more reloading startup questions. (I know, I know, sorry...)

J

JR Hartman

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So, I have decided on an RCBS Rockchucker Supreme kit. I will really only be doing 7.92x57 Mauser and 7.5x55 Swiss for the most part with some .225/5.56 once in a while, so no need for the expense and complexity of a progressive.

Now, I know I need a set of full length dies for each, a shell holder for each, a case trimmer, some lube, a priming system, and a way to measure and distribute powder.

Now are dies and shell holders "universal"? IE, will Lee dies work on RCBS presses? Will RCBS presses work on Lee shell holders? How about Hornady parts? Dillon parts?

are there certain dies, holders etc I should try to get?

others to avoid?

should I try to get the 3 die sets?

once again, thank you for all your help, and sorry to keep asking about this...
 
all new production stuff will interchange with each other from shell holders to dies (7/8-14 threading).

what you may want to consider is neck sizing dies for your rifles so the brass will last longer. it only sizes the neck of the case as opposed to the whole case which will work harden them and reduce the amount of reloads unless your doing mouse fart loads. you would full length size for the first reload, then neck size until it won't chamber. then you would full length size again. the amount of reloads you get on the neck sizing die depends on how hot the load is and how good the brass you use.
 
Most dies use a 7/8-14 thread, allowing interchange between brands. The shell holders are also, for the most part, interchangeable between brands. I seem to recall hearing about some shell holders that are (were?) brand specific, but I have not encountered any.

As to the 3 die sets, it depends on what is in the 3 die set, and what your intended use for the reloads is. Which one(s) were you thinking of?

BTW, I'm of the opinion that the only dumb question is the one you don't ask.... ;-})>
 
A simple powder thrower,followed by a digital scale with trickler.Or a unit that will do all of these in one step.Most major players make one of these.
I would get a full length die set with a neck sizer as well.Sooner or later you will have to full length size fire formed brass.
 
Congrats on a lifetime purchase. If you find yourself getting bored with unscrewing/screwing the dies each time and it'll it'll get get old in a hurry, look at picking up the Hornady LNL conversion kit and a bunch of LNL bushings.

If you are reloading for a bolt gun, pickup a matching neck sizing die for that caliber. Mind you, while it's not recommended, I've neck sized brass shot from my AR and ran 50rnds thru it without incident. :p
 
If you are buying the kit then why do you think you need a priming system and a way to measure and distribute powder?

I have that kit and it includes a hand primer, powder measure and 505 beam scale. Even came with lube.
 
You have been given some confusing information!
You only need a two die set for each calibre. I am not a fan of Lee dies, but they will get you by fine, once you learn how to set them and three sets of them will be about the same price, maybe less, than two sets of other dies, such as RCBS. And you won't need a crimp die.
You will also soon learn how to set your sizing die so it completely takes the place of neck sizing dies.
For measuring powder, just get a beam scale. If there is a gun show near you there are almost always used beam scales in excellent condition, usually at a great reduction over new ones. Lee sells a whole box of yellow scoops to cover the entire range of loading. I've seen this box at gun sales for as little as two dollars.
If you are limited on your budget for reloading, make a scoop out of an empty shell that is about the right size.
You will soon be told that you "must" have a digital caliper. I'll bet I reloaded very successfully for thirty years before I got any caliper!
Firstly, completely disregard the figure called the COAL, the total length of the loaded cartridge, that is in all modern loading tables. Just seat the bullets do the bolt will close on them and at leas half a diameter of the bullet is in the case, when using short bullets.
The only critical measurement is the length of the fired cases, because they will "grow" with each firing and reloading. Get an inexpensive Lee trimmer for each calibre, as they will automatically keep the length right.
Bruce
 
this one comes with a small basic scale and measure. I know this will work, but I suspect something a bit faster than a scale and spoon might be in order. :)

no priming or case prep stuff.
 
JR Hartman said:
this one comes with a small basic scale and measure. I know this will work, but I suspect something a bit faster than a scale and spoon might be in order. :)

no priming or case prep stuff.
Click to expand...

Must be a new kit offered because they almost all come with a hand primer for large and small primers. You might want to double check.

There is nothing wrong with the scale and thrower that comes in the kit. I wasn't impressed with repeatability using stick powders but add a trickler and you can fine tune fairly easy.

I added an automatic dispenser to the bench to help with speed but they come at a cost.
 
I beleive the rcbs press has a priming
Tool built in like the hornady and redding does it not?

I had a chance to check and i guess it does not however that kit does have a hand priming tool in it
 
Warning - reloaders are bigger gear whores than fishermen. A kit is a good place to start, but I'd hold off buying a lot of extras. Once you get into it, you'll find yourself saying, "I need something to make this bit quicker." That's when you go shopping.

One thing I always recomment however is a tiny tin of Imperial die sizing wax. Much better for case lube than the messy pads that come in most kits.

Fire extinguisher and safety goggles and a good light are very good to have.
 
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