Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

[caddy]

Hello all!

First time poster, long time lurker. Please excuse the length of this post.

For the past couple of months I've been reading the reloading forums, watching YouTube videos, reading reviews, etc... There are SO many choices and opinions. I have changed my mind about 100 times so far, probably 5 times today.

I think I've settled on some gear. I was hoping that if I listed the items I am considering, I would get some feedback from veteran reloaders that would share their knowledge and experience.

First, I am not looking to load thousands of rounds a month. I am looking to load the most accurate round for each of my weapons. I shoot a few hundred rounds a month, just sporting target practice at the range. No competitions yet, just bragging rights with buddies. Still want to be as accurate as possible.

I want to reload for the following semi-autos:

Armalite Super SASS with Surefire FA762K suppressor - currently use 168gr Federal Gold Match

Knights Armament SR-15 E3 with Surefire FA556-212 suppressor - currently using bulk green tip 62gr M855.

Walther P99 9MM with TI-RANT 9MM suppressor - currently use 147gr subs, cycles perfectly.

Now you know how often I shoot, and what I am shooting.

Here is my reloading list:

Forster Co-Ax Press - $289.99 - Cabelas
Forster Original Case Trimmer Kit - $94.99 - Cabelas
RCBS® ChargeMaster Combo - $349.99 - Cabelas
Sierra 5th Edition Reloading Manual - $28.99 Cabelas
Lyman 49th Edition Reloading Handbook – $27.99 - Cabelas
Hornady® Sure-Loc™ Die Lock Rings-Per 6 - $19.99 - Cabelas
Hornady® Chamber All™ Bullet Comparator - $29.99 - Cabelas
Hornady® Lock-N-Load™ OAL Gauges - $36.99 - Cabelas
Hornady® One Shot™ Case Lube - $23.99 - Cabelas
Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller - $22.49 - Midway
Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet #2 22 Caliber (224 Diameter) - $9.99 - Midway
Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet #9 35 Caliber 9mm (358 Diameter) - $9.99 - Midway
Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet #7 30 Caliber (308 Diameter) - $9.99 - Midway
Lyman Flash Hole Uniformer Tool - $13.99 - Midway
Lyman Turbo 1200 PRO Sifter Case Tumbler 110V - $55.99 - Midway
Lyman Electronic Caliper 6" Stainless Steel - $52.99 - Midway
Forster Ultra 2-Die Set 308 Winchester (National Match) - $96.99 - Midway
Forster Ultra 2-Die Set 223 Remington - $96.99 - Midway
Lyman Carbide 4-Die Set 9mm Luger - 69.99 Midway

Is this a pretty complete list? What am I missing? Besides bullets, brass, and powder? My plan is to order everything, then spend the next few months reading reloading manuals while I hurry up and wait for my items to arrive.

I am open to opinions/replacement items for the things I've listed, all except for the Forster Co-Ax. I've decided that's the press I want. A lot of the items I've listed I only thought of after reading reviews of other items, and being told in the review to make sure I get one of these as well.

The choices in die sets are confusing to me. I have read so many different viewpoints that honestly I don't know what to think. FL, Bushing, S, Competition, National Match, Micrometers...help!

Are the two Forster rifle die sets I've listed suitable for my purposes? Accuracy from a semi-auto? I listed National Match 308, because the description SOUNDS more accurate, but I'm thinking a lot of this stuff is just good marketing - making me think I need to have it. If it IS a good product though, I don't mind spending the few extra dollars to make sure I get quality.

I'm truly appreciative and thankful for any advice given.

Thanks,

Caddy

 

[abilliott]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

nix the chargemaster and go with the redding br-30 competition powder measure. It eill save you so dough, use the money saved and go ahead and buy the stainless steel tumbler system.

I have read alot and like you I wanted the chargemaster combo, here is a brief synopsis of what I found in my research.
1. Not many people like the electronic scale
2. The measure takes along time to throw a charge
3. Not really any more accurate than a high quality powder
measure.
4. Most people feel the need to double check charge on a beam
cause they don't fully trust the electronic stuff.

I read a rather interesting article in handloader magazine last month. The long time reloader did a bunch of comparisons and long story short the redding br-30 repeatedly throws very consistent charges, and will be faster than the 7 seconds plus time the chargemaster takes.

