Need to start reloading: Advice on equipment

[Gameon]

Hello All,

I am a big fan of this website and have learnt a great deal from it. I am a point in my learning curve where the next logical step it to start reloading. I am shooting an upgraded Rem 700 1-9 .223,Its a learning curve). I want to learn the basis fundamentals real well before I commit to a match quality rifle and a caliber,can't wait, but my immediate goal is start reloading and may be replace the factory barrel.

I need advice on what basis set up I should get to get me going. Please let me know your view on any individual or combined set up. I want to get best bang for the buck so something in the middle. Thanks

 

[billmo]

GAMEON, HANDLOADING IS A VERY REWARDING HOBBY ESPECIALLY IF YOU ENJOY THE TIME SPENT PREPARING AMMO AND ACTUALLY SHOOTING. I WOULD SUGGEST FIRST OF ALL TO ORDER YOURSELF A GOOD RELOADING MANUAL SUCH AS NOSLER, HORNADY, SIERRA OR ANY OF THE OTHER GOOD MANUALS. IT WOULD SERVE YOU WELL TO READ ALL OF THE HOW TO ARTICLES UP FRONT IN THE BOOK AND STUDY THE CHARTS CAREFULLY. SECONDLY, THERE ARE SOME VERY GOOD ADVANCED RELOADING BOOKS FOR SALE AT MOST MAIL ORDER GUN AND RELOADING SUPPLY WAREHOUSES BUT I URGE YOU TO READ THE BASIC STUFF FIRST. THIRDLY, THIS IS WITHOUT A DOUBT THE GREATEST GROUP OF GUYS TO ASK QUESTIONS AND GET GOOD SOLID ANSWERS FROM THAT I KNOW OF, BAR NONE. AND, IF POSSIBLE YOU MIGHT FIND SOMEONE CLOSE BY WHERE YOU LIVE THAT WOULD KIND OF TEACH YOU SOME BASIC GUIDELINES. WHATEVER YOU DO PLEASE REMEMBER THIS LAST STATEMENT. SAFETY IS NUMBER ONE. NEVER DO ANYTHING THAT YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY NOT SURE OF. THE MAN UPSTAIRS ISSUED YOU 2 EYES AND 10 DIGITS ON YOUR HANDS. PLEASE USE CAUTION AND PRACTICE ALL SAFETY RULES SO THAT YOU MAY HANG ONTO ALL OF THEM. REMEMBER, A LOADED CARTRIDGE IN A CHAMBER IS A MINATURE BOMB BEING DETINATED JUST INCHES FROM YOUR FACE, HANDS, AND YOUR UPPER TORSO. I HOPE THIS HELPS AND I CERTAINLY HOPE THAT YOU WILL BEGIN TO HANDLOAD SAFELY. IF I CAN BE OF ANY ASSISTANCE FROM A DISTANCE, JUST LET ME KNOW. I'M CERTAIN YOU WILL HEAR THIS FROM MANY OF THE GUYS HERE ON 6MMBR. BILL

 

[Gameon]

Thanks Bill

I will always keep your advice fresh in my mind.

 

[NorCalMikie]

Bill: Well said. :thumb: I don't think he could have picked a easier caliber to start with. It won't be long before he's hooked.

 

[Winchester69]

Will you be shooting benchrest? Equipment and process are a little different for this discipline.

 

[Codeman]

The RCBS rock chucker supreme is an excellent package that has just about everything you would need for a while

 

[NorCalMikie]

Stay away fron the mil.fired brass till you've been at for a while. Crimped in primers are a PITA. Once you've got the process down,'then' you can play with the mil. brass. RCBS is a good start. Learn the basics then branch out from there.
I think the first round I ever loaded was a .223. Good place to start.

 

[Mikem]

Mikies right, the 223 is a great caliber to start with, but if its not big enough,,Big Deer?) try the 308, or what ever caliber you have.
You do have a lot to learn, but it will come fast, and ask question on this site, we love to talk and answer questions. One thing to remember, a lot of the guys on this site know all the in and outs of hand loading, and may use a term your not familiar with, if so ask, then you will know.
And they will always put your safety first.
I first started reloading 30-06 and 41 Mag back in 1966, and haven't stopped yet, and I'm still learning, as the industry and our methods change some with time.

PS. I keep the door locked to my gun room, so my wife doesn't know how much equipment I have, including things that go Bang.
Mike.

 

[Gameon]

Guys again thanks for all the wisdom. I am learning a lot every day and want to order a stater kit either

RCBS
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=product&cmCat=Related_IPL_213986&id=0018937214924a

Or Hornady's Lock-n-Load Classicâ„¢ Kit
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=product&cmCat=Related_IPL_216575&id=0044088213986a

They both are equally priced and exact same components except Hornady's comes with a Digital Scale,I like that) and I was going to the Get its manual in the kit any way. Hornady's also a running a 1000 bullet's free scene,.223 55Gr not care about that much).

