Need help picking components for reloading 338LM

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Jeff000

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I want to start picking up what I need to reload for my 338LM. But I have no real idea where to start.

I have the reloading dies. And past that I have nothing. I have a friend that been letting me use his equipment to load a few, but he has years of over the top purchases and thinks everything he has is the minimum needed to load so hard to figure out what I need, and he has a progressive I think it's called, but pretty sure I just need a single stage as I won't be loading much 9mm only rifle.
I will buy used where it is ok.

I am on a budget, but don't want to cheap out. I'd rather it take a bit longer to acquire what I need over buying something I'll need to upgrade shortly. Which is why I am thinking a kit might not be the best for me.

Any help would be great.
 
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When the Rockchuker kits go on sale that is the way to go.

Check with Prophet River, they had them discounted or a rebate not long ago.You won't need to upgrade the kit but as you progress loading there will me other small things you will want to make it easier and more efficient.

All you will need after that is a case trimmer and components.

Lapua brass is the only logical way to go, it is pricey but in the long run cheaper as it will out last all other brands.
 
You can't go wrong with a RCBS Rockchucker press. It has a removable sleeve to handle large dia. dies.
It's long and strong enough for LM, and will out last your grandkids reloading career, LoL!.
You'll need a good scale, RCBS/Ohaus 10/10 being my personal favorite, but any quality brand will do.
Beam scales have proven more consistent and reliable than digital for me.
The Lee trimmer, with it's interchageable caliber specific stems works very well. If you get their shellholder spud to chuck into the drill/driver, trimming goes fast and accurate. With the proper shellholder and stem in hand, you can trim all your future cals. inexpensively. Pick up a chamfer tool, primer pocket cleaner, case tray, and funnel.
Lee's hand priming tool is good. Again, you need only the proper shellholder to prime any future cal..
A dial caliper belongs on every handloaders bench.
Cases clean up nicely in vinegar and dish soap. Rinse well.

Here's a recent thread on loading LM.

Different powders for .338 Lapua
Started by atomicsauace, 05-02-2013

Good luck !, that big fella is so much fun.
 
Thanks guys.

Looks like budget shooter supply has the best price.
And thanks for the water and vinegar tip, saves me having to get time in someone elses tumbler.

RCBS master press.
Lee trimmer
Chamfer too
primer pocket cleaner
lee hand priming tool
dial caliper


Is the scale that comes with the RCBS kit good enough?
 
Go for a digital caliper - way easier to read.

Don't forget dies as well. And a bullet puller - I love the Hdy cam lock one.
 
300gr berger hybrid's, 300gr Sierra Match Kings, or 300gr Lapua Scenar's
US869, Retumbo, or H1000
A good reloading manual and the Hodgdon website for some starting recipes.
While a rockchucker may work a magnum press is much better. I bought a Redding magnum press and still need to tip the cartridge and insert it nose first to get it in.

Good luck
 
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