I have also talked to alot of people that use their powder measure to throw a "light" charge the put that charge on the beam scale and trickle up to the "perfect" amount. They say this can also be done faster or as fast as the electric thing we are talking about.

Anyways this is what I have come across, but like you I am new to all this. Just read, read, read and take good advise from people who have already learned what not to do.

 

[abilliott]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

my previous post was a little one sided, let me also add that my father-in-law told me that if I listened to one thing from his 40yrs handloading was to buy the redding competition dies if i wanted the upmost possible accuracy. I kinda wish I hadn't now, the dies take bushings and the bushing are very precise.....too precise for mixed brass lol so now I have two sets of dies; one for mixed brass and one for precision loading.

I shoot some FGMM in my 308 too along with some nosler custom, I had two buy a 23 dollar bushing for each? I probably spent along more money than I needed to. Hopefully someone will chime in that will tell you something cheaper will be capable of providing you with precision reloads. I should have asked this same question here before I bought mine! oh well i guess

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Caddy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hello all!

Here is my reloading list:

Forster Co-Ax Press - $289.99 - Cabelas

<span style="color: #3333FF">Good SS press, can't go wrong there, but check your pricing, before you buy from Cabelas, or Gander, or Bass Pro, as their prices can be higher than vs. other places.</span>

Forster Original Case Trimmer Kit - $94.99 - Cabelas

<span style="color: #3333FF">If you're going to drop a Franklin, check out the Wilson/Sinclair offerings. Get one that will allow you to run a cordless drill, as that will cut down on time and cramping hands/fingers.</span>

RCBS® ChargeMaster Combo - $349.99 - Cabelas

<span style="color: #3333FF">I have this and it works fine, but you're going to want to have a basic measure for your pistol rounds, I'd imagine.</span>

Sierra 5th Edition Reloading Manual - $28.99 Cabelas

<span style="color: #3333FF">I have this manual and it's fairly comprehensive. </span>

Lyman 49th Edition Reloading Handbook – $27.99 - Cabelas

<span style="color: #3333FF">I also have Speer's #12/#13 and Nosler's IV manuals and they work well, so the Lyman guide should be fine. Go to the powder maker's sites and request their individual and free pamphlets, for added references. Maybe the ABCs of Reloading?</span>

Hornady® Sure-Loc™ Die Lock Rings-Per 6 - $19.99 - Cabelas

<span style="color: #3333FF">Most dies come with their own rings, so maybe these aren't needed?</span>

Hornady® Chamber All™ Bullet Comparator - $29.99 - Cabelas

<span style="color: #3333FF">I have this gage set and it's good for sorting bullets by bearing surface length.</span>


Hornady® Lock-N-Load™ OAL Gauges - $36.99 - Cabelas

<span style="color: #3333FF">I have both the straight tool and the curved tool, for bolts and semis and they work well. You should definitely get their headspace gage set, to aid you in setting up your sizing dies. This is a must.
</span>

Hornady® One Shot™ Case Lube - $23.99 - Cabelas


<span style="color: #3333FF">This is tricky stuff and you must follow the instructions to the 'T', otherwise you'll be sticking cases. I have successfully used this and it doesn't need to be wiped off, but Dillon's spray lube is very good, however it needs to be tumbled off after sizing.

I also use RCBS CaseLube II and Redding Imperial Sizing wax and both work well and can be wiped off with a damp/dry cotton tee shirt, or cloth.</span>

Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller - $22.49 - Midway


<span style="color: #3333FF">After a decade and a half using a kinetic puller, I bought one of these with a few collets, but haven't needed to do large batches. Get a basic kinetic puller for the time that you only need to demill a couple/few cases. It's faster and works well.</span>

Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet #2 22 Caliber (224 Diameter) - $9.99 - Midway

Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet #9 35 Caliber 9mm (358 Diameter) - $9.99 - Midway

Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller Collet #7 30 Caliber (308 Diameter) - $9.99 - Midway

Lyman Flash Hole Uniformer Tool - $13.99 - Midway

<span style="color: #3333FF">I've used one for 18 years and it's still going strong. I've even bought a spare, which is still NIB.</span>