But I wanted to get your opinion between the 2, which better for long run,Also why is Lee's Kit so cheap)

I am planning to use Forster Ultra Micrometer Seating Die with Forster Full-Length Sizing Die. Ultrasonic cleaner,don't know which one.) I have not decided on the case trimmer,RCBS looks good)

Any thing else I should order to get me started.

Thanks again!!!

 

[ThunderDownUnder]

If it was me buying the kit I would go for the RCBS kit. All good equipment in the kit and you will appreciate the RCBS hand primer.

Expensive digital scales are good but I'd rather have the 505 beam scale than the Hornady digital. Sometime in the future buy the RCBS Chargemaster Combo if you need to load a lot of rounds.

Enjoy reloading for your rifle and take the time to read some of the tech articles on this site. I have learned a great deal from 6mmbr.com and hope you put this resource to good use.

I too shoot the 223R at 300-800yds and really like my Redding Competition Neck Die Set. These dies use a precision ground sleeve to align the cases before bullet seating and neck sizing. Micrometer adjustment for both bullet seating and neck sizing, look into them before buying any thing else. The Wilson case trimmer with a Sinclair micrometer fitted is an excellent case trimmer.

 

[Mikem]

Im sure to get started, either kit will work well, but I would go with the digital scale.
There will be other item you will soon want, like the Lee classic hand primer $15, and a bunch of other small items. And its to bad that Forster doesn't make a kit, or do they? Because there coax press is the one to have, if you have the funds to get one $220. If you really get in to reloading, you may end up with more than one press anyway, a lot of guys do, I have three.
M.

 

[n2extrm]

I would go for the RCBS too. The kit is great I use one for all my rifle stuff and a Dillon for my pistol stuff. The Charge Master is a great add on down the road, the beam will get you started and is good to have as a back up. I have 2 case trimmers, the Hornady and the Redding. I bought the Redding to replace the Hornady because of the shell holders for the Hornady are machine specific, the Redding is a stepped collet, no shell holders, and I like the adjustment better. Check the classifieds here on the forum, I have bought several great items here!

Be safe!

 

[Mikem]

Remember, there are a lot of small item that are not included in the kits, but most consider necessary to hand loading, like a digital caliper, the Lee hand primer, several loading trays, and ammo boxes, powder trickler,Redding), Hornady bullet comparator set, Hornady's Stony Point tool and a modified case for all calibers your loading for. Sierras Loading book 'the best' hand loading book out there imo, Cleaning materials, good ramrod and jags, rod guide, Hoppies #9, copper remover, gun oil, patches, brushes. And some things I forgot, that wont be in a kit.
If I were doing it, just starting out, I would ask some questions and order the items separately, this way you wont be replacing them so soon, it will cost more at first, but you will save money in the long run. And have better equipment.
M.

 

[ThunderDownUnder]

Remember, there are a lot of small item that are not included in the kits, but most consider necessary to hand loading, like a digital caliper, the Lee hand primer, several loading trays, and ammo boxes, powder trickler,Redding), Hornady bullet comparator set, Hornady's Stony Point tool and a modified case for all calibers your loading for. Sierras Loading book 'the best' hand loading book out there imo, Cleaning materials, good ramrod and jags, rod guide, Hoppies #9, copper remover, gun oil, patches, brushes. And some things I forgot, that wont be in a kit.
If I were doing it, just starting out, I would ask some questions and order the items separately, this way you wont be replacing them so soon, it will cost more at first, but you will save money in the long run. And have better equipment.
M.

I agree with all the above except its worth noting that both kits he is considering come with good quality hand primers. The Lee hand primer is a great little tool but its not needed if gets a kit.

 

[Mikem]

Thunder:
I haven't used other hand primers, because the cheep Lee works so well, I have two, and keep one set up for large Rifle primers. and the other set for small primers. I just find it easier, and if one quits, I still have the other.

I think if you ask most guys that have been reloading for over 5 years, and knowing what you know now,'would you start with a kit', or order out the pieces? Most would order various brands of equipment, and tools, and all of the other stuff not included in kits.

Its a shame we cant put a good recommendation together, But we could never all agree on whats the best equipment and tools.
So five years from now, he too, will end up with tools collecting dust he has replaced.
I guess that's just part of reloadings cost.
Mike.

 

[Winchester69]

Its a shame we can't put a good recommendation together, but we could never all agree on whats the best equipment and tools.
So five years from now, he, too, will end up with tools he has replaced collecting dust .
I guess that's just part of reloading's cost.

I agree with Mike's line of thinking, but I will make some recommendations. The first is to make up your mind whether you want to get an RCBS ChargeMaster powder system now, or get an RCBS beam scale,502, 505 or 10-10) with a set of Lee dippers and a Redding trickler, and the CM later.

