New to reloading...

[crebrosseau]

Hey all,

I'm looking into reloading for precision. I got into shooting long range a few months ago and now what to reload for accuracy and to save a little cheddar. I'm looking for a press kit, something I can start with. I see Lyman sells quite an extensive kit as well as Hornady. Those kits don't include dies, who makes the best die sets for .308? Also, what do you all recommend as far as a digital micrometer? I'm sure this question has been posted a thousand times, I apologize. BTW, my current rifle is a Remy 700P with a Leupold Mark 4, pretty basic but it works.

 

[2Shots]

Re: New to reloading...

Get a redding or rcbs single stage kit.

 

[i_Adam_i18]

Re: New to reloading...

I'd start with just an RCBS single stage. And I'm partial to analog calipers, I just trust them more. For dies, I like Redding. It's all personal preference though.

RCBS kit

 

[aquinas]

Re: New to reloading...

Read Glenn Zediker's "Handloading for Competition," and then decide what stuff to buy.

 

[scifri44]

Re: New to reloading...

I agree with everyone above me. I have a singe stage RCBS , and is works great . And all my dies are redding. It's going to be pricey at first , buying all your equipment, powder and bullets etc…. At the end, its worth everything penny . Be safe, and I recommend a reload manual like sierras 5th edition for starters.

 

[jagged77]

Re: New to reloading...

First get a good reloading manual and read all the stickies here.

I have to say that although its pricey one the best combinations to get would be a Forster Co-Ax with either Forster or Redding dies. You'll never need to upgrade and worth every penny.

 

[pjparker]

Re: New to reloading...

Buy the best you can afford the first time around and you won't have a closet full of stuff you never use.

Take plenty of time educating yourself on what is needed to reload. As suggested above get a good reloading manual and the book Reloading for Competition and do some reading before buying anything else.

If at all possible find a mentor to help guide you along the way.

Most of the kits, from any manufacturer, will have stuff in them that NO ONE uses and is therefore a wast of money. With a little looking and asking you can gear-up with some seriously good stuff and have all you need and nothing you don't.

Some will want to cry Foul and others will like a different product better, but here goes:

Presses - RCBS, Redding, lyman, Forster
Dies - Redding, Forster,Redding,Forster, Redding
Lube - Imperial Sizing die Wax and your fingers - DONOT fall for the gooey lube and pad trick.
Calipers - I prefer the 6" dial calipers by Mitutoyu or Starret, but that is my Old-School preference, not a verdict against digital.

Of course, there is other stuff you'll need, so do some more searching and asking before you start buying.

Good Luck, Paul.

 

[diriel]

Re: New to reloading...

The RCBS green pad and LEE White Paste are actually QUITE good. That would be the Only pad and lube I would suggest. I have the Imp Wax as well, but that white paste from LEE ends up a bit quicker, and I prefer it overall.

I do not like any of the sprays, too easy to get a bit too much and end up with dented brass. Which is not the end of the world at all, but it is embarrassing.

RCBS was my first press, and I still use it 20+ years down the road. I did get a Lee 4 die quick press, and it is pretty reasonable quality wise. Not sure I love it though.

Lately I have been staring hard at the Dillion's.....if you love to shoot a *GOOD* progressive can be nice to have. Add too that, Alliant's 2000MR powder for 308 family burn rate Seems to be very compelling. Another powder is IMR8208XBR, which flows real well through a powder measure.

I will add to the Redding die suggestion... Redding Type S and read up on it.

Reloading book wise, http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=484416 this is a Very good book. Lots and Lots of good info in here. It belongs on any serious reloaders book shelf.

Gary