Lyman Turbo 1200 PRO Sifter Case Tumbler 110V - $55.99 - Midway

<span style="color: #3333FF">I got this with Lyman's Moly kit and while smallish, it seems capable. I've had my Dillon CV-500 since the beginning and it's still running like a champ. More money, but quality isn't cheap.</span>

Lyman Electronic Caliper 6" Stainless Steel - $52.99 - Midway

<span style="color: #3333FF">These should be fine, but a little spendy. Look arouund and over on Ebay and get something better, for cheaper.</span>

Forster Ultra 2-Die Set 308 Winchester (National Match) - $96.99 - Midway

<span style="color: #3333FF">The NM dies squeeze the body down another .002" vs. standard sizing dies. This might be fine if you're shooting tight chambers, or machine gun brass. I use Redding bushing dies, but have a set of Forsters for 338LM and their microseater is a nice die.</span>

Forster Ultra 2-Die Set 223 Remington - $96.99 - Midway

<span style="color: #3333FF">These should be fine, but they are spendy, look around for better deals. Look to Reddings, as well, or Hornady New Dimension dies with their micro seating stem. Works well for me on my 223Rem, 22-250 and 308 loadings.</span>

Lyman Carbide 4-Die Set 9mm Luger - 69.99 Midway

<span style="color: #3333FF">I guess these will do, but price is way too high. Look at Hornady, Dillon, or Redding.</span>

I am open to opinions/replacement items for the things I've listed, all except for the Forster Co-Ax. I've decided that's the press I want. A lot of the items I've listed I only thought of after reading reviews of other items, and being told in the review to make sure I get one of these as well.

<span style="color: #3333FF">I don't see a scale listed, or a lube pad for small batches. Also, if you're going to be shooting .mil brass, get the Hornady decrimping bits, as they're cheap and work well...just in case. Also, get a typical Wilson campher/deburring tool, for cleaning up trimmed brass.</span>

The choices in die sets are confusing to me. I have read so many different viewpoints that honestly I don't know what to think. FL, Bushing, S, Competition, National Match, Micrometers...help!

Are the two Forster rifle die sets I've listed suitable for my purposes? Accuracy from a semi-auto? I listed National Match 308, because the description SOUNDS more accurate, but I'm thinking a lot of this stuff is just good marketing - making me think I need to have it. If it IS a good product though, I don't mind spending the few extra dollars to make sure I get quality.

I'm truly appreciative and thankful for any advice given.

Thanks,

Caddy


</div></div>

Chris

 

[turbo54]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

Skip the case trimmer and save up for a giraud power trimmer. Worth EVERY LAST CENT.

Go ahead with the RCBS chargemaster. They're great. You shouldn't have to pay more than ~$299 though.

One-shot lube is fair at best...fast to apply. Certainly ADD Redding imperial sizing wax to the list though.

Don't pay $50 for electronic calipers that say "Lyman" on them. They're rebadged harbor freight chinese units. Wait for them to go on sale at HF (once per month, usually), and get them for $15-20. They're plenty accurate. Or, pay $10 and get dial calipers at HF.

The forster Ultra sets are only different than the benchrest sets because the Ultras have a micrometer seating die. Unless the $20 is really important to you, get the Ultra with the mic on it. Very convenient. The National Match set sizes the body a *little* smaller than a standard FLS die, but not quite as much as a small base die. I think the NM 308 is a good choice, particularly for a semi auto.

You don't want a 4-die pistol set for loading on a single stage. 3 die sets consist of: Size/deprime, flare, bullet seater/case crimper. A 4 die set is the same except seating and crimping is NOT done with just 1 die. This is aimed at progressive presses.

Speaking of which, I beg you to reconsider ONLY getting a single stage press - PARTICULARLY for loading pistol ammo.

 

[caddy]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

LOL here we go again! More choices!

Thanks abilliott! I'll look into the Redding BR30, if I went that way I'd still need a scale as well, no?

I have about 500 rounds of FGMM left. I thought since I am learning it would be wise to stick with one type of brass until I know more about what I am doing. Which Redding Die Set do you use for precision? Is your 308 a semi-auto?

