So I've been shooting for a while and decided to step up to a bolt gun (Remington 700 Police) that would shoot .338 Lapua Magnum. Part of that decision came the realization that I wasn't going to pay factory ammo prices because I'm afraid I would go broke pretty quick at the prices this round commands. So I've been reading this section for a bit now and helping reload locally (thanks RayDog!) in an effort to learn as much as I can and it's become pretty apparent that I can waste more time trying to learn than actually doing so I think the time has come to start doing in an effort to learn more hands on. I'm going to start with a single stage press and do them one round at a time to assure that I'm getting a desirable end result. I will probably load new for a bit until I'm comfortable with that aspect and then I will take on the reload and learn the aspects of cleaning and prepping brass for reload as this appears to be another learning lesson once I've mastered (or at least grasped) loading. I also have plans to eventually reload .308 .223 9mm and a few other calibers and will likely invest in a multi-stage press when that times comes but one thing at a time.
So, after some reading and a little hands on I think I've compiled a list of things that I will need so if you have anything that you can offer to help with this list I would appreciate it. Looking to save some money over buying new wherever possible so I have more money for materials. Otherwise, input on the items I've listed would be helpful. Here's the list:
Press: Either RCBS Rock Chucker, Lee Classic or Big Boss Classic (Used an RCBS and liked it. Would like to try the newer v2 that is taller)
Scale: RCBS ChargeMaster
Die set: ?? (not really sure here just yet but sounds like basic works just fine... still trying to figure this out)
Priming: RCBS Hand priming tool
Calipers: Sounds like Mitutoyo are great but some say $10 Harbor Freight works just as well
Shell Holders: RCBS (Thanks to 338LM for selling me two)
Bench: Harbor Freight special for $159 should work fine for now. When I finish the basement out it's likely I will have a dedicated room with everything I need built in.
Little odds and ends: funnel, ammo holders, note cars, etc.
As for materials:
Brass: Lapua
Powder: Retumbo (will source locally to avoid hazmat)
Projectiles: 300gr SMK
Primers: Federal #215M (Thanks to deadly0311's friend for selling me 5k of these)
So, how's my starter list look so far? I would gladly take any advice you may have (good or bad) on what I've listed and if you happen to know where I can find any of them please also let me know.
Thanks!
So, after some reading and a little hands on I think I've compiled a list of things that I will need so if you have anything that you can offer to help with this list I would appreciate it. Looking to save some money over buying new wherever possible so I have more money for materials. Otherwise, input on the items I've listed would be helpful. Here's the list:
Press: Either RCBS Rock Chucker, Lee Classic or Big Boss Classic (Used an RCBS and liked it. Would like to try the newer v2 that is taller)
Scale: RCBS ChargeMaster
Die set: ?? (not really sure here just yet but sounds like basic works just fine... still trying to figure this out)
Priming: RCBS Hand priming tool
Calipers: Sounds like Mitutoyo are great but some say $10 Harbor Freight works just as well
Shell Holders: RCBS (Thanks to 338LM for selling me two)
Bench: Harbor Freight special for $159 should work fine for now. When I finish the basement out it's likely I will have a dedicated room with everything I need built in.
Little odds and ends: funnel, ammo holders, note cars, etc.
As for materials:
Brass: Lapua
Powder: Retumbo (will source locally to avoid hazmat)
Projectiles: 300gr SMK
Primers: Federal #215M (Thanks to deadly0311's friend for selling me 5k of these)
So, how's my starter list look so far? I would gladly take any advice you may have (good or bad) on what I've listed and if you happen to know where I can find any of them please also let me know.
Thanks!
