get set up for reloading

[landtech308]

what is the best press in your guys opinion leaning towards the rockchucker supreme, also would like to know the best accessories i need such as case trimmer powder scale , powder thowers and so on thx for your time guys and looking to load as accurate as i can .

 

[GrimmRoper]

Re: get set up for reloading

Kind of depends on what you are gonna be using it for.

I like the single presses the best. I like the precision involved there. The rockchucker is a great press. RCBS is a great product line (except for my Precision MIC I got today and will be sending back).

As far as accesories, keep it simple. Lee has a great case trimmer that you can put on a drill. Costs like $5.00 out the door. Lee's Chamfer and deburring tools are simple and easy designs, cost 2-3 bucks each.

As far as dies, the moon is the limit. I just picked up a new Redding Competition bullet seating die ($100). Its pretty nice, but you have to zero and calibrate it. I got the same consistancy out of a Lee bullet seater that I took my time with.

I bought an RCBS 1010 scale ($130) after trying several digital scales, and found that this scale is the best one I have tried, and it is super strong.

If this is your first set up, keep it simple. As you can see, this hobby can and does add up very quickly. No need to buy a brand new Dillon ($1000) press and find out you dont like reloading. Unless you want to sell it for a great deal to me!

Good Luck

P.S. You might want to check out Lee's Anniversary kit. It only costs around $100 and it will get you reloading today!

 

[landtech308]

Re: get set up for reloading

thx grimm have reloaded before but never for a rifle of the potential i have now . i have a lee classic press just thinking about the rockchucker though. and as far as scales am i better off to go electronic or stay with the tried and true for accuracy

 

[GrimmRoper]

Re: get set up for reloading

You are gonna hear both sides of the fence on this.

I dont like the digital scales. They are very touchy to air movement, warm up temp/time, static discharge (this is a pain), and even you accidentally breathing on it as you look over the scale at the results.

The balance scale is a very precise instrument that is not nearly as sensitive as the electronic scales. Personally I would keep your Lee Press and just get the other upgrades you want:scale, dies, etc. It will save you about $150

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: get set up for reloading

Digital scales are quick and wonderful to use. But you have to re-zero every 30 seconds. I mostly use it for weighing cases. For accuracy checks I use a beam scale.

 

[landtech308]

Re: get set up for reloading

thx vic by the way told randy today you were asking about him. going to get him to lay some duracoat on my baby. again just like to say i appreciate everyone here for ther time and help. this site is awsome

 

[koobs84]

Re: get set up for reloading

I just recently purchased the Lee Auto Index Deluxe reloading kit. Haven't started reloading yet so I can't tell you how good it is... seemed like a good starter set. Bought a Redding competition seater die from another hide member, now just waiting for it in the mail. Also bought a RCBS full length sizing die set today. Im looking at getting the Lee collet neck sizing die too until I see a better one. Can't wait to get started!!!

 

[nehumanuscrede]

Re: get set up for reloading


Consider what rounds you're going to be putting through it.

A .308 may work well in the press you're looking at but what
happens if you venture into the bigger calibers . . say .338LM
or even a .50bmg ?

You needum bigum press capable of handling rounds that size.
Choose wisely the first time around or you'll end up buying a
second press

A whole slew of tools to consider:

Inside / Outside neck chamfer tools
Trimmer ( manual or power )
Primer pocket uniformer / cleaner
Flash Hole deburring tool
Scale / powder dispenser ( I use a Chargemaster 1500 )
OAL guage ( hornady or sinclair )
Tumblers ( case cleaning ) and media
Dies ( neck, full length I would get both )
Seating dies of your choice
Decapping die if you think you need it
Consider a neck turning tool of some sort
Measuring tools and perhaps a comparator
Lube for neck / fl sizing
A good set of funnels / dispensers for powder
A big a** bench to store all this stuff on

Expect to spend $1k -> the sky's the limit on the initial setup

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

Re: get set up for reloading

In my opinion, the Forster Co-Ax is the best designed, best built single stage press available.

If a single stage press meets your reloading volume needs, the L.E. Wilson trimmer will meet your trimming volume needs, and it is one of the best designed, best built case trimmers, at a great price too. Sinclair sells some high dollar accessories for it that are nice, but not at all necessary.

Since the Co-Ax does not need shell holders, might as well get a hand primer that doesn't either. I like the RCBS Universal Hand Primer (with the square tray and universal case holder jaws).

I like Forster reloading dies for rifle cartridges. I also like the Lee collet neck sizing dies and the Lee collet-type factory crimp die for rifle cartridges that need it (just put Hornady or Forster lock rings on them).

Andy