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

Adding some more things:

Get a reloading block, or three, for the cases you intend to load for. One might do all three, like the Hornady red dohickey.

You'll want the RCBS (or similar) primer pocket cleaners and nylon brushes to get any crud out.

Since you're dropping some coin, get the Sinclair carbide primer pocket uniformers, both large/small rifles and their drill adapter holder. At least for rifles and semi autos to boot, these will allow you to seat primers below flush.

If you can shave off some coin and I know you can, you might just save enough for the CM-1500, if you do your homework.

Chris

 

[caddy]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

Chris and turbo54,

thanks so much, that's exactly the type of knowledge I was hoping to find. I'm going to take awhile and digest all this. I'll come back with more questions.

And Chris, you're in Miami? I'm up in Boca. Maybe I can take you on a trip to Okeechobee Range in exchange for some hands on loading lessons. Haha!

Have a great day guys. Thanks!

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Caddy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Chris and turbo54,

thanks so much, that's exactly the type of knowledge I was hoping to find. I'm going to take awhile and digest all this. I'll come back with more questions.

And Chris, you're in Miami? I'm up in Boca. Maybe I can take you on a trip to Okeechobee Range in exchange for some hands on loading lessons. Haha!

Have a great day guys. Thanks! </div></div>

My uncle is up in Highland Beach, so we're practically neighbors.

Palm Beach sheriff's training range is open for 300 yds on Sunday February 17th, so a week from this coming Sunday.

If you want to go, shoot me an email. I mostly shoot rifles at Markham Park in W.Broward--I-75 & Alligator Alley and while it's only 100yds, it's fine for an afternoon.

I'd be glad to show you my setup and let you play around with it.

I didn't have a computer/internet when I started in '95, so it was just the manuals for me. It's always better sitting and watching somebody explain things to you.

Just shop around and take your time. Some places will give you free shipping, but not have everything you need in one place. Other places will be cheaper, but charge you s/h.

Don't forget Ebay and our For Sale forum here.

Pick and choose your targets wisely.

Chris

 

[abilliott]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

Yes sir you would, but everyone I have talked to says they have the scale anyways even if they are using the chargemaster. You'll want to verify its accuracy every once in a while.

Yes I have a SASS as well, although the cheaper DPMS but it will shoot the light out!

I load for both bolt action and semi auto in 308 and 223

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Caddy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">LOL here we go again! More choices!

Thanks abilliott! I'll look into the Redding BR30, if I went that way I'd still need a scale as well, no?

I have about 500 rounds of FGMM left. I thought since I am learning it would be wise to stick with one type of brass until I know more about what I am doing. Which Redding Die Set do you use for precision? Is your 308 a semi-auto?</div></div>

 

[caddy]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChrisGarrett</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Palm Beach sheriff's training range is open for 300 yds on Sunday February 17th, so a week from this coming Sunday.

If you want to go, shoot me an email. I mostly shoot rifles at Markham Park in W.Broward--I-75 & Alligator Alley and while it's only 100yds, it's fine for an afternoon.

I'd be glad to show you my setup and let you play around with it.

Chris </div></div>


That sounds great! I'll shoot you a PM. I'm quite familiar with Markham Park, we might have even run into each other already. I haven't shot at the sheriff's range though, and I've been meaning to check it out, since they offer a longer range. Would love to meet up with you. I'm sure I'll still have a million loading questions as well. PM on the way.

 

[Sniper Uncle]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

Caddy, for what it's worth, I would agree with the post about getting a beam balance scale---I have an RCBS 5-0-5, works well, want an RCBS 10-0-10---and a powder dump. I just recently saw a power trickler which I want to add to my stable, as it will speed up the precision loads.(Omega 2 speed Power Trickler)
I use Imperial Sizing wax, and just have to about show it to the casing to have enough. I like it, easy to clean off in my media tumbler.
Saw the ads and the testimonials for SS Media, don't have the cash to do so yet, wish list.
Agree with Turbo on the calipers. Got mine at Advance Auto for $15.00.
Suggest you get a copy of "The ABC's of Reloading." Very informative book. Also, avail yourself of a reloading "mentor" if you can get one. I took a hands on, one on one class, and it was worth every penny---$70.00.
I got the RCBS Case Prep center, took a lot of strain off my hands. I personally would like it better than the Chargemaster. I wasn't impressed with the time that the Chargemaster took, nor the number of reweighs I had to do. We used it in the class I took, out of twenty casings, had to dump out and reweigh at least five, because it would over trickle.
All the guys here have valid opinions, so decide what your priorities are for your cash, and I think I saw complete agreement on all the important stuff.
Have fun, and be safe. You will become addicted to it.

