New to reloading

[Rhenerie]

Hi guys I have been scouring the site for several years but this is my first real post. I've just recently put together a tac rifle and am very please with it thus far. I'll post specifics at the end of the post.

So I guess this is going to be alot of questions at once. I know I can search for alot of these answers and believe me I have. But I guess I am looking for some second opinions to make sure I'm on the right track.

I'm looking to start reloading soon. Infact I have several checkout baskets full from several different online retailers atm. First thing I'm looking at getting will be a tumbler. it seems from what I've gathered a "tumblers Tumbler" Model B high speed is what is working for every one else with SS media.

The next thing I had planned on getting was a press. Now i'd like to maximize my accuracy "Potential" and I don't mind taking the time so I am going to go with a Single stage. I know that Rockchuckers have been around for a long time, but I want to know is if i have a half moa rifle can I reload half moa rounds with a given press. And or will it just be easier with a higher quality one. Right now I've been looking at a Forster CO-AX press. My theory has always been to buy once and never look back. Is this the press for me or am I not going to see much differance ? or am I not thinking about something and am overlooking some versatility aspects here ? As of right now I plan on reloading 308 223 and 9mm.

Now as far as brass I need some direction here. I've read what is good and not so good brass. I have some ideas for plans and would like opinions or alterations please. I've read that Winchester brass is pretty decent so one idea I have is to purchase 308 winchester white box when i find it at good prices, and reload that. This (in my head anyway) gives me some plinking/play ammo, aswell as some fire formed brass. Another idea I was tossing around was buying milsurp or range brass (I know this would need full resizing as it would not be fire formed to my rifle). I've seen it for around $150 for 500 rounds now I know its not going to be as consistant but if I buy say 1000 rounds and sort it all, when I launch one down the tube is the rifle going to know the differance ? whats the negative here ?.

I guess thats it for now, I have lots of questions but I'll save those for another ridiculously long post (sorry about that.)

Appreciate any helpful advice or constructive criticism.
(Note I've never reloaded a round before)

Savage 12fvss .308 Mounting holes opened to 8-40
XLR Evolution Chassis
Ken Farrell 20moa Base Bed with Devcon
Lapped Burris Xtreme rings
SWFA SS 10x42
Cheap $20 Bipod with legs and feet I turned on a lathe.

 

[Nachtadler]

Re: New to reloading

First off, you should see if there's someone in your area who is an experienced reloader, especially since you've never reloaded anything before. Seeing each step done is far more informative and meaningful than reading about it on the internet, and that person can ensure you don't make any mistakes you'd regret later. If you haven't read the stickies at the top of the reloading page, you really should. I learned a crap ton of good pointers from them. Always start at least 10% under published maximum loads. ALWAYS.

The Thumler's tumbler is exactly what you want for stainless steel media.

I use an RCBS single stage press and get excellent results. In my own opinion which press you choose doesn't really matter. I haven't used any others yet, but in my experience with reloading equipment in general there isn't a huge difference between different manufacturers for a given price point. They all get the job done.

If you want good brass the easy thing to do is get Lapua brass or loaded ammo. However, that's not cheap. You can get Winchester, Remington, Lake City, and practically any other brass and make it perform well if you prep it well. Personally I like using Lake City once fired brass. I get a sense of satisfaction after I finish all the prep work involved to get it to where I want it. And I'm on a limited budget, so I'd rather invest time into this hobby than money.

And a final general response to all your questions: Find something you want to try and try it. See how it does. If you like the results keep doing/using that. If you don't like the results, change gears. That's what I do.

 

[DarkD]

Re: New to reloading

Sounds like you are very much on the right track. Some quick thoughts about what you said so far...

