What should I do.

[CK_32]

I just found out about these complete reloading starting non die kits on midway. Is it better to buy one of these package sets or just build up my kit piece by piece...

And if package which package deal is the best out of them?? Don't be shy to answer in detail pros and cons.

 

[michaeltx]

Re: What should I do.

I'd buy piece by piece. There's good and bad elements to both those kits, neither is perfect. You'll spend a little more buying all the stuff individually, but you'll have better stuff.

 

[johndoe]

Re: What should I do.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: michael.tx</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd buy piece by piece. There's good and bad elements to both those kits, neither is perfect. You'll spend a little more buying all the stuff individually, but you'll have better stuff. </div></div>

I second that. Most of the tools you would end up upgrading
Down the road so it will probally cost you more in the long run.

If I was in an absolute hurry i might use one of these sets just
for a temporary measure.

 

[bfoosh006]

Re: What should I do.

Maybe this will help you decide... ( I like the Hornady stuff anyhow...) http://www.hornady.com/promotions/get-loaded

 

[CK_32]

Re: What should I do.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: michael.tx</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd buy piece by piece. There's good and bad elements to both those kits, neither is perfect. You'll spend a little more buying all the stuff individually, but you'll have better stuff. </div></div>

Yea that's what I sorta thought my self.


This is what I had in mind to get. Tell me what you guys think.

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Single Stage Press $136.99
-OR-
Lee Classic Cast Single Stage Press $45.99

Lee Deluxe 3-Die Set 308 Winchester $28.99
-OR-
Lee RGB 2-Die Set 308 Winchester $14.99

RCBS Trim Mate Case Prep Center 110 Volt $109.99

RCBS Quick Change Powder Measure $79.99

RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Scale and Dispenser Combo $330.99

RCBS Hand Priming Tool $36.99

Hornady Electronic Caliper 6" Stainless Steel $24.99

Lyman Quik Spray Case Lube 5.5 oz Aerosol $8.19

Hornady "Handbook of Cartridge Reloading: 7th Edition" Reloading Manual $27.99


That's basically my shopping list for everything I'm looking to get to start reloading..
What do you guys think? Should I change anything or am I missing from the list I'll need?


(Prices subject to change I put the prices just for ball park)

 

[HOGGHEAD]

Re: What should I do.

You can save money with the kits. And for a beginner with no reloading tools I think the kit is great. You can use everything there for a long time. Both kits are good. I prefer the green kit, but the red kit is also a good one as long as it is the Hornady and NOT the Lee kit.

Shop around for the kit. Take advantage of a sales program or a discount coupon. Use the Hide discount coupons, and RCBS has a rebate right now. So shop a little. The RCBS kit will serve you well. I do not see a single item in the kit that you would not be able to utilize. The Rock Chucker package is second to none. And if taken care of a Rock Chucker press will last your entire lifetime. And then some.

As far as your list is concerned. It is a pretty good list. But unless you have money to burn the electronic measure and scale is definitely not necessary for a beginner. Even for an advanced reloader it saves very little time.

I like my electronic scales for weighing brass and bullets. But I do not use it for weighing powder. It is too slow. Tom.

 

[CK_32]

Re: What should I do.

Why not Lee?? I always thought Lee was top notch but lately I've been hearing nothing but bad about Lee's why?

And yea I just thought the electronic scare/powder dispense was the way to go let alone pricey. What would you recommend for an accurate dispenser??

And should I get a cheap electronic scale or a balance beam scale?

 

[mscott]

Re: What should I do.

LEE is functional for the most part, but buy better if you can. I like their dies, but the presses are not really built for the long haul. I'd say start with one of the kits. I still like balance beam scales, but the Chargemaster is pretty popular. The Hornady bullet offer is attractive, but they don't really give you any good bullets to choose from. I like the idea of the Hornady bushings, but that also adds $8 to every set of dies. Just buy good equipment and get started as there really aren't any bad choices among the top names. Don't forget a tumbler to clean your brass. The Midway one is fine.

 

[vman]

Re: What should I do.

Nothing wrong with the kits imo.

I have the RCBS rockchucker master kit and its serving me well

I would upgrade to some better case lube... imperial sixing wax

IF you get the RCBS kit, invest in a powder trickler.

Later on down the track you could invest in a chargemaster combo if your really wanted to, but honestly for low volume reloading and for precision reloading a kit is a good place to start.

High precision reloading requires components you dont normally find in kits but hey this hobby is all about who has the most toys right?

 

[repiv]

Re: What should I do.

See this post

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...285#Post1891285

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: What should I do.

Maybe the kits aren't perfect, and experience will convince you to upgade the individual bit over time. But the important thing is to get off that dime and get into the actual <span style="font-style: italic">doing</span>; the quicker, the better. The kits will get you into the ball game in a single fell swoop, and that's where their true beauty lies.

