AFTER you have acquired the appropriate reloading BOOKS and equipment:
1. Thoroughly read your reloading book to gain an in-depth understanding of what it is you are about to do. Remember, that cartride is a little BOMB, right under you nose. 60,000+psi is not something you should take lightly!
BTW, I highly recommend Lee Modern Reloading, by Richard Lee. It is easy to read and understand.
2. After you have read your reloading manual and feel that you have a reasonable understanding of reloading, READ IT AGAIN! Be sure to pay close attention to any safety related items that the book points out.
3. ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION when reloading, and add HEARING PROTECTION when shooting! Take it from someone who has a significant hearing loss, due to shooting without earplugs, etc. as a boy/teenager: Ringing in your ears 24/7 and having to read lips to help you understand what someone is saying AIN'T FUN! Protect your EYES AND EARS!
4. ALWAYS begin with STARTING LOADS and work up SLOWLY while WATCHING FOR PRESSURE SIGNS!
a) Look for accurate loads that group well. Don't try to be macho to see just how fast you can make a bullet go. I'll take a 2500fps load that gives me 1" groups any day, over a 3000fps load that is all over the place. It is a waste of powder, bullets, primers, brass and time.
b) Choose the load that gives the required accuracy and downrange velocity, with the least amount of powder. Saves wear and tear on you, your brass and your rifle.
5. DO NOT assume that a good, safe load for rifle A is good, safe load for rifle B, even though they may be the same caliber and model.
a) Work up loads for each individual rifle pursuant to STEP #4.
6. BE CONSISTENT and TAKE NOTES!!
7. DO NOT ask others for load recipes!!
a) I think it is fine to ask: "What powder works well in caliber XYZ?"; or "What primers/brass/bullets do y'all like?". But you should always work up your own SAFE recipes pursuant to Steps #4 and #5. ALWAYS begin with STARTING LOADS and WORK UP SLOWLY, WATCHING FOR PRESSURE SIGNS!
b) If you do get recipes for others, DO NOT ASSUME THAT THEY ARE SAFE IN YOUR RIFLE: Begin with STARTING LOADS and WORK UP SLOWLY, WATCHING FOR PRESSURE SIGNS!
8. Personally, I think that if you are not willing to do the above steps, you should not start reloading. To much is at stake for you AND those around you at the range!
9. HAVE FUN! This is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby.
That's all for now. If I think of more, I will add to the list.
1. Thoroughly read your reloading book to gain an in-depth understanding of what it is you are about to do. Remember, that cartride is a little BOMB, right under you nose. 60,000+psi is not something you should take lightly!
BTW, I highly recommend Lee Modern Reloading, by Richard Lee. It is easy to read and understand.
2. After you have read your reloading manual and feel that you have a reasonable understanding of reloading, READ IT AGAIN! Be sure to pay close attention to any safety related items that the book points out.
3. ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION when reloading, and add HEARING PROTECTION when shooting! Take it from someone who has a significant hearing loss, due to shooting without earplugs, etc. as a boy/teenager: Ringing in your ears 24/7 and having to read lips to help you understand what someone is saying AIN'T FUN! Protect your EYES AND EARS!
4. ALWAYS begin with STARTING LOADS and work up SLOWLY while WATCHING FOR PRESSURE SIGNS!
a) Look for accurate loads that group well. Don't try to be macho to see just how fast you can make a bullet go. I'll take a 2500fps load that gives me 1" groups any day, over a 3000fps load that is all over the place. It is a waste of powder, bullets, primers, brass and time.
b) Choose the load that gives the required accuracy and downrange velocity, with the least amount of powder. Saves wear and tear on you, your brass and your rifle.
5. DO NOT assume that a good, safe load for rifle A is good, safe load for rifle B, even though they may be the same caliber and model.
a) Work up loads for each individual rifle pursuant to STEP #4.
6. BE CONSISTENT and TAKE NOTES!!
7. DO NOT ask others for load recipes!!
a) I think it is fine to ask: "What powder works well in caliber XYZ?"; or "What primers/brass/bullets do y'all like?". But you should always work up your own SAFE recipes pursuant to Steps #4 and #5. ALWAYS begin with STARTING LOADS and WORK UP SLOWLY, WATCHING FOR PRESSURE SIGNS!
b) If you do get recipes for others, DO NOT ASSUME THAT THEY ARE SAFE IN YOUR RIFLE: Begin with STARTING LOADS and WORK UP SLOWLY, WATCHING FOR PRESSURE SIGNS!
8. Personally, I think that if you are not willing to do the above steps, you should not start reloading. To much is at stake for you AND those around you at the range!
9. HAVE FUN! This is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby.
That's all for now. If I think of more, I will add to the list.
Good Shooting and God Bless!!
Darrell
"Nicht schlecht, Herr Specht!"
Darrell
"Nicht schlecht, Herr Specht!"
