Please critique my process for getting in to reloading

[dpilot83]

It looks like there is a wealth of information on this portion of the forums about getting started on reloading. There is so much information it's hard for me to know which way to turn. I thought I might post my plan here for a critique to see if I'm going to be wasting time/money anywhere.

First of all, I'm going to be reloading 7mm RSAUM, .308, .25-06 and 9mm. Probably .45 and .40 S&W later on.

I'm planning on starting with reading material:

1. The ABCs Of Reloading: The Definitive Guide for Novice to Expert - $18

2. Next read and understand all the stickies in this forum.

3. Lee "Modern Reloading 2nd Edition, Revised" - $20

4. Hornady "Handbook of Cartridge Reloading: 9th Edition" - $30

Next I will need a press and dies. I intend to subscribe to the theory of buy once, cry once for this. If I buy high quality stuff and end up deciding it's not going to work for me for some reason, I'll be able to resell it and not be out a lot.

1.Forster CO-AX Reloading Press - $273

2. Redding Competition Bushing 3-Die Neck Sizer Set for 7mm RSAUM, .25-06, .308 & 9mm - $867

This part is currently one of the most confusing parts to me. I'm sure a lot of these questions will be answered after reading the book but I'd like to get some stuff on order as soon as I can so that I can be studying while I'm waiting for stuff to get off back-order.

First of all, I don't yet know enough about it to know if those die sets will be everything I need or not. Secondly, I don't know if they need anything to make them adapt to the press since the press and dies are different brands. Thirdly, while I want to do the best job that I can do on the 7mm RSAUM, .25-06 and the .308, I'm not sure that a 9mm warrants that kind of precision on the dies. I do want the 9mm to be as accurate as possible, but for a handgun I wonder if the accuracy of anything I load will be more accurate than I am. Perhaps a lower end set of dies will be fine for at least the 9mm?

3. L.E. Wilson Micrometer Case Trimmer Stainless Steel Case Trimming Kit, 308 case holder & .25-06 case holder - $164

4. Thumler's Tumbler Model B High Speed Rotary Case Tumbler 110 Volt - $162

5. Scale. I've sent Scott Parker and email and am hoping to get a tuned scale from him if he still does it. - $70 back in 2006 but maybe more now? Haven't heard back from him yet

7. Powder drop?

8. Sinclair primer pocket uniformer + power adapter - $70

9. Lyman Small Primer Reamer & Lyman Large Primer Reamer - $20

Think I might try to find a Dillon Super Swage for this one instead...not sure yet. It's a lot more money but the only place I've read good things about it would be the Reloading 101 thread here.

10. Lyman Flash Hole Uniformer Tool - $14

11. Sinclair Generation II Flashhole deburring tool - $19

12. Sinclair 28 degree carbide cutter and power adapter - $35

13. Lynman Outside Chamfer tool - $14

Is this removable so I can use it with a drill?

I'm running out of time on this list but I think that's getting close to the bulk of it. Does my plan sound crazy or am I getting off on the right foot? Thanks.

 

[gixxer822]

with the COAX the dies just slide right in by the lock ring. IMO if i started out with bushing dies i woulda been lost, but i was on 0311/13 so it doesnt take much, ha. unless u really understand the concept start simplier. are you goin to be priming from the press or? i personally like a hand priming tool. sinclair, century21st and KM make some nice ones, the LEEs are ok if you pay attention. id also order some imperial die wax. the super swage 600 is a beast. i have my kids do tht for chores or allowance.

 

[lightman]

I think that your#10 and 11 are the same type tool, you will only need one of them. Your list looks like you are going 1st class! I probably would not go with bushing dies unless it was for a rifle with a custom barrel/chamber. Just my opinion. I probably would go with a standard full length set, maybe even with a 3 die set to get the neck sizer die. Bushing die sets are great for custom rifles, or if you are neck turning, but there is a learning curve with them. I use the Redding comp set for my custom rifles and the standard fl set for my factory/hunting rifles. The really accurate factory rifles get a benchrest type seater.