Go for it.

Greg

 

[DALLAS ROOTS]

Re: What should I do.

I got a lee 50th anniversary kit for $99 and a set of RCBS dies for $40 and I was ready to go. Right off the bat I was getting loads better than any factory ammo I could buy for way less money.

The Rcbs kit with some good redding comp dies and the Rcbs charge master and you would have a very good kit that would turn out some good match ammo. A Gerard case trimmer would be a must have piece of kit to add also. Don't forget a tumbler and some media.

 

[vman]

Re: What should I do.

Greg makes a good point

Unless you have the cash straight up to outlay on some "better" components I wouldnt worry.

IF i had the cash straight up AND the knowledge i currently have i would purchase the following

- RCBS or a Redding press
- Redding dies
- RCBS chargemaster combo
- Sinclair Wilson Case trimmer
- Some form of annealing system
- Hornady run-out guage
- Hornady OAL guage + modified case
- Hornady bullet comparitors
- Hornady CAM lock puller
- Digital Caliper
- VLD chamfering tool
- Sinclair powder funnel
- Imperial sizing wax
- Ultrasonic cleaner OR Rotary stone tumbler with Stainless media

And thats IF i had the money up front and the knowledge... I would be happy with all of that and probably wouldnt need much else

The kits are a great place to start

Like i said before I purchased the RCBS kit... the only thing I feel like upgrading in the future is the powder thrower to a chargemaster BUT its really not that much more beneficial. A properly set up powder thrower and trickler combo can dish out accurate powder throws... dont forget, systems like the Prometheus still rely on balance beam scale technology and they are considered the be all and end all as far as I know

 

[CK_32]

Re: What should I do.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Maybe the kits aren't perfect, and experience will convince you to upgade the individual bit over time. But the important thing is to get off that dime and get into the actual <span style="font-style: italic">doing</span>; the quicker, the better. The kits will get you into the ball game in a single fell swoop, and that's where their true beauty lies.

Go for it.

Greg </div></div>





<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Greg makes a good point

Unless you have the cash straight up to outlay on some "better" components I wouldnt worry.

IF i had the cash straight up AND the knowledge i currently have i would purchase the following

And thats IF i had the money up front and the knowledge... I would be happy with all of that and probably wouldnt need much else

The kits are a great place to start

Like i said before I purchased the RCBS kit... the only thing I feel like upgrading in the future is the powder thrower to a chargemaster BUT its really not that much more beneficial. A properly set up powder thrower and trickler combo can dish out accurate powder throws... dont forget, systems like the Prometheus still rely on balance beam scale technology and they are considered the be all and end all as far as I know
</div></div>

Yea I have the cash to put up for it just I'm looking to get the best I can for under or around $500 - $600. And I'm waiting for some good sales or something before I just jump and throw my money out there. Just cause I have the money doesn't mean I'm made of the stuff haha

I'd like to get the charge master but at the same time do I really need it no. I'd like it that's for sure but if its not absolutely necessary I don't need it.

Basically I'm looking to get the set up that I wont need to upgrade later that will last me through the years and keep up with out having to upgrade then in the end I basically have to reloading stations.


But thanks for the input and shared knowledge guys. I'm just making sure I ask all those questions before I begin to make that leap and dont kick my self in the ass for not asking.

 

[CK_32]

Re: What should I do.

Also what is a good tumbler?? And media. I saw the steel media with the Thumlers Tumbler but I see a lot of that breaking down in a little over a year. But Ive seen a lot with walnut and a Lyman Turbo 1200 PRO or RCBS Vibratory Case Tumbler.

I don't wanna spend $170 + media if its going to crap out in a year. No matter how good it cleans.

 

[azimutha]

Re: What should I do.

Lee makes one thing I really like - their handheld primer seater. It's the one Sinclair recommends if you don't want to pay $120 for theirs. Get a good press from Redding, RCBS, Hornady or Forster. The RCBS powder measure is good and add a baffle to it. As for dies, you'll want to consider something good like the Redding Competition-S Bushing dies. To me, the reason to have this stuff is not to save money...you won't. It's to tailor rounds (think handload vs. reload) to your rifles. If I factor in my time, it costs me as much to handload (including equipment cost spread across many rounds and reusable brass) as it does to just go buy premium ammo. But I like it and have never gotten any factory loads that shoot as tight.

 

[HOGGHEAD]

Re: What should I do.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CK_32</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why not Lee?? I always thought Lee was top notch but lately I've been hearing nothing but bad about Lee's why?

And yea I just thought the electronic scare/powder dispense was the way to go let alone pricey. What would you recommend for an accurate dispenser??

