New Reloader shopping list.... Advice needed

[Scshaffer06]

Hey guys and girls I'm about to place a order for my first reloading order... I'm reloading for a 700p in 223 i wanted to add some 69G SMK but they where out so I'm still looking if i missed something or you guys think i need to change something out any help would be great... I also have 3-4 reloading books and a bullet puller and a tumbler and media at the house already. I have 1k or so 223 once fired in the house to reload in.

Thanks guys for looking out for a new reloader

FORSTER 223 REM FL SIZER & ULTRA SEATER SET
FORSTER DIE LOCK RING CROSS BOLT
FORSTER PRESS CO-AX B-3 S-JAWS INCLUDED w/o DIES
HODGDON VARGET 8LB POWDER 2/CS
RCBS CHARGEMASTER COMBO 110v w/SCALE & DISPENSER
RCBS FLASH HOLE DEBURRING TOOL, 22 CALIBER
RCBS LOADING BLOCK, HOLDS UP TO 40 CASES:
RCBS TRIM MATE CASE PREP CENTER 120 VOLT
RCBS TRIM MATE PRIMER POCKET UNIFORMER LARGE
RCBS TRIM PRO POWER CASE TRIMMER KIT 120volt
RCBS UNIV. HAND PRIMING TOOL 32ACP - 45-70 GOV'T.
WIN PRIMER SMALL RIFLE #6-1/2 116 5000/CS
RCBS TRIM MATE PRIMER POCKET UNIFORMER SMALL

 

[Scshaffer06]

Re: New Reloader shopping list.... Advice needed

No thoughts

 

[SpeedyR]

Re: New Reloader shopping list.... Advice needed

two things that I would consider-

you might invest in a beam type powder scale. the digital scales are great for loading a lot of loads and for some load development, but i've heard they are a bit finnicky and like to be warmed up and in an area with no air circulation to get the best results. having a beam scale (i have an RCBS and a Dillon) to double check the charges might be a good investment. or maybe the chargemaster comes with some check weights so you can confirm the charges being thrown?

second thing is maybe try a couple of different powders. Try to buy a couple of 1lb cans of different powders to see what your rifle likes best. I use a lot of Varget and it's good powder but have been trying out Ramshot TAC and Hodgden H335 to see if I can get better results for heavier bullets (just trying some Nosler 77gr HPBT). once you have your load, stock up on what your rifle likes.

other than that it looks good.

 

[turbo54]

Re: New Reloader shopping list.... Advice needed

What about case cleaning?

3way cutter head for trim mate?

Maybe less varget, and add a few others to try?

I like the forster dies...maybe add the bushing bump die so you don't have to FLS every time?

 

[Scshaffer06]

Re: New Reloader shopping list.... Advice needed

I will add that three way cutter head for the trimmer and grab a beam scale trimmer I do have gear for cleaning cases

 

[Mutt]

Re: New Reloader shopping list.... Advice needed

Nice "kit".

Like others have touched on, if you're just starting out you might be better served starting with a variety of different consumable components. 1000 primer is quite a bit of shooting before you need to resupply. I'd mix it up a little more with the primers and powder.

Also, the press you chose has an excellent priming system. It's a pain if you're constantly changing out to different calibers but it's solid and works well once set up correctly.

I can't speak to the dies but you have a couple things in your "kit" that are on my Christmas list to make my bench time <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="text-decoration: underline">less</span></span> painfully slow

I like.

 

[Mutt]

Re: New Reloader shopping list.... Advice needed

Don't forget calipers, tube mic, OAL guage, ammo boxes, powder funnel (man that'd suck if you didn't have that one...)

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: New Reloader shopping list.... Advice needed

Good List.
You did forget a caliper, Midway sells a Franford Arsenel one for $26.00.
The RCBS case tray is a POS, get a MTM, or the Frankford 2, sized for 223. RCBS might have redesigned them, mine are 28 years old, I use them only to lube cases.
Don't forget lube, Hornady one shot is good.

You will be disappointed with the speed of the chargemaster if you are doing volume loading. Using Varget or H335 as advised, a powder dispenser like Redding's BR30 and a beam scale would serve you much better. The chargemaster is good, but slow. You will find the dispensers, any brand will throw ball powder with unbelievable accuracy.

The 3way cutter head was mentioned, a must for volume.
I would recommend the RCBS X-die for sizing, it is a neat concept.
For powder, look into Alliant's AR Comp before you buy.

Good luck in your endeavor, hobby, pastime, obsession.

 

[Hawk45]

Re: New Reloader shopping list.... Advice needed

For calipers.. look at Harbor Freight.. digital ones are only $9
Also get a tickler.. invaluable.