1. Tumbler...all good there.
2. Press - Rockchucker is fine, I use one personally. Only thing I would say is if you plan on doing any larger calibers later, you might want a press with a bigger frame and more torque. You can do 30-06 on a rockchucker, but that is about as tall as you can go. 338 and larger would not work.
3. Brass - This is one place not to scrimp and save. Brass is one of the more important factors. Case consistency, weight, neck thickness, base thickness, hardness....all important, but most of all the consistency. If your brass varies quite a bit, has uneven necks, and other factors, this will cause a deviation in the performance which will equate to one thing down range....inconsistency. My personal recomendation if you are reloading for extreme accuracy, buy good brass. When possible, I always buy Lapua brass. The seem to have the higest quality and consistency of all the manufacturers.
4. Dies - very important in your process. Dies vary greatly and are a big part of your outcome. What are you thinking for dies?
5. Other items you need....Good case trimmer, priming tools, and a neck reamer/deburring tool.

This is just a start, let me know if you are interested in any other info/recommendations....

 

[Rhenerie]

Re: New to reloading

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DarkD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Only thing I would say is if you plan on doing any larger calibers later, you might want a press with a bigger frame and more torque. You can do 30-06 on a rockchucker, but that is about as tall as you can go. 338 and larger would not work.
</div></div>

When I build my next bolt gun (with exception to my wife's) it will be 338. So I guess that's something I need to consider, thanks for pointing that out. As far as dies go I haven't gotten that far yet. I figure I'll get one thing locked down at a time. So far all I'm sure on is a tumbler and basic cleaning. My wife wants to tumble rocks anyway so it wont go unused if I grab one sooner than later.

More on brass, I'm realling considering that Lake City Brass. I'm taking a few things into consideration.
1.I'm going to destroy some brass in my learning process.
2.I'll need some good (not great or perfect but decent) rounds for straight practice behind the gun.
3. practice practice practice
Now with that being said, I'm still making alot of assumptions here. So please guide me in the right direction, but let me explain my train of thought here. First time shooting this rifle after breakin maybe 30 rounds in I put 4 (Federal Gold eagle) rounds through an elongated hole at 100, and its been repeatable(but definitly not everytime). This rifle has continued to impress me its only at around 120 rounds but the "Best" ammo I've run through it was Federal shok 180 hunting rounds, and we've been shooting golf balls danglin on string at 100. So this is where I'm coming from in believing that if I do a good job cleaning/sizing/trimming/sorting cheap brass then I am hoping to get hopfully better results. That being said I 100% intend to buy lapua brass and load to the best of my ability in the future, especially when I start to compete. So this is my thinking, and it may well be flawed. I don't have alot of trigger time and I haven't ever fired a reload. So I guess this is also a question, if I do whats said above and properly sort and process cheap brass what can I expect.

Oh and thanks for the helpful info thus far.
I haven't even begun to think about dies. I know the variety out there is enormous and I still have alot of research to do on the matter. I have yet to even have an idea as to where I'm going as far as dies,scale,powder measer,primer etc etc..

 

[armorpl8chikn]

Re: New to reloading

1. You don't even need a tumbler. You don't have to keep your brass spit shined.
2. You CAN reload 338 on a Rockchucker even the older ones and the Supreme will definately load them. It is a bit tricky but it can be done. You don't have to break the bank with your first press purchase, even a Lee Classic is likely to last the average reloader a lifetime.
3. Lapua is tops but you don't have to have it, Winchester is good and Lake City is good. With 308 be aware of a bit less capacity in some LC, not so with 223.

Just keep it simpel and buy name brand stuff like RCBS, Redding, Forrester etc. A reloading buddy is a great help as has been suggested. You don't need to spend a fortune. I am a buy it once kind of guy too but generally speaking the major manufacturers of reloading stuff put out good products. Shop wisely and take all advice with caution.
You don't need every gadget, widget, and extra digit that you read about every day in the reloading section.

 

[Rhenerie]

Re: New to reloading

Well guys this is what Ive got so far in my online baskets so far.

