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Starting reloading.

Posted on 12/10/19 at 6:35 pm
Posted by Success
Member since Sep 2015
1723 posts
Posted on 12/10/19 at 6:35 pm
I’ve read the sticky and have done some recon. I’m looking to start with a kit to get the most bang for my buck initially. I really wanted the Lyman based on reviews for the auto charge and tumbler. Also like the idea of a turret press. But it seems to be out of stock indefinitely. Another option is this hornady kit but The reviews and videos on the lock n load auto charge are worrisome. I was trying to stick to Cabela’s as I have $170 in points to use and they are offering 10% quite often lately. Any opinions? Any other kit from an online store you’d recommend? I’m not opposed to a powder thrower with a digital scale and trickler. I plan to load precision rifle rounds only. Lyman

Hornady
Posted by civiltiger07
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2011
14030 posts
Posted on 12/10/19 at 6:47 pm to
Two things that IMO are important to reloading are digital calipers and a balance beam scale. Especially for precision rifle reloading. I have a RCBS charge master and I do love it but it does throw powder charges that will fluctuate. I use the charge master to throw a charge then check it on a balance beam scale.
Posted by Success
Member since Sep 2015
1723 posts
Posted on 12/10/19 at 6:52 pm to
I have a nice set of digital calipers. Appreciate the feedback
Posted by hophead
Member since Nov 2007
1969 posts
Posted on 12/10/19 at 6:56 pm to
Hey OP, have you reloaded? I bought a kit because I found a great deal. However, I found that I only use a small portion of the kit. Where are you? I encourage you to sit with someone who loads to determine what are the must haves.
Posted by Success
Member since Sep 2015
1723 posts
Posted on 12/10/19 at 6:59 pm to
I’ve reloaded a couple of times with a friend. That’s why I was looking at those 2 kits bc besides the Lyman they look like they have just enough stuff not to be a waste. I’ve read good things about the Lyman tumbler, turret press, and digital powder dispenser.
Posted by bbvdd
Memphis, TN
Member since Jun 2009
24977 posts
Posted on 12/10/19 at 7:32 pm to
If you plan on only loading precision rifle get a single stage press like the Rock Chucker or the Redding Big Boss.

Get a good set of dies and the most important in your bullet seating die. Your bullet needs to be concentric and your seating die does that.

I have a Dillion 550 for pistol and high volume rifle and for my 6.5 CM I have a K&M Arbor press and LE Wilson dies.
I do have a shoulder die that I use on my Dillon that I have to set the shoulders back .002”.

A good electronic scale will be your friend. I have a beam scale and only use it to set my powder dropper with pistol of .223 and .300 blk on the Dillon.

ETA: what caliber will you be reloading?

I will also add that I much prefer wet tumbling with stainless pins/media. I have a Frankfort Arsenal. It’s great.

I have a Hornady electric powder dispenser. I HATE it. Not that accurate and tends to over through every 3 charge. I ended up buying an Autotrickler buy do not buy one unless you decide you really love reloading.
This post was edited on 12/10/19 at 7:43 pm
Posted by Success
Member since Sep 2015
1723 posts
Posted on 12/10/19 at 7:55 pm to
300 wm, 308, 6.5grendel
Posted by kengel2
Team Gun
Member since Mar 2004
30750 posts
Posted on 12/10/19 at 8:00 pm to
For me a low volume rifle shooter:
M-press or Co-Ax press
Rcbs 1500 chargemaster
Sinclair trimmer
Stainless tumbling with harbor freight tumbler
Whidden bushing dies or Redding Type S bushing dies

Thats pretty much my budget setup. Upgrading to one of those presses is the next step.

IMO the kits are a waste for precision rifle. You'll upgrade or change stuff with quickness.
This post was edited on 12/10/19 at 8:02 pm
Posted by TigerOnThe Hill
Springhill, LA
Member since Sep 2008
6812 posts
Posted on 12/10/19 at 8:23 pm to
Welcome to the world of hand loading, Success. Disclaimer, I have no experience w/ either Lyman or Hornady presses. I have a few Hornady dies, but no Lyman dies. In my experience, I've been pleased w/ the performance of all the die makers, although Redding's are the best looking. Having said that, I avoid buying Hornady dies. Their depriming pin is an integral part of the bullet seating stem assembly. Therefore, if one breaks the depriming pin, one has to replace the entire stem assembly. All other dies use a seperate pin that's easy and cheap to replace. Not so w/ Hornady. Don't ask how I learned that lesson.

I bought a Lee Classic Turret Press when I started hand loading 35 years ago. It's the only press I have. Using a powder charger, one can load rounds at a fairly high rate, but not like a progressive press. Now days I use it exclusively as a single stage press. I now use a fancier powder charger that's a more accurate than the Lee powder charger. Althouth Lee products are less expensive than most, I've had no problem getting accurate loads w/ Lee equipment. The accuracy of your loads will be determined by many things other than your press (unless you somehow get a really bad press). I use my balance beam scale of 35 years age as I don't have a nice electronic scale. I load high volume only for my prairie dog hunting loads. I use the powder charger then, checking every 5-10 rounds w/ the scale. Deer hunting loads are loaded w/ the balance beam as I only load 10-15 rounds/yr for each deer gun. If you're loading precision rifle loads only, not all powder chargers are satisfactorily accurate. Ill be happy to answer any questions you might have.

I have a lot more handloading recommendations in this thread I'll link instead of posting as it's a long read.

Good luck and keep us updated. BTW, be sure to also buy a couple good hand loading manuals.
Posted by Success
Member since Sep 2015
1723 posts
Posted on 12/10/19 at 8:35 pm to
Thanks tiger.
Posted by saintsfan1977
West Monroe, from Cajun country
Member since Jun 2010
7698 posts
Posted on 12/11/19 at 6:36 am to
quote:

M-press or Co-Ax press
Rcbs 1500 chargemaster
Sinclair trimmer
Stainless tumbling with harbor freight tumbler
Whidden bushing dies or Redding Type S bushing dies


Lee classic cast will save you a couple hundred bucks.

The charge Master is nice but it's not needed.

The Sinclair trimmer is the most accurate trimmer but it's slow.

Dies are dies. None are better than the other. Lee dies look cheap but they load ammo as good as a Redding die. The more you spend the better they look. You are paying for cosmetics. I own dies from Lee, Redding, and Rcbs. Mostly Lee.

OP,spend your money on components like powder, brass, and bullets. The equipment can be cheap or expensive it's up to you but A lee press won't load bad ammo compared to a Co-Ax.
Posted by DownshiftAndFloorIt
Here
Member since Jan 2011
66763 posts
Posted on 12/11/19 at 7:13 am to
What caliber?

I've been loading s good bit of 45 colt with a lee loader (the kind you bang with a hammer). All I have is a lee loader, a lee safety measure, a set of dippers, and bullet parts. It's not the fastest. It is fun, enjoyable, and I've been making some good consistent ammo.

The main thing you need is manuals. Get a good manual that appeals to you and then get the caliber-specific manual ($8 or so) for the calibers you will load.

And get some trail boss powder. That shite is FUN and very safe to load, double charges wont fit in any case.
Posted by kengel2
Team Gun
Member since Mar 2004
30750 posts
Posted on 12/11/19 at 7:38 am to
quote:

Lee classic cast will save you a couple hundred bucks.


quote:

but A lee press won't load bad ammo compared to a Co-Ax.


I guess with a precision rifle, looking for the ultimate consistency these things help. the Mpress and CoAx by design will produce more concentric ammo than a normal press.

quote:

Dies are dies. None are better than the other. Lee dies look cheap but they load ammo as good as a Redding die. The more you spend the better they look. You are paying for cosmetics. I own dies from Lee, Redding, and Rcbs. Mostly Lee.