And should I get a cheap electronic scale or a balance beam scale? </div></div>

I have only been reloading for 41 years. I did buy one of the electronic scales and powder dispenser. And I gave it a good try. It was too slow. With a good scale, powder measure, and trickler I could charge cases faster than the power unit. It really was that simple for me. The Powder Trickler is much easier for me to use. And the electronic dispenser does not contribute anything to a more accurate load.

As I said I do use my electronic scale because it is fast for weighing bullets and cases, but it is just in the way when measuring powder.

Why not Lee?? I would like to avoid that argument. But let's just say I have been there and done that.

Until you learn the real basics. The scales in the better RockChucker kit will last a long long time. But buy a powder trickler.

Spend your extra money on building a good heavy duty bench, and good solid shelves like the one in the picture below. I just built this one, and it is not finished yet, but it is ultra heavy duty. With a 3/4 piece of A-Face plywood for the table top. The spacers between the shelves are not nailed. That way I can adjust me shelves for height and width by just changing the boards. I have small sheets of plywood nailed on the end to firmly secure the shelf. Tom.

 

[vman]

Re: What should I do.

CK32, in regards to a vibratory cleaner, honestly mate its going to end up being one of those things you end up replacing in the long run.

The media doesnt clean the inside of the cases much and you can get bits of media stuck in primer holes and build up inside the cases.

Ultrasonic is good to go man trust me... water, vinegar and bicarb soda is all you need... under $10 from the stores and lasts ages. Or you can buy Birchwood Casey media fluid for a few dollars and remove the bicarb

I highly recomend an ultrasonic unit over vibratory.

The case volume will eventually reduce if you dont clean cases entirely of carbon build up and this my friend causes changes in pressure over time and leads to a change in consistency and accuracy.

 

[CK_32]

Re: What should I do.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HOGGHEAD</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I have only been reloading for 41 years. I did buy one of the electronic scales and powder dispenser. And I gave it a good try. It was too slow. With a good scale, powder measure, and trickler I could charge cases faster than the power unit. It really was that simple for me. The Powder Trickler is much easier for me to use. And the electronic dispenser does not contribute anything to a more accurate load.

As I said I do use my electronic scale because it is fast for weighing bullets and cases, but it is just in the way when measuring powder.

Why not Lee?? I would like to avoid that argument. But let's just say I have been there and done that.

Until you learn the real basics. The scales in the better RockChucker kit will last a long long time. But buy a powder trickler.

Spend your extra money on building a good heavy duty bench, and good solid shelves like the one in the picture below. I just built this one, and it is not finished yet, but it is ultra heavy duty. With a 3/4 piece of A-Face plywood for the table top. The spacers between the shelves are not nailed. That way I can adjust me shelves for height and width by just changing the boards. I have small sheets of plywood nailed on the end to firmly secure the shelf. Tom. </div></div>

Ok sounds good. I thought powder dispensers and a powder trickier were the same thing just different versions of each other until I just read up on it.

And I was looking to buy one of those reloading benches.. Should I just go up and build my own? I think that would cost more than just buying a decent loading bench. No?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">CK32, in regards to a vibratory cleaner, honestly mate its going to end up being one of those things you end up replacing in the long run.

The media doesnt clean the inside of the cases much and you can get bits of media stuck in primer holes and build up inside the cases.

Ultrasonic is good to go man trust me... water, vinegar and bicarb soda is all you need... under $10 from the stores and lasts ages. Or you can buy Birchwood Casey media fluid for a few dollars and remove the bicarb

I highly recomend an ultrasonic unit over vibratory.

The case volume will eventually reduce if you dont clean cases entirely of carbon build up and this my friend causes changes in pressure over time and leads to a change in consistency and accuracy. </div></div>

So you just use strictly liquids to clean your brass??

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: What should I do.

Swager if you expect to use nonmatch miltary brass. Dillon's works well.

I use the electronic scale and it's most definitely slower.

I've had the same Lyman tumbler for going on 20 years (Watch closely now. Because I <span style="font-style: italic">said</span> it, it'll probably go titsup sometime in the next month...).

If you build a bench, make sure it has a lip about 1/8" high around the edges. You'll thank me.

Greg

 

[CK_32]

Re: What should I do.

The brass I'm using is factory Winchester. And Ok Ill make sure I do that. Anything else I should focus on making my bench have?

 

[savage110]

Re: What should I do.

Id go Redding or RCBS components. IMHO both are way better quality then the lee stuff.

 

[CK_32]

Re: What should I do.

Is there like a conciderable difference between a Redding big boss II and a RCBS rock chucker??

Cause the big boss is like $50 more. Would I really notice the difference of $50 of is it safe to say they are pretty much the same quality.

 

[tansinator]

Re: What should I do.

