Starting out with .44 reloading

[Lancs_Oakley]

I am shooting about 1500-2000 rounds of .44 a year and I think its time to start re-loading as its getting rather expensive buying factory ammo.

The only thing I really have is powder scales for my muzzle loader.

Whats the thoughts in regards kit? I know I will need a press and dies and sizers etc but what about a tumbler and the likes? Anyone got a list of what is needed?

Also, is magtech brass ok to reload? Or will I need to buy some fresh brass? I also have quite a bit of S&B.

[Lancs_Oakley]

PS I know there is a sticky but it looks more aimed at rifle reloading and also not been updated in 3 years so hence my new thread.

[Andy632]

Speak with the reloaders in your club, the should have some decent advice.
If it's just pistol calibre ammo you reload, then I reckon a turret press might be the best option, they are good for volume. Lee Classic turret press us more than adequate, or even a Lee progressive. If you have the cash, the sky's the limit. I have a Lyman turret for general use, a Lee pro 1000 for .357, and a Lee & RCBS single station presses.

[GeeRam]

Speak with the reloaders in your club, they should have some decent advice.

I'd like to get into reloading 45 Colt for the same reason as OP, but in my case, there is no one that reloads any more in my club, so asking someone is not an option for me.

[mag41uk]

Speak with the reloaders in your club, they should have some decent advice.

I'd like to get into reloading 45 Colt for the same reason as OP, but in my case, there is no one that reloads any more in my club, so asking someone is not an option for me.

You can ask me - I am probably not far from you!

[dromia]

First thing to do is buy a good handloading manual, I would recommend the Lyman 50th edition whatever avoid the Lee book like the plague, once to have read the handloading sections a few times and got a feel for the process then you will be able to come back here, or go to your mentor if you manage to find one, with more informed questions that will help you along much better.

A good manual like the Lyman will also have pressure tested data, unlike the Lee which just plagiarises existing minimum data and the adds a few errors of their own, which will be the foundation of safe load development for your rifle.

Be very circumspect about internet data, or anything else internet for that matter.

[Triffid]

If you're doing that kind of quantity, you'll probably want to go for some progressive press, but I'd advice you to get a cheap single-station one first and learn on that before moving on to something more complicated. There's all sorts of kit you can buy, but the press, dies, shell-holder and scales will get you going. I'd also suggest a powder measure as something which will save you lots of time.

Your existing brass will be fine - I reload Magtec & Privvi; if you don't go for full-pressure rounds, the brass will last for years. Get what bullets, prmers and powder you can - there are lots of options for loading 44 and it's a really easy cartridge to reload.

It's nice to have shiny cases, but isn't necessary. For my volume .44 loads, I'll only clean them every three or four firings, or just when they are getting grotty.

And above all, get some hands-on help to get you up the learning curve.

Triffid

[Mattnall]

Another vote for the Lee Classic Turret press. It's fairly cheap and can still pump out a good rate of good quality pistol ammo. I'd get an auto powder measure to go on the top and you'll be making a year's supply in a few days. 44Mag/SPL is very easy to load.
Still a good idea to get a good reloading manual.

[Lancs_Oakley]

Thanks all some good advice. I will look at the lee classic turret press.

Any suggestions for cleaning the brass?

[Andy632]

Thanks all some good advice. I will look at the lee classic turret press.

Any suggestions for cleaning the brass?

You can get cheapo chinese tumbler for around £50-80. Few stainless pins and some citric acid, Bob's your auntie!