Reloading Advice

[afelipe86]

This is what I’m thinking about for my reloading setup after reading and researching this board:

- Press: Forster's Coax
- Electric Trimmer: Giraud
- Priming Tool: RCBS Universal
- Powder Trickler: Redding
- Tumbler: Thumler UV-18
- Caliper: Hornady

I have questions about the below pieces of equipment:

- Dies (.308): Redding 2 Piece or 3 Piece
- Scale: RCBS 505 or 1010
- Powder Measurer: RCBS Chargemaster or Harrell’s Premier

Regarding the dies, I have both semi-auto and a bolt action .308 rifles.

Thanks for your help!

 

[repiv]

Re: Reloading Advice

I would say go with the ChargeMaster and if you do you wont "need" another scale unless you just want to double check the ChargeMaster. Every time I have double checked mine it was right on the money. I might also suggest that you check out the RCBS Trim Mate, it is a big time saver in the area of case prep. As far as Dies go get the Redding Type S With Competition seater. I personally use the Full Length sizing die and that is part of the 2 peice set. There is a long running debate on this site between guys that neck size only and guys that full length size every time. I prefer to Full Length size, with the Type S sizer I am set to .0015 neck tension and I do not use the size button. This way the brass is not compressed and then expanded in the sizing process. It is only compress to the correct size I set. With this die set you can change bushings for more neck tension if you need it for the semi-auto.

 

[JSTARSZ]

Re: Reloading Advice

I agree with the above and also please get the Giraud and don't look back. Best piece of equipment that I have purchased for reloading in 20 years. After I received it I was wondering what I was doing to trim brass - wasting my time is what I came up with.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Reloading Advice

I would recommend you not buy a Giraud trimmer, and ChargeMaster, why because in the beginning you need to learn the basics, getting in a hurry when starting off is a bad idea, a manual trimmer will do just fine, and everybody needs a balance beam scale, so a used 505 or 1010 will do nicely, search the Internet for cheap electronic calipers, mine cost 25 bucks, GET A HEADSPACE MEASURING TOOL, big time saver, Redding type s dies, FL and Comp seater

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Reloading Advice

I also perfer RCBS hand priming tool over the Lee, but if you buy a Co-Ax it will prime cases, don't forget a flashhole debarring tool, get the Sinclair, it is impossible to cut too much because the stop is right above the cutting blade, Primer pocket uniform tool for large rifle, scale calibration weights, and please don't fuck around with One-Shot case lube, get some Imperial Sizing Wax

 

[afelipe86]

Re: Reloading Advice

Thanks for the help guys. How about this set up:

- Press: Forster's Coax
- Powder Measurer: Harrell's
- Dies: Redding S Type 2 piece
- Scale: RCBS 505
- Trimmer: Wilson
- Priming Tool: RCBS Universal
- Powder Trickler: Redding
- Tumbler: Thumler UV-18
- Caliper
- Sinclair Flashhole Debarring Tool
- Calibration Weights
- Primer Pocket Uniform Tool

Why would anyone get the 1010 RCBS scale when each charge is under 100 grains?

I can upgrade to the Giraud and Chargemaster after I get the basics down. Thanks!

 

[former naval person]

Re: Reloading Advice

1010? because you can sort the bullets for identification, and possibly to do quality control. I.e.: 2 or three cartridges in the pan should weigh 750 grains...but 60 grains shy...so...missing powder. JMHO

 

[afelipe86]

Re: Reloading Advice

Thanks Former Naval, I didn't realize people weighed more than one cartridge at a time.

I know there is a ton on here about Chargemaster vs Harrell's but if you experienced guys had to start over with just one powder measurer, which way would you go? I like the simplicity of the Harrell's (don't have to worry about breezes, cell phones, lighting...) but it sounds like the CM is more accurate.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Reloading Advice

Harrells powder throws are an outstanding investment, and with the correct powder will throw very repeatable charges, too bad none of those powders are Reloader 15, Varget, or IMR4895, so a Lee PPM for 25 bucks will work, throw low and trickle up. Remember Headspace measuring tool, I use a Hornady and there bullet comparator inserts to measure seating depth by ojive.

 

[former naval person]

Re: Reloading Advice

Realize that the technique of "throwing" powders is an acquired skill. Consistency is the key. Having said that, price is not the bottom line of consistency. The Harrell's is good. Except for finish, I don't think it is twice the price better than the other measures. The RCBS and Lyman and Redding are all good and will be within the window of .1 to .3 grains depending upon your practice. The RCBS Chargemaster with the digital scale will, at most times, get you within .1 +/- grains. If you are working at 1000 yards, you might need more accuracy than the measures give you. Out to 600, you probably won't be able to tell the difference between the measures and the scales until you have shot for proper practice many thousand of times. JMHO

 

[Suasponte]

Re: Reloading Advice

I would suggest a Lyman M5 beam scale. This is by far the best scale you could buy! Check Ebay, they are always on there and you could probably get one for $50. Spend another $50 and send it to Scott Parker to be tuned and you will have a kick ass scale that is grain sensitive.

Tumbler, Thumlers you have correct! However, I would go with the Model "B" high speed with SS media. There are two threads on the reloading board with many testimonials to how it performs.
These purchases will be a one time cost for many years. Other than Ivory soap and Lemi shine you are good to go for a long time.

M5 scale on Ebay

M5 on ebay

SS Media Testimonials

Terry