Experienced Reloaders?!!

[bphillips]

I am looking at possibly getting into the hobby and precision of reloading my own. I'm not one who likes to buy half azz stuff but don't have to have the best most expensive either. It seems like the kits all compromise somewhere by sticking with one brand or the other. Ive also heard and read they don't include EVERYTHING needed for long range precision reloading either. Ive searched and searched for a comprehensive list for beginners looking to jump in the deep end and can't seem to find one that doesn't just include bits and pieces.

I was hoping you guys if you get time you might post what you think are must haves (wants and needs) to not only do it right but also make it a bit easier. Single stage press will be all I need for the volume so nothing crazy there. Seems Forster is a very well liked press there. The rest of the pieces I would like to hear from you guys on what works well for you. I don't have to have it all for under $1k but don't need to drop $3k to begin with either.

Thanks

[Cajun Blake]

Whidden threaded dies (set) or Wilson hand dies utilized with an arbor press

Forster co-ax press is very good, or a RCBS Rockchucker Supreme

Harrels powder measurer. http://harrellsprec.com/index.php/pr...powder-measure

Acculab VIC 123 digital scale http://www.affordablescales.com/accu...p#.WHqmRsu9KSM

[treestand]

You will also need case prep tools (trimming, deburring, maybe flash hole deburring tool). A handheld priming tool - they are pretty similar across the brands. Eventually you will want one of those case cleaning vibratory units. A good caliper is a must and i like hornady's overall length (OAL) gages with one of their seating depth gages. Nothing wrong with Forester dies but I think RCBS precision dies are just as good, easier to use and less expensive.

Above all, get one or more reloading manuals not only for their starting recipes but also their tips. Sierra is a good one to start with and I recommend you buy it and read through it before you buy anything else. If you really get serious, a subscription to Handloader magazine is worthwhile.

[Stick1]

If you can swing it, get a copy of Quick Load in addition to your manuals.

[bphillips]

You will also need case prep tools (trimming, deburring, maybe flash hole deburring tool). A handheld priming tool - they are pretty similar across the brands. Eventually you will want one of those case cleaning vibratory units. A good caliper is a must and i like hornady's overall length (OAL) gages with one of their seating depth gages. Nothing wrong with Forester dies but I think RCBS precision dies are just as good, easier to use and less expensive.

Above all, get one or more reloading manuals not only for their starting recipes but also their tips. Sierra is a good one to start with and I recommend you buy it and read through it before you buy anything else. If you really get serious, a subscription to Handloader magazine is worthwhile.

From reading looks like I'd go with a sonic cleaner. If I do it I will get everything I think I MIGHT want later. All or nothing type deal. Manuals I'm gonna start getting anyway

If you can swing it, get a copy of Quick Load in addition to your manuals.

Thanks books and manuals I would accumulate first since I can read them anywhere anytime before I even get equipment

[Cajun Blake]

From reading looks like I'd go with a sonic cleaner. . If I do it I will get everything I think I MIGHT want later. All or nothing type deal. Manuals I'm gonna start getting anyway

go with a tumbler and steel pins. http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/713...FQeEaQod-lYJag

[bphillips]

go with a tumbler and steel pins. http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/713...FQeEaQod-lYJag

Thanks I'll look at those. Like I said I completely new meaning every piece of equipment is new to me. Trying to compile a full list of what I would want and need put a price on it to see if its what I want to dive into. Definitely wouldnt want to buy lots of pieces and then realize I want to upgrade when I could have just done it right to begin with

[bphillips]

Hornady kits seem to be better put together for what is needed to my untrained eye. Anyone see issues with their better kits?

[cajuntec]

go with a tumbler and steel pins. http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/713...FQeEaQod-lYJag

I've got mine running right now (second batch of brass tonight). I've had the sonic cleaner. It worked, but nowhere as close as the tumbler with steel pins. After I bought my Frankford, I got rid of my sonic cleaner. Kinda wish I hadn't though... not for brass, but for cleaning gun parts.

All the best,
Glenn

[Horitexan]

Thanks I'll look at those. Like I said I completely new meaning every piece of equipment is new to me. Trying to compile a full list of what I would want and need put a price on it to see if its what I want to dive into. Definitely wouldnt want to buy lots of pieces and then realize I want to upgrade when I could have just done it right to begin with

My Suggestion is don't compile a list first - you will NOT get into it if you look at that number. Lol. Not with top quality stuff, anyway. Lol! It's an expensive proposition but one that can be very rewarding. Since it doesn't sound like you're going to go the "kit" route, I'd just start buying. When you find out about something you'll need (say a cleaner) research the options and the prices, make a decision and add it to a cart somewhere. Once you have the majority of your equipment, make a list of what's missing. If I'd have tabulated the cost of getting started, I would never have gotten started. When I started I got lots of advice and bought what I thought was the 'best.' Thankfully, I haven't had to replace loads of stuff because of the smart purchases I made early on. That's how it worked for me. Wish I'd have talked to Blake more before I got started but my best friend and hunting partner is like a CB clone. Lol!


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[Cajun Blake]

Hornady kits seem to be better put together for what is needed to my untrained eye. Anyone see issues with their better kits?

post a link to the kit you're talking about

complete reloading kit or dies kit ?

[Greyman]

If you don't have anything, to start you should buy one of the "kits" No they will not have everything you will need. As you progress you will find things that can be upgraded and you WILL have to buy more and more equipt. Having no experience in this hobby you need to know the basics. Long range precision is not cheap, some of the aspects of precision are bullet choice, case choice, powder, primers,bullet seating depth, neck tension. Redding builds (IMO) some of the best dies and sizing equipment. You will need a quality scale. The list is endless, My best advise I could give you is READ ALOT about the sport. It is possible to be very accurate from a not so expensive gun. Not every gun likes the same load recipe as someone else. Case prep is essential to accurate results, some times you may want to full length resize some times you don't. Bottom line is there is no such thing as a complete KIT.

[bphillips]

post a link to the kit you're talking about

complete reloading kit or dies kit ?

Reloading kit like this plus say a powder trickler?

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/370518/hornady-lock-n-load-iron-single-stage-press-kit-with-auto-prime

[bphillips]

Not sure what all is missing from this list but this comes to $2K with die sets (Whidden & Redding) for 5 calibers without skimping and going to the cheapest options. Obviously I'll need actual components also. Does this seem like enough to go quite a while without needing "upgrades" and be happy?

Forster Press
RCBS Chargemaster 1500
Dies
Tumbler
Calipers
Case Trimmer with debur, chamfer, and primer pocket attachments
Priming Tool
Comparator Set
Micrometer
Shell Holders
Bullet Puller
Lube
Reloading Trays

[aggieman08]

Grab an electric prep center.... turning by hand will get old quick. Best flash hole debur tool on the market is the K&m as it is not oal dependent (unscrew from handle). K&M makes some of the best stuff out there in general.......