Reloading equipement for a beginner

Tactical308

Tactical308

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Hey Gunners,

I just recently picked up the 48th edition reloading handbook from Lyman and must say its sparked my interest in reloading even further. A lot of the mystery behind reloading has been removed thanks to this book. I recommend it to anyone who wants to get into reloading.

I would like to buy a reloading kit, but I don’t want something that I will have to upgrade quickly. My old man always said to buy something decent once rather then crap twice and I still respect that saying to this day. With that I have been looking at the ROCKCHUCKER SUPREME MASTER RELOADING KIT for $399.95 at wholesalesports (haven’t really found it much cheaper anywhere else). I have read reviews that it’s a good unit and that it does offer some upgradeability if necessary.

I want to reload for .308 for long range precision shooting so I have been looking into a RCBS FULL LENGTH COMPETITION DIE SETS Caliber - 308 Win. $124.95. Does anyone have any experience with these? I am under the impression that Dies are something you buy once and never have to get again. Hence the investment of a quality set. The price seems a tad high so if there are any products out there that people will recommend instead of this one I would love to hear from you.

I haven’t seen a lot of information regarding shell holders. I am assuming they are all relatively the same. Again I found some RCBS SHELL HOLDERS Shell # ? for $7.79. The shell holders come in sizes ranging from 1 to 43. How can you tell which size you need? Once again I will be reloading .308.

I have seen a lot of attention and praise come to an additional tool used for priming called the RAM Prime unit. From what I’ve read on the web LEE makes one that is compatible with the RCBS press. Apparently this unit will ensure a correct alignment between the primer and casing so that your chances of premature firing or misfiring. I haven’t really seen any of these for sale so if anyone has any information on where I can get them I would appreciate that.

I am also wondering if it would be worth while to buy a PRECISION MIC •.308 for $59.99 Micrometer reading of the cartridge chamber dimension and bullet seating depth?

I am assuming that the quality on tumblers and Case trimmers is all relatively the same. Again I have been eyeballing the RCBS units but by no means am I brand loyal so any input would be nice.

Finally can anyone tell me a good way to store primers and powder to reduce the chance of any mishaps. I know the basics, cool, dry, dark place, etc. but are there any types of containers that are better then others? Also does anyone have a link to laws regarding reloading or storage of powders available?

Sorry for the novel but it seems for every question answered 2 more pop up. Hopefully others in the same boat can learn from your expertise.

Cheers
 
Last edited:
Tactical308 said:
Hey Gunners,

I just recently picked up the 48th edition reloading handbook from Lyman and must say its sparked my interest in reloading even further. A lot of the mystery behind reloading has been removed thanks to this book. I recommend it to anyone who wants to get into reloading.
Cheers
Click to expand...

Did you get the book online, or is available at Chapters/Indigo?

Berger
 
I think the Rockchucker kit is one of the best available to someone starting reloading, it will last you your lifetime. It has almost everything you'll need to get started except for a few specifics, like dies and shell holders.

Page 399 of your Lyman manual has a table of the different shell holders for each cartridge.

I can't comment on the difference between RCBS's competition and their standard dies, but I've found their standard dies are capable of loading top notch ammo. A micrometer is something that you will want to pick up for sure. I also think the RCBS hand priming tool is worth picking up.
 
I think you are headed in the right direction with the RCBS equip......rcbs dies should be good also, as well as, Redding and Forster. This equip. will not break or wear out like the cheaper alternative, and if you have a problem, RCBS has the best customer service bar none. You may want to compare prices....Midsouth Shooters Supply has the kit on for $229
 
For dies,buy regular RCBS FL and Lee Neck Sizer,cheap and you will never look back...
Caliper,Check Can Tire Digital one,come in sale 1/2 price...
You will need primer pocket uniformer...Lyman are good.
Hand priming tool is the way to go...You will feel if the primer pocket is loose.

My 2 cents
 
+1 on the hand priming. much better to be able to feel whats going on.

I would also agree that, unless you are into bench rest shooting or other serious competition the normal dies will be more than good enough. The competition sets are often matched to specific chamber dimensions or to neck turned brass.

Great to hear that you're taking up reloading. It adds a whole second dimension to shooting and can be a fun hobby in itself on dark winter nights.
 
I hate those reloading kits. They don't really offer any significant savings over buying everything seperately, and you don't have a chance to customize your setup.

