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Posted: 3/7/2009 8:11:50 PM EDT
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Ok I bought myself a Lee Anniversary Reloading Kit today to start reloading 223 and 308 I also got Hornady Reloading Handbook 7th Edition . Before I spend any more money I'd like to ask you all what other gear will I need and where to get it. I know I need
primers,powder, digital scale, dies, bullets. tumbler digital scale I'm just looking for a good inexpensive one right now. Dies I'm not sure what to look for or what is best. Bullets I'm just looking for FMJ right now to play with. Powder I'd like to find something that will work on both rounds. Primers like to find a place that has them and I'm making sure I'm right but the 223 takes small rifle primer and the 308 large rifle primer. Right? Tumbler I don't need a large one just a starter that does not cost much thank for the help. |
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digital scale I'm just looking for a good inexpensive one right now.
There is nothing wrong with the LEE scale that you got in the kit. I use a regular balance beam RCBS 5-10. I've never felt the need to up grade. If/when prices for a digital that will measure in 1/10 grain increments becomes available at a decent price then I might reconsider. If you feel you really need one.......check w/ DILLON, Midway, RCBS, etc......... Dies I'm not sure what to look for or what is best. Now, is as good a time as any to get off of the idea of always trying to find, "THE BEST." Opinions vary. Equipment varies. Techniques and methods vary. YMWV. Most mfn do a good job of making dies or they wouldn't still be in business. From one mfn to the next, it's the little things that set them apart. Of course there are horror stories out there. But, it's a manufactured product. Any company can have a bad day. BTW.....did you read the FAQs and tutorials? Bullets I'm just looking for FMJ right now to play with. Check Wideners, Cabela's, Powder Valley, etc............ Or, buy locally at the store or at the gun show. Powder I'd like to find something that will work on both rounds. Look through your reloading manual.........see the two cartridges.........see the powders that are usable for both. Read about the applications for each prospective pick. Then, choose one. Start with a 1 pound purchase (made locally) and do your tests. Each rifle is different as to what it likes. Though, for starters (off the top of my head) W748, BLC2, H335, H4895, IMR 4895 are popular, just to name a few. Buy the 8 lb keg only after you're satisfied with your pick. You could try pricing on the Internet. But don't forget about shipping and haz mat fees. Primers like to find a place that has them and I'm making sure I'm right but the 223 takes small rifle primer and the 308 large rifle primer. Right? .223 Rem. = Sm rifle .308 Win. = Lg rifle For a beginner.......use what the book says. I don't want to get into the debate about slam fires........so, do your research. IMHO, buy locally. You'll need to test to find what's the best for you. It's your first batches.........so, while you're there.........make some new friends at the store. Once you've found your best brand/type. Think about a larger purchase. To make it worth your while from an Internet seller, you'll need to buy in QUANTITY. There is haz mat and shipping to add to the prices. Some will allow a mix of powder and primers under one haz mat fee. Then, some won't. Tumbler I don't need a large one just a starter that does not cost much thank for the help. You don't really need a tumbler to start. You could use a liquid case cleaner. Or, even a home brew. Hey, it's cheaper......and lord only knows you've spent a lot already. Leave the tumbler for later if you agree. If not.........LYMAN, RCBS, DILLON, etc........ HTH. This was just my .02. Aloha, Mark |
| if you really want a tumbler you can make your own pretty cheap out of some big tupperware type bowls, an electric motor and a few spring mounts. i've used my homemade one for about 20 years now. mine looks a lot like this, but my top and bottom bowls are the same, so if one ever gets a crack, i can just swap em out. |
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For Tumblers, the Lyman Turbo 1200 is hard to beat on price and durability. They seem to last forever. A good place to get them cheap is Natchezss
The best dies, there are too many variables to pick but I prefer RCBS, if you break any non electronic tool from RCBS they will repair or replace it for free for life. They have some of the best customer service in the industry, a phone call will solve most issues with them. |
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Quoted:
Ok I bought myself a Lee Anniversary Reloading Kit today to start reloading 223 and 308 I also got Hornaday Reloading Handbook 7th Edition . Before I spend any more money I'd like to ask you all what other gear will I need and where to get it. I know I need primers,powder, digital scale, dies, bullets. tumbler Go to the top of the page and look for the thread on reloading equipment. Also links for buying stuff. digital scale I'm just looking for a good inexpensive one right now. Dies I'm not sure what to look for or what is best. Standard FL sizing dies, you don't need small base dies. I recommend Hornaday's. Get case gauges for each caliber. Bullets I'm just looking for FMJ right now to play with. Powder I'd like to find something that will work on both rounds. I use BLC2 for 223 and 308. Read your reloading book, lots of other possibilities. Primers like to find a place that has them and I'm making sure I'm right but the 223 takes small rifle primer and the 308 large rifle primer. Right? Yes Tumbler I don't need a large one just a starter that does not cost much thank for the help. |
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For first time I'd also choose W748 or BL C2. I haven't reloaded for a 223 yet but have some of this old powder I want to try when I start. Loaded a 308 in the past and it loved Win 748 and I see a lot of posts here that say it's a good powder for 223. I also used BL C2 for my accuracy load in my old 22-250 and see alot of recommendations on here for it in 223 also so those are the the first 2 powders I'll try. It also seemed like I got more consistent metering from my measure with the ball powder. (I have both powders on hand that have been around in storage in original opened containers for about 10 years since I opened them last. Same goes for some old primers. Would you guys still use this stuff?)
I still use my old Lee powder scale and haven't seen any real need to spend the extra money on a digital scale. As for dies, any brand is fine except that some of my carbide dies that sat in storage for a long time are showing rust signs. If your loading for an AR, I guess you also might want a case guage, (according to most posts on here), but on a single stage press it may not be necessary since you just adjust most sizing dies to touch the shellholder. If you don't get case guages, you'll definately need a set of calipers so you can watch case and finished cartridge OAL. You'll also probably want a loading block and some sizing lube. When it comes time to resize you'll also need a case trimmer and some sort of champher tool. I also really like my Lee Auto prime and complete set of shellholders for it. |
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