Reloading Recommendations

[BlackandGold]

Hello,

I'm entry level in the precision shooting discipline. I got the basics down in terms of reloading, such as case trimming, weighing bullets and cases, beam scales, powder tricklers, an expensive dial caliper, precision dies, base-to-ogive measurement, etc. However, I know that I'm missing a lot of what you can/should do for case prep and other stuff.

Can y'all help me with some technique recommendations? If it's equipment you recommend, I can only spend about $200 more on stuff before my budget breaks.....and my girlfriend snaps. Happily addicted to this discipline but OH MY GOD I'm going broke!!

Thank you in advance.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Looks to me like you’ve wasted a lot of money reading some of these posts around here geared toward the top tier benchrest competitor. To get started you need a good press, priming tool, powder dispenser, cheap digital or beam scale, and the smart money on good dies that match the good barrel you need. You put your money into good bullets and barrels. See with good bullets and good dies theres no need for sorting equipment or concentricity gages. With good barrels, cases and bullets you dont waste money trying to figure out where that flyer cane from. It all works together but you have to have a good foundation to not have to waste money later on looking for a problem. If you have a benchrest guy near you maybe he will show you around to see what simplicity looks like. Dont fall down the rabbit hole!!

 

[stork]

First question I've got is, what is your shooting discipline preference?

Distance most likely to be shooting at?

Caliber?

Lastly, and this is not said lightly, can your current rifle utilize the extra care you'll be putting into your ammo?

And yes, this is addicting as hell. I started in 1976 with a Lee "wack a mole" set. Now running 6 progressive presses (4 rifle-2 shotgun), 2 arbor presses, 5 single stage presses, and yes-my old lee "wack a mole" set. They're kind of like Dorito's, no one can have just one... and yes I have a saint for a bride.

 

[Straightshooter1]

Hello,

I'm entry level in the precision shooting discipline. I got the basics down in terms of reloading, such as case trimming, weighing bullets and cases, beam scales, powder tricklers, an expensive dial caliper, precision dies, base-to-ogive measurement, etc. However, I know that I'm missing a lot of what you can/should do for case prep and other stuff.

Can y'all help me with some technique recommendations? If it's equipment you recommend, I can only spend about $200 more on stuff before my budget breaks.....and my girlfriend snaps. Happily addicted to this discipline but OH MY GOD I'm going broke!!

Yup, going broke is an easy thing to do with this hobby . . . as it never seems to end. There's always something else to try or something new that comes about.

I use a beam scale and focus a computer camera on it to get a real close up where I can easily see the difference when I add or delete a single powder granule.

 

[BlackandGold]

My shooting discipline? I don't really have one by name, I suppose. I just have a goal of reaching 1000 yards with a 6.5 Grendel AR 15. I did 600 with my own Mk 12-style AR, so I know it can be done.

And to answer your important question, I'm not entirely sure. I've got good brass, good bullets, good equipment, an SS barrel, the upper has been accurized. I hope that would be enough to warrant the effort. Please advise.

 

[JFrank]

Hello,

I'm entry level in the precision shooting discipline. I got the basics down in terms of reloading, such as case trimming, weighing bullets and cases, beam scales, powder tricklers, an expensive dial caliper, precision dies, base-to-ogive measurement, etc. However, I know that I'm missing a lot of what you can/should do for case prep and other stuff.

Can y'all help me with some technique recommendations? If it's equipment you recommend, I can only spend about $200 more on stuff before my budget breaks.....and my girlfriend snaps. Happily addicted to this discipline but OH MY GOD I'm going broke!!

Thank you in advance.

Stop spending “
You don’t need a lot of fancy tools.
Hand tools trump power tools almost every time.
You would be surprised how little you really need.
J

 

[JSH]

Practice, get out and shoot. All the gidgits and widgits are worthless until you get a good form built.

I have seen some hundred dollar rifles with .50 shooters get beat by hundred dollar shooters with .50 rifles.
Jeff

 

[Conaso]

Isn't there an experienced reloader in your area willing to mentor you? Over 30 years ago someone let me use his equipment and taught me how to reload. All I had to do was buy the components, i.e., bullets, primers, powder. I pay it forward whenever I can: also passing brass I have in excess or no longer reload and reloading equipment I no longer use or upgraded.

 

[BlackandGold]

Sadly, no. But I learned a lot by reloading for a gun manufacturer. I mean a ton. I guess what I'm asking, is are there any pro-tips one could offer in regards to reloading procedures, or things to watch out for?

 

[JMayo]

On the interweb you'll get from -1000 to Z information.
To go by what's posted is fun but after you've gotten to a match for a year or if you make friends with some established shooters you'll find out soooo much is just ppl having fun with their toys.
Cleaning supplies is a good example. I see what I think is crazy talk. But hey ....do what you do.
Good gun, good rest, decent reloading equipment good cleaning rods and shoot.
Grow from there.
I kinda knew what to get according to my friends. All said and done. 5k + rifle. I've got a couple of front & rear bags extra. A couple of bottles of cleaning stuff I don't like. A gage I rarely use. A scale I don't use. A handful of hornady shoulder gauges. Prolly 600.oo + worth of waste....

 

[Webster]

Sadly, no. But I learned a lot by reloading for a gun manufacturer. I mean a ton. I guess what I'm asking, is are there any pro-tips one could offer in regards to reloading procedures, or things to watch out for?

Buy or make wind flags. Start at closer range and go longer as your skill improves. It's hard to sset up flags and hold up other shooters. Try 2-3 flags.

 

[R.Morehouse]

I would advise you to pick something Lapua makes brass for.....

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I would advise you to pick something Lapua makes brass for.....

You didnt get the memo?

https://www.lapua.com/cases/6-5-grendel/

 

[R.Morehouse]

You didnt get the memo?

https://www.lapua.com/cases/6-5-grendel/

I knew that......Just didn't read all the posts before chiming in........AGAIN..
I neck up the Grendel brass for my 30 Major.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Sadly, no. But I learned a lot by reloading for a gun manufacturer. I mean a ton. I guess what I'm asking, is are there any pro-tips one could offer in regards to reloading procedures, or things to watch out for?

Your at the premiere spot right here on this forum for pro tips. I learn something new from these guys and gals everyday. Read the back pages of this forum for vast knowledge and when you google a specific reloading question, it usually directs you back to discussion’s on this forum.

 

[BlackandGold]

Your at the premiere spot right here on this forum for pro tips. I learn something new from these guys and gals everyday. Read the back pages of this forum for vast knowledge and when you google a specific reloading question, it usually directs you back to discussion’s on this forum.

I agree. Great site, and I see it referenced constantly on google. I'm looking forward to going through this encyclopedia called Accurate Shooter.

 

[gravelyctry]

BlackandGold, are you in Iowa (Hawkeyes) or Indiana (Purdue). Neil

 

[BlackandGold]

BlackandGold, are you in Iowa (Hawkeyes) or Indiana (Purdue). Neil

Neither. I'm Boston, baby!! Black and gold 'til I'm dead and cold!

 

[R.Morehouse]

Go Blues....

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Wicked pissah!!