Reloading setup
I am finally getting a room just for me to set up the way I want for my projects. I have wanted to reload my own cartridges for a long time and now Ihave the place to do it. I would like to know what I need to set it up right. This is kind of a one time shot. I can spend the money now, but I would rather not have to turn around and upgrade in 6 months or have to add accessories. Can you help with a list of what I would need for a very good reloading setup? The cartridges I would be working on are 308, 270, 280, 3006, 7mm rem mag. Thanks for any help you can give.
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I'd recogmend the Rockchucker kit, and maybe the Accessory kit from RCBS on the side. Tumbler, 6" (metal) dial calipers and the loading manual from the bullet maker of your choice (in fact, get this first as it will explain what each of the tools is for to help you make a better decision on exactly what you need), the kit comes with a Lyman manual.
Dies for each cartridge, and 2 shellholders (1 for the 7mag and 1 all the others you mentioned).
Refer to the manual for the recogmended powders & primers. Get these localy as the Haz-mat fee kills the shipping cost, everything else can be shipped easily.
This topic has been covered often, and opinions vary as to the "best" setup, but you won't go wrong with RCBS equipment.
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.0 -
I agree gunner, I started out with a Rock-chucker 30 years ago and it still reloads quality loads.
First of all get a couple of good reloading books and READ them0 -
I would go with the rock chucker. I bought a used rcbs 2 because I could not afford the rock chucker but will someday. Guncontrol-The ability to hit what your aiming at.0 -
Very sound advice from all concerned I feel. My Rockchucker is really great and also durable as it gets! Add to that (in the Rockchucker Master reloading Kit) one of the best powder measures in the industry, a good case trimmer and scale plus all the little odds and ends and for around $300 you have not only a great starter kit, but one you'll use for MANY years to come!
"When I cease learning...I'm dead"(Me)
"Power corrupts...Absolute power corrupts absolutely"(Descartes?)
"History is written by winners"(Patton)
"You get a lot farther with a kind word and a gun than you do with a kind word alone!"(Al Capone)
"There is nothing lower than the human race...except the French" (Samuel Clemens)0 -
Probably not what you wanted ... but the suggestion to read up on loading and loading gear first is a wise one. Don't fret too much about which book to buy, just be sure it has illustrated introductory explainations (Lyman is pretty good). Most of us end up with several loading books anyway.
Enjoy finding those 'sweet' loads.
If we do not hang together,
We will most certainly hang separately.0 -
Thanks a bunch for the great information. My room should be ready sometime in November and I'm already looking forward to setting up the reloading bench. 0 -
I've been using LEE with the 4 turret press. It loads just fine, the dies are inexpensive compared to price of the others and their case trimming tool is way better than the RCBS. I have both. LEE uses set length pins of a certain length to detemine exact case length. No measuring needed except to check if you want. theirs is so much easier to use. For the dollar they have a great value. RCBS is fine too. I just don't get any performance difference for the cost.
If LEE dies are good enough for David Tubbs...ALso, LEE has great prices on their neck sizing dies which you will want later. Its kinda like buying Snap-on vs. Craftsman both work but I can buy an entire set of tools and the rolling cabinet of Craftsman and only the tools of Snap-on with no box. They both get the job done and the bullet won't know what dies or press you used.0 -
John
I have some LEE dies, and they work ok for the price. There trimmer idea is ok, if you only do a couple of case lengths/sizes and aren't concerned with some of the other aspects of case prep (ever try to ID ream/OD turn with one?).
Ref Tubbs, he sells his name to the highest bidder, not because the product is better but because the money is. IMHO his endorsment of any product is the best reason I can think of to avoid that product.
Ref your tool compairison, IMHO, LEE is the "China" brand, RCBS is the Craftsman brand, you have to get up into the Wilson BR class of reloading tools to reach Snap-on status.
I've been making my living with (my personal) hand tools for 30 years, and there is a difference in overall quality that the average home mechanic will never see or need, but when your paycheck is on the line...you only want the best.
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.0 -
Tailgunner, that's the kind of stuff a novice like me likes to hear. Thanks for the info. 0 -
spm,just another log into the fire,lol.You might want to check on a Lyman Orange Crusher Kit.The Lyman kit comes with everything you need to start including a manual and case trimmer,press,scales,measure,deburring tool,case lube and pad,powder funnel,etc.Also Lyman products are guaranteed just like the rest of them.Good luck with your project,Bob. 0 -
The advice from GotStoleFrom is best you've had so far.
Buy a good reloading manual (Lyman, Hornady, Nosler, Sierra, etc) and read the instruction portion thoroughly. Don't worry about the loading tables and ballistics tables in the back until you've read and understand the procedures first.
Then, you'll be able to make well founded decisions on what type of press, dies, scales, calipers and all the rest that goes into the fun hobby of reloading.
Been doing it for over 45 years now, and that's my .02 on the subject. [;)]
Keep off the Ridgeline0
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