benchrest reloading tools

[xdshooter]

Trying to cpmpile a list of the essentials to start reloading to benchrest standards

 

[artbosco]

Trying to compile a list of the essentials to start reloading to benchrest standards.

Purchase a copy of Tony Boyer's new book, The Book of Rifle Accuracy. He covers everything you'll need for "B"enchrest.

 

[in2deep]

You may want to post if you want a portable set-up for loading at the range like the 100 and 200 yard centerfire shooters do or want a home-based set-up.
Also the folks that shoot long-range often weigh each charge on a scale and the short-range guys just use a Harrel's powder thrower or similar and just shoot it.
This is a big can-o-worms and some specifics to your shooting discipline and equipment would be helpful.

 

[BoydAllen]

I would suggest that you set up to load at the range. Benchrest standards include tuning to a fine edge for the conditions at the time and place that you are shooting, and being able to make adjustments as you go. (at least for short range, 1-200 yd.) Having said that, one thing that is universal is the tools to measure what you are doing. A good 1" micrometer that measures to .0001, a shoulder bump gauge, some way to measure off of the ogives of bullets, a good dial caliper and possibly a concentricity gauge. These should be a part of any range or home kit. You can use almost any press, but for the range lighter and more compact is better. You should have a powder measure that has some sort of repeatable setting system, or you can use a RCBS Chargemaster. If you use a measure, a reliable scale will be needed. I have rigged up a box so that I can trickle charges on a balance scale (that I have tuned up for better performance) out of doors, without being bothered by wind. Good work has been done with press type seating dies, but I prefer arbor press style seaters. Of course they require either an arbor press, or some other way to apply pressure, if much neck tension is used. As far as sizing dies go, there are a number of approaches, but all revolve around the idea that it is better to size cases as little as possible, while still allowing for proper bolt feel. As a general rule, you should avoid standard one piece dies that have expander balls. If you are loading for a rifle that has a chamber neck that is smaller than those furnished by factories, a neck turning tool and all the accessories will be desirable. Stay away from those that are designed as part of a case trimmer. I keep my whole loading kit in a Harbor Freight catalog case. and do virtually all of my loading at the range. Friends who resist this practice, spend a lot more time, and components arriving at a load, and it is usually not as finely tuned. Once you have the means to produce superior ammunition, you will need a way to evaluate your progress, and for that a sturdy bench, good rest and sand bags, and some way to look at what the wind is doing, are requirements. Often, shooters aspire to better results, but are unwilling to change much of their current procedures or equipment. Generally, this results in their going around in circles, and not getting any where. I presume that you do not intend to take this approach. Good luck, and have fun.

 

[gun_rat82]

Give Sinclair Intl. A call. Their catalog is an awesome resource for high quality reloading tools.