New to the idea of re-loading. Looking for some help in the right direction.

ryanloco

ryanloco

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Oakville, Ont.
Hello,

I have a .303br and a .270win that I would like to think about reloading for.

I have done some reading on the forum and have a few questions.

For someone starting out - I've read some good reviews and some so/so on the Lee Loader? Recommendations for equipment starting out? What are the essential tools - tumbler, scales, calipers, priming tool, case lube, deburring tools, case trimmer etc...... ?

I have saved almost 500 rounds of Igman brass for the .303br and have read some mixed reviews on the success of Igman to reload with. Some of the posts go back a year and a bit so what is the current thinking/experience on this issue?

Most of my shooting is range time/fun/sighting in - as well as hunting.


Any help would be appreciated as I am relatively new to the reloading scene.

Thanks
Ryan
 
Dillon 550B is a very good choice but if you are to change calibers back and forth alot, you may wanna start your research on Hornady L-N-L. New Hornady has ironed out all the kinks they had in the past.
 
Check out the RCBs and Redding Stuff get the basics to start add as you go.
If you don't like doing it you can always sell the stuff.
Most of the makes are really good and have good warranties if needed.
Good Luck Ken.
 
I would go with the Lee Anniversary kit. It has everything you need except dies & case length gauges. I like the Lee 3 die sets that include a crimp die & shell holder. If you find out that you don't really like reloading, you can always sell it here & get some of your money back. You can always upgrade to a better press when & if you want too. I have used the Lee press & dies for a few years now & haven't had any trouble with them. Everyone has their favorites, but Lee will be the least expensive to get started. Good luck reloading. Oh, & don't for get to get a reloading manual or two. Having two allows you to cross reference load for safety reasons. Always start with the minimum loads & work up slowly.
I don't have any experience with ingman brass but it should be o.k to start with. Just remember to use lube when full length sizing the cases.

George
 
Between the Anniversary and the Classic lee Loader.. what is the difference in the method? I am still trying to understand the comments re: the Classic pertaining to 'only sizes the case neck'.
 
Igman brass: I've used some with undersize flashholes, which will break your decapping pin. I remove with an undersize lee manual decapper, then drill out with flashhole tool. Some will require primer pocket deburring or swaging for a military style pp crimp. Some say necks are too hard, solved by annealing. All of this may not exist with your brass(hopefully igman improves), but all can be corrected with time.
 
Get the Lee anniversary kit!! Excellent starter package. I have had mine for 2 years now and not one problem (that wasn't my fault). You will enjoy handloading. The "good old Lee loader" is a little slower but fine if all your doing is a few rounds. But to do 20...40...or 100 its nice to sit at your reload bench and be comfortable and have everything you need right in front of you. One word of advice. The anniversary kit comes with the Lee reloading book. Read it! Lots of information for the beginner. Then when you get stuck or have a question there will be lots of gunnutz ready to assist you.
 
I'll throw my bid in for the Lee Anniversary kit as well. You buy that, and the only other things you will need is a caliper ($20-40), dies ($30+), and a trim length guage ($3). Pay the extra bucks to get the kit with the Lee Reloading manual, and you are all set to go.
If you just have the one 303, and want to neck size your cartridges (for extra case life), get the Deluxe die set, which has the neck sizing die. After you have fire formed the brass for that particular chamber, you will be able to reload very accurate rounds. If you have more than one 303Br (because they are addictive), you can segregate your brass for neck sizing in each rifle.

Lastly, don't be afraid to just jump in to the reloading scene. If space is a perceived limitation, you do not need a special room - it can be done on the kitchen table with a set of C Clamps holding the press down. All reloading equipment will fit into a large toolbox for storage. There are instructions on the die set, instructions in the manual etc - make sure you observe the safety stuff and methodically follow the directions. Once you cut your teeth on your first few bullets, you will be like others and wonder why it took you so long to make the leap!

Good Luck.
 
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