Again for precision loads, you cant beat bushing dies like the whidden and Redding Type-S. The bushings will self center again helping with concentricity, but more than that they allow you to adjust neck tension via different bushing sizes.

quote:

The charge Master is nice but it's not needed.


I hate measuring powder, you can get these used for $200 right now. They are way faster and more accurate than the scale out of the bundle pack.

quote:

The Sinclair trimmer is the most accurate trimmer but it's slow.


Mine has the micrometer and is setup for use with a drill. Its not super fast, but is very accurate. I wouldnt necessarily call it slow though. Got if off ebay used.

quote:

The equipment can be cheap or expensive it's up to you but A lee press won't load bad ammo compared to a Co-Ax.


Beg to differ, consistency and accuracy of the equipment can play a big part in the accuracy of the ammunition. Its only a part of the equation, but its a pretty big part. Im not talking about plinking 9mm ammo though, go ahead and get the bundle if thats what you want.
Posted by Duckhammer_77
TD Platinum member
Member since Nov 2016
2677 posts
Posted on 12/11/19 at 8:01 am to
My dad has done it his whole life for any rifle imaginable. He recomended the RCBS Rockchucker kit, got it from the Amazon. It comes with a beam scale. I bought a hand deprimer and good digital micrometer. I use redding master hunter dies with micrometer bullet seating gauge. For PRS, may want to look at a concentricity gauge, your call. Youll need a chronograph. I was using the bayonet style but recently upgraded to Labradar doppler for accuracy & convenience. The RCBS kit comes with nosler's latest manual, but been doing a lot of research on berger and hogdons websites. That's important to research and document, cross check powder loads & stated velocities. Both of those websites have good articles. Also have a case prep machine on my wish list this year (hint hint). Also bought the Lyman manual and Ken Waters Pet Loads

Reloading for 30 Nosler, 22-250, 243.

ETA with links to stuff. Now that I've gotten into it, I'm researching and reading way more than I thought I ever would about powders, bullets, cartridge lengths, "jump", etc. When I started, I thought it was gonna be like reading a recipe and following it. And if I didnt like the outcome, go find a different one. It can be, but if your rifle and that cartridge has extreme precision capability, you want to find every tweak you can to squeeze all the accuracy available out of it.
This post was edited on 12/11/19 at 9:25 am
Posted by saintsfan1977
West Monroe, from Cajun country
Member since Jun 2010
7698 posts
Posted on 12/11/19 at 8:37 am to
quote:

Beg to differ, consistency and accuracy of the equipment can play a big part in the accuracy of the ammunition. Its only a part of the equation, but its a pretty big part. Im not talking about plinking 9mm ammo though, go ahead and get the bundle if thats what you want.


There is a guy on YouTube (Sniper 101 series) that shoots extreme long distance, uses precision rifles with top of the line scopes and loads his ammunition using Lee equipment.

If you are shooting competitive BR or F class I imagine you would try any equipment to gain an edge but the reality is its the nut behind the trigger.
Posted by kengel2
Team Gun
Member since Mar 2004
30750 posts
Posted on 12/11/19 at 10:17 am to
quote:

There is a guy on YouTube (Sniper 101 series) that shoots extreme long distance, uses precision rifles with top of the line scopes and loads his ammunition using Lee equipment.


I can shoot guns without top of line scopes and can still hit what im shooting at. Does a top of the line scope help? Sure it does.

A cheap machine is a cheap machine. Ive used a lee 4 hole turret press for years to load rifle ammo. I literally have to check every round because it will seat every bullet differently and the oal and base to ogive length will be all over the place. Luckily I have a micrometer seater and its a quick and easy adjustment most of the time.

quote:

If you are shooting competitive BR or F class I imagine you would try any equipment to gain an edge


Im not wasting my time loading shitty ammo, just to get the equivalent of bulk federal ammo I could buy. Thats just me though.

quote:

its the nut behind the trigger.



