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I need some suggestions on equipment...

C

clj94104

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 12, 2011
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I need some suggestions on added equipment needed. I am just getting into reloading. Here is what I have...

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme 9356
RCBS Competition .308 dies w/extended shell holder
RCBS Shell Holder #3
RCBS Case Lube-2
RCBS Case Lube Pad
K&M Large Rifle Primer Pocket Uniformer
Sinclair Chamber Length Gauge .30
Mitutoyo 505-675 6" Dial Calipers
FGMM Large Rifle Primers
Hornady 178gr A-Max
FGMM Once Fired Brass

WHAT SAY YOU?!

Edit:
Just bought a My Weigh iBalance 101, accurate to 0.005g or 0.1gn. My Weigh said this scale handles powder trickling better than the Gem Pro 250.
Also just found an RCBS Powder Trickler-2
Just got 2 lbs RL-15, and an RCBS deburring tool.
Got the World's Finest Trimmer.
Got Sinclair bullet comparator body with Sinclair .308 comparator insert, and a Stoney Point headspace gage.
 
Last edited:
Re: I need some suggestions on equipment...

All good, solid gear. Powder right now and for the foreseeable future it seems may be a bitch to find, along with primers and just about everything else reloading and firearm related.

Not sure what to tell you about how to get powder other than keep an eye out locally since it seems unless you are really lucky or can camp out on the major online vendors getting any the good old way is about like hitting the lottery.

As far as a scale or dispenser is concerned I have been happy with the two RCBS ChargeMasters Combos that I have. They are a bit expensive but they have worked really well for me.
 
Re: I need some suggestions on equipment...

List looks good but I didn't see a case trimmer listed. I would suggest a Forster Original and get the Forster 3-in-1 trimmer for it. It will trim to length and chamfer the edges all at one time. Forster also makes the neck turning attachments that fit this trimmer. Good luck.
 
Re: I need some suggestions on equipment...

I have the RCBS model 502. I got it on sale for around $70. Its been a great scale. Accurate and easy to use.
 
Re: I need some suggestions on equipment...

You have a good list, might think about a trickler for your powder dispencing combo. Maybe a comparator for the amax bullet. Get a case tray and shit can the lube and pad, buy some oneshot or Dillon type spray lube.
You can probably skip the trimmer to start with, but when you need one it'll be front and center. Think electic when the time comes, you'll be expanding!
Also I see you have RCBS comp dies, They're ok but, there is alot better out there. I like Redding, but Forster has strong following on this site.

And seems like Powder Valley is the only online place getting powder in, look nightly as they seem to show new stock late afternoon, they had varget yesterday.
Also list where you're from, maybe some local guy might front you some primers, they are the key right now.
 
Re: I need some suggestions on equipment...

Wilson trimmer with powder adapter for cordless screwdriver. Gempro 250 scale. RCBS or Redding powder measure with a micrometer adjustment.
 
Re: I need some suggestions on equipment...

I am in Tampa, FL. I have 400 FGMM large rifle primers stocked. I think my smith may have some more. Has anyone ever heard of an iBalance101? Measures down to the 0.1gr.
 
Re: I need some suggestions on equipment...

I would dump the RCBS dies for redding dies. I think the competition 3 set dies are better than RCBS competition dies.
 
Re: I need some suggestions on equipment...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gvanhyning</div><div class="ubbcode-body">List looks good but I didn't see a case trimmer listed. I would suggest a Forster Original and get the Forster 3-in-1 trimmer for it. It will trim to length and chamfer the edges all at one time. Forster also makes the neck turning attachments that fit this trimmer. Good luck. </div></div>

Do you have a link for this trimmer i cant seem to find it any where
 
Re: I need some suggestions on equipment...

Just purchased a My Weigh iBalance 101. Accurate to 0.005g or 0.1gn. My Weigh said this scale handles trickling powder better than the Gem Pro 250. It also comes with a draft shield, which is nice.
 
Re: I need some suggestions on equipment...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 280nosler</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would dump the RCBS dies for redding dies. I think the competition 3 set dies are better than RCBS competition dies. </div></div>


Opinions, opinions....

I use basic Lee and Hornady dies, and get under 0.50 MoA, regularly. Try the dies ya got before buying new stuf.
 
Re: I need some suggestions on equipment...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: garandman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 280nosler</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would dump the RCBS dies for redding dies. I think the competition 3 set dies are better than RCBS competition dies. </div></div>


Opinions, opinions....

