Getting started, need a little guidance

[slythy]

I am looking at reloading for my 6.5 creedmoor. Here is my current plans…

Forster COAX press
Forster Ultra Die set
(I plan on removing the ball expander)
21st Century Industry Mandrel set
RCBS Charge Master
Wilson case trimmer

I plan on doing Berger 140’s, H4350 powder, hornady brass at first then Lapua when I get confident. Unsure on primers.

Anything big I am missing or shoulr look elsewhere? Forster has been very quick to reapond and helpful so I would like to use there press and Dies.

Thanks!

 

[alamo5000]

Nothing wrong with Forster at all. So far you are definitely on the right track for what you stated.

For me, the equipment needs to match the task. For example you can reload bulk 9mm on a single stage, but it's not ideal for that application.

For loading precision rifle rounds where you might do a few hundred rounds or something a single stage is totally fine.

One of the perks of the Forster press is you can quickly change dies. Once everything is fine tuned you can roll with it very efficiently.

 

[jetjock07]

CCI large rifle primers #200 or # 34’s or Federal Gold medal GM210M will be fine.

Also make sure you have a good comparator set to measure shoulder bump and base to ogive measurements.

 

[slythy]

Nothing wrong with Forster at all. So far you are definitely on the right track for what you stated.

For me, the equipment needs to match the task. For example you can reload bulk 9mm on a single stage, but it's not ideal for that application.

For loading precision rifle rounds where you might do a few hundred rounds or something a single stage is totally fine.

One of the perks of the Forster press is you can quickly change dies. Once everything is fine tuned you can roll with it very efficiently.

Whats your thoughts on mandrel? I dont care about speed. I just want accuracy

CCI large rifle primers #200 or # 34’s or Federal Gold medal GM210M will be fine.

Also make sure you have a good comparator set to measure shoulder bump and base to ogive measurements.

Woops meant to say was gonna get short action customs comparator set.

 

[jetjock07]

Yeah that will work.

 

[alamo5000]

Whats your thoughts on mandrel? I dont care about speed. I just want accuracy

I personally really like using a mandrel. Great choice to use them as far as I'm concerned.

 

[stello1001]

Most of what you have listed is really good. You should have no problem being successful with that.

Primers, use what you can find. Raven Rocks has rem LRM 9 1/2s for about $350. That's a pretty good deal. Small rifle primers have now become pretty cheap and pretty available so you shouldn't have trouble.

 

[Doom]

@slythy, I take it from your posts you are looking for precision not accuracy. Just what level of precision are you looking for? What level do you need?

 

[slythy]

@slythy, I take it from your posts you are looking for precision not accuracy. Just what level of precision are you looking for? What level do you need?

We all need 1/4 moa! Honestly I am fairly realistic with my setup right now. Its a howa 1500 with a standard heavy barrel from them. I would like to get sub moa, 3/4moa even better. But I think I want to be setup for when I do buy a new barrel for it that I have a good process down and am comfortable with all my loading equipment.

I have a 1400y range “near” me that I can go to so I would like to tighten everything up at 100y and start lobbing them out there. I’ve been shooting Hornady 147 ELD match loads and they are alright but not stellar for my gun.

 

[Spencercoc74]

I am new to reloading this year. I’ve learned a lot in a few months and I’m still struggling in some areas. I screwed up and bought a press kit. The scale, trickler, and powder measure have been replaced. I could have saved some money here, but I probably wouldn’t have learned anything either. I encourage you to consider Facebook marketplace. Find the stuff you need. Learn how to use it, what the shortcomings are, then make a decision to live with it or upgrade.
Don’t forget measuring tools. Calipers, ball micrometer, dial indicator. I’m fond of Mitutoyo and got most of my stuff off of eBay, some used but mostly new. I wouldn’t go cheap in this area. you don’t need a $500 Starrett nor do you want $19.99 harbor freight calipers.

 

[slythy]

I am new to reloading this year. I’ve learned a lot in a few months and I’m still struggling in some areas. I screwed up and bought a press kit. The scale, trickler, and powder measure have been replaced. I could have saved some money here, but I probably wouldn’t have learned anything either. I encourage you to consider Facebook marketplace. Find the stuff you need. Learn how to use it, what the shortcomings are, then make a decision to live with it or upgrade.
Don’t forget measuring tools. Calipers, ball micrometer, dial indicator. I’m fond of Mitutoyo and got most of my stuff off of eBay, some used but mostly new. I wouldn’t go cheap in this area. you don’t need a $500 Starrett nor do you want $19.99 harbor freight calipers.

Im a mechanical engineer by trade so I plan on getting another set of mitu’s for this use only.

I kind of live buy the buy once cry once moto so I am trying to get the right gear the first time even if it takes a little longer to gather all of it.