604shooter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Neither here nor there.
Okay, I'm almost ready to try handloading some 6.5x55. I'm considering a Lee Precision Anniversary Kit. What else am I going to need?
Loading newbie
- Thread starter 604shooter
- Start date
im no expert on reloading actually i dont even have any reloading supplies! but tlaking form one newbie to the next get the lyman 48th annual reloading manual. its really easy to read and lots of load data. plus a list of everything that is needed to start! good luck!
If you are gonna go with Lee buy the lee manual, for starters. If you have some extra $$ buy the Speer/RCBS manual too. Can't have too many.
The kit has just about every thing you need But If I were you I'd get a electronic scale as the lee scale is crap. The lee kit comes with a hand held case trimmer which is utter ####. invest in one of the RCBS/Lyman trimmers that you bolt down on your bench
The kit has just about every thing you need But If I were you I'd get a electronic scale as the lee scale is crap. The lee kit comes with a hand held case trimmer which is utter ####. invest in one of the RCBS/Lyman trimmers that you bolt down on your bench
A Start
Loading Manual Suggest Hodgen #26 for a start/Speer
Good weigh scale RCBS Mod 502/505 either will do. [A MUST]
Press. Partner or Rockchucker [Partner is good starter]
Dies RCBS Hornaday Lyman Lee my preference RCBS [ Carbide set for Pistols]
Case Lube Must for lubing rifle cases before resizing. Not required for most pistols if using carbide dies.
Loading block RCBS or ? used to hold cases.
Powder funnel
Primer Tray or [Flipper]
Trim to Length gauge Rifle-Pistol
Hammer type bullet puller [You will need] sooner or later
Build a solid bench.
Digital Calipers [check house of tools]
Electronic powder scale & dispenser RCBS $319 + Scales $300-or Lyman Auto Scale $360.
Case trimmer [I like Forster] $83.00-$90.00 For rifle mainly.
Primer pocket cleaning brushes $9.00 ea handle $11.00 again mainly rifles.
Powder measure RCBS Uniflow [I prefer] $110 Lyman same $ as RCBS
Case Cleaner Tumbler $120-$259.00
=============================================================
Shop the Gun shows, Bargain Finder Etc Price 50%-70% depending on condition. You can use Wholesale Sports catalog as a guide to new prices.
=============================================================
If going to load mainly for pistol look at Dillion Blue presses. 550-650
Reloading
Take time to phone the following and ask for their free catalogs.
I prefer RCBS that I have put together over the years from Gun shows etc next to that would go Hornaday some Lee Dies are ok but do not care for their presses at all.
AL or AOB
604shooter said:
Reloading Starting Kit
Loading Manual Suggest Hodgen #26 for a start/Speer
Good weigh scale RCBS Mod 502/505 either will do. [A MUST]
Press. Partner or Rockchucker [Partner is good starter]
Dies RCBS Hornaday Lyman Lee my preference RCBS [ Carbide set for Pistols]
Case Lube Must for lubing rifle cases before resizing. Not required for most pistols if using carbide dies.
Loading block RCBS or ? used to hold cases.
Powder funnel
Primer Tray or [Flipper]
Trim to Length gauge Rifle-Pistol
Hammer type bullet puller [You will need] sooner or later
Build a solid bench.
Nice to Have
Electronic powder scale & dispenser RCBS $319 + Scales $300-or Lyman Auto Scale $360.
Case trimmer [I like Forster] $83.00-$90.00 For rifle mainly.
Primer pocket cleaning brushes $9.00 ea handle $11.00 again mainly rifles.
Powder measure RCBS Uniflow [I prefer] $110 Lyman same $ as RCBS
Case Cleaner Tumbler $120-$259.00
=============================================================
Shop the Gun shows, Bargain Finder Etc Price 50%-70% depending on condition. You can use Wholesale Sports catalog as a guide to new prices.
=============================================================
If going to load mainly for pistol look at Dillion Blue presses. 550-650
Reloading
Take time to phone the following and ask for their free catalogs.
- RCBS tell them you are going to be reloading soon and would like a catalog and anything else they have to guide you in getting started.
- Do same for Lyman at 1-800-22-Lyman ask for reloading and cast bullet Guide to assist you to start.
I prefer RCBS that I have put together over the years from Gun shows etc next to that would go Hornaday some Lee Dies are ok but do not care for their presses at all.
AL or AOB
604shooter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Neither here nor there.
Thanks for the info fellas!!
Like someone said,you need dies - I'd suggest lyman or rcbs dies - and lee's collet die is nice to have. A different scale is better than lee's - I use a lyman - but unless money's no object I see no point in a digital scale. Also, my lee case trimmer works fine. It pays to consider your options - I get pretty reasonable results from my 6.5 with cast bullets.
604shooter said:
I'm a Lee fan, and the cheap method if you are not in a hurry is the Lee Hand held loader, the Hand loader should come with their Ram prime.
Then you can pick up the dies for less then $25.00, and a shell holder for a few bucks more.
I also have no problem with the Lee scale, but you could upgrade to digital if you are so inclined...I wouldn't use the volume scoop method, scales are the way to go IMHO.
Also I personally Like the IMR series of powders, and the speers manual has some good recipes for the 6.5 x55.
Also double check your used cases inside and make sure they are not Berdan primers (they have 2 dots) or you will bust your de-primer pin...you need a special tool for those...I put my military surplus brass in a box and find a home for it among those that like those sort of primers.
Simply buy new brass, or scavenge used Boxer primed cases in this caliber.
Welcome to yet another addiction.
