5.7x28mm Reloading Starter Kit

[F1V3-53V3N]

I think I might pick up the 5.7mm reloading essentials over Christmas break and start practicing the craft. I was wondering if any of the resident gurus could put together a quick buy list from CheaperThanDirt for me? I just want the basics and don't need any bells and whistles. I will be happy with the bare minimum. I just want to get my feet wet and won't be shooting anything I reload until I am 100% sure of what I am doing. I have saved a lot of brass so I can waste some while practicing.

[124C41]

Are you new to reloading, or just new to reloading the 5.7x28?

Do you own any other calibers you would be interested in reloading? If new to reloading I would start with a more forgiving caliber. 223 mayhaps? The lighter 223 bullets can be used for 5.7x28 reloading later.

[F1V3-53V3N]

No, I haven't ever reloaded before. I am not intimidated by the 5.7 cartridge either as I have read a bunch on the issue and will go slow. I just want to get a recommended buy list since everybody seems to have their own preferences as to what they consider a "complete" reloading setup. I just want something simple, reliable, and manual. I don't need all the bells and whistles.

[124C41]

Well a good investment would be a chrono.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/23100-1.html

I use the LEE 5.7 dies and the are just OK, they put a nick in the brass shoulder for the first 100 rounds or so. They were cheap.

Buy two shell holders...
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/56772-1.html

A simple and inexpensive way to trim brass is with these:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/476...-and-lock-stud
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/266...c=S015ID261573

The Rock Chucker kit is a good start to the magical world of reloading.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/64468-1.html

I do not use the powder thrower for 5.7, I'll weigh every charge. I've got a small scoop that is almost enough powder, then I'll trickle in enough to get the desired weight.

Get to know your scale, how to zero it and check for repeatability from session to session. Use the chrono to try to match factory loads at first.

[F1V3-53V3N]

Well a good investment would be a chrono.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/23100-1.html

I use the LEE 5.7 dies and the are just OK, they put a nick in the brass shoulder for the first 100 rounds or so. They were cheap.

Buy two shell holders...
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/56772-1.html

A simple and inexpensive way to trim brass is with these:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/476...-and-lock-stud
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/266...c=S015ID261573

The Rock Chucker kit is a good start to the magical world of reloading.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/64468-1.html

I do not use the powder thrower for 5.7, I'll weigh every charge. I've got a small scoop that is almost enough powder, then I'll trickle in enough to get the desired weight.

Get to know your scale, how to zero it and check for repeatability from session to session. Use the chrono to try to match factory loads at first.

I have a chrono and a quality digital scale so I am set there. Thanks for the advice on the other items.

[tqtran]

Are you going to get Lee Hand loader or a Press?
If you don't know if you plan to reload much or don't know, just get the hand loader IMO.
You can always get a press down the road and use the handloader for 9mm or some other common caliber.

[pabloaa]

Dont be afraid to start, this a excellent hobby, loading for a simi-auto is a little more difficult.

It seems to me the Lee dies were OK, but not cleaned properly before first use.

When I started reloading it was for a Stevens 44, Single falling block originally in 25/20 SS. With no avalible brass in the mid-50's, I set the barrel back enough to eliminate most of the chamber, leaving just enough for me to fit 25 ACP! modified the extractor. It shot horribly with Win factory ammo, quite expensive the time. I used a lyman 310 tool to prime cases, used a 60 gr bullet mold.
I Used bullseye powder scooping the case full and pushed as cast bullet into the case.

This apparently solved several problems, the oversize bullet fit the barrel better and improved accuracy quite a bit. It seemed as I shot hundreds of rabbits & bushy tails, and many turtles.

[HK SD9 Tactical]

Dont be afraid to start, this a excellent hobby, loading for a simi-auto is a little more difficult.

It seems to me the Lee dies were OK, but not cleaned properly before first use.

When I started reloading it was for a Stevens 44, Single falling block originally in 25/20 SS. With no avalible brass in the mid-50's, I set the barrel back enough to eliminate most of the chamber, leaving just enough for me to fit 25 ACP! modified the extractor. It shot horribly with Win factory ammo, quite expensive the time. I used a lyman 310 tool to prime cases, used a 60 gr bullet mold.
I Used bullseye powder scooping the case full and pushed as cast bullet into the case.

This apparently solved several problems, the oversize bullet fit the barrel better and improved accuracy quite a bit. It seemed as I shot hundreds of rabbits & bushy tails, and many turtles.

Welcome to the forums. My uncle just put his hands on a Stevens falling block 22 short built sometimes in the late 1800's, all original.