Getting into Reloading again

T

TedNugent

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Its been more than 12 years since I did any reloading, even then it was using a friend's equipment. Decided last summer to start piecing together what I need just to start out on my own. I saved some numbers of my old .308 reloads, seems at the time I was using 168gr BTHP bullets(Hornady) with once fired mixed brass and federal primers. I was using 46 gr of IMR 4320 and seemed to have had success, I believe I recall shooting sub 1.5" groups at somewhere between 150 - 175 yards with my Rugger M77 varmit .308. I don't really want to start with the ruger accuracy debate, I've read a lot of opinions about them being a good deer rifle only, but I'd like to work up a set of match grade loads and give it a good go before I look into buying a better target rifle.
So far some of the equipment I've got:
2 - RCBS Rockchuckers - wanted to stay away from a progressive and keep from having to swap dies to make things more consistent.
RCBS 505 Scale - I'd love to upgrade to a Chargemaster but don't have the funds at the moment.
RCBS lube, though from the reading I've done am going to pick up some imperial case wax and some dry lube as well.
Set of 3 Redding .308 dies - I also have a Norc M14 so I was looking to pick up a lee factory crimp die for those loads.
Pocket swage, can't recall the brand off hand.
I've picked up 100 lapua .308 brass - are these comparable to Norma?
Federal Match Large primers, I stuck with the 168 gr Hornady Amax Bullets.
Need to pick up a case trimmer, tumbler - anyone have an opinion on a cheap tumbler and what media to use?
Anyone using IMR 4320 ? Wondering what people are using for .308 and what kinds of powders would be compatible with what I'm using now, any suggestions appreciated.
Should I bother buying the RCBS Uniflow if I'm eventually going to get a chargemaster?
So many questions, am getting anxious about getting started, will likely think of more. All responses appreciated.

AR
 
I bought some used gear from a guy in Vancouver and just got it home an hour ago. My son who lives there made the deal for me two days ago and two friends who were over there brought it to the island today. I got the Rock Chucker press, 505 scale, Uniflow powder measure and a powder trickler also the Hornady and Barnes reloading manuals for $200 and it looks brand new.
We must think along the same lines because I am also thinking about the Redding 3 die sets and the case lube you mentioned. I am going to load 223, 22-250, 243 and 308 for my son. I will probably get a Forester case trimmer also, I have had one in the past and they work really good.
Thinking about powder choices and bullet brands right now and also thing about putting a Hornady Lock and Load adapter in the press then putting the LAL bushings on all my dies to make changes easier.
I think you are on the right path but don't know if you need the Chargemaster. I am going to drop all charges on my uniflow slightly light then put on scale and trickle to exact weight. Good luck and let us know what you do. Cheers Ross
 
Thanks Ross,

What has me tempted with the chargemaster is I've seen it on a website in the US it for under $300 at natchez.com(http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=RC98923&src=tpSlrHm), and the uniflow is over $100 + shipping. Tempted by the old saying Buy once Cry once.
 
I also have a Norc M14 so I was looking to pick up a lee factory crimp die for those loads.
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As long as the neck tension is sufficient it won't be required.

I've picked up 100 lapua .308 brass
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Use the same thing on my M1A and worth every penny. Super consistent and a pleasure to work with.
 
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