Reloading gear priority

[Enginerd]

I'm looking to get a little more serious about reloading for accuracy. Between an annealer, chronograph, and a neck turning tool, I'm not sure which to buy next. I eventually plan to have all three, but it might be awhile.

If it matters, I'm looking at the bench source annealer, labradar or magnetospeed, and the 21st century neck turning manual tool.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[HTSmith]

If you don't need to neck turn because of a tight neck chamber, put the neck turning gear last on your list--just buy good brass. I'd vote for a chrono as first--just don't let it over-rule your groups on paper.

 

[Rset]

Get the annealing machine. Lots of choices out there and nothing wrong with the Bench source.
Annealing is the first thing I do after shooting a piece of brass. Every time.

 

[R.Morehouse]

Get custom dies..............Get custom dies...........
Make sure all your brass is the same overall length.

Regards
Rick

 

[JEFFPPC]

You need to give more info about the rifle and is it hunting or competition.

 

[Bugs]

I would add a good, serious electronic balance to the list. A & D, Sartorius or something along those lines.

 

[Enginerd]

Custom dies? I am using redding dies. A full length s bushing and a competition seating.

Sure. Sig cross in 6.5 creedmore. Currently just hunting, but I plan on doing PRS and seeing where that takes me. I'll likely add more calibers once I settle in.

Currently using a chargeMaster lite. This is definitely an area I would like to upgrade in time. In your opinion where would that rank in priorities vs some of the other gear mentioned?

 

[JFrank]

I’m pretty sure the biggest knob to turn is ensuring your powder charges are accurate so I would put a great scale above those three choices with a decent chronograph thrown in to check your work

 

[Rset]

Custom dies? I am using redding dies. A full length s bushing and a competition seating.

Sure. Sig cross in 6.5 creedmore. Currently just hunting, but I plan on doing PRS and seeing where that takes me. I'll likely add more calibers once I settle in.

Currently using a chargeMaster lite. This is definitely an area I would like to upgrade in time. In your opinion where would that rank in priorities vs some of the other gear mentioned?

With what you have, and with PRS as your end game, I would invest in more shooting time rather than new / more equipment. My guess is that more trigger time will benefit you far more than trying to chase bench rest loading precision.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Nothin on that list you need. Invest in components, chargemaster, nice press, accessories for your chassis, position bags, then put twice as much into your scope as you originally planned

 

[Dave Zander]

Personally , I wouldn’t be without a chronograph when developing a new load or testing . If mine died I’d be ordering another pronto.

 

[swd]

I’ve been loading over 40 years. Without a doubt the 2 best pieces of equipment I’ve bought were the FX120 scale and trickler and Amp annealer. Expensive but so worth it! The Porter Tool neck sizing mandrel is pretty nice too.

 

[SecondsCount]

I am beginning to put more faith in annealing. The brass is so much easier to work with...sizing, trimming, and seating pressure is more consistent.

 

[1shot]

Get the annealing machine. Lots of choices out there and nothing wrong with the Bench source.
Annealing is the first thing I do after shooting a piece of brass. Every time.

^^^^^^^^^^^ What he said ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[Florida Wally]

You can anneal without a machine using a socket, drill and torch, so you can put that off. I use high quality brass that doesn’t cost too much more than lower quality brass, relatively speaking, so of the three listed, Magnetospeed seems like your best next purchase.

I have been shooting competitively for about a year and a half and have had the same thought as you many times. I have a limited monthly budget and need to prioritize my next purchase. I have found that components are my number one priority before upgrading any reloading process. I’m guessing that you have a minimum reloading setup and can reload “good enough” ammo. I agree with Dusty, buy enough components to get you through the “out of stock” period. This is hard to do and the most expensive part of competitive shooting to me. Especially for premium brass, powder, bullets and don’t forget another barrel which is a consumable. Once I had enough to weather the storm, for me 6 months, I then started upgrading my rifle, by slowly building a new rifle, scope and setup. Finally, I then started to upgrade my reloading processes. All along, I’m constantly buying a few boxes of bullets, a brick of primers or a jug of powder.

 

[JFrank]

To be open and honest many of the top shooters are returning to no turn chambers with great success, also if your shooting the small 6 br or variant you’ll find that the little case likes plenty of neck tension so a lot of long range guys do not anneal at all and some do of course but only testing your combination will give you that answer.