Here's what I'd suggest:
-RCBS chargemaster 1500. This is the single most important piece of advice I can offer to one who wishes to load for a precision rifle. Buy it. About $250 if you shop around
-a balance beam scale, trickler and powder thrower are optional if you bought #1. A thrower will speed the process up somewhat, but at the cost of less precision and it's pickier about the powders it will meter. If you want a thrower, I'd recommend the Redding BR-30
-a press. Two presses, actually: get a solid single stage press. There's a ton of good ones out there, but I'm fond of the Redding, CH and Lyman models. The RCBS is popular, too, but not one of my favourites. New maybe $200, used <$100
-Dies - I like Lee Collet die deluxe sets, which include a collet neck die, and an FL size die. Bushing size dies are also very good, but usually more expensive. Expect to pay around $40 per set
-get a hand primer. The Lee is a good unit, but requires special holders at about 5 bux each. The unit itself is about $15. Other good hand priming units are the Hornady and RCBS; they're about $50
-a set of shellholders
-a case trimmer
-case chamfer tool
-funnel
 
I was actually looking into the Chargemaster 1500. Ive been looking around and the cheapest ive seen the balance on its own was $240 and the balance with the dispenser was $450. I am assuming you are only talking about the balance at that price?



prosper said:
I hate those reloading kits. They don't really offer any significant savings over buying everything seperately, and you don't have a chance to customize your setup.

Here's what I'd suggest:
-RCBS chargemaster 1500. This is the single most important piece of advice I can offer to one who wishes to load for a precision rifle. Buy it. About $250 if you shop around
-a balance beam scale, trickler and powder thrower are optional if you bought #1. A thrower will speed the process up somewhat, but at the cost of less precision and it's pickier about the powders it will meter. If you want a thrower, I'd recommend the Redding BR-30
-a press. Two presses, actually: get a solid single stage press. There's a ton of good ones out there, but I'm fond of the Redding, CH and Lyman models. The RCBS is popular, too, but not one of my favourites. New maybe $200, used <$100
-Dies - I like Lee Collet die deluxe sets, which include a collet neck die, and an FL size die. Bushing size dies are also very good, but usually more expensive. Expect to pay around $40 per set
-get a hand primer. The Lee is a good unit, but requires special holders at about 5 bux each. The unit itself is about $15. Other good hand priming units are the Hornady and RCBS; they're about $50
-a set of shellholders
-a case trimmer
-case chamfer tool
-funnel
Click to expand...
 
no, the whole unit. Check out american shops for better prices. lock stock and barre (lockstock.com) should have a decent price, or midsouth shooters supply, or any of the others that ship to Canada. This isn't a restricted item, and can be shipped without any sort of permits
 
Oh, and I mentioned two presses.

Get one bench press, and one Lee hand press. The hand press is so incredibly useful and portable, you won't regret it. And it's only $30
 
Tactical308 said:
Hey Gunners,

I just recently picked up the 48th edition reloading handbook from Lyman and must say its sparked my interest in reloading even further. A lot of the mystery behind reloading has been removed thanks to this book. I recommend it to anyone who wants to get into reloading.

I would like to buy a reloading kit, but I don’t want something that I will have to upgrade quickly. My old man always said to buy something decent once rather then crap twice and I still respect that saying to this day. With that I have been looking at the ROCKCHUCKER SUPREME MASTER RELOADING KIT for $399.95 at wholesalesports (haven’t really found it much cheaper anywhere else). I have read reviews that it’s a good unit and that it does offer some upgradeability if necessary.

I want to reload for .308 for long range precision shooting so I have been looking into a RCBS FULL LENGTH COMPETITION DIE SETS Caliber - 308 Win. $124.95. Does anyone have any experience with these? I am under the impression that Dies are something you buy once and never have to get again. Hence the investment of a quality set. The price seems a tad high so if there are any products out there that people will recommend instead of this one I would love to hear from you.

I haven’t seen a lot of information regarding shell holders. I am assuming they are all relatively the same. Again I found some RCBS SHELL HOLDERS Shell # ? for $7.79. The shell holders come in sizes ranging from 1 to 43. How can you tell which size you need? Once again I will be reloading .308.

I have seen a lot of attention and praise come to an additional tool used for priming called the RAM Prime unit. From what I’ve read on the web LEE makes one that is compatible with the RCBS press. Apparently this unit will ensure a correct alignment between the primer and casing so that your chances of premature firing or misfiring. I haven’t really seen any of these for sale so if anyone has any information on where I can get them I would appreciate that.

I am also wondering if it would be worth while to buy a PRECISION MIC •.308 for $59.99 Micrometer reading of the cartridge chamber dimension and bullet seating depth?

I am assuming that the quality on tumblers and Case trimmers is all relatively the same. Again I have been eyeballing the RCBS units but by no means am I brand loyal so any input would be nice.

Finally can anyone tell me a good way to store primers and powder to reduce the chance of any mishaps. I know the basics, cool, dry, dark place, etc. but are there any types of containers that are better then others? Also does anyone have a link to laws regarding reloading or storage of powders available?

Sorry for the novel but it seems for every question answered 2 more pop up. Hopefully others in the same boat can learn from your expertise.

Cheers
Click to expand...

I agree with your quote. i started with the basic rockchucker kit by RCBS to start my hobby and found out that my hobby was more of a job.and ended up buying all electronic equipment. I got over $3500.00 invested and now it is a fun hobby. The problem i have is i dont have time for it anymore and desided to sell everything and it is going at a realy good price
 
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