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: New Reloader shopping list.... Advice needed

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hawk45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For calipers.. look at Harbor Freight.. digital ones are only $9
Also get a tickler.. invaluable. </div></div>


Do you buy the French tickler, or the American version?

 

[gvanhyning]

Re: New Reloader shopping list.... Advice needed

The one thing I noticed is all the electrical. I use to have a lot of electrical gadgets but have re-tooled to insure I can still accomplish all the prep and reload with no power.

 

[Scshaffer06]

Re: New Reloader shopping list.... Advice needed

Thanks guys i do have some good calipers and mics for reloading in my tool box already I am only going to be reloading for my bolt guns so speed of reloading is not big to me. Gvanhyning why did you go away from powered case prep? I think I'm going to grab a melplat trimmer and a way to check loaded ammo runout.. Im going to turn a case plug to check my case oal, and the adapter to measure loaded case oal from the ogive.

 

[DANNY-L]

Re: New Reloader shopping list.... Advice needed

Get a stuck case remover and hope you never need it,I've got an rcbs which I bought about 8 years ago and I have used it and it worked great.

 

[Halfnutz]

Re: New Reloader shopping list.... Advice needed

Chronograph would be a nice addition often not discussed.
I would buy it a beam scale, powder thrower, and trickler before the charge master. But I have never used a chargemaster so I guess I don't know what I'm missing.

+1 on the stuck case remover.

Hornady LnL Headspace gauge and OAL
http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/570611/hornady-lock-n-load-overall-length-gage-bolt-action

Comparator
http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/231904/...-with-6-inserts

I would avoid cheap calipers, digital or otherwise like the plague. Buy a good set, treat them right, and own them forever. Starret, Mititoyo, maybe Brown and Sharpe used to be all good. I haven't bought any for years so I really can't reccomend any other.

Meplat trimmer isn't high on my list until I start shooting for money, which realistically is never.

Just my two cents.
Enjoy!

 

[gvanhyning]

Re: New Reloader shopping list.... Advice needed

I went back to basics in the event there is ever an extended power outage or I want to reload and there is no power available. I have one of the mini or small size jobsite boxes that I drilled the top on and have oak panels to mount on it. I have an extra press that stays in that box but I can put everything in that box, bullets and powder included and hit the road. The work area on top is not spacious but it does work.

 

[Scshaffer06]

Re: New Reloader shopping list.... Advice needed

I have a bunch of good measuring equipment I work in the aviation industry i did not think about a chronograph at all but i will look into some... What are some good brands and models to look at? I have so much 556 in my house from working as a contractor and before that the service I'm not going to be reloading in a end of the world situation. If the word is in that bad of shape i need to be light and ready to move not weighed down with gear. I also will take a look at a stuck case tool.

 

[Casey Simpson]

Re: New Reloader shopping list.... Advice needed

You must have a shoulder bump gauge. Hornady makes a set. Shoulder set-back is a need-to-know dimension of handloading. Otherwise, the shoulders are being set back too much or not enough.

And a vld chamfering tool by Sinclair.

Varget is good but WW748 is very accurate with that bullet and meters better.

 

[Halfnutz]

Re: New Reloader shopping list.... Advice needed

ScShaffer, I think any chrono will be fine, I've only experience with a couple. I have a ProChrono, my buddy has Shooting Chrony. I paid about $100 for mine. I think the Shooting Chrony is about the same, either should do the trick. Oehler seems to be a top end one based on internet chatter. I think is abit more costly as well, maybe it is considerably more accurate.

If emulating factory loads, they are nice to see if you are getting the same velocity, or if the factory stuff is really at published velocity in your particular firearm. Not to mention its just nice to know where your own pet loads are at.

The headspace gauge I mentioned is the same as the shoulder bump gauge mentioned by CS above

 

[Spanky8601]

Re: New Reloader shopping list.... Advice needed

Make sure you have something to remove the primer pocket crimp on all that 556 brass. Hornady makes a tool for about $10 that can be chucked into a drill.

 

[Drgonzo_1981]

Re: New Reloader shopping list.... Advice needed

"You will be disappointed with the speed of the chargemaster if you are doing volume loading. Using Varget or H335 as advised, a powder dispenser like Redding's BR30 and a beam scale would serve you much better. The chargemaster is good, but slow. You will find the dispensers, any brand will throw ball powder with surprising accuracy."

Milo is on it with this! I have three different powder throwers, one I bought and two hand-me-downs from family. One is an RCBS that is 20 years old and throws small ball powder like H-380 to within .01gr! If you are thinking of reloading more precise later on, would go with Sinclair case trimmer. Is a little more, but is much less pain, and especially if start branching into other calibers.