just starting out, planning to reload .308

[dhamby]

Well done on a thorough list. At the risk of triggering brand loyalty discussions, please share your scale recommendation. There is a great article at the accurateshooter.com site for scale/dispenser combos but I haven't found a comparison of just digital scales.

I’ve used a few electronic scales such as Dillon, RCBS, and Gempro 250. I’ve been using the Gempro 250 the longest and has been my go to for quite some time. I’ve had a RCBS Chargemaster but always checked the weight in the Gempro and trickled up to final weight as the CM could be as much as a whole grain off. It’s my understanding they don’t make the Gempro 250 anymore though and not familiar with the other MyWeight scales. I just placed an order for the A&D FX120i with auto throw and auto trickler and suspect it will vastly out perform the Gempro.

 

[cw308]

dhamby
That FX better out perform the GenPro , costs an arm and a lung . My scales ( CM 1500 and GemPro 250 ) work just fine . How accurate is accurate ? My scales can measure to hundredths of a grain 40.84 , how much better would make a difference . I have to admit it's a top shelf scale for sure .

 

[bigstick6017555]

I grew up around people that were target shooters and re-loaders,observing and listening to these people was a great plus for me when I took on the re-loading challenge. i would think if you did some research in your area, I would think you could find a shooter that would be more than happy for you to observe and listen. It will be a definite asset for you starting out. observing and asking questions of a knowledgeable re-loader can be priceless, and save a lot of headaches,time and money, good luck

 

[DeltaWhiskey64068]

I’ve used a few electronic scales such as Dillon, RCBS, and Gempro 250. I’ve been using the Gempro 250 the longest and has been my go to for quite some time. I’ve had a RCBS Chargemaster but always checked the weight in the Gempro and trickled up to final weight as the CM could be as much as a whole grain off. It’s my understanding they don’t make the Gempro 250 anymore though and not familiar with the other MyWeight scales. I just placed an order for the A&D FX120i with auto throw and auto trickler and suspect it will vastly out perform the Gempro.

Should you decide to sell the gem pro I would definitely be interested

 

[dhamby]

Should you decide to sell the gem pro I would definitely be interested

I will definitely let you know sir. Looks like my fx120i kit is out for delivery today.

 

[DeltaWhiskey64068]

So I have acquired some of the items recommended, but have yet to buy shell holder or dies. It seems like this is a Ford,chevy,dodge situation.

 

[JFrank]

What press did you acquire?

 

[DeltaWhiskey64068]

Rockchucker supreme

 

[DeltaWhiskey64068]

I am considering an arbor press and Wilson seater since it would be useful at the range as well.

 

[JFrank]

great choice on the Rock chucker press, sizing dies are more important than seaters when starting out.
Brass prep is a key element.

This is a Wilson F/L Bushing Die
You could spend more $ but you may not get a better Die.
This die very closely matches my chamber dimensions only -.002 body reductions.
Arbor press and Wilson seaters are excellent however
If your financially challenged as most of us are even a Hornday micro top seater will serve you adequately.
J

 

[DeltaWhiskey64068]

View attachment 1105062 great choice on the Rock chucker press, sizing dies are more important than seaters when starting out.
Brass prep is a key element.

This is a Wilson F/L Bushing Die
You could spend more $ but you may not get a better Die.
This die very closely matches my chamber dimensions only -.002 body reductions.
Arbor press and Wilson seaters are excellent however
If your financially challenged as most of us are even a Hornday micro top seater will serve you adequately.
J

SPJ , on the full length sizer, how do you know which bushing(s) to get? So much to learn. The price for the die is super cheap compared to many I’ve looked at.

 

[JFrank]

$59 at Brunos

I measure the neck OD of a loaded round then subtract.002
J
Addendum- you could also measure your brass wall at the neck dbl it add the bullet diameter then subtract.002

I like option #1
J

 

[DeltaWhiskey64068]

$59 at Brunos

I measure the neck OD of a loaded round then subtract.002
J
Addendum- you could also measure your brass wall at the neck dbl it add the bullet diameter then subtract.002

I like option #1
J

So will the die function as is, but has the ability to be tuned to perfection with bushing, or is the bushing required?

 

[JFrank]

It will size the body as is but Requires a bushing to resize the neck
$12 at Brunos

 

[DeltaWhiskey64068]

Thx for your help, I’ll just wait until I know the od required.

 

[TigerFan]

So I made an investment in a Bergara B-14 HMR 20" .308 1:10 twist and I want to learn reloading. Not new to firearms, but definitely new to reloading. My goal would be to successfully hand load match grade rounds. I want this to be a slow methodical approach to get each round as close to identical as possible. Based on much research, I have decided on a Rockchucker Supreme single stage press. I found the press only for $115.00 new in box locally, or Optics planet has the supreme reloading kit for $294.29 shipped. I am unsure if the components in the kit are worth the extra money, or if I should build the kit based on suggestions to help reach the stated goal. I have the Lyman 50th manual arriving today. Thanks for your input!

First off, please keep me posted on your progress if you don't mind. I have been considering the same rifle.

Next, like others said, try spending a little time with someone and you'll save a few dollars on the equipment that you really won't use. I bought the same rcbs kit because I found it at academy on clearance for $150.

 

[DeltaWhiskey64068]

First off, please keep me posted on your progress if you don't mind. I have been considering the same rifle.

Next, like others said, try spending a little time with someone and you'll save a few dollars on the equipment that you really won't use. I bought the same rcbs kit because I found it at academy on clearance for $150.

I found the press only nib cheeeep, but had I found the master kit for 150 I would have jumped on it. As far as the rifle goes, I have the scope mounted but not aligned or secured, and I put the brake on it but haven’t timed it yet. Likely this weekend I’ll have it completed and take it out for it’s first paces.

 

[tomswede]

My advice would be NOT to overcomplicate things. Buy a powder dispenser, I have had great luck with my Lyman then I use a Dillion scale to double check weights. Get a good chronology if you can. I use them to find an optimum loads and watch when my SDs. I like Magnetospeed. JMO.
Once you become more familiar then start complicating things. lol
Good luck

Good advice! A powder measure is a must, you will find (for most uses, that is not BR or competitive F-class) that measured loads do very well up to 500-600 yards. There is no need for a lab quality scale either. Start simple but with good tools and expand from there.

 

[divingin]

DW: If you're planning on shooting for 1000 yds, put your energy into working up a load for that, even if you're currently limited to shorter ranges.

Notably, the 168 Matchking is known for being lacking beyond about 7-800 yds. If you go with Sierra, 175 or a 155 Matchkings would be better choices (as you won't have to work them up later.)

As clarification, it's not the weight but the bullet design (I've heard people say otherwise, i.e. "You can't shoot any 168gn 308 bullet to 1K yds".)

 

[DeltaWhiskey64068]

DW: If you're planning on shooting for 1000 yds, put your energy into working up a load for that, even if you're currently limited to shorter ranges.

Notably, the 168 Matchking is known for being lacking beyond about 7-800 yds. If you go with Sierra, 175 or a 155 Matchkings would be better choices (as you won't have to work them up later.)

As clarification, it's not the weight but the bullet design (I've heard people say otherwise, i.e. "You can't shoot any 168gn 308 bullet to 1K yds".)

Thanks for the advice, I will definitely take that into consideration.