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Upgrading Equipment -Input Requested

xringm16

Silver $$ Contributor
Greetings everyone, I have been a member in this site and forum for a long time but I usually browse for info but I wanted to get some input on a big purchase I am making to upgrade my reloading room. I recently purchased the Autotrickler V4 and I am looking to upgrade one more piece of equipment for the reloading room. I have been using a redding T7 press for 10 to 12 years and it has worked flawlessly and also been using Forster trimmer for 15 to 20 years. I am looking to infuse a new piece of equipment to upgrade the shop. I have been reloading for 35+ years and the two pieces of equipment that I have interest of upgrading are to an Area419 Zero press or a Henderson Precision case trimmer. Both of these items are luxury in my mind and while what I have Works great I am now retired and full time fun and shooting 2 to 3 times a week. I would like some input from you guys and gals regarding this choice and see what you think. Again I appreciate any inputs as this is not a need just a want. I’ve got the money set aside for one of the two, but I am not pulling the trigger on both. Keep in mind I’m 58 years old so I feel like I’ve got some really good reloading and shooting years ahead especially now that I have a lot more time. I highly recommend retire as soon as you can and enjoy every day like it’s your last. Thanks again.
 
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I've using the same press, powder measure, and dies for 50+ years.

Two upgrades that I made several years ago which was well worth the money, at least for me, were a Sinclair Hand Priming Tool and a Wilson Case Trimmer.

More recently I purchased the Whidden Bump gauge (single piece) and mounted permanently on a dedicated dial caliper which improved significantly my ability to obtain consistent and repeatable measurements.

A few years back I had to replace my 50+ year old beam balance, or I would still be using it.

The decision to upgrade your equipment is really your choice. You are young, at least compared to me, ;), so if the new equipment will enhance your enjoyment in the sport, then that has value.

Like you, I am retired and shoot a lot, 2 to 3 days a week at the range, weather permitting. Reloading long ago lost its allure for me. The only reason I do it these days is this is the best way to have a steady supply of highly tuned ammunition.
 
I have the Henderson trimmer and really like it. It is my understanding that Hornady recently came out with a model that looks astonishingly close to it for less money. Might check it out as well.
 
Upgrade your current T7 to Creedmoor sports turret-
Look into an Arcko machine press for really great precision

I like my Giaurd trimmer best

- invest into some wind flags -
Learn how to set them& use them !!!! Call your own shots….

I know- nothing you wanted to hear or on your list..
 
The Henderson Trimmer is a game changer or was for me anyway. I went with the Forster Co-AX over a turret type press. Easy changing between calibers or sizing to mandrel. VERY accurate press.
 
Zero press won’t make better ammo, the dies make straight ammo. A “powered” trimmer is a great time saver, but I would go to a progressive press. Even if you only use it single stage, when you do want to make bulk ammo it saves a large amount of time
 
xringm16 said:
Greetings everyone, I have been a member in this site and forum for a long time but I usually browse for info but I wanted to get some input on a big purchase I am making to upgrade my reloading room. I recently purchased the Autotrickler V4 and I am looking to upgrade one more piece of equipment for the reloading room. I have been using a redding T7 press for 10 to 12 years and it has worked flawlessly and also been using Forster trimmer for 15 to 20 years. I am looking to infuse a new piece of equipment to upgrade the shop. I have been reloading for 35+ years and the two pieces of equipment that I have interest of upgrading are to an Area419 Zero press or a Henderson Precision case trimmer. Both of these items are luxury in my mind and while what I have Works great I am now retired and full time fun and shooting 2 to 3 times a week. I would like some input from you guys and gals regarding this choice and see what you think. Again I appreciate any inputs as this is not a need just a want. I’ve got the money set aside for one of the two, but I am not pulling the trigger on both. Keep in mind I’m 58 years old so I feel like I’ve got some really good reloading and shooting years ahead especially now that I have a lot more time. I highly recommend retire as soon as you can and enjoy every day like it’s your last. Thanks again.
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I wouldn't consider a case trimmer and a new press an up grade. Even if you shoot for fun or hunting a premium barrel by a top barrel maker and a top gunsmith to chamber it. No hobby basement gunsmith allowed. A good barrel will make a bigger dfference than anything. Chose a caliber that's known for great accuracy. These will do more for you than any tools and gadgets you buy. Do you really think trimming a case length a thou more accurate will make the gun shoot better? I think quality dies are more important than which press pushes the cases into the die. The die shapes the cartridge not the press.

