I'm shooting .308 for PRS and I need to get some reloading gear together.
Does anyone have a starter check list? I don't know what I don't know.
Does anyone have a starter check list? I don't know what I don't know.
RELOADING STARTER CHECK LIST?
- Thread starter sevenplagues
- Start date
Tumbler/shell cleaner
Primer pocket cleaner
Neck De-burr hand tools
Primer seating tool
Reloading Ammo components
Just starting reloading so I’m commenting so I can steal all the knowledge you drop in this thread lol
If your rifle's ever rebarreled, ask the 'Smith for a chamber stub gauge cut with the same chamber reamer to go with it. It's been very valuable to me for load development and brass processing. It makes it super easy to set bullet seating depth and shoulder bump for FL sizing and to see when it's time to trim case necks.
And don't forget your chronograph. For lower BC and slower projectiles at longer ranges, knowing the velocity (AVG/SD/ES) will make it easier to figure your drop and windage cards.
Having the stuff is one thing, but establishing a process/routine to be consistent from session to session is important. It's not a bad idea to keep a log.
And don't forget your chronograph. For lower BC and slower projectiles at longer ranges, knowing the velocity (AVG/SD/ES) will make it easier to figure your drop and windage cards.
Having the stuff is one thing, but establishing a process/routine to be consistent from session to session is important. It's not a bad idea to keep a log.
This is helpful. There are times when I get plenty of time to work at the reloading bench, then a month or two later I come back and can’t remember what the hell I did or need to do to certain pieces of brass. Keep a good log and label everything.
Giraud Tri-Way trimmer saves time on ac dc motor.
Stock up on bullets, primers and powder. Can never have enough feeding two Dillon 650s and Redding T7,
I've spent a lot at Inline Fabrication.
Stock up on ammo cans to store all the ammo in and pick up Hydrsorbent silica gel desiccant dehumidifier 40 gram canister packs from Midway.
After building three reloading benches over the years, think of your layout and upgrades to be added in future and build as big as your room will allow.
Stock up on bullets, primers and powder. Can never have enough feeding two Dillon 650s and Redding T7,
I've spent a lot at Inline Fabrication.
Stock up on ammo cans to store all the ammo in and pick up Hydrsorbent silica gel desiccant dehumidifier 40 gram canister packs from Midway.
After building three reloading benches over the years, think of your layout and upgrades to be added in future and build as big as your room will allow.
I have a few questions:
1. What is your budget?
2. How much ammo will you be shooting a year?
3. Will you be reloading for things other than 308?
4. How much do you value your time?
P.S. I also suggest you read "Top-Grade Ammo" by Glen Zediker; you will find lots of really good info there
1. What is your budget?
2. How much ammo will you be shooting a year?
3. Will you be reloading for things other than 308?
4. How much do you value your time?
P.S. I also suggest you read "Top-Grade Ammo" by Glen Zediker; you will find lots of really good info there
1.) I like to stay scrappy but dont have a problem investing when and where its needed
2.) Good question, no idea. Ive averaged 500 rounds of 308 in the past 2 months so far. Ill likely slow down in the summer and pick back up in the fall.
3.) Currently 308 is the only thing i have interest in loading for, maybe 6.5 in the future
4.) I have a lot of downtime at the moment.
See if you can find a seminar or reloading club event nearby. That will likely give you a leg up and open your eyes to some facets and details you may not get from a thread.
Don (Non-Sheep Firearms in Norco, Ca) has put on a couple of free beginner classes, and is going to put another together in the coming weeks. He’s also working up an intermediate course, also free.
There are others out there in many areas, and you would likely find one to be useful. Or as mentioned, find a local mentor as it will lessen the learning curve.
Don (Non-Sheep Firearms in Norco, Ca) has put on a couple of free beginner classes, and is going to put another together in the coming weeks. He’s also working up an intermediate course, also free.
There are others out there in many areas, and you would likely find one to be useful. Or as mentioned, find a local mentor as it will lessen the learning curve.
With the amount of ammo your going to use a year and because you have lots of downtime reloading makes sense. If you were using less ammo and/or your time was valuable I would have suggested buying match grade ammo and not looking back.
Here are few general suggestions:
1. Take a reloading class, find a mentor or two, or commit to doing a lot of reading and Youtube video watching (your now playing with things that can kill you or others if you fuck up badly enough)
2. Buy a single stage or Turret (I have a Forrester Co-Ax which is great and Redding has a good reputation for their single stages and turrets);
3. Buy a good pair of calipers (don't skimp on measuring tools; if you aren't getting good measurements your wasting your time)
4. Buy the Hornady's gauges that let you measure bullet seating depth and case shoulders
5. Buy a set of check weights or a second balance beam scale (always check to make sure your primary scale is properly functioning)
6. Buy a stuck case removing tool; you will need it at some point
7. Buy a bullet remover, I prefer the press mounted kind
8. Decide how you want to clean your brass (dry tumbler, ultrasonic, or wet tumbler); I went with ultrasonic but all three have their pros and cons
9. Decide how you want to measure, trim, and chamfer you cases. Hand tools will work, power tools can be better and much faster but they cost more.
10. Seriously consider an automatic powder dispenser (e.g., Chargemaster Lite) using a balance beam to measure powder gets old fast
Good luck!