I use basic Lee and Hornady dies, and get under 0.50 MoA, regularly. Try the dies ya got before buying new stuf.</div></div>

Given I know of 4 sets of 308 dies that have gone back to RCBS from people over the past 9 months, due to being out of spec (shoulder never made contact to be resized) I am less apt to use them. 1 of the sets was mine, no matter when I did (including competition shell holders) I never had the shoulder make contact. I went back to using Hornady until I got my redding set. I have nothing against Hornady, as a matter of fact I have 5 or 6 sets, but I think they are a far better manufacturer than RCBS is (based on hearing and seeing not only the FL 308 sizer, but also a 7mm-08 bullet seater that did not provide a crimp). I only have 1 set of Lee dies, and have never had an issue with them.
 
Re: I need some suggestions on equipment...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 280nosler</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: garandman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 280nosler</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would dump the RCBS dies for redding dies. I think the competition 3 set dies are better than RCBS competition dies. </div></div>


Opinions, opinions....

I use basic Lee and Hornady dies, and get under 0.50 MoA, regularly. Try the dies ya got before buying new stuf.</div></div>

Given I know of 4 sets of 308 dies that have gone back to RCBS from people over the past 9 months, due to being out of spec (shoulder never made contact to be resized) I am less apt to use them. 1 of the sets was mine, no matter when I did (including competition shell holders) I never had the shoulder make contact. I went back to using Hornady until I got my redding set. I have nothing against Hornady, as a matter of fact I have 5 or 6 sets, but I think they are a far better manufacturer than RCBS is (based on hearing and seeing not only the FL 308 sizer, but also a 7mm-08 bullet seater that did not provide a crimp). I only have 1 set of Lee dies, and have never had an issue with them.</div></div>

You're right, Opinions, Opinions. I have all RCBS dies, and while they might not be the best on the market, I have not had any problems with mine. Like the guy said above, try what you have before you dump it and buy others.
 
Re: I need some suggestions on equipment...

I'll second those that say try it before you re-buy it---perhaps buy a concentricity gauge to see what kind of ammo you are making.

I'll second the WFT trimmer, or the Wilson. I actually have both, and a Giraud. I use my WFT or Wilson more frequently than my Giraud, I use the Giraud when I've got over 100 cases to do that are all the same. Setting up the chamfer debur on the Giraud is a fiddly process, and I always kill 4 or 5 pieces of brass getting it just right.

I think you've made a good choice on your scale, and I will say from experience the Lee Pefect powder measure is hard to beat. I have a Harrels premium culver measure and a RCBS Uniflow with Micrometer and I can say the LEE throws as accurately or more-so than either of the other two.
Also I respectfully disagree with the advice so far on lube. Get yourself some Unique or Imperial and lube every case by hand--actually two fingers-and you're good to go.
 
Re: I need some suggestions on equipment...

Varget and RL-15 are very popular in the 308, but there are several other good ones. If lack of powder is stopping you from loading, try 4895,3031,BLC-2,4064,or H-380 to name a few that I have used. Lots of other ones are good too!
I would try those RCBS dies before I bought anything else. RCBS used to be one of the best, and I would give them a chance. Lightman
 
Re: I need some suggestions on equipment...

I agree and think I will give the RCBS competition dies a chance before possibly moving on to Redding dies. Powder availability is definitely holding me back :-(
 
Re: I need some suggestions on equipment...

How far are you going to be shooting?
.
If not past 600 for awhile, might find the 168's as an option
if you can find the 178/175's.
.
Also I like the Lyman case lube better than the RCBS. For whatever reason the RCBS is a royal p.i.a to squeeze out of the bottle and no I dont have a girly grip.
.
Another piece of equipment that makes thing nicer is a satern powder funnel. For the caliber your loading its Awesome...in how easy it becomes
 
Re: I need some suggestions on equipment...

Got 2lbs of RL-15 for $59OTD today locally. :-D

Also got an RCBS deburring tool.

I already have the Hornady 178 A-Maxs and once fired FGMM brass from my rifle.

Need a case trimmer and headspace gage. Suggestions? I would like the Sinclair headspace gage but its out of stock with NO eta. How about the Hornady set?

WFT, Forster, RCBS or Lyman Trimmers? (The latter three manual)
 
Re: I need some suggestions on equipment...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: clj94104</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Need a case trimmer and headspace gage.</div></div>
Not trying to be a dick, but you don't "need" a headspace guage. I've loaded for 28 years without one. First off, you have to get this once fired brass to fit in your chamber, I'm sure it won't drop in. After firing it, you might have to reset your die again, to your chamber, if not this die and press combo never has to be adjusted again.

As for a trimmer, unless you've taken a caliper to the brass, it might be able to be fired 1-2 times more before trimming is necessary, buying you some time to sort things out. If 100 pieces of brass is all you'll ever own, buy a hand one, if not, you'll figure it out.
 
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