Beginners reloading list. Any suggestions?

[SemperFiDawg]

I've made the decision to begin reloading. I plan on reloading 243, 6.5-284, 308, 338 LM, and 375 Cheytac. I've made a list that essentially came from Docs' "Reloading 101: Reloading basics for the new reload" thread above. It includes:
RCBS Rockchucker Supreme master reloader kit
Giraud Power Case Trimmer
Cabelas Tumbler
Lyman Flash hole chamfer
Lyman pocket primer uniformer lg and sm
Lyman pocket primer reamer
RCBS flash hole deburrer.
A few questions regarding my list?
1)Would a turrent and/or multi station press be better due to the multiple calibers I plan on reloading?
2)Instead of buying the reloader kit would I be better off buying individual components. In other words; Am I buying components in the kit that I will not be happy with and have to upgrade down the road?
3)Any input would be much appreciated. Just want feedback before I start
making purchases.

 

[PistonPete]

Re: Beginners reloading list. Any suggestions?

if i were you i would seriously consider a Dillon 650 press ? i load only 5.56mm NATO on mine as i go thru about a 1,000 rounds a month, in your case you could buy this:

that way you can insert the different dies in these blocks and the rest you will need will be a snap to change. they say that changing from one caliber to another takes about 20 minutes. let us know what you decide, the parts you listed is a good start.

 

[Longshot38]

Re: Beginners reloading list. Any suggestions?

For the 375 Chey Tac rounds you are planning on reloading I don't know that the rock chuncker will get the job done. I have to agree that a Dillon would probably be your best best. However I might also look into a Hornady Pregressive press also.

 

[ewoaf]

Re: Beginners reloading list. Any suggestions?

http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/#/tools-of-the-trade/4529825076

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Beginners reloading list. Any suggestions?

As always, I would like to suggest some reading first. The first book I would suggest is the latest version of Lyman's Centerfire Handloading Manual. DO NOT read the caliber specific data. There will be plenty of time for that. Read the safery and storage chapters TWICE. Just when you think you know everything, is when you're most likely to make a mistake and get hurt.

At least to stat with, read all the instruction in the book and the ones with the dies. Follow the die instructions. But know what the book says. Stay within the limits that the book states on length and charge weight.

Get one brand of brass and stick with it for a while. If you change brands of brass, be aware that the internal capacities are different from brand to brand.

I'm glad to see you have made the mind change to do the loading. Just remember, it CAN BE a very dangerous sport. Always know what you are doing and why. A few grains of powder can be a very powerful thing.

I'll be quiet now.

Good luck.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Beginners reloading list. Any suggestions?

The gear you specify is adequate, the brands are not very critical at this stage. You'll need a good scale, and a decent dial caliper guage. Victor's points are right on. Get a mentor and work with them in person. Start with standard published loads and basic, generic components until you can make the ammo competently and consistently. Consult your local component supplier about recommendations for components and perhaps, to help find a mentor. Never disregard/discount safety admonitions.

Greg

 

[dreamlander]

Re: Beginners reloading list. Any suggestions?

I personally use a single stage reloader to load all my rifle rounds. I measure my powder by hand because it is more precise. Because of this the progressive really doesn't speed up the process much. Pistol rounds are a different matter. Precision really not as important to me so I use my buddy's progressive.
It really depends on how far down the rabbit hole you want to get. There is a ton of info on this site and others that I suggest you study for a while. One thing that doesn't cost much is hornady's o.a.l. gauge and custom made cases that can be used to measure the distance of the rifle lands in the chamber. Pair this up with the Hornady comparators to seat your bullets closer to the lands.
I would also look for a tumbler that rolls the brass. Not just the vibrating ones. Then you have the option of using steel media which is the cats meow. Cleans the brass like new, and never wears out. (I just got mine but haven't actually got to use it yet)
I also buy Redding equipment whenever I can, especially dies. It may cost a little more, but is very good quality and there is no reason you shouldn't be able to use this stuff for life.

 

[SemperFiDawg]

Re: Beginners reloading list. Any suggestions?

Thanks for all the input. Keep it coming. I've read "Any Shot You Want" and an old Sierra reloading manual. I've got to get the new one. Had a mentor too, but he and his girlfriend split up after 26 years. He is 85 and she is 73. He moved back to Indiana. Gotta find another mentor. Are single stage presses more apt to produce more accurate ammo?

 

[PistonPete]

Re: Beginners reloading list. Any suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are single stage presses more apt to produce more accurate ammo?</div></div>

<span style="font-size: 17pt"><span style="color: #FF0000">NO !</span></span> the ultimate accuracy is from the muzzle of the gun, looking back it depends on your particular practice, then each bullet, powder load and in my <span style="font-weight: bold">OPINION</span> the primer is the least component that contributes to accuracy for the average shooter, precision shooting i.e., groups of 1/4" or smaller at 100 yds., personally i use CCI and Winchester primers, over the many years i have been reloading and shooting many different primers i found that as long as they fire when the firing pin strikes them that is what you want.

if you buy the Dillon 650, also buy the instruction video/DVD, it is good for new reloaders and is specific to their machines.

good luck !