Agreed.
Posted by saintsfan1977
West Monroe, from Cajun country
Member since Jun 2010
7698 posts
Posted on 12/11/19 at 10:39 am to
quote:

cheap machine is a cheap machine. Ive used a lee 4 hole turret press for years to load rifle ammo. I literally have to check every round because it will seat every bullet differently and the oal and base to ogive length will be all over the place. Luckily I have a micrometer seater and its a quick and easy adjustment most of the time.


Im not wasting my time loading shitty ammo, just to get the equivalent of bulk federal ammo I could buy. Thats just me though.



I have mainly Lee equipment and my ammo is much better than store bought. My Lee seating die is as consistent as can be. I check each and every round oal from ogive and it's always +-. 001. Maybe you had a bad die or press. I'm using a single stage press.
Posted by TigerOnThe Hill
Springhill, LA
Member since Sep 2008
6812 posts
Posted on 12/11/19 at 8:24 pm to
Success, You'll need to settle on your handled priorities, determine what it is you want to do and decide how much you want to spend. One can make VERY accurate ammo w/o buying all top end components. This is a highyl useful book for anyone wanting to load really accurate ammo to read. Sadly, it looks like it's out of print, but maybe you can find one. If not, let me know and I'll see if I can make a copy of mine. Here's some additional useful info from Sinclair. They're quality folks w/ quality equipment, by the way:
10 Steps to Precision Handloads
Load Development for Long Range Hunting and Shooting

For years I thought all my guns were "precision rifles" (or handguns) only to find out many years later they weren't because they didn't have a modular chassis stock, adjustable comb, adjustable butt stock, a large capacity removable magazine, pistol grip and threaded or ported barrel. Mine were also 1/2 the price of actual "precision rifles." My first "precision rifle" was a Winchester Model 70 in 270 Win w/ a wooden stock. I later got a synthetic stock. I put a 2-7X Leopold scope in Weaver rings on it. My handholds using Lee dies and various factory bullets shot 3/4" at 100 yards. I later retired it when I started hunting only w/ handguns. Likewise, I thought they were also precision guns, although they lack all the modern features.

If I were you, I'd buy the basic equipment, load some ammo (SAFELY), start shooting and learn the hobby. Then shoot some more. Shooting more by itself will improve your accuracy. Your loading will probably evolve, and as it does, you'll acquire additional equipment. If you use Redding dies w/ neck bushings and use benchrest loading techniques you'll end up w/ the most accurate loads you can get. But you can still get very accurate loads using basic equipment and paying attention to the details.

Keep us updated.
Posted by saintsfan1977
West Monroe, from Cajun country
Member since Jun 2010
7698 posts
Posted on 12/11/19 at 9:25 pm to
I have one of the best reloading manuals on pdf I can share. I paid for it. There aren't any recipes in it. It's strictly about how to reload accurate ammunition step by step covering all of the tools available if anyone is interested.
Posted by kengel2
Team Gun
Member since Mar 2004
30750 posts
Posted on 12/11/19 at 9:26 pm to
quote:

One can make VERY accurate ammo w/o buying all top end components


The only thing I mentioned that might even be considered top end in the reloading world are the dies. Everything else is barely scratching the surface. Just my experience you from a kit to upgrading over time.

The kit was a waste of time and money for me.

quote:

For years I thought all my guns were "precision rifles" (or handguns) only to find out many years later they weren't because they didn't have a modular chassis stock, adjustable comb, adjustable butt stock, a large capacity removable magazine, pistol grip and threaded or ported barrel. Mine were also 1/2 the price of actual "precision rifles." My first "precision rifle" was a Winchester Model 70 in 270 Win w/ a wooden stock. I later got a synthetic stock. I put a 2-7X Leopold scope in Weaver rings on it. My handholds using Lee dies and various factory bullets shot 3/4" at 100 yards. I later retired it when I started hunting only w/ handguns. Likewise, I thought they were also precision guns, although they lack all the modern features.



Lol. Whatever man
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