Gearing-up to reload .223, advice on a scale and case trimmer

.22LRGUY

.22LRGUY

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
179   0   1
Location
Ontario
Hey guys, starting to gear-up to start reloading as my indoors, winter-weather hobby for 2012. Picked-up an RCBS "Partner" press and dies, and need everything else! :) While I'd prefer to get the best of everything, budget is a consideration...so I'm building-up my collection of necessary gear slowly to start. Two things I know I'll be needing are a case trimmer, and a scale. What do you recommend? I like the look of the Forster case trimmers, what's the consensus on the quality of them? What model would you suggest, and are there any attachments req. to mount the .223 case?

Scale~I think I prefer the idea of a digital one, are the grade that come in the Hornady kits any good?

Priming hand priming tool~is the RCBS one good? What do you use?

I'll leave you with those 3 questions to start but no worries...there will be more. :) As an aside, if there are any reloaders in the GTA...please chime-in with where you buy your supplies.

Thanks!
 
.22LRGUY said:
I like the look of the Forster case trimmers, what's the consensus on the quality of them?
[...]
Scale~I think I prefer the idea of a digital one, are the grade that come in the Hornady kits any good?
[...]
Priming hand priming tool~is the RCBS one good? What do you use?
Click to expand...
Everything Forster makes is good. Having said that, here is everything you ever wanted to know about trimmers.

I prefer mechanical (aka "beam") scales, because they are just as fast for the most common tasks - trickling up to a specific weight or setting a throw - and only slower for things like sorting brass, and because they are a lifetime purchase. RCBS 1010 if you can swing it (built-in dust cover!), else the 505. Having said that, I know nothing directly about electronic scale brands.

re: hand priming tools, I have used and liked the RCBS, but found it comparatively bulky and expensive. The Lee hand primer is great, I have two. Keep it lubed for smooth operation.
 
I had a Forester case trimmer years ago and now have another on its way, they work great. Have an RCBS hand primer which I actually have not tried yet(this week) had the Lee years ago and it was great but have heard that the newer ones are not as good?
I like balance beam scales, have RCBS 505 now and Lyman in the past, both work good.
Good luck. Cheers Roscoe
 
You can't go wrong with an RCBS Case lube pad and case neck brushes. It's available as a "kit" for about 20 bux. Because of the smallish powder charges involved with .223, you will find that a Lee Perfect powder measure will come in VERY handy. That way you can verify your powder charges (I normally set it and forget it) every 5th or 10th round.
for powder, I found H4198 was very accurate under a 55gr FMJBT bullet.
 
I use the RCBS Chargemaster combo and really like it. If you are considering buying one, look at Natchez in the States. I use a modded RCBS case prep center for doing my brass and just bought a Lyman Universal for doing my 17 cal brass. The mod I had made for my case prep center is similar to this one. It would work with other brands.
[youtube]JZGkWUtKz4k[/youtube]
 
If you are just starting out there is little need for a case trimmer at this time. I rarely if ever trim my 223 brass.

A mechanical beam scale is a better choice because they don't wander and are simple to operate and a hell of a lot cheaper.

The Lee hand priming tool is great and a lot cheaper than others.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom