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1/24/2009 8:20:26 PM EDT
My goal is precision reloading for 30.06, 223, 308, 40 S&W, 45 ACP and many others im sure in the future. Most of the rifles are Semi Auto, so full length resizing is going to have to be the norm. Also will be using Military surplus cases for 30.06 in the foreseable future for practice ammo, will be getting better grade brass for match ammo in the future. The 30.06 and 308 will be for the M1 Garand and M14 style rifles, so primer seating depth is going to be a must as well. Both these weapons have been tweaked and can shoot sub MOA on surplus military brass. I will be shooting long distance NRA High power, CMP, and NRA military matches up to 1000 yards.

With this in mind, what would your wishlist be for the following, and feel free to add anything I may have left out. Single stage precision loading is what I am after, no progressives and no power tools for priper pocket cleaning, reaming and the like. Beam scale with a powder thrower and a trickler as well. I have listed a few items I am leaning towards.

Press (Single Stage)Forster B-3 Co-Ax® Reloading Press
Dies (Forster Ultra™ Micrometer Seater Dies and Full Length Sizing Dies)
Bullet Puller (RCBS Pow’r Pull® Bullet Puller)
Powder Measure
Powder Scale (Beam)
Scale Check Weights
Case Trimmer
Case Debur tool
Primer Pocket Cleaner
Primer Pocket Chamfering Tool
Primer seater (Mechanical stop/adjustable seat depth)
Stuck Case Remover
Primer Tray (flipper)
Powder Funnel
Micrometer
Case Neck Brushes
Case Tumbler

Stuff For Later
Outside neck turner
Inside Neck Turner
Cartrige Case measuring tool, OD and ID, runout, etc
Media Seperator

Also feel free to add items I may have missed.

Thanks!!
1/24/2009 9:05:08 PM EDT
[#1]
Check through the lists of equipment in the tutorials.  

Learn the fundamentals first, then worry about refining your procedures after that.  You need some experience under your belt in order to understand which equipment you'll need, and when.

Pick up copy's of Precision Shooting's reloading book, Rinker's ballistics book, Ratigan's benchrest shooting book, and The Accurate Rifle by Warren page to read in preparation for the stuff that comes after learning the fundamentals.
1/24/2009 9:11:48 PM EDT
[#2]
I have been doing a ton of reading including two that you recomend., along with several other books. I dont want to be buying the major equipment twice, once to learn, then buying again to get better or more precise. Thats why i am asking you all about where to start.

Thanks again!
1/24/2009 9:32:26 PM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
I have been doing a ton of reading including two that you recomend., along with several other books. I dont want to be buying the major equipment twice, once to learn, then buying again to get better or more precise. Thats why i am asking you all about where to start.

Thanks again!


This is the wrong place to ask for opinions.
1/24/2009 9:47:42 PM EDT
[#4]
I would recommend on your rifle cases you purchase Wilson case gauges. To help you size your cases fully.
1/24/2009 10:58:45 PM EDT
[#5]
I suggest a primer pocket uniformer to square and uniform the depth of primer pockets. A good inexpensive tool is EJS Possum Hollow uniformer. It has large and small cutters and is adjustable (hand tool). Don't know your method of removing the primer crimp on the military cases? A case gauge for measuring headspace and setting your dies is a necessity. Either Hornady's Lock-N-Load Headspace Gauge set or RCBS Precision Mic for .308 and 30-06 works well. Other gauges would work also but the Hornady set will work for all your rifle calibers. I'm spoiled by my electronic scale. Much faster and better to weigh bullets, brass, or loaded rounds. Your choice of the Co-Ax press will definitely load precision rounds. Buy extra Forster Die lock rings with your press. Some die set lock rings won't fit. I forget how many Forster lock rings come in a pack. A good set of Dial Calipers. IF you're going to use match bullets later a VLD neck chamfering tool is recommended rather than the standard chamfering tool. Helps prevent scratching or scraping the bullets when seating. You need both tools. Case lube, I use Dillon case lube and a case lube pad. I still prefer lubing each case on a pad and use a RCBS nylon case neck brush to lube the necks. An inside primer flash hole deburr tool. I recommend RCBS or Redding dies for rifle and pistol and would be my first choice for standard die sets however I do like Hornady's bullet seater die with the sliding alignment sleeve. The Hornady seater die can be bought separately. You asked for opinions!
1/25/2009 6:12:14 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
I would recommend on your rifle cases you purchase Wilson case gauges. To help you size your cases fully.


A fixed gage is not a tool for precision loading.  These produce a nominal headspace based on the maker's interpretation of SAAMi chamber dimensions.  Precision shooting requires brass that fits the chamber correctly, with minimal headspace (and concentricity).
1/25/2009 10:28:06 AM EDT
[#7]
That was my understanding as well, that you loaded dummy rounds to use as your "guage" once you figured out what seating depth works for your particular chamber and rifle.
1/25/2009 10:30:52 AM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
I suggest a primer pocket uniformer to square and uniform the depth of primer pockets. A good inexpensive tool is EJS Possum Hollow uniformer. It has large and small cutters and is adjustable (hand tool). Don't know your method of removing the primer crimp on the military cases? A case gauge for measuring headspace and setting your dies is a necessity. Either Hornady's Lock-N-Load Headspace Gauge set or RCBS Precision Mic for .308 and 30-06 works well. Other gauges would work also but the Hornady set will work for all your rifle calibers. I'm spoiled by my electronic scale. Much faster and better to weigh bullets, brass, or loaded rounds. Your choice of the Co-Ax press will definitely load precision rounds. Buy extra Forster Die lock rings with your press. Some die set lock rings won't fit. I forget how many Forster lock rings come in a pack. A good set of Dial Calipers. IF you're going to use match bullets later a VLD neck chamfering tool is recommended rather than the standard chamfering tool. Helps prevent scratching or scraping the bullets when seating. You need both tools. Case lube, I use Dillon case lube and a case lube pad. I still prefer lubing each case on a pad and use a RCBS nylon case neck brush to lube the necks. An inside primer flash hole deburr tool. I recommend RCBS or Redding dies for rifle and pistol and would be my first choice for standard die sets however I do like Hornady's bullet seater die with the sliding alignment sleeve. The Hornady seater die can be bought separately. You asked for opinions!


This is exactly what I wanted, after all im the newby here, give me opinions and lots of them as long as you understand its precision shooting that is my long term goal. Thanks for your answers, you have given me a few more thing to research.

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