reloading, do you need to/it?

lightmag

lightmag

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hello, new to reloading and I'm just getting setup to load. Questions,

how important is a case tumbler?? do i need it?

I have a case trimmer, press, scale, dies, primer pocket cleaner, primer press,

still need lube, de-burring tool

is there anything else i need right a way? bullet puller? how often do you use it and which one is recommended.

thanks
 
A tumbler is not a nessessity, but it sure make the brass look nice and shiney! I loaded for 15+ yrs before I got my first one.

I use an RCBS hammer type kinetic bullet puller. I don't make that many mistakes, but if you want to save your components if u F-up it is a nice thing to have. You can use your press to pull bullets (take out the die and grab the bullet with a pair of plyers then pull down) bu tthis usually destroys the bullet.

It seems like you have the majority of what you need to start, I would reccomend a reloading manual or 2 if possible...... I have 6 current eddition on my bench and a few older ones for reference around here somewhere.

Cheers!
 
thanks, so a tumbler is just for looks. I do have the hornady 3rd addition loading manual as well.

so lead, powder, lube, funnel and a loading tray and i'm in buisness, sweeeeettt!!!

thanks all.
 
Clean cases

Depending on what your reloading for and how heavy your loads are you may not need the tumbler. I find once brass starts to get dirty, you can start to have problems because it's harder to find splits or cracks in the brass. Some say you can also scratch your dies with dirty brass but unless your putting a case that was in the dirt in your die I don't see that happening. Most cases only have powder residue on them and powder residue will not scratch a die!

I would at least look for a used one if you don't want to shell out the money for a new one.

As for a bullet puller, you'll need one. Better to have and not need it than need it and not have it.

Derek
 
.. The Tumbler is VERY nice to have, just NOT an absolute necessity when staring out. Do keep your eyes open at used book stores and particularly at Gun Shows for OLD RELOADING MANUALS... They often have load Data and combinations not shown in the Current ones. Also, some of the Powder Manufacturers offer FREE Brochures containing Load Data. ( Order on-line, and you don't even have to pay Postage! ) ....David K
 
"...so a tumbler is just for looks..." No. It's for cleaning your brass. Brass needs the crud from firing to be removed. Doesn't have to be shiney. A tumbler makes it easier with less mess. There are liquid brass cleaners too. Mixed with water, brass soaked for a while, then onto a cookie sheet and into an oven set on its lowest temperature for 15 minutes or so to dry.
"...Hornady 3rd Edition..." Their latest is No. 7. Your's will do, but won't have the latest data and it'll only have data for Hornady bullets. Look into a Lyman book. It's far more versatile. Has more loads using more powders and bullet weights than any manufacturer's book.
 
I have been reloading almost 2 years now without a tumbler or bullet puller. I don't really care for shiny brass and I am very careful not to make mistakes when reloading. Not having a bullet puller has made me think alot harder about the loads Im trying, and double and even tripple check everything before I start. I have had 1 time where I loaded a few squibs but just tossed em out as they were 9mm so not worth worrying about. I will be looking to get a tumbler soon as I just started reloading rifle cases and its easier to clean lube off cases when prepping large batches.
 
Buy yourself a Vernier. Dial or a cheap digital one from Crappy Tire or Princess Auto.
A bullet puller is a must have, when it comes to testing ammo. You might find that are getting pressure signs on the lower end of a load, and you have 20 more round with even more powder on them. (unsafe to fire)You are not going to chuck out 20 loaded rounds when you could pull the bullets and use them again with a reduced load.

Then of course there will be times when you change bullets and find you forgot to reset your seating die and your bullets are .050" deeper than you want. If you haven't made any minor mistakes when reloading, you haven't reloaded enough.
 
Notsorichguy has summed it up nicely.

I reloaded for decades before getting a tumbler and am still getting used to having shiny brass. Until I got it, I used the sleeve off an old flannel shirt. Dumped the dirty brass in, soaked it in lighter fluid, grabbed both ends and shook! Clean in a few minutes - clean enough to reload without issues. (I also tried throwing the brass in with the laundry. It worked but Memsahib objected to her frillies getting torn and drying the stuff was a nuisance.)

Maynard's suggestion about a caliper is good. It's particularly important if you're using high-end loads or trying for match accuracy.

If you trim your cases, you will indeed need that deburring tool.

WRT lube, I'd tried a bunch of types to use with the pad, but they were all - to me - a flaming PITA. Somebody showed me Imperial Die Wax and I've used it ever since. It's like a small shoe polish can. Lightly touch your finger on the wax and roll the case between your fingers. Very little mess and no stuck cases.

Speaking of stuck cases, you will at some time need a stuck case remover. You will not need it until it's the evening before you leave for the big hunt; the store will be closed. So drop $6 now. Surprisingly cheap and, when the moment arrives, a Must Have.

A hammer bullet puller is worth having and they're pretty inexpensive. The trick is not to pound like you're driving 6" spikes. Swing fast, but let momentum do the work - ease up on the force before it hits the floor or table. Otherwise, they tend to break. (Ask me how I learned that last.)

I would get more than one reloading tray. They too are cheap and the extras come in handy.

Also - good lighting. No, that's not right. Good Lighting! Still not right... GOOD LIGHTING! Do a visual check inside each case after you've put the propellant in - double charges or no charges will show up instantly. Best bit of advice I was ever given.

Best of luck.
 
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