 

[Sniper Uncle]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

Oh, forgot to mention:
Did I see a hand primer in the list? I suggest you get one, either a Lee (very good reviews on SH Forums) or an RCBS, which I have and like. Would recommend a square tray, as that fits the primer sleeves better.
And, suggest a decapping die---so you can decap before cleaning---and, an expander die so you don't use the expander ball on the sizing dies. I believe you can get better concentricity with the expander being pushed into case instead of pulled out.

 

[280nosler]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

ChrisGarrett hit most of the points. I have owned all major manufacturers of dies, and although I may take heat for it, Lee and RCBS are typically the most likely to be out of spec. When RCBS I had, I have sold, and replaced with Redding. I have redding Competition dies, and could not be happier. I have a Forster set I bought through ebay for 243, and I am impressed, just not enough to spend twice as much for dies. I still have 6 sets of Hornady dies, and they do a good job, and CS is awesome at replacing parts, no questions asked. As a matter of fact, I called them back in December because my old 308 die had discoloration at the base (contact with shell holder), and they sent me a new die! If your dies don't come with the carbide expander, buy it - well worth it!

The Chargemaster - works great if you are the type to read instructions and follow directions, not so well if you don't - take that for what it's worth. Most my digital scale has ever been off is .1 grains, and in loading 308, .1 grain is about 5 fps (far less than 1 standard deviation).

Case Trimmer - I like Wilson and Forster models with the quick drill attachment, but my old Lyman has done me well.

Tumbler - I accidentally left my Lyman 1200 on (with brass inside) for 9 days while on vacation. In addition, I have owned it for 4 years, and it sees countless action. It set me back around $85 from optics planet - back in 2008. I am thinking hard about going to stainless steel in the near future.

Powder throwers - I have a cheap RCBS uniflow that came with my kit, a Hornady bench rest, and a 3BR Redding. The hornady throws loads up to 20-65 grains (depending on powder), has a large hopper - 1.5 lbs, and does not wobble - stays consistent. The 3BR is a great thrower. Wide range (mine came with the universal 5-100 grain, but mine has never strayed outside the 18-48 range. The redding is well worth the cash.

bullet puller - I use the Hornady system, actually I have 2 of them.

Lube - I use these, but also use one shot on 223 brass

Books - get a few including the ABC's of reloading. Here is part of my collection:

Get a beam scale, case gages, and think about getting a Dillon 550. You can use it in single or progressive (1 or 4 cases at a time) style to get you used to reloading. If you get a single stage, the Boss II (redding) is good, but the Ultramag (redding, again) is much easier resizing full length brass. It makes 308 feel like 223!

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

280Nosler...you have a nice library there. I like you.

Chris

 

[280nosler]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChrisGarrett</div><div class="ubbcode-body">280Nosler...you have a nice library there. I like you.

Chris </div></div>
I have 6 more since that picture was taken including Hornady 8 & 9, Lyman 49, Berger, Nosler 7, and an old Lyman my grandmother delivered to me that was my grandfather's back in the 50's. I learned to reload from him.

Any shot you want is still a good read, but I have had it for about a decade. I noticed this morning that Midsouth has them for sale.

 

[caddy]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

Thanks for all the replies, fellas.

Chris and turbo54,

I'm removing the Forster Original Case Trimmer Kit from the list. I looked into the Giraud, but his page says he's looking for a new source for motors. How about the LE Wilson Micrometer Kit with a power adapter for a drill?

