Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials. |
Starting Reloading ask for advice. |
Post Reply | Page 12> |
Author | |
RotoReuter_DM
Optics Apprentice Joined: December/09/2011 Location: WI Status: Offline Points: 296 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: May/07/2012 at 12:39 |
Not many folks in my area do this so I figured I could ask you fellas.
I want to start reloading and was wondering what equipment I would need? Can I buy the 300-400 dollar hornady kits or are they no good? 308 223 243 are the calibers ill be reloading if that matters. Hopefully someday 338 Lapua aswell. Any advice is greatly appreciated. |
|
Old Mil ftw
|
|
Bigdaddy0381
MODERATOR Georgia peach Joined: February/27/2007 Location: Georgia Status: Offline Points: 13682 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I started out with a Lyman kit and up graded as I was able to. I loaded for a while using it then up graded powder measure to the RCBS, I modified the RCBS case prep station to make trimming and such alot faster with the same results.
|
|
P&Z Firearms , Pro gun cleanings and gun repair and wood refinishing.
Ecclesiastes 10:2 |
|
cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I'd start with the RCBS Rock Chuker kit. I went another direction many moons ago when I started, but if I were to do it all over again, this would be my choice.
Your pretty much ready to go right out the gate and RCBS customer service, should you need them, are ridiculously great.
Also, save up some funds and get a good digital scale, when opportunity allows. |
|
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
|
|
BeltFed
Optics Retard Joined: February/12/2008 Location: Ky Status: Offline Points: 22284 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
+1 what Cheaptrick said. I'll also recommend getting at least 3 reloading manuals from different companies; Sierra, Speer, Lyman, and Hornady are just a few that come to mind.
|
|
Life's concerns should be about the 120lb pack your trying to get to the top of the mountain, and not the rock in your boot.
|
|
RotoReuter_DM
Optics Apprentice Joined: December/09/2011 Location: WI Status: Offline Points: 296 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Is the supreme master kit enough? 300 Or does one need the 799 deluxe kit?
|
|
Old Mil ftw
|
|
cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
They have manuals?!?!?!? Good advice. Also, try to get up with someone near you that reloads and work with them the first time out. Maybe there's a forum with folks from your state, like I go to The Carolina Shooting Forum. Guys there love to help out and will show you the ropes. Once you see it done, the rest is easy. Reloading is NOT difficult to learn, it's just ex$pensive to maintain doing it.
|
|
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
|
|
cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
The Supreme Master Kit should have most everything you need to start, less the dies. I'd opt to go with the Lee Deluxe die set. You get a full length sizing die, a collet neck die, and a seating die for around $30. |
|
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
|
|
anomad
Optics Apprentice Joined: May/23/2011 Location: Salt Lake City Status: Offline Points: 148 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
You'll need a case trimmer to go with that rock chucker kit too.
I'd say its a great choice for a new reloader and you'll always want a solid single stage press on your bench. The Hornady kits would be fine as well. Case prep is a little complicated if you're just diving in. Maybe start with a straight wall pistol case like .357 or .44 to learn the ropes? |
|
cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Excellent point.
|
|
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
|
|
RotoReuter_DM
Optics Apprentice Joined: December/09/2011 Location: WI Status: Offline Points: 296 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
If I'm just reloading once fire black hills brass 308 I shouldnt have to trim much correct?
I appreciate the input so far looks like if 500ish is what I have to spend it will be well worth it. Lots of bullet options aswell. |
|
Old Mil ftw
|
|
cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Get a good pair of calipers too. Your trim to length of those .308's should be right around 2.005". A little shorter is cool, longer will be a problem.
|
|
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
|
|
RotoReuter_DM
Optics Apprentice Joined: December/09/2011 Location: WI Status: Offline Points: 296 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Check thanks again for the information fellas.
|
|
Old Mil ftw
|
|
Bigdaddy0381
MODERATOR Georgia peach Joined: February/27/2007 Location: Georgia Status: Offline Points: 13682 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I took the lee trimmers and taped it to fit on my RCBS trim mate thingie. It make trimming simple and right on the money everytime. I have done 1000's with this system and it still run strong. I have a lee length Gage for every round I load for pistol and rifle. just unscrew it off the cutter and screw the one you need in and change the shell holder and off to trimming.
|
|
P&Z Firearms , Pro gun cleanings and gun repair and wood refinishing.
Ecclesiastes 10:2 |
|
cpwomack
Optics Journeyman Joined: January/29/2009 Location: Chattanooga Status: Offline Points: 550 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I was in your shoes not that long ago and someone recommended The ABCs of Reloading, it is a great book for new reloaders and I would also recommend it to you.
http://www.amazon.com/The-ABCs-Of-Reloading-Definitive/dp/1440213968/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336479295&sr=1-1 |
|
Bigdaddy0381
MODERATOR Georgia peach Joined: February/27/2007 Location: Georgia Status: Offline Points: 13682 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
That was my first loading guide also. great HOW TO book.
|
|
P&Z Firearms , Pro gun cleanings and gun repair and wood refinishing.
Ecclesiastes 10:2 |
|
jselsor
Optics Journeyman Joined: August/01/2011 Location: MO Status: Offline Points: 328 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I am fairly new to reloading as well. I recomend getting a simple single stage press to start. I would not buy a kit. look on craigslist or ebay and their are great deals. In vest in a good reloading manual and ask guys on here. Reloading is fun and addicting!!!!!! Next thing you know you will be ordering 223 brass 1k at a time like me and the rest of these guys
|
|
Dont take yourself to seriously
|
|
cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
|
|
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
|
|
anomad
Optics Apprentice Joined: May/23/2011 Location: Salt Lake City Status: Offline Points: 148 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Well not everyone, I've never paid for 223 brass...
|
|
Alan Robertson
Optics Master Joined: October/31/2009 Location: Oklahoma Status: Offline Points: 1763 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
So much range brass and so few hand loaders... |
|
"Garg'n uair dhuisgear"
|
|
stickbow46
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: January/07/2009 Location: Benton, Pa Status: Offline Points: 4678 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Don't skimp on your reloading tools[scale,micrometer,wax] save if you must,buy once cry once.Don,t be shy either there are plenty of very good reloaders on this site always willing to share their knowledge,but none with crystall balls!
|
|
Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken
|
|
Post Reply | Page 12> |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |