My .308 reloading setup

[shelpster66]

Greetings all.....
I just ordered all of my reloading equipment and should have it all Monday. I purchased all of it from Midway and couldn't be happier with the whole ordering process. I may need to take them off of my email list so they quit sending me emails of stuff to buy!!
Anyway....here's the list of what I've got coming.

Lee Classic Single Stage Press
RCBS Model 505 Magnetic Powder Scale
RCBS 2 Die Set 307, 308 Winchester
Hornady Electronic caliper 6" Stainless Steel
RCBS Primer pocket Brush Combo
L.E. Wilson Chamfer and Deburring tool
MTM Universal Reloading Tray 50 Round (2)
Lee Perfect Powder Measure
Lyman #55 Powder Measure Baffle
Lee Powder Funnel
MTM Flip top Ammo Box 308 100 round (2)
Lee Case trimmer Cutter and Lock Stud
Lee Case Trimmer Cutter with Ball Grip
Lee Case Length Gauge and Shell holder 308 Win
Lee Case Sizing Lube
Birchwood Casey Barricade Rust Preventative
Lee "Modern Reloading 2nd Edition" Manual
I know I don't have everything that you could have for reloading, but I think I do have the essentials and can get the other stuff as I go along.
See any "must haves" that aren't listed?.....aside from consumables that is.

Thanks!!
Dogg

 

[lightman]

Re: My .308 reloading setup

This should get you started,just fine.If you really get into reloading,you probably will double or triple this amount of tools.Most of us have.The only thing I see missing ia a powder trickler.They are usefull when scale weighing a charge,usually by throwing low and trickling up. Pete

 

[repiv]

Re: My .308 reloading setup

Its early so I hope I didnt miss something but how are you planning on cleaning your brass after firing? (if you are that is)

 

[vman]

Re: My .308 reloading setup

Powder trickler is a MUST have.

Also, have a look at a cheap ultrasonic cleaner. You can get those cases cleaned inside and out better than any corn media ever will. The only investment that beats it is stainless media tumbling in a rotary tumbler. But i will leave that for you to investigate into.

 

[shelpster66]

Re: My .308 reloading setup

You know what's funny is I was going to get the powder trickler and it was on the list, but I didn't think I needed it. I guess I'll go ahead and pick one up. Like I said, this is my first venture into this arena so I have a lot of learning to do.
I guess I really didn't think about the process of cleaning the brass just yet. I ordered ammo from Southwest Ammunition and will have enough for my first few weeks at the range. I will certainly look into getting tumbler soon though.....I'll check into the ultrasonic vman...thanks.

Thanks again guys.....

Dogg

 

[308garand]

Re: My .308 reloading setup

If you are getting the L.E. Wilson Chamfer and Deburring tool, look into the Possum Hollow Power adapter. It's only $10 and will make your life easier.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=295771

308

 

[MALLARD]

Re: My .308 reloading setup

i think the lee manual is kind of on the hot side regarding max load data. They also dont tell you what bullet or barrel was used. The good thing is they do use allot of different powder manufcators, bullet weights, and the book is cheap.

you dont need the trickler , its for convience , there are other methods, that and you need the tricker to be equal to the hieght of your scale/pan. Because if its to high , you'll make a mess , to low and you'll need a booster seat for it.

why do you get this ?
Lee Perfect Powder Measure
Lyman #55 Powder Measure Baffle

those lee cutters suck outright. I wouldnt ruin one of my cases with that nasty thing.

hornady 1 shot lube is good stuff , i think you should get some , the lee lube is ok , but doesnt compete.

if you dot mind my asking , why are you getting into reloading ? For fun ? money ? accuracy ?

most of your stuff looks good , with a few exceptions.

 

[shelpster66]

Re: My .308 reloading setup

Thanks 308.....I won't be doing hundreds at a time, but that certainly does look like it would make things easier...

Mallard...thanks for the input. The Lee manual was for me to get started reading and get a good idea of the fundamentals of what I'm going to be doing. I know I will need other books and will probably get the Sierra book as that is what I plan on using as far as bullets. (Sierra Match King)
The Lee powder measure and the baffle were recommended as good startup items for weighing powder. I know it isn't the best dispenser, but if it sucks and doesn't work, I'm only out $23 bucks. I looked at the RCBS, but it was quite a bit more. I may eventually go that route.

I'm just getting into Long Range Shooting and I want consistancy. From what I've read, I figured reloading would give me that. I also have other firearms that I can reload as well and I need a new hobby....so it seems like a win win...

Thanks!!
Dogg

 

[Timo Turl]

Re: My .308 reloading setup

Lee Universal Depriming and Decapping Die (and get a spare pin). Worth the $10

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=136543

 

[2ndamendfan]

Re: My .308 reloading setup

The lee manual gets it's info from the powder manufactures. If you read the whole thing you will see that all the info is (except the diagrams) is reprinted with permission from them. Lee just put it together in a usable format. Also search the forums for "stuck case" and you will see that the "one shot" is really really hated. The Lee lube works, it just does.

 

[shelpster66]

Re: My .308 reloading setup

TJ.....I thought the RCBS Die Set I bought had the depriming piece with it? Is the Decapping tool necessary for me to have? I'm not even sure what that does to be honest.

 

[Timo Turl]

Re: My .308 reloading setup

An inexpensive tool that allows you to decap before cleaning your brass. Your RCBS will do it but you might not want to use that die with a dirty case and if you decap after cleaning the brass you will then have to clean out the pocket.

 

[shelpster66]

Re: My .308 reloading setup

ahh....gotcha.....so basically the same piece of equipment, but one to use before and after cleaning brass.
Seems like a smart move.
My goodies will be delivered by Mr. UPS today....and I won't reload for another several weeks at least. Gonna suck having all of that equipment just staring at me.....gotta learn how to use it first.