The Hornady OAL Gauge and Bullet Comparator on my list are both highly rated, but the Hornady Headspace Gauge is not. Any opinions on the Hornady Headspace Gauge? Or should I look into this Digital Headspace Gauge

And turbo54, thanks for specifically addressing the National Match dies for 308. I feel comfortable purchasing them now. To your point of getting something besides a single stage for pistol, I'm sure that's valid. I'll probably add to my setup with a turret or progressive down the line. I want a chance to get my feet wet with the single stage first.

I'm also removing the Lyman Electronic Caliper and the Lyman 4 Die Pistol Set from the list. I found highly rated digital calipers on Amazon for less money, or I can head down to the auto parts store. For the pistol dies, any opinions on Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension Nitride 3-Die Set with Taper Crimp 9mm Luger? $43.99 at Midway. Only a few ratings, but all 5 star.

Adding Redding Imperial Wax to the list.

SniperUncle and 280Nosler, I now have in my hands the ABC's of Reloading. Picked it up this morning. Very first paragraph in the book describes the author blowing his hands off in an accident as a fifteen year old boy using home made explosives. A strong reminder to me to pay close attention and learn what the hell I am doing. Also, I had planned on trying out the CO-AX priming system and see how I make out with it, before I look into purchasing a hand primer.

I think I'll stick with the Chargemaster Combo for now, I would like to see it in action for myself. I have a feeling I could unload it easily enough, if I decide in the future to go with a beam scale and thrower.

The Lyman 1200 seems to get enough favorable reviews with you guys for me to keep it on the list as well.

I'm obviously just getting started, you guys have all been a great help educating me. Thank you!

Caddy

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

The Horandy headspace bushings work just fine and aren't a lot of money.

They're a relative gage and all you need them to do is give you a reading between a fired case and one sized with your sizing die.

Your caliper quality will indicate how well you're bumping your shoulders back.

Plus, the Hornady gages will work on most every bottleneck cartridge out there.

Spend the money on quality, where it matters, as some things do and some don't.

Chris

 

[B.A.C.]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that a power adapter could be purchased for the Forster case trimmer.

 

[caddy]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChrisGarrett</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Horandy headspace bushings work just fine and aren't a lot of money.

Chris </div></div>

Thanks, Chris. I'll keep it on the list.

I may have gotten ahead of myself in my last post. I'm getting the impression from reading these suggestions that even if I opt for the Chargemaster Combo, I should still pick up a beam scale for sure, and possibly a trickler as well.

If so, RCBS 1010? Or will something cheaper will do the job?

Remmy, I didn't see a power option listed for the specific Forster case trimmer I had originally looked at. It would be cool if that was the case, that trimmer was well reviewed. I know they make a power trimmer that looks much different from what I had listed, though.

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Caddy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ChrisGarrett</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Horandy headspace bushings work just fine and aren't a lot of money.

Chris </div></div>

Thanks, Chris. I'll keep it on the list.

I may have gotten ahead of myself in my last post. I'm getting the impression from reading these suggestions that even if I opt for the Chargemaster Combo, I should still pick up a beam scale for sure, and possibly a trickler as well.

If so, RCBS 1010? Or will something cheaper will do the job?

Remmy, I didn't see a power option listed for the specific Forster case trimmer I had originally looked at. It would be cool if that was the case, that trimmer was well reviewed. I know they make a power trimmer that looks much different from what I had listed, though. </div></div>

I have a Dillon beam scale and I haven't used it in 7 years since I got my CM-1500.

What's the point?

The CM-1500 will trickle charges, just like a trickler/beam scale will do.

Get a good 'check weight' system and either your CM-1500 is accurate, or it's not.

Beam scales aren't always the cat's meow.

Chris

 

[Sniper Uncle]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

Caddy, looks like you're headed the right way. I, too, was impressed immediately by the author of ABC's accident. I figured that he probably knew what he was talking about thereafter, as he knew the dangers upfront.
Good luck with your endeavors, and happy reloading.
Keep us posted with your progress.

 

[TenZero]

Re: Advice and opinions on my reloading setup

If you get a Chargemaster, you can get a scale to verify it, but you'll find that you use the CM all the time to trickle your loads. It trickles powder while you seat bullets, what could be easier. Yes, it sometimes over dumps powder, but then you know it's working, as it should be. I get about 75% on my powder dumps, which is pretty good using Varget.