I only buy green, that would be RBCS or Redding green. With the exception of the Hornady lock rings for dies or the Lee primer. I think most would agree with this. Seeing as how I learned it all here.

Eddie

 

[CK_32]

Re: What should I do.

Sounds good.

from the internet pics the Reddings looked better on holding up over time. The paint seemed to chip off the RCBS rock crushers..

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

Re: What should I do.

The Redding BBII has excellent through the ram spent primer handling, so you don't end up with spent primers and debris all over your press, bench and floor like with the RC's primer-misser tray. The Lee Classic Cast, Redding UltraMag and Forster Co-Ax also include TTR spent primer handling, and all of these are excellent presses.

The Redding presses do no allow moving the press handle to the left side for left-handed operation. The LCC does, plus the handle length and angle of throw are adjustable. The Co-Ax handle is center mounted, and comes down the middle of the front of the press for either left or right handed operation.

Andy

 

[Quackaddict]

Re: What should I do.

I havent been reloading for very long, but I can tell you a few things you will appreciate.

For your bench, make it heavy or bolt it to the wall, the press can have some crazy forces and will knock stuff around. Second, some sort of overhead arrangement for storage is a huge plus. Netx, make sure you build in spots for the press to secure to. Mine is lag bolted into a couple of 2x4's that are part of the frame. I used 4x4 posts for the uprights. Make it bigger than you think you will need, unless limited by space. 2x6 would be a nice size.

I have the RCBS universal priming tool, it is very nice and worth the money IMO.

I use a Big Boss II press, the spent primer system is worth the upgrade over the big boss.

Get a comparator, measuring overall length will make you crazy

The case prep center saves on your hands, and you can get all kinds of tools for it down the road.

I was gonna go the chargemaster combo but went with a redding powder throw and a electronic scale, if your not loading many rounds at a crack, you will have a bulletproof system vs one that can fail with electronics.

Lube is your friend in FL dies.

Get your hands on lots of storage bins, the trays you can moe around and stack are nice.

Write everything down!

 

[CK_32]

Re: What should I do.

Yea im a righty. So that wouldnt really bother me. Do the spent primers really fall all over the place? Is it really that big of a hasle I see a lot of people make that a point with the BBII.

Also do any primers ever get stuck in the spend primer tube on the BBII???

 

[CK_32]

Re: What should I do.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Quackaddict</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I havent been reloading for very long, but I can tell you a few things you will appreciate.

For your bench, make it heavy or bolt it to the wall, the press can have some crazy forces and will knock stuff around. Second, some sort of overhead arrangement for storage is a huge plus. Netx, make sure you build in spots for the press to secure to. Mine is lag bolted into a couple of 2x4's that are part of the frame. I used 4x4 posts for the uprights. Make it bigger than you think you will need, unless limited by space. 2x6 would be a nice size.

I have the RCBS universal priming tool, it is very nice and worth the money IMO.

I use a Big Boss II press, the spent primer system is worth the upgrade over the big boss.

Get a comparator, measuring overall length will make you crazy

The case prep center saves on your hands, and you can get all kinds of tools for it down the road.

I was gonna go the chargemaster combo but went with a redding powder throw and a electronic scale, if your not loading many rounds at a crack, you will have a bulletproof system vs one that can fail with electronics.

Lube is your friend in FL dies.

Get your hands on lots of storage bins, the trays you can moe around and stack are nice.

Write everything down! </div></div>

Yea I've used a press before at the local gun shop and I feel the full from them when you cycle it. So I figured the bench would have to be pretty heavy duty.

I plan on reloading 200 rounds of 308 per month or less.. Not too many but enough.. I'm planning on getting an ar and a hand gun so I'll be loading plenty of 223 and 9mm soon after.. But for now just focus on the 308 rounds.


And what are FL dies??

 

[Queequeg]

Re: What should I do.

Kits are great but there is almost no end to the stuff you'll see that will become necessities! In addition to the big reloading outfits. Forster , Sinclair, Redding, Wilson and others make amazing tools and guages you woll see and won;t be able to live without.

Also, buy some good manuals, Scrounge up some issues of, or subscribe to, Handloader magazine and enjoy the new hobby!

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: What should I do.

Read this, then read it again:
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=96660#Post96660


Get the basics to get loading, start shooting what you load, then decide which direction you want to go.

Your style of shooting will dictate how you want to load.

I used to go nuts with reloading until I realized I liked shooting more than doing all the minutia that may get me .1moa tighter groups.


Safety is THE key. Remember you are lighting off 50,000+ psi right in front of your face.

 

[Quackaddict]

Re: What should I do.

FL stands for Full length, they bump back the shoulder of the case and retension the neck, opposed to a Neck die that just retensions the neck.