 

[Winchester 69]

Re: Beginners reloading list. Any suggestions?

If you don't currently have a Cheytac, take it out of your requirement spec's. It is contouring the recommendations to your detriment.

 

[Country]

Re: Beginners reloading list. Any suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SemperFiDawg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for all the input. Keep it coming. I've read "Any Shot You Want" and an old Sierra reloading manual. I've got to get the new one. Had a mentor too, but he and his girlfriend split up after 26 years. He is 85 and she is 73. He moved back to Indiana. Gotta find another mentor. Are single stage presses more apt to produce more accurate ammo? </div></div>
<span style="font-weight: bold"> <span style="color: #FF0000">Yes! </span> </span> The fact is that in general a single stage inline press has less moving parts and less likelyhood of alignment problems. Look at what Wilson makes and most BR shooters I know use a single stage inline Arbour press.
That is not to say that other presses can't load accurate ammo.

 

[dreamlander]

Re: Beginners reloading list. Any suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Piston Pete</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are single stage presses more apt to produce more accurate ammo?</div></div>

<span style="font-size: 17pt"><span style="color: #FF0000">NO !</span></span> the ultimate accuracy is from the muzzle of the gun, looking back it depends on your particular practice, then each bullet, powder load and in my <span style="font-weight: bold">OPINION</span> the primer is the least component that contributes to accuracy for the average shooter, precision shooting i.e., groups of 1/4" or smaller at 100 yds., personally i use CCI and Winchester primers, over the many years i have been reloading and shooting many different primers i found that as long as they fire when the firing pin strikes them that is what you want.

if you buy the Dillon 650, also buy the instruction video/DVD, it is good for new reloaders and is specific to their machines.

good luck !</div></div>

No doubt the most important part of accuracy comes from the muzzle of the gun, but that doesn't mean that every little thing you can do won't help. When it comes to loading for accuracy the it is all about getting every cartridge as close to the same as possible. I find this easier to do with a single stage, that is all. But of course this DOESN'T mean you can't load very accurate ammo with a proggresive.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Beginners reloading list. Any suggestions?

I suggest a single stage press to start off with, I like my Forster Co-Ax press alot more than the Rockchucker I learned on, also I suggest you get this flash hole deburring tool, http://www.sinclairintl.com/product/5476/Flash-Hole-Deburring-Tools its simple and idiot proof, you cannot ever go too deep with it, take your time, its fun at first.

 

[PistonPete]

Re: Beginners reloading list. Any suggestions?

nice !! better if it had a 45 degree taper.

BUT !! as soon as i perfect my swaging tool for the inside of the flash hole i'll post some photos if i can remember how to post them, (anyone care to guide me in that direction ?) i have done a few sectionalized cases and it appears to be very close to what my ultimate goal is, and that is to give the inside flash hole a .050" 45 degree taper, while at the same time swaging the primer crimp with the RCBS swaging tool, describing it is difficult, that is why a photo is worth 10,000 words.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Beginners reloading list. Any suggestions?

It does have a slight tapper, the thing that sets Sinclair tool apart is it isn't dependant on brass length, the stop is right above the cutter, and every piece of brass will have it's flash hole deburred exactly the same.

 

[exhogflyer]

Re: Beginners reloading list. Any suggestions?

I think for a beginner a single stage press allows less to go wrong, more time to learn about the whole process, and better control of each step.And you're not wasting money,you can always use that single stage later for a specific caliber ( like the cheytac) and just leave it set up.

 

[chris112]

Re: Beginners reloading list. Any suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Victor N TN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As always, I would like to suggest some reading first. The first book I would suggest is the latest version of Lyman's Centerfire Handloading Manual. DO NOT read the caliber specific data. There will be plenty of time for that. Read the safery and storage chapters TWICE. Just when you think you know everything, is when you're most likely to make a mistake and get hurt.</div></div>

Probably the best advise you can get.

Keep in mind that there are several numbers used for powder designations by different manufactorers. The data for these IS NOT INTERCHANGABLE. So if you read of a load using say 4198 but nothing to indicate manufacturer pass it by.

 

[Winchester 69]

Re: Beginners reloading list. Any suggestions?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SemperFiDawg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">2)Instead of buying the reloader kit would I be better off buying individual components? In other words; Am I buying components in the kit that I will not be happy with and have to upgrade down the road? </div></div>
Your concern here is the concern that I have regarding kits. Get a Sinclair catalog. You'll obsolete the kit's accessories before you ever get started.

Take a look at the RCBS ChargeMaster Combo powder dispenser and build your process around it.

Redding and Forster have the better presses and dies. A turret press allows you keep your dies installed in multiple replaceable turrets; less chance of disturbing the settings with changeover. A turret is also very helpful when doing load development.