I have just got a bunch of my dad's old rcbs reloading gear set up and am gonna start reloading for my 7mm Rem. I've got a couple (old) reloading books and some various powders and bullets. But where to start? There are so many variables, is there a 'best' part to start with? over all length, bullet weight, charge, primer.... And what is the best way to get a scratch out of a full length sizing die? Or should I invest in a neck sizer as well? Thanks in advance
Best place to start?
- Thread starter meat hook
- Start date
Start with books...ABCs of Reloading and Metallic Cartridge Reloading are both excellent. Depending how old the reloading manuals are, I'd think about getting a couple of new ones as well...new loads are added, and load recommendations change over the years. The Lyman book is a good one, and add another from whoever's bullets you are using.
I can't help help with the scratch...I have no idea if it is something that could be buffed out or not. Maybe chuck up a bore mop or brush with a bit of polishing compound?
If you've got any shooting buddies that are into reloading, it would be worth spending an afternoon with someone to go over the basics hands on. You can certainly pick it up on your own, but it is always easier to see it in action.
I can't help help with the scratch...I have no idea if it is something that could be buffed out or not. Maybe chuck up a bore mop or brush with a bit of polishing compound?
If you've got any shooting buddies that are into reloading, it would be worth spending an afternoon with someone to go over the basics hands on. You can certainly pick it up on your own, but it is always easier to see it in action.
Odds are that the kit is still workable; there's not much to go wrong.
ABCs is a great introduction to reloading and is probably your first stop. Read it, or at least read those sections pertaining to what you are doing. (If you're not casting bullets or loading shotgun shells, for instance, pass those bits.)
Once you have that under your belt, definitely suggest getting a reloading manual put out by any of the major component companies. Some people like one, some people prefer another, but they're all pretty reliable.
Your major variables, IMO, will be propellant and bullets. It will probably take you a bit of experimenting to find a combination that works well for your rifle (each one has different preferences). Buy a box of bullets of the right type and weight for your purpose and a pound of powder chosen from your reloading manual's page on the 7mm. Start low and load in increments. On the range, one or two will be a fair bit tighter than the others. Take those and load in smaller increments; repeat. Once you have an accurate load, you can start messing around with bullet seating depth and such.
WRT the scratched die, how bad is it? Essentially, polishing out the scratch (I take it that it's inside) will alter the diameter of the die, which is not a good thing. If it's very light, I'd ignore it. If it's significant, I suspect you're going to need a new one. As an afterthought, is the die actually scratched or is it a piece of crud stuck to the die?
Good luck.
ABCs is a great introduction to reloading and is probably your first stop. Read it, or at least read those sections pertaining to what you are doing. (If you're not casting bullets or loading shotgun shells, for instance, pass those bits.)
Once you have that under your belt, definitely suggest getting a reloading manual put out by any of the major component companies. Some people like one, some people prefer another, but they're all pretty reliable.
Your major variables, IMO, will be propellant and bullets. It will probably take you a bit of experimenting to find a combination that works well for your rifle (each one has different preferences). Buy a box of bullets of the right type and weight for your purpose and a pound of powder chosen from your reloading manual's page on the 7mm. Start low and load in increments. On the range, one or two will be a fair bit tighter than the others. Take those and load in smaller increments; repeat. Once you have an accurate load, you can start messing around with bullet seating depth and such.
WRT the scratched die, how bad is it? Essentially, polishing out the scratch (I take it that it's inside) will alter the diameter of the die, which is not a good thing. If it's very light, I'd ignore it. If it's significant, I suspect you're going to need a new one. As an afterthought, is the die actually scratched or is it a piece of crud stuck to the die?
Good luck.
I purchased Sierras 5th edition yesterday and it has some great info ... they, Cabela's was out of the abc's .. 
. Previiously I purchased the lyman's and it had good info as well, but found Sierra did a great job on describing which bullets are best suited for one's needs, and then they provide recommended loads and powders. The only con I have about Sierra is that it generally specific to thier bullets .. but they do have a pretty good selection. Bullet design, your barrel twist, range of shots, and intended use (ie target or game) are all factors.
. Previiously I purchased the lyman's and it had good info as well, but found Sierra did a great job on describing which bullets are best suited for one's needs, and then they provide recommended loads and powders. The only con I have about Sierra is that it generally specific to thier bullets .. but they do have a pretty good selection. Bullet design, your barrel twist, range of shots, and intended use (ie target or game) are all factors.I think that you should get Lyman and Sierra reloading manual and read them thoroughly.
Both of them are goldmines of information about very important and difficult to find aspects of reloading which every new reloader should know.
The great thing about owning these 2 manuals is that Lyman does not sell bullets while Sierra does not sell reloading equipment!
Alex
Both of them are goldmines of information about very important and difficult to find aspects of reloading which every new reloader should know.
The great thing about owning these 2 manuals is that Lyman does not sell bullets while Sierra does not sell reloading equipment!
Alex
I purchased Sierras 5th edition yesterday and it has some great info ... they, Cabela's was out of the abc's ..
Over the years, I have tended to buy a new manual every few years, but have made a point of buying one from a different firm each time. Interesting to see the different takes on the same subject. None of them are bad, but they all have their own advantages.