Tumbler
Media seperator
redding decapping die
forster CO-AX press and extra loc rings
RCBS chargemaster

Thats what ive got so far let me know what you guys think. Im goin with what i think is the best i can put in my basement and I can afford this right now. If all goes well i plan to be reloading for friends in the not to distant future.

 

[DarkD]

Re: New to reloading

Sounds like you are well on your way with what will be great gear. I think you will be pleased. Regarding the brass, LC is a great choice for a good quality brass.

Always keep in mind when taking reloading advice from others, the perspective of that person. There are the budget reloaders who do it for the cost effectiveness, others like myself that are a mixed bag (I reloaded some stuff for the mass production of cheaper but higher quality than you get from PMC, UMC, etc. and I reload also for extreme precision in my .308, 270WSM, and 6.5x284) and those that are here for extreme accuracy. Your mileage will vary from each of those people. The extreme person will likely give advice and say you need only the best + all this and that.....where the budget person might possibly give you the 'this is all you need' advice. Take all that into consideration and make your decisions based on your personal needs. What I have found to be the best question ask of people when talking about reloading is....why? Ask why they recommed something and you will really get to the meat of the recommendation and how it might apply to you.

For example, I use lapua brass in my 308 and 6.5 beecause its the best money can buy in my opinion, others like my 300BLK, 5.56, 40s&w, etc. I just use 'available brass'. Brass from friends, UMC and PMC cheapos, etc....

At the end of the day, you can spend a relative amount and make superb ammo at a cost savings over purchased ammo and you can also spend a truck load and ammo that is even more exteremely accurate. But that comes at a price. You have to decide if the cost is worth it to you for the type shooting you do.

Either way, best of luck, and never be afraid to ask a question. Its how you will learn. If you ever have something you dont feel like posting, feel free to PM and I will do my best to help. I would say it would be great to come help in person, but MI is a long way from Houston, TX and I dont make it up tht way much any longer.....

 

[henke4310]

Re: New to reloading

if i didnt have a RCBS chargemaster i dont think id enjoy reloading near as much. saves a pile of time and energy

 

[jhelmuth]

Re: New to reloading

If you are really anal about charge weight consistancy (to .01 gr), add a digital jewlers scale to your list ($60-$100). I lovemy RCBS Chargemaster - but it does NOT throw really consistant charges. Close... but not enough for my needs. I find that it can vary more than 0.06 gr on any given charge that is not dentified as "good". That will give you more than 0.1 gr difference between cartridges - a little too much change for me.
I've learned to add or subtract one or two granules to reduce the delta down to 0.02 gr - much more acceptable and doesn't really require too much additional time.

 

[Rhenerie]

Re: New to reloading

ok So this is what I just Received in the mail.

RCBS Chargemaster 1500
RCBS Media Seperator
RCBS hand Primer
Lee Universal Shell holder set
A couple reloading books
Lee Universal Decapper
Tumblers tumbler Model B
Redding Competition .308 Die set
Two Ammo Loading Trays.

Still on my "To get list"

Forster CO-AX press
Dillan Swager
Primer Pocket uniformer and flash hole debur.

And I am currently in the process of building an annealing machine similar to some popular designs out there, with a little flare. As well as a I step case trimmer somewhere inbetween a Giraud and a W.F.T.

I'll try and post pics when I'm done.

So guys, is there anything I'm forgetting ?

 

[jkonzal]

Re: New to reloading

For precision loads, get a beam scale. I use a RCBS 505. The digital scales are no where near as accurate. Here's a test: take a piece of paper and weigh it on both scales. Then write your full name on it with a pencil and re-weigh it on both scales again. The electronic scale won't register any change, but the beam scale will.

Also, take the time to read the "hand loading for long range" entries on this forum. I'm sure you will find some more things you need.

 

[Rhenerie]

Re: New to reloading

Yeah I left out several measuring devices that I need.

I have read that thread. And many others. Love the forum guys keep it up.