I think the top National shooters are spending $10-20 thou a year on the sport. Parts, travel, hotels, time away from work.
 
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Slowrunning said:
I love my henderson trimmer, excellent results. Definitely saves me more time than any other gear I've used.
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Seems like the Henderson might cost more than what a Giraud costs, and already, a Giraud is priced out of the realm of what most shooters would spend.

Danny
 
I love all the toys and gadgets, and believe that some of them actually make reloading steps more precise. You can spend your life’s savings on gadgets and not produce “better” ammo. One admission from me: the only piece of equipment that actually saves me time (a lot of it as I load a lot) is the CPS (Competition Primer Seater). Silly expensive, but priming hundreds of cases at a time is almost effortless, and completely pain-free as my hands get older. YMMV…. :)
 
Webster said:
I wouldn't consider a case trimmer and a new press an up grade. Even if you shoot for fun or hunting a premium barrel by a top barrel maker and a top gunsmith to chamber it. No hobby basement gunsmith allowed. A good barrel will make a bigger dfference than anything. Chose a caliber that's known for great accuracy. These will do more for you than any tools and gadgets you buy. Do you really think trimming a case length a thou more accurate will make the gun shoot better? I think quality dies are more important than which press pushes the cases into the die. The die shapes the cartridge not the press.
Click to expand...
I run all Whidden and Redding Comp dies and been doing this for almost 40 years this is just a treat myself purchase. Been playing the accuracy game a long time. Thanks for the input.
 
Webster said:
I wouldn't consider a case trimmer and a new press an up grade. Even if you shoot for fun or hunting a premium barrel by a top barrel maker and a top gunsmith to chamber it. No hobby basement gunsmith allowed. A good barrel will make a bigger dfference than anything. Chose a caliber that's known for great accuracy. These will do more for you than any tools and gadgets you buy. Do you really think trimming a case length a thou more accurate will make the gun shoot better? I think quality dies are more important than which press pushes the cases into the die. The die shapes the cartridge not the press.
Click to expand...
What if you are trimming thousands of cases as a batch?

Danny
 
Rank Amateur said:
I love all the toys and gadgets, and believe that some of them actually make reloading steps more precise. You can spend your life’s savings on gadgets and not produce “better” ammo. One admission from me: the only piece of equipment that actually saves me time (a lot of it as I load a lot) is the CPS (Competition Primer Seater). Silly expensive, but priming hundreds of cases at a time is almost effortless, and completely pain-free as my hands get older. YMMV…. :)
Click to expand...
Run Sinclair Priming tool so got that covered for many years.
 
The tools that have saved me time and /or better ammo. T7 press with Creedmoor head, CPS priming tool, 21st priming tool, Giraud trimmer, 21st arbor press, AMP annealer and high end powder dropper have saved me time as well.
 
xringm16 said:
Greetings everyone, I have been a member in this site and forum for a long time but I usually browse for info but I wanted to get some input on a big purchase I am making to upgrade my reloading room. I recently purchased the Autotrickler V4 and I am looking to upgrade one more piece of equipment for the reloading room. I have been using a redding T7 press for 10 to 12 years and it has worked flawlessly and also been using Forster trimmer for 15 to 20 years. I am looking to infuse a new piece of equipment to upgrade the shop. I have been reloading for 35+ years and the two pieces of equipment that I have interest of upgrading are to an Area419 Zero press or a Henderson Precision case trimmer. Both of these items are luxury in my mind and while what I have Works great I am now retired and full time fun and shooting 2 to 3 times a week. I would like some input from you guys and gals regarding this choice and see what you think. Again I appreciate any inputs as this is not a need just a want. I’ve got the money set aside for one of the two, but I am not pulling the trigger on both. Keep in mind I’m 58 years old so I feel like I’ve got some really good reloading and shooting years ahead especially now that I have a lot more time. I highly recommend retire as soon as you can and enjoy every day like it’s your last. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
a AD 120 scale is the best piece of higher$ loading equipment i have purchased-- i have a T7 and coax- i wouldnt buy the henderson trimmer or the area 419 press because i think they are jyst a waste of $. Id use the money on barrels-reamers and NF scopes. ive got 4 wilson trimmers and a wft for 223. gonna buy a wft for 6br as i shoot that the most. i dont wanna spend time setting devices up for other cartridges.
 
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