Getting started Re-loading

So you have your .308, maybe a couple others, you have been in the sport for a while. Maybe you have been shooting for a long time but the brains trust at the range tells you the problem is you're shooting factory ammo and you're shooting the cheap stuff. Or you have been reading about reloading online and you want to reload for yourself.

Re-loading can be dangerous

Always use appropriate reloading data and NEVER exceed limits!

The best way to get into reloading is to talk to some of the guys at the club (someone who has been doing it a while, and whom you feel comfortable with). Chances are you will be able to set up a time to go over to his place and he will show you what to do.

Reloading isn't hard, it just can be very finicky and there is a lot of R&D involved.

I HAVE SEEN PEOPLE WEAR OUT BARRELS TRYING TO GET THE PERFECT LOAD!

I mean that is the most literal possible sense. Now while that may be more F-Class territory, it is very easy to go velocity crazy seeing how fast you can make them go, or how accurate you can get them. We have all done that and it is fun. But you're a beginner.

So what do I need?

Well the good news is for your first reload session, nothing! Your mate whom you're reloading with will have it all. You're there to learn. Watch what he does, take notes, pay attention to what he does.

So you're now ready to get started. For your second reloading session with your mate, ask if you can bring some components and you can make some for yourself.

You will need

• Empty cases (the empties from your time at the range should be fine)
• Projectiles (talk to your mate, if a reasonably common caliber you should be easy to get at any gun shop)
• Dies (eBay is good for that)
• Powder (consult reloading data)
• Primers (depending on calibre should be easy to find at any gun shop)
• Reloading data: adiworldclass.com.au

This will avoid scabbing off your mate too much and give you a reasonable array of tools to build on.

Once you and your mate are happy you're safe and know what you're doing you can start doing it on your own

You will now need to build upon your reloading gear and setup.

Now you will need

Here is where you will need as an absolute minimum you should aim to have:

• A press (eBay is a good place)
• Loading scales
• Loading funnel
• Powder trickler
• Primer tool
• Chamfer cutter
• Primer pocket cleaner
• Case lube
• Lube pad
• Calipers

This can be quite the outlay. If you look online, they sell starter packs with all or most of this stuff.