Items Needed for a New Caliber or Cartridge

[6ShotsOr5?]

I recently decided to build my first 7 mm rifle, in this case chambered in .284 Win on a model 700 style long action. This is also my first long action. The closest two rifle calibers I owned before are 0.264 and 0.308. Even if I would have been able to re-use a stock or an action or a trigger (edited) — which didn’t happen — I still had a pretty long list of parts, tools, and components needed resulting mainly from the caliber change. One of the few tools I didn’t need to buy is one of the cheapest — a shell holder for the reloading press! Here is my list so far:

• Barrel
• Bullets!
• Brass
• Sizing Die & Neck Bushing
• Seating Die
• Cleaning Jag
• Bore Brush
• Chamber Brush (just didn’t have any really…)
• Flash Hole Reamer Pilot Stop
• Little Crow WFT-2 Trimmer Insert
• Area 419 Funnel Adapter Tip
• RCBS Bullet Puller Collet
• Comparator Insert
• Bump Gauge Insert
• Cartridge Boxes

YMMV because everybody does a few things differently. What other gear would you need for your next new caliber?

 

[Mulligan]

I use one of these to set up and check dies

Reloading Measuring Tools for Accuracy and Precision - Brownells

Find your gunpowder measuring tools for accurate reloading at Brownells, including bullet comparators, calipers, and case length gauges. Save Up To 49% Off on gunpowder measuring tools from SINCLAIR INTERNATIONAL, HORNADY, and LYMAN for precise reloading.

www.brownells.com

So, I would need one of these

WILSON CASE GAGE | Brownells

The most important use of a cartridge case gage is for setting up 7⁄8"-14 press type full length resizing dies. A common error in reloading is to oversize your brass. Headspace of fired cases can quickly and accurately be measured using this tool ...

www.brownells.com

CW

 

[KMart]

Buy a set of Whidden dies and a bump gauge comes with it. It attaches directly to your calipers.

 

[3Sigma]

Just started on a new caliber for me, .338. Good list, here's what I added in addition

New cleaning rod
Rod guide
Primers
Powder
Pin Gages for neck diameter range
Trimmer pilot
Neck turn pilot
Insert for CBTO measurements (Hornady length to lands)

 

[joshb]

The right powder? I walked into the only local reloading supply store around . To my surprise, I saw an eight pounder of 4198! I looked closer........$400!!! It’s still there.

 

[Bc'z]

I recently decided to build my first 7 mm rifle, in this case chambered in .284 Win on a model 700 style long action. This is also my first long action. The closest two rifle calibers I owned before are 0.264 and 0.308. Even if I would have been able to re-use a stock or an action — which didn’t happen — I still had a pretty long list of parts, tools, and components needed resulting mainly from the caliber change. One of the few tools I didn’t need to buy is one of the cheapest — a shell holder for the reloading press! Here is my list so far:

• Barrel
• Bullets!
• Brass
• Sizing Die & Neck Bushing
• Seating Die
• Cleaning Jag
• Bore Brush
• Chamber Brush (just didn’t have any really…)
• Flash Hole Reamer Pilot Stop
• Little Crow WFT-2 Trimmer Insert
• Area 419 Funnel Adapter Tip
• RCBS Bullet Puller Collet
• Comparator Insert
• Bump Gauge Insert
• Cartridge Boxes

YMMV because everybody does a few things differently. What other gear would you need for your next new caliber?

The right powder? I walked into the only local reloading supply store around . To my surprise, I saw an eight pounder of 4198! I looked closer........$400!!! It’s still there.

@WSMNUT is in the process of building a new rifle for my wife, why did ya'll have to remind me how much more money is needed to go from a operational rifle to actually begin able to shoot it.
Damn it Jim!!!

 

[Ranger188]

How do you check the distance to the lands?
Neck turning equipment?

 

[RegionRat]

Do you have a cleaning rod guide for the new caliber?

Sometimes, old ones will work for more than one cartridge, but not all of them are upward and downward compatible.

 

[Bc'z]

How do you check the distance to the lands?
Neck turning equipment?

Greg ill be calling you in the morning.
I've got 21st century cutters for .264 and .30 there's another buck 75 for 6mm. Damn it Jim!!

Do you have a cleaning rod guide for the new caliber?

Sometimes, old ones will work for more than one cartridge, but not all of them are upward and downward compatible.

What's a bore guide? I just lay the rifle in my lap and go to work.
Lmao

 

[Bc'z]

You guys are Killin me.
I'd be better off selling all my shit!!
No I haven't been drinkin....


Much!!

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Don’t forget the Motorhome if you shoot the 6ppc!
Just Kidding!

 

[Bc'z]

Don’t forget the Motorhome if you shoot the 6ppc!
Just Kidding!

Sold it in June! Lol

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

How do you check the distance to the lands?
Neck turning equipment?

I use the Wheeler method to find touch, and I bought a Wilson micrometer top seater so I can adjust jump or jam after I find touch. Just no turn necks using Lapua brass this time. Maybe on the next barrel…

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

Do you have a cleaning rod guide for the new caliber?

Sometimes, old ones will work for more than one cartridge, but not all of them are upward and downward compatible.

I have a Lyman universal that I have used from 6mm up to 338LM.

 

[Bc'z]

I use the Wheeler method to find touch, and I bought a Wilson micrometer top seater so I can adjust jump or jam after I find touch. Just no turn necks using Lapua brass this time. Maybe on the next barrel…

Color a bullet with a sharpie, flatten a piece of fired brass on 1 side of the neck, now jam that sumbitch a dozen times. Delete the high and low. Take an average of the remaining measurements.
Now back off .020 and go to work.
Easy peasy.

 

[Ranger188]

When I get a new caliber, I always forget something.
And it takes a week to get it. I want it now!

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

When I get a new caliber, I always forget something.
And it takes a week to get it. I want it now!

Even with a bit of planning, you have to expect the unexpected. I have two items currently in a delivery truck but delayed out on the road. Just minor stuff - the action and the stock!

 

[rogina]

Even with a bit of planning, you have to expect the unexpected. I have two items currently in a delivery truck but delayed out on the road. Just minor stuff - the action and the stock!

When going to 20 cal, I had to buy a bunch of new things.

 

[Fast14riot]

When going to 20 cal, I had to buy a bunch of new things.

I had to do the same thing going 20. The thing I didn't think about right away was another cleaning rod! Most are only 22 caliber (or larger) and the jags are typically a different thread, too.

 

[Fast14riot]

@WSMNUT is in the process of building a new rifle for my wife, why did ya'll have to remind me how much more money is needed to go from a operational rifle to actually begin able to shoot it.
Damn it Jim!!!

What is she getting? Keeping the pretty stock or is it a completely new build?