Fed up with relying on the ammo manufacturers (need advice)

Farlsincharge

Farlsincharge

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Okay, so I have been considering loading my own for some time now just for the accuracy factor with some of my longer range stuff. Now with the .223 bull@#%* I have decided it is time.
I need advice on just what equipment I will need keeping in mind I want to load handgun, rifle, and shotgun. What would be the best brand to meet my needs, which is more user friendly, highest quality all that sort of stuff.
As well with all the equipment I want accuracy and consistency but not at the expense of being user friendly and efficient.

Thanks Guys
 
Try using the search function, or sit back and watch the people beat a dead horse to death again praising either lee or RCBS with points for both as being the best. Those of us who do know which one is better use the RCBS gear. With the exception of shotgun and handgun ammo. For handgun you want dillon. :D
 
Maybe I should clarify a bit I have no idea what most of this stuff is I'm not trying to start another argument over brands. Think of my intelligence on this subject being that of a seven year old
 
loading

Check out the RCBS rock chucker starter set, the rcbs accessory kit and a set of rcbs rifle dies. all you need to get from there is powder, primers and bullets. also search the web for the lee aniversary kit, add dies and the other components and you are reloading. The differance is in the quality of the gear, lee is cheaper but it does get the job done and there are lots of members on here using it with great success, then there are some who put out more money and bought a higher level of quality. If your totally new to reloading you should find someone who will let you watch and possably help out in some aspects of it so you have a better understanding of it all before you just jump right in there. It is a whole new world on the other side of the bench.
 
I started with the Lee Anniversary kit (I am using the press as I type this) and loved it. Just add dies and the trim guages for the calibers you want to load, a couple of loading trays, read the included manual, and load until your arm falls off.

I have upgraded some of the items, but I still use the press, the manual, the lee hand priming tool and shell holders and funnel.

Parts I upgraded were:
Scale - Now have RCBS Chargemaster (LOVE IT)
Trimming - Now use the Sinclair/Wilson trimmer
Press - I still use the Lee for bullet seating and some decapping at my desk, but my resizing gets done on the RCBS Jr. in the Garage
 
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For the shotgun you might want to reconsider, for the 12 gauge it's pretty hard to save any money unless you want to load shells which you just can't buy. For the rifle I would suggest RCBS equip. as it is very durable with an exc. cust. service record, you'll need a set of dies for each cal.you load, again RCBS is pretty hard to beat, the RCBS starter kit has most of what you will need. Buy one or two reloading manuals esp. the LYman one. If saving money is a concern you may want to consider using cast bullets from Sask. bullet maker M.T. Chambers, which are avail. at Wholesale Sports, along with most other supplies, good luck in your new hobby!!
 
You'll need different equipment for shotgun reloading. However, buy a copy of The ABC's of Reloading. Your local gun shop. About $30 or less.
Then look into an RCBS Beginner's Kit for rifle and handgun. About $500Cdn. Gives you everything you need less dies and shellholder. Plus you get RCBS' legendary customer service. If you have any problems, they'll fix it with a phone call, no questions asked other than your shipping address. Even if you caused it or you bought used equipment. Don't discount buying used kit though.
Dillon's warrantee is just as good, but they're stuff isn't cheap. Runs about a grand for a basic progressive press less dies and shellholder.
"...accuracy and consistency..." That comes with meticulous technique. Relax. It's not a big deal.
 
Rifle: any cast iron press (read: RCBS, Redding, Lyman, Lee Classic Cast). Shotgun: MEC. Pistol: any cast iron press if loading single stage. If you need a progressive, take a hard look at Dillon. Dies are a matter of personal preference. I like Lee dies; they work and are inexpensive (as opposed to cheap).
 
RCBS produces a basic beginners kit, which is very good quality, that contains virtually everything that you need. Get a good reloading manual or one of the old DBI books on the "ABC's of Reloading". You can never have enough books on the subject of reloading.
 
Buy a reloading manual and read up on the basics and terminology.

If you haven't figured it out yet, all you will get here is "This is what I bought, and this is my opinion why I think it's the greatest.":p

One thing to consider, if you buy a beginner kit, you may spend more money at a later date on upgrades. Research might save you money in the long run. That's just my opinion.....;)
 
Buy a good digital scale for weighing powder. the measure cups are close but can vary in weight of powder they contain. The balance scale is also close but digital is easier to read and much quicker when loading. RCBS and Lee have beginners kits and you can start loading slowly and cautiosly ( read ..reread the books) and get better stuff, but as long as you are comfortable with what you operate, why take the fun out of reloading by wanting what someone else thinks is better. I use a single press ($30) from SIR and have loaded a thousand and more casings of many calibers in the last few months since I got the press kit. Yes it takes more time than some 4 stage outfits, but time well spent.
 
By powder measures I meant the ones with the funnel top and the dispenser on the bottom (about $100).

Sorry for my ignorance on this guys, but I have no one to show me and I have found that when I figure it all out on my own in this sport it equals $$$$.
 
Farlsincharge said:
The only thing I can't wrap my head around at this point is scales and powder measures. Do I need both, do I need the scale to set the measure?
Click to expand...

Yes, you need the scale to set the measure. You will need a scale regardless of what method you are going to use for powder dispensing.

One inexpensive method of measuring powder is to throw a rough charge onto your scale using any kind of suitable scoop and then using a trickler ($20.00ish?) to trickle up to your final charge. Time consuming, but many don't mind the time it takes to produce quality handloads.

The other end of the dispensing spectrum is something like the RCBS chargemaster, which will automatically dispense the required amount of powder onto a scale. I'm not sure, I think they run $250.00ish.
 
Thanks for all the info guys. I will probably have my equipment together soon and then I can set up my bench (the G/F is gonna love that, more gun stuff). It sounds like this is gonna be another never ending learning experience. Oh and I'm sure I will have lots more questions to bother you with very soon.
 
Post away! Like I've said many times before, you will get all kinds of advice here. Some may even be useful!:p
 
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