Reloading Newbie

[iyaoyas]

Ok, I have went through the process of reloading with a cousin of mine and I am now sold. My question is there a complete quality reloading setup for sale by any of the manufacturers that will give me everything I need to reload the following: .223, .243, .308?

I have read a little here and looked on the manufacturers websites for minimal time, just wondering if anyone had any great place to point me to.

I am open to many options, thanks in advance

 

[81sfo]

Re: Reloading Newbie

I recommend RCBS Rock chucker supreme kit,then if you can buy the chargemaster digital powder dispenser and scale.You wont regret it. Rcbs has dies for all the popular calibers.

 

[deadly0311]

Re: Reloading Newbie

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1495621#Post1495621

guy just wrote up some stuff that is vital, good to have, and then wanted but not needed. Hope this helps

 

[Winchester 69]

Re: Reloading Newbie

Read a loading manual, several times. Then read another one. Lyman's is particularly good. <span style="text-decoration: underline">The</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline">ABC's</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline">of</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline">Reloading</span> may be helpful.
A decision is no better than the information on which it is based.

To answer your question, no. Redding and Forster make some of the better equipment. Redding has a kit that includes a press, a beam scale, a trickler, and a handful of less useful accessories; I don't consider it to be a good buy, but the major pieces are good choices if they're what you need and want.

 

[christpher7]

Re: Reloading Newbie

I bought the rock chucker kit. It had pretty much everything except shellholder and dies to get you going. It was not long after that when I upgraded every component except the press.
The rest of the kit just sits in the cabinet now.
If I had to do it again I would probally just get the press and put he extra money towards the chargemaster or good trimmer.

 

[mdmp5]

Re: Reloading Newbie

I wouldn't jump into all 3 calibers at once; I feel that you will be a bit overwhelmed, and will be jumping back and forth between calibers. Instead, choose 1 caliber to start with. I started with .45 ACP, as loading for straight walled pistol cases is much more basic than bottle neck cases. I feel this is the way to go, but there is no absolute need to do so if you don't plan on loading for pistol. Get a press, powder drop, the dies, calipers, a case gauge, and a scale. Then, start to add to your equipment a little at a time as you start to feel more comfy and actually begin to see the need for the equipment. You are more apt to buy the things that you actually will make use of this way, and not waste any dough on stuff you may end up not using. Once you feel proficient with your skills with that caliber, then move to the other 2. Don't worry, this won't take years to accomplish. Mastery may take a lifetime, but simple proficiency can be obtained in a few weeks, depending on how much time you put into it.

Something that you should definitely take note of; learn the definitions (not values; that is what we have manuals for) of major terms inside and out. Don't press a single round until you can recite and explain the following:

headspace (super important, yet ambiguous to most people)
case overall length (COAL)
trim-to length
ogive (learn the difference between measuring COAL and length to the ogive)
lands and grooves
case dimensions (head, neck, body, shoulder, web, rim, belt, primer pocket, flash hole, datum line)
neck tension
chamfer/deburr
swage
twist
pressure signs
double charge
squib

I may have left some out, but you will get exposed to all the major points if you wisely choose to be diligent and do your homework. Trust me, you will avert major issues if you read up beforehand.

One last major important point: ALWAYS open the book before beginning a loading session; NEVER rely upon memory for powder charges, COAL, or trim-to length. In handloading, it is way too easy to make an error with massive ramifications.

 

[roostersmith]

Re: Reloading Newbie

The first question to ask yourself is what are you reloading for? hunting? competition? For general reloading the equipment prices will vary. The processes are different, especially with brass prep. I shoot competition and my brass prep has 9 steps before priming and weight separation. The press(s) do make a difference also, but the dies tolerances vary widely. My main press is a Redding Ultra. This press does the heavy work. As for bullet seating I use a cheap Lee $25 with match RCBS dies. You can spend a fortune, but if your needs are for mass production, there are kits. If you're looking for precision, then you pick and choose. I agree with (Palmik) learn the lingo! It will save you time and mistakes. Also keep in mind the hardware is just the beginning. Learning how powders, primers and bullets work is a whole new adventure.

They say it's not rocket science...because rocket science is easier..good luck.

Rooster

 

[918v]

Re: Reloading Newbie

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: iyaoyas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My question is there a complete quality reloading setup for sale by any of the manufacturers that will give me everything I need to reload the following: .223, .243, .308?
</div></div>

No.

Kits suck.

Buy the tools individually after doing proper research.

 

[DaveV]

Re: Reloading Newbie

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: palmik</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wouldn't jump into all 3 calibers at once; I feel that you will be a bit overwhelmed, and will be jumping back and forth between calibers. Instead, choose 1 caliber to start with.</div></div>

+1.

Remember that bench time is only 1/3 of the process. Load development is a three edged sword:

-reloading gear/supplies/skills
-internal/external ballistics
-you, the shooter (marksmanship)

You need to take time working on each.