Posted: 5/18/2008 4:59:10 PM EDT
|
I'm ready to start reloading but I'm not sure what I need. I have an RCBS Rockchucker press and RCBS powder dispenser. Should I get a hand priming tool, was thinking of this one www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=329291&t=11082005. What dies do I need? There are so many different kinds. Mostly I want to reload blasting ammo, but may want to go for finer accuracy at some point. I need a scale too. How much do I have to spend to get quality. I'm not trying to be cheap but I don't want to spend more than I need to. Thanks for the help |
|
Fister is wanting to do the same thing. You are welcome to come over to see how reloading is done. On either a Dillon 550 or a Rockchucker. Pistol or rifle. Just let me know. ETA As far as a priming tool, I have used this one for years. Lee Priming Tool |
| I wrote a kind of "how to" that's on OSA. It's a sticky at the top of the ammo section. You might check that out if it might help point you in the right direction. I have a revised version I need to finish too but not much has changed. It's for .308win also but the everything should be the same for .223 just with different components. |
been down that road with a stuck case in the chamber , no fun at all. 
|
here's just some basic stuff I use: *speer #13 reloading manual approx $14 (has a complete how to rifle/pistol loading section in it, plus a reloading for accuracy section), last years edition #14(?) is approx $25. *lee deluxe rifle die set (comes with full length size, neck size, bullet seat and shell holder) approx $28. *lee hand primer tool approx $14. *lee carbide pistol dies (either 3 or 4 die sets) approx $28. *lee case cutter/length pilot trimmer approx $9 for set, pilots apprx $5/caliber. *lee chamfer tool approx $3. *lyman 500 beam scale approx $55. *rcbs powder trickler approx $10. *harbor freight stainless steel dial caliper approx $20. *dillon or frankfort arsenal spray case lube approx $8. *case trays/loading blocks. *optional*powder thrower/drop, hornaday is approx $45. for case cleaning you can use the birchwood casey's liquid cleaner for approx $8/pint, it makes approx 2 gal of reusable cleaner, later you can upgrade to a tumbler for approx $40 to $125+ depending on brand/model. if your loading mil surp brass, you'll either have to trim or swage the crimp out, I prefer to swage, rcbs make a simple die set, I think they're approx $25, and dillon makes one for approx $90. if you get into reloading a moderate amount, there's the lee turret series presses that are faster than a single stage, but if your loading a lot as in 1k or so at a sitting, then consider the dillon 550b/650 or hornaday lnl progressives, and a power case trimmer for rifles, the dillon 1200, it sizes and trims at the same time, there's also the giraud and gacey trimmers for a bit more. |
|
We all have different preferences in how we do brass. But first, you'll have to learn how to size and decap the brass. Prime it. Place a charge in it (after slightly belling the mouth on pistol cases) insert and seat the bullet. Bring a few cases of 308 or 223 over, Or you can have a few of my cases to do it. But you'll have to put up with Fister for a bit. 
|
That sounds great Dan. I appreciate the offer. I'll be in touch soon. Thanks for the help everyone. |
Well, you just have to buy a neck sizer, full length sizer and the small base sizer to cover all your bases. 
|
|
 It ain't rocket science. I was just kidding.Neck sizing is fine if you use the cartridge in one gun every time. It just sizes the neck. Full length sizing does the whole cartridge and will use in any gun. A small base die is the same as a full length die except a wee bit smaller and is sometimes better for semi autos. |
|
Once I get back from school and get a press, I'll need some help setting up. I think the Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic kit is what I want. I'd prefer to do rifle cartridges on a single stage. I have dies so far for 6X45, .458 SOCOM, .375 H&H, and .30 Herrett(for loading .30 HRT). I also want to load for .338-06, .300 H&H, and .470 NE(but those are all gonna be custom rifles). For pistol, I'll be loading for .38 Super and .45 ACP. I think a Dillon 650 will be the ticket there. Maybe wind up loading for 9mm, but that depends on what my daughter wants for a carry gun. She's a .38 Super fanatic like I am. |
If I were going to get a new press, I'd take a look at the Lyman turret press - the T-mag II. I've had an RCBS Rockchucker for over 30 years so I guess I'll stick with it. But having used the T-mag II, it's more convenient and nicer than the Rockchucker. And a hell of a lot more expensive. 
|