Beginner Reloading

[rangeryo]

So, as a newcomer to the reloading craft, I've managed to accumulate most of the necessities, build a suitable bench and anchor it to the wall (lets hope property management doesnt find out). I'm posting mainly because I wanted to share my work, and seek out any additional ideas that may help increase production, comfort or badassery. Any tips, or personal preferences about mounting locations, and workflow are appreciated.

Current equipment list:
RCBS RC Supreme
Sinclair Stainless Ultimate Trimmer
Redding 3BR Charge Thrower
RCBS Chargemaster 1500 digi scale
Redding trickler (Very much used since I'm throwing 4064 )
Mitutoyo Calipers
Hornady O.A.L tool
Hornady Comparator
Hornady headspace gauge(for comparator)
Hornady O.A.L Insert (for comparator)

 

[fireEMT5]

Nice looking setup! If you are looking for things that just make you bench look bad ass, yet serve a fuction, check out CNC shooter - http://www.cncshooter.com His custom loading blocks are a pretty sweet addition to a bench, as are his CNC drink coasters.

One thing I've found helpful concerning reloading blocks is to have one more than you think you need - for instance, I load in 100 round batches which takes 2 of CNC's 50 round blocks. Having a third block allows me to keep the flow going - if I have 100 rounds that I've put powder charges in, now I have an empty I can start filling when I start seating bullets. When that one gets full, one of the first two is now empty, if you follow what I'm saying. It just seems to really keep the flow/process going smoothly.

These are also nice, but not necessary to get going - SATERN ALUMINUM POWDER FUNNELS | Sinclair Intl

If you want to get into cleaning your brass with stainless steel pins -
Stainless Steel Reloading Supplies | Tumblers, Separators, Media, Brass & More!

Biggdawg Tumblers stainless wet tumblers

If thinking about annealing - New Case Neck Annealing Machine

Is your powder measure mounted to your bench, or just on a weighted base that is moveable? You may want it fastened down to the bench, say on the left corner so it's mounted firmly to give consistant throws and more out of the way. Just a thought to consider.

If you don't already have on hand, you might want to stock up on some spare decapping pins for your die(s) and also the tool for removing a stuck case from a die - RCBS Stuck Case Remover
Since I started using Horandy Unique lube - https://www.hornady.com/store/Unique-Case-Lube-1-Each/ I haven't stuck a case - using a q-tip I run a little on the inside of the necks and sizing is much easier. Dip a Q-tip and do 10 or so cases, then repeat.

Welcome to the addiction!

You probably already know this, but if you can find components and can afford it, buy in bulk and stock up.

 

[rangeryo]

Thanks for the tips!

I actually already ordered the saturn aluminum funnel. Not sure if you can see it in the picture, but sinclair packaged it loose in the box with my press, so its pretty much useless right now.

I also ordered a thumbler last week, on backorder. Ive since lost the card i used to place the order and deactivated it. Right now im trying to decide if i want to get the rebel 17 instead.

My powder measure is actually mounted to the table, on my temporary/makeshift stand. I knew movement was an issue getting accurate throws, and solidified that first thing.

Funny you mention the stuck case remover. I had a set of hornady dies that one of the other members gifted me a year ago, and was using the lyman case lube. Needless to say, i made a run to the local bass pro and purchased a new die set... It did come with a few extra tips as well. I do like the hornady unique lube, which is already sitting on my bench

As for components, ive got a good deal on 300 rds of hornady match ammo last year, which is what i was already shooting, so for now im working off the 450+ pieces of brass left over. The same member who gifted me the dies, included 50 pcs of once fired lapua brass as well. Ive also picked up 1500 fed 210 primers, 3lbs of re-17 to try with some berger 185 juggs. I lucked into a stock of imr 4064 at $17 a lb the other day, and placed an order for 5lbs to go with the 3 i already have. My bullet department is a little slim, with 100ea 155 scenars, 155.5 fullbores and 185 juggernauts.

 

[fireEMT5]

Sounds like you are well on your way! Enjoy the journey.

 

[GreggNY]

I don't have much to add besides saying that it looks like you put together a nice setup so far. I'm just starting reloading too, and have picked up a lot of the same pieces as you. Things definitely add up quick, but it's going to be fun!

 

[Rattler56]

Welcome to the rabbit hole, I use a Thumler's Tumbler model B and have no regrets.

 

[rangeryo]

I don't have much to add besides saying that it looks like you put together a nice setup so far. I'm just starting reloading too, and have picked up a lot of the same pieces as you. Things definitely add up quick, but it's going to be fun!

Thanks. I'm particularly fond of my table, that I spent all of about an hour building . I'd eventually like to cover the top in adhesive, and affix a sheet of veneered wood so I have more of a flat surface though :/ . I just finished my first two batches of loads tonight. I have one group of test loads (for ladder test) with IMR 4065 and 155 Scenars, and one group with RE-17 and Berger 185 Juggernauts. I'm now starting the case prep and sorting process on the box of once fired brass I have. It's gonna be a long night! I'm wishing I had that SS tumbler right now too!

 

[Rattler56]

Got mine from Midway, I use a universal decaping tool and remove the primers then tumble with SS media,
they come out like new brass inside and out.

 

[slm9s]

imperial sizing wax

 

[Rattler56]

Other tools that I use and consider a must are Primer Pocket Uniformer and 3/8" Expander Die Body the expander die will give you better neck tension and alleviate the expender ball in the resizing die and no more stuck brass.

 

[rangeryo]

Couldnt help myself.. Eventually building shelves, but I needed some storage, so I took a trip to Walmart last night. Threw green sexy in the picture as well, because I didn't want to leave her out.

Rattler, Sinclair primer pocket uniformer is supposed to be delivered tomorrow Also first time I've heard of the 3/8 expander die, so I'll have to look into that one. On the terms of dies, what is everyones experience with the hornady lock-n-load bushings (twist lock die bushings)? I'll probably end up switching to a mic seater in the future, but It took me about 15 cases to get my bump set last night. It would be awesome if I could set that up once and just leave it set.