Newbie looking to start reloading 6.5 creed

[faylix]

I finally have a bit of extra cash and I've collected about 1000 rounds of 6.5 brass. I have never reloaded before but I've been reading here and watching enough you tube videos to be dangerous to myself and others.

I would like to reload for accuracy, for my bolt gun in 6.5 and maybe later for my AR's (223). I spent enough at Target sports last year to save $1800 with their ammo+ member ship. It's not sustainable. I'm not sure the time / value trade off exists for reloading 9mm, but maybe later.

I was hoping you guys could school me on what the major tools I have to buy are so I can start watching the for sale forum and scrolling Brownells.

- I already have an ultrasonic cleaner (I use it for my bcg parts and wife's jewelry - don't tell her)

- I have a .00 digital scale, but am open to investing in something better.

What kind of press should I be looking at? I'm open to a buy once cry once situation and anything that makes it easier for a newb to work. Again primarily 6.5 specifically for my bolt gun.

What kind of dies?

Is there a particular package of tools? Or will I be piecing together?

I'm going to start ordering books/ manuals as well.

My setup for now is in the corner of my office but we are currently looking to move from the 1k sq/ft condo to a real house and I'm already designing my gun room benches.

I really appreciate the help.

 

[RegionRat]

...and wife's jewelry - don't tell her)...

Believe me, they have a magical way of knowing....

I will suggest you get to a club and find a mentor. While it isn't impossible to learn this all from reading and watching videos, it is well worth the share of recources and time spend to find a club that does the kind of shooting you like and go get adopted. They will bring you up to speed far faster than the internet, and without as much wasted time and money. That said....

A good paper manual from either a loading book or a dedicated text book is a good place to start. In fact, you will want both.

Most of the good loading manuals will have a section on basic reloading. If you are betting on the come, and think you will stick with this, then I would also say one(or both) of the second level books would be ones like the Zedicker volumes on making better ammo.
https://zedikerbooks.com/

There are also sticky/tacked threads on the forum about reloading.
https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/reloading-101-reloading-basics-for-the-new-reload.100/

Towards the top of the forum, you will also find threads tacked that dedicate to cartridges. You can find the ones you like, for example 6.5CM or 223.

What kind of press should I be looking at? I'm open to a buy once cry once situation and anything that makes it easier for a newb to work. Again primarily 6.5 specifically for my bolt gun.

This is a crawl, walk, run analogy. Some kids are born to go fast, others take forever to learn to crawl. Your choices are vast but I still recommend rookies decide on how much volume ($$$) they will run before they select their second press, with their first still being any single stage press they like. Pistol and bottleneck have many things in common, however the bottleneck cases are a step up from straighwall pistol in terms of skills to run good brass prep.

Nothing wrong with starting a rookie on a straightwall pistol design like a 38 Special, and then jumping to 6.5CM, for example. It gives you a chance to get the feel for metal working in steps rather than from a fire hose. Get this under your belt, and then jump to a progressive, that is if you ever do. Many folks are happy with a single stage for life based on their volume.

What kind of dies?

Any dies that you find are going to get you started. A set of full length for your 6.5 or 223 is never wrong, and bushing dies can come later if you want more controls.

Try not to get sucked into expensive marketing hype till you have the hang of this. I can clean a 1000 yard target using stone age dies, while someone next to me can't hit crap using dies that cost a factor of 5X more.

Is there a particular package of tools? Or will I be piecing together?

Nothing wrong with catching a good quality kit on sale for a start. The better known brands all tend to have one.
I have gifted the ones from RCBS or Hornady to folks and it worked out. You can always upgrade and sell off parts you don't want later, but there is nothing wrong with spares and back-ups.

ETA: Make sure the wife is happy, the kids have been fed and have their school clothes.... and the rest will follow. We don't want your wife to have a dart board with a photo of SH on the face.... We can spend your money faster than you can make it here....
Welcome to the addiction.

 

[faylix]

Thank you very much for the knowledge dump.

I've already found a few club members at my range that reload and have been planning to buy a few sandwiches to bribe people for schooling.

I'm trying to get some suggestions for a first shopping list from the experts here - though I'm sure everyone I talk to will have their own idea of the perfect first timer setup.

Im spending around 1k a month on factory ammo, and only getting so much love (accuracy) from them. I think it's time to take the next step


And fear not, wife and our furry child are well taken care of.



I promise they are well spoiled.

- faylix