1. Redding or Forster press, whatever design appeals
2. Redding and Forster dies
3. Wilson case trimmer w/Sinclair base as a unit from Sinclair
4. Priming tool - RCBS Universal or Lee AutoPrime
5. VLD chamfer tool
6. Caliper
7. Imperial sizing wax
8. Sinclair catalog - great accessories

Nothing recommended above will ever require replacement, unless you happen to not like your chosen priming tool. You'll want,need) some other things. Do your homework and study the Sinclair catalog.

RCBS has the best buy in kits, but how much of the equipment listed above is included?

As far as the Lee kits and Lee equipment in general are concerned, if you re-read your question carefully I believe you will have your answer.

Hornady's equipment is pretty good, but not on par with Forster and Redding. Their press is aluminum, which just isn't as durable or rigid as cast iron.

 

[Gameon]

Guys I appreciate all the feed back. It really helped me get a better perceptive and I think I will get stuff that I need now and will use in long run. Here is what have, pretty much on the same lines Winchester69 listed.

1. Forester Co-Ax press.
2. Redding Competition Seater,Hornady lock rings)+ ForesterForster Full-Length Sizing Die
3. RCBS hand priming
I will add other stuff which are tried and tested by menbers here.

But the choice I am stuck with is RCBS charge master, now I do want to get it eventually but I am thinking of starting manual. I am thinking of Lee dippers and a Redding trickler but will like a digital scale as I will like to measure every load,will beam scale work well for this ?). Which Digital scale should I consider with out spending too much as I want to get a CM later. If there are no reasonable priced digital scales, I will think about going in for CM. Thanks

 

[Winchester69]

There's always some issue with the lesser digital scales. The usual advice is,'dont.' The RCBS 1500 is reliable, like the CM, or at least the warranty makes it no risk. It's the scale w/o the dispenser: $170. The dispenser is $183 as an add-on. It's cheaper as a unit: $300. [MidSouth]

Figure that the dippers, trickler and 1500 scale will run $200.

You can get Forster's die set with their Ultra seater,mic) for the same price as Redding's seater. These are comparable seating dies. Another $35 toward the CM if we throw in the cost of the Hornady lock ring. ,Actually, Hornday lock rings are only $2.50 each when bought by the 1/2 dozen.)
.

 

[ThunderDownUnder]

Guys I appreciate all the feed back. It really helped me get a better perceptive and I think I will get stuff that I need now and will use in long run. Here is what have, pretty much on the same lines Winchester69 listed.

1. Forester Co-Ax press.
2. Redding Competition Seater,Hornady lock rings)+ ForesterForster Full-Length Sizing Die
3. RCBS hand priming
I will add other stuff which are tried and tested by menbers here.

But the choice I am stuck with is RCBS charge master, now I do want to get it eventually but I am thinking of starting manual. I am thinking of Lee dippers and a Redding trickler but will like a digital scale as I will like to measure every load,will beam scale work well for this ?). Which Digital scale should I consider with out spending too much as I want to get a CM later. If there are no reasonable priced digital scales, I will think about going in for CM. Thanks

Good choice of equipment! You wont need the Hornady lock rings for the Redding Comp series dies as they fit the Forster Coax as are. The Forster Coax is on my wish list!

Cheap digital scales drift, they dont hold constant readings over time. They self heat the the resistive bridge of the load cell and are not compensated very well, if at all for this error.

The RCBS 1500 digital scales are excellent and I use them attached to the combo powder dispenser. I recommend them to you with one proviso and that is you check that the hole alignment for the scale platen,thing that holds powder tray)is central and allows clearance for the platen shaft from the scale body. Any rubbing with the scale body would cause errors in scale readings.

Later you can attach it to the combo powder dispenser and appreciate the auto powder throw. You will also appreciate the RCBS warranty because this very well designed product suffers occasionally from poor build quality and lack of quality control.

Have look at the photos I posted in the RELOADING section to get an idea about the central hole for the platen shaft of the scale. Its a great product but if you get one that doesnt work out of the box then take it back for replacement.

 

[Mikem]

I dont doubt the RCBS 1500 is the best scale, but if Gameon doesn't want to spend that amount at first, he can get by with a Pact or other scale for $75. to $100. Its a lot better than trying to use a 505 beam scale for every load IMO.

With a smaller cheaper scale, and a Redding trickler, he will still make vary accurate powder charges. Yes it may have to settle out at first, and hill have to keep the air movement in the room down, but once you get use to them, they work well.
And for now, he may even find a good used one. And put the RCBS 1500 on his wish list.

And he will love that press. I have three presses, an RCBS, Lyman T-Mag and a Forster Co-ax, and there's no comparison.

I also think hes making the right decision in buying items separately, rather than in a kit.
M.