Noob questions

[Drago6]

Finally getting into reloading, better late than never Especially now with factory ammo being scarce and insanely expensive, and the ability to tailor the rounds to my specific barrel/usage.

The numbered list below is where I'm at currently in terms of equipment and some questions. Any comments/etc would be greatly appreciated

-Only planning on reloading for 6.5 cm and 6.5 grendel, possibly some 5.56 but that's low priority
-At this point will only be for use in semi auto AR platform rifles (need to get squared away in reloading before diving into bolt guns)
-Have powder (H4350), primers (CCI 200), bullets (140 eldm) and brass (Starline on backorder)


1.) As far as the press I have a RCBS Summit on backorder at Brownells, based on the reviews/comparisons it seems to have some nice variances from a basic single stage, and at a reasonable price. I'll also be picking up a RCBS hand priming tool once I find one.

2.) For dies I really like the look of the RCBS Matchmaster ones where you drop the bullet into the side/top, seems to pair perfectly with the Summit press. I've noticed there are specific "small base taper dies" marketed for AR platform use, are these recommended or should i stick with normal dies?

3.) For powder measuring I'm torn on whether I need/should buy an automatic one like the RCBS Chargemaster Lite for around $250'ish, or just a Uniflow type dispenser + trickler? The Uniflow + trickler + scale would be pretty close to the same price as a Chargemaster Lite so to my untrained eye it seems to make more sense to just buy the automated unit.

4.) For case prep I don't have specific items in the shopping cart yet, but unless otherwise convinced will be going with basic hand tools for doing this rather than one of the expensive automated/powered stations.

 

[eddie102870]

check out frankfort arsenals case prep center, and there priming tool

 

[Bmghunter]

For #2, in the current situation, I would say to try the frankford arsenal universal seating die, it's a micrometer type with the drop in window. It will do most calibers, and in today's market, it's easier to find that than other cartridge specific dies. Get a sizing die on top for the specific cartridge and you might be good to go.

#3, go for the automatic, it will make loading so much better, you won't regret it and won't have wasted money on something else.

#4, even if you choose hand tools, get the type that can attach to a drill, you will be tired of those steps after one load session if everything was by hand.

 

[Drago6]

The Frankford case prep unit looks neat, $170 shipped isnt terribly expensive either.

 

[eddie102870]

frankfort has a stuck case tool too, you may want to grab one too