Please go over my components list

[NMMX]

Hey guys. Just got an email saying my back ordered powder and primers are coming in! I wasn't expecting to see them till mid summer. So I will be giving it my first go at reloading. I still need to purchase everything else. I made up a list of components from items at Midway and before I pull the trigger, I was hoping you guys would skim over it and see if I'm missing anything I will need. This is maxing out my budget for now, but if anything listed is junk and worth upgrading please let me know.

- Lee classic SS press

- RCBS Trim Pro 2

- RCBS Powder Trickler 2

- Lee Perfect Powder Measure

- Frankford Arsenal DS-750 Electronic Powder Scale 750 Grain Capacity

- Powder Funnel

- RCBS case lube kit

- Lyman Universal Case Prep Kit

- RCBS 2-Die Set 307, 308 Winchester (would like some suggestions on something better if anyone has it)

- Impact Bullet Puller

- RCBS Hand priming tool

- RCBS Shellholder #3 (308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, 45 ACP)

- Sierra "5th Edition Rifle and Pistol Manual of Reloading Data" Reloading Manual


Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[jeff1383]

You're gonna need some calipers. I would also suggest the hornady compentator as well

 

[NMMX]

You're gonna need some calipers. I would also suggest the hornady compentator as well

Ah yes, thanks. Forgot the Comparator, I will add that and have calipers already.

 

[Suasponte]

Check Craigslist in your area. I have picked up lots of reloading items off there.
I would also suggest a good set of Grain check weights for the scale, Calipers (Starrett or Mitutoyo),
and I pesonally would go with a Collet style Bullet puller instead of a hammer style.
Maybe think about the Lee Decapping die and how do you intend on cleaning your brass??
I'm partial to the Thumlers Model "B" Rotary style with the use of SS media. This will be a one time
purchase (buy once, cry once).
Loading blocks for holding your ammo as you proccess it.
Dies, I like Forster, even better if you can catch them on Ebay are the older Bonanza Dies.
The Benchrest style I have had the best luck with.

Terry

 

[Suasponte]

NMMX, check your PM's. Suprise.

Terry

 

[JGorski]

I threw my RCBS lube pad out with the bath water, and at some point you might treat yourself to a Hornady Concentricity tool, love mine. And yeah, a good dial caliper.

 

[demolitionman]

Tag- for future referance.

 

[NMMX]

Anyone else have some feedback before I make an order?

 

[justinbaker]

for my 308 sizing i use a lee collet neck die and then bump the shoulders when i need to using the redding bump die

this has worked very well for me.

just another option to confuse you more =)

and i second the idea on getting the hornady comparators, but if need be sportsmans has them in stock


i also have the sinclair chamber length guage for 308 that you can borrow if you want. It will allow you to see the maximum trim length for your rifle.

No sense in trimming all the time if you dont have to. just let me know and we can meet up sometime


eta: your not going to like that scale. i was getting variations of .3 grains just buy picking up the powder pan and setting it right back down. I will only use it for weighing brass now

 

[fish30114]

Looks like you're gonna be off to a good start! I will agree with the last poster, I started out with the lube pad and lube from RCBS, but quickly moved to either Imperial die wax or Hornady Unique case lube. Just spin the case in between your thumb and forefinger with the latter, and wipe it off with a towel.
I also prefer Forster dies, especially there bullet seating die, either that or a Redding Micrometer seating die, both use an internal sleeve to keep the case and bullet in alignment before the bullet is seated. Not familiar with the scale you've chosen, I actually like you choice of a powder measure, I've got a RCBS Chargemaster though, and I like it a lot.

Good Luck, and welcome to the addiction!

 

[Pinecone]

I have been using Dillon case lube. It is lanolin and alcohol in a pump spray.

I stole a cookie sheet from the kitchen, dump the cases on it, give them a light spray, and roll them around a bit and another light spray.

So far, no stuck cases.

 

[Lukas Koukal]

If you´re in for a single stage press, I strongly vouch for any kind of die quick-change feature. It really adds all comfort.

 

[fw707]

- Frankford Arsenal DS-750 Electronic Powder Scale 750 Grain Capacity

- RCBS case lube kit

- RCBS 2-Die Set 307, 308 Winchester (would like some suggestions on something better if anyone has it)

- Impact Bullet Puller






Thanks in advance for any input.

Get a decent beam scale like an RCBS 505. You can dump your loads a few tenths short with the Lee measure and trickle up on the beam scale pretty fast.

Imperial lube.

Forster Benchrest dies.

A collet type bullet puller like the RCBS.

 

[NMMX]

Awesome. Thanks for all the feedback guys. Those are easy changes to make to the list. Should be ordering tonight.

 

[justinbaker]

Okay guys im on my way to help NMMX get all setup. If you don't hear from me again then I'm locked in his basement

 

[demolitionman]

Okay guys im on my way to help NMMX get all setup. If you don't hear from me again then I'm locked in his basement

Hell yeah; you gonna be whipping up some secret recipes. I had to figure all this stuff out on my own (w/ hide help of course) and man, he's lucky because just figuring out what one needs is a daunting task, the figuring how to use it all PROPERLY is whole 'nother painstaking process. Good luck!

 

[exx1976]

I would get better dies. Midway has the Redding Type S full length neck bushing dies, and the forster ultra micrometer dies. They also have the redding bushings.

And I'd get a better scale. The RCBS 750 is a nice one, but if any ANY point in the future you even THINK you might want a chargemaster, get the 1500 right away.

 

[NMMX]

Well I'm finally reloading and yes Justin's help was worth his weight in gold. I would say he's an alright guy but he only loaded five rounds for me. I was hoping he was gonna load a few hundred. Ha. Thanks again Justin.

exx: Thanks for the headsup. He also maid the chargemaster sound like a must have for the future.

 

[Beepy]

Save your self now, sell a kidney and get the chargemaster

 

[justjc]

Get a Lyman Powder Pal Funnel pan. Best 7 bucks you'll ever spend on reloading.<object type="cosymantecnisbfw" cotype="cs" id="SILOBFWOBJECTID" style="width: 0px; height: 0px; display: block;"></object>

 

[justinbaker]

glad i could help get you started, i still feel like i bombarded you with a ton of info for a first timer.

But like I said call any time or send me a message


and thanks for the steaks!

 

[JGorski]

What did you get for dies? I bought the FL & NS "Custom" bushing dies from Hornady for my 308, my 308s havent shot better since.
Well at least my brass isnt getting overworked, haha