Your approach to this looks great! Buying and reading a book or two and reading the stickies is a great start. There really is no wrong choice with equipment brands, they will all work. Most of us have their favorites, though. Good Luck, and stay in touch. Lightman

Edit to say that I really like Sinclair's line of case prep tools better than anyone elses. K&M also has a great line of tools. These seem to be higher quality than the other loading tool companies.

 

[dpilot83]

with the COAX the dies just slide right in by the lock ring. IMO if i started out with bushing dies i woulda been lost, but i was on 0311/13 so it doesnt take much, ha. unless u really understand the concept start simplier. are you goin to be priming from the press or? i personally like a hand priming tool. sinclair, century21st and KM make some nice ones, the LEEs are ok if you pay attention. id also order some imperial die wax. the super swage 600 is a beast. i have my kids do tht for chores or allowance.

Thanks. What does 0311/13 mean? I'm planning on purchasing a hand priming tool like you say. I just didn't have time to get that far in creating my list. Thanks for the tip on the die wax. I wouldn't have thought of that.

 

[dpilot83]

I think that your#10 and 11 are the same type tool, you will only need one of them. Your list looks like you are going 1st class! I probably would not go with bushing dies unless it was for a rifle with a custom barrel/chamber. Just my opinion. I probably would go with a standard full length set, maybe even with a 3 die set to get the neck sizer die. Bushing die sets are great for custom rifles, or if you are neck turning, but there is a learning curve with them. I use the Redding comp set for my custom rifles and the standard fl set for my factory/hunting rifles. The really accurate factory rifles get a benchrest type seater.

Your approach to this looks great! Buying and reading a book or two and reading the stickies is a great start. There really is no wrong choice with equipment brands, they will all work. Most of us have their favorites, though. Good Luck, and stay in touch. Lightman

Edit to say that I really like Sinclair's line of case prep tools better than anyone elses. K&M also has a great line of tools. These seem to be higher quality than the other loading tool companies.

Thanks for your thoughts on the dies. This is by far the most confusing part to me right now since I've never seen any reloading done for rifles. I'm starting to watch youtube videos just to get a rough idea of what goes on, but what I've seen so far does not cover resizing the brass, it just covers the loading aspect. I really wish I had someone in the area who could show me how it's done. Since I do not (that I know of) I really appreciate the help you guys are providing.

 

[dpilot83]

Accidental double post and I don't know how to delete it.

 

[capreppy]

How much 308 are you planning to shoot? If a lot, then (you don't seem to be short on cash) I would suggest springing for a Giraud Trimmer to speed up your brass processing. This will speed up trimming, chamfering, & deburing as it is one step.

Powder drop, going to recommend an RCBS Chargemaster. You can spring for higher end automatic Powder Drops, but I'll give you a highly recommended one that doesn't break the bank.

You don't really need a reamer unless you're going to be using MIL brass. If you are, then I'd actually recommend the Hornady reamers. If you go with the Dillon Super Swager, then you don't really need the reamers. I like the reamers because I can chuck it in a drill and over a few hours take care of my MIL brass needs. The Dillon is great and does work well, but you may need to adjust based on headstamps. The Hornady reamers do not need adjusting and have a positive stop to keep you from getting too much of the primer pocket.

Given that you have chosen bushing dies for your rifle needs, you'll need to budget some funds for bushing.

 

[gixxer822]

03 is a marine infantry so if I can do it, well ha. Follow the instructions, adjust em. Take measurements and write them down so you have a reference, cuz u will be like wtf did I just do when ur overwhelmed with info. In most books it'll show saami spec for everything. Follow and ull be safe. Resizing brass just takes meaasurement. Neck sizing is self explanatory, fl is the same. If its a gas gun u may need a small base FL die. I personally never have yet. If ur loading for a bolt gun neck die are great. Once the bolt gets sticky or tight throw it through a FL die and bump the shoulder back a couple thousandths. Most of all have fun man. Reloading is a whole nother hobby.

 

[qkieler]

the 308 redding comp dies you are wanting are in stock at precision reloading and for under $200. i saw a set in the forsale section on here the other day to just a heads up