might want a progressive press. Each pull of the handle allows multiple steps to be completed in a rotating fashion. This is certainly not for the beginner loader, but for the more advanced handloader that is ready for an upgrade in speed at the bench.
Reloading your own ammo is a great hobby that allows you more time to enjoy the shooting sports while custom building your own cartridges. Stick to the manufacturer’s instructions on all tools used, and always use common sense while sticking with only current loading recipes.