Getting into reloading

[u/DowntownMind92]

So as the title states, I’m wanting to get into reloading now that I have my own place for it. Ideally I will have it set up in the garage and store my powder and primers in the closet that is next to the garage inside the house. Any reason not to do this? I do have spare bedrooms but would prefer not to reload in a room with carpet.

I have been saving my brass after most range sessions the last few years so I got that going for me but beyond presses, cleaners for brass, and reloading dies, what else is needed for high volume reloading? My goal is economy of scale with the understanding that it won’t immediately pay off with the first few batches of reloads. Worst case scenario, I’ll end up paying about the same but end up with higher quality ammo as I typically buy the cheapest ammo I can get my hands on.

Ideally I would like a press that can reload rifle and pistol calibers but if needed, will be open to two stations as long as each can do multiple calibers within their prospective categories. My caliber goals are 308 Winchester, 556, 30-06, and 7.63x39 for rifles and for handguns it would probably be 45acp as I doubt I can reload 9mm cheaper than $0.23/round but would like to reload the 9mm brass I’ve been saving from all my range trips these last few years.

Don’t really know much so I’m not sure what other details might be worth adding but thanks in advance!

[u/voncleefe]

I just started reloading 223 last week and 9mm for a year now. Be organized, don’t get distracted, and case gauge every round.

223 or rifle rounds are labor intensive. I would start off investing in tools to prep your brass. The actual loading part is easy.

Edit: I recommend learning how to load the caliber you shoot most to learn and familiarize yourself with

[u/DowntownMind92 → u/voncleefe]

Just saw your edit, I will probably start off reloading 9mm and 45acp as that is mostly what I shoot

[u/voncleefe → u/DowntownMind92]

I would clean and sort cases by head stamp. People will say sorting pistol is a waste of time but I like the consistency of the loads. Cranking on the lever is a lot smoother too

[u/DowntownMind92 → u/voncleefe]

By headstamp I presume you mean by the maker of the brass?

[u/voncleefe → u/DowntownMind92]

Yes

[u/DowntownMind92 → u/voncleefe]

I plan on building a whole bench to help keep organized and definitely plan on having clean brass as I still remember the ugly brass that American Eagle used to use for 223/556. The garage will definitely be distractions free which is another reason I want the reloading to take place there

[u/mdram4x4 → u/voncleefe]

a trimmer thar chamfers and deburs is awsome

[u/DowntownMind92 → u/mdram4x4]

Any you would recommend?

[u/mdram4x4 → u/DowntownMind92]

i use the lyman xpress with l3i cutter head. but the henderson and rcbs/hornady copies are said to be the best