New to reloading...should I get a "test gun"?

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DirtyHarold

New member
I am about to pick up the Lee Precision reloading kit off of amazon, and start loading probably 38/357. The two guns of this caliber also happen to be my favorite guns, and I don't want to start testing my first ever reloaded rounds in my babies (even though one is a gp100).

Would this just be silliness or actually a decent idea for a new reloader? Given I am a competent hands on non-idiot.
 
Silly. Start slow, triple check things till you gain your confidence, ask questions here if needed. We have all been there in the past.

I suggest you start with the .38 sp. Get some standard weight plated or fmj bullets with cannelure to start with. Pick your powder and cross check your data with a couple of sources ( load manual and powder manufacturer online data). Standard advice is to start at the low end of the charge range and work up in steps toward the max, usually at 0.1 grain increments for pistol. Load one cylinder's worth at each step and take them to the range and test.
 
Don't let fear destroy one of the most satisfying gun related pass times. Get a good manual (I suggest Lyman's 49th over Lee's manual), find a load you like, then buy components. Find a tried and true load that has been used for a while and all the quirks have been worked out and reported solutions are readily available. Stick with published load data (FWIW; I pay no attention to any forum expert, range rat, gun counter clerk, pet loads web site or gun shop guru for load data), and begin with starting loads.

Go slow, double check everything, and most important, have fun...:D
 
"...Would this just be silliness..." Yep. Read and follow your manual religiously and you'll be fine. Mind you, if you just want another handgun, it's not a bad reason. Even if it's an excuse. snicker.
 
Just read and reread your manual it is the law we go by ,
People get into problems when they think they know it all .
Loading ammo is a learning hobby and you never stop learning .
 
Yes, buying a "test gun" is a little silly... well, okay a lot silly, but.... never pass up an excuse to add to the arsenal. I hear that Vaqueros are excellent "test guns". ;)
 
Not being an a-hole, but if I could afford "test guns" for every caliber I load for, I would be able to afford factory ammo and wouldn't be reloading............
 
Yes, I'm with the get another gun advocates, but get it in a different caliber for more fun and experience in the future. In the meantime just go by the manuals with your current selections. I usually start midrange between starting and max loads, but begin with starting load if you prefer.
 
If you want another gun, go ahead and get one, but do continue to visually inspect each and every round for powder charge before seating the bullet.

All the test gun is going to do for you is put a different serial number on the gun part that pierces your forehead should you blow the inspection process and double charge a round.
 
I used to have a TC Encore single shot with custom 9" .357 mag barrel & 2X scope. That was mostly for testing reloads, silhouette shooting, and plinking. Not really for safety, just for easy shooting at the bench.
 
I'm new too. I'm loading my first rounds this week, some .38spcl 158g and Unique powder.

I plan on running those first 20 rounds through my beloved Ruger Security Six. I'm feeling confident that my loads will be safe because I plan on double and triple checking them.
 
Yeah I'd go with 'silly'.

But it's nice to have a 'beater' gun too. And as other's have said any excuse to get another gun can't be bad.

P.S. Hammerhead---
a TC Encore single shot with custom 9" .357 mag barrel & 2X scope.
Click to expand...

Perfect example of a fun gun, plus you could justify all the different barrels you'd get for it.
 
I use my GP100 as my "test gun". I'm not sure what better gun is out there to be considered a "test gun". If your load accidentally blows up a GP100 i'm pretty sure any other gun would likely fail also. If you blow up the GP100 you can replace it pretty easily.

With that said - you probably need at least 1 or 2 or 6 other 38/357's to make sure the loads work equally well in S&W's. Colt's, and Rugers. At least that's what I tell myself.
 
of course its silliness when i have a gp100 and an sp101...i guess i was just looking for more backing to add another gun to the safe :D

think i could find a used charter arms or taurus for $150 or less at a gun show?
 
Come on! Purchasing a new gun is not a solution for any thing in this case. Try purchasing another manual. Read them all and I bet you will not find a single page that suggests what you are saying. If you don't pay attention and overload enough to damage your pistol. Be ready to be in pain. Just close your eyes and pull the trigger. :o

Just read the manuals until you have a good understanding and load for what you have.
 
I think a "test gun" would be warranted if you were loading for a "barrel burner" rifle load. Especially if the original gun is a family heirloom or something. Some fast, smaller projectile calibers will burn out a barrel in a few thousand rounds. For a pistol of any sort, not so much. But you should go get another gun anyway.
 
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