Some advice please

M

mistahmojoryan

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I'm ready to order my first reloading kit for 300 Win Mag. I rec'd some help from CGN members a few months ago (thanks!) and I've chosen:

Lee Anniversary Kit (w/ manual)
Lee Deluxe dies with crimper
Winchester primers
Lyman Dial Calipers
Hornady 180gr BTSP IL's or Ballistic Tips or...
A couple extra manuals

I'm planning to load about 200-300 rds/year so I figure this will be a decent setup and I have lots of brass on hand.

Questions: Would a Lee case length guage be useful since it has a trimmer or should I not bother? Also, for 300 Win Mag, should I try Reloder 22 or IMR 4350 or 4381? :confused:

Thanks for your advice and if something is missing from my current list or you think something should be different, feel free to let me know. Thanks! :)
 
I ain't bitin' on this one...I always recommend RCBS Rockchucker Kit...newbees go out and buy Lee....then you read about Lee stuff bustin'....well I'm fedup....go buy what you want....but I'm not responsible...I've washed my hands of it...I'm not fallin' for it...........RL-22 in .300 though.
 
Every one has their favorite manufacturer in reloading equipment. The lee trimmer on the end of a cordless drill is a simple low volume solution. The lee factory crimp was also one of their better ideas. Lee brass lube really sucks. I suggest a good quality caliper is a must for accurate measurements. Make a few dummy rounds first and check out their chambering fit. Get a good quality kinetic hammer or a bullet puller. Follow the http://www.saami.org/ information and duplicate only known recipes, double check your powder loads, keeps records, give due diligence to all the details and have fun.
Driller
 
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ben hunchak said:
I ain't bitin' on this one...I always recommend RCBS Rockchucker Kit...newbees go out and buy Lee....then you read about Lee stuff bustin'....well I'm fedup....go buy what you want....but I'm not responsible...I've washed my hands of it...I'm not fallin' for it...........RL-22 in .300 though.
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Hmmm, sounds like you fell for it hook, line and sinker. :p Seriously, I've never heard anything about Lee stuff breaking. I was set on the Rockchucker a few months back but since I never heard anything bad about Lee I decided to save a few bucks. :confused:

Thanks for the advice everyone.
 
As already mentioned, any of the powders you mentioned will work in a 300 WM. I agree with Ben Hunchak, I'd probably start with RL 22 and see what kind of results you get.

Just a comment about your bullet selection (just my opinion, others may disagree).... I would use the Hornady BTSP and the Nosler Ballistic Tips for practice / target shooting, but I would switch to a TSX, Nosler Partition, or a bonded bullet for hunting. From what I've seen the Ballistic Tips tend to act like varmint bullets on game when shot at high velocity.
 
As a fellow Saskatchewanian I wouldn't steer you wrong....I just bought a set of Lee Dies in .250 Sav.(all Wholesale had) and they are problematic, I won't use their Bullet moulds unless I have too(they don't stand up), I'm in the business and stuff sees hard use, been using my Rockchucker and A-2 presses since the early 60s to size bullets and cases and they just keep going!
 
I think that you did just fine. Newbies do go out and buy Lee because of price, and some are very happy. I bought my Lee press back in the early 80's and it has done well by me. And yes, you should go out and buy a case length gauge. I would suggest though that after you decide on what powder to use (I can't suggest one here as I don't shoot a .300) - try different a different brand of primers (CCI, Remington, Feferal), you may be able to further tighten up your groups. Good shooting.
 
I've had some seriously crappy experiences trying to get my hands on the factory ammo I'm interested in this year so I've never been more motivated to load my own cartridges. It'll be a major relief to have more control over bullet selection and performance. I think the choice and quality of factory ammo is great but in general it's still a compromise.

Since I'm not big on compromises so I'll put the Rockchucker back on the list. I won't be shooting any reloads until spring but I want to get the equipment now and start reading manuals at least.

Scott, the Hornady's and BT's were only intended for practice and to get started. I think a great all-around load would be 165gr TSX's in the 300WM. Next year, if I'm still using my 300WM, that's what I'll be hunting with. :dancingbanana:
 
you'll definately need the trimmer- rifle cases DO stretch and espically in the magnum calibers- the lee is a good deal for the money, and already set up for factory length -sure you can go more expensive route with a stand alone trimmer, but it's not necessary- i've found the lyman stuff tends to be overpriced- try getting your calipers and other items from someplace OTHER than a "sporting goods" store and you may save a few bucks- and get at least the same or better quality-
 
mistahmojoryan said:
Scott, the Hornady's and BT's were only intended for practice and to get started. I think a great all-around load would be 165gr TSX's in the 300WM. Next year, if I'm still using my 300WM, that's what I'll be hunting with. :dancingbanana:
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I think you'll be happy with the TSXs on game. For the last couple of seasons I've used 130 gr TSX in my 270 WSM and my buddy in his 270 Win. I'm a convert! These bullets shoot great, kill game with authority, and don't seem to damage a lot of meat. That being said, it's pretty tough to beat the accuracy of the Ballistic Tips out of most rifles.
 
mistahmojoryan said:
I've had some seriously crappy experiences trying to get my hands on the factory ammo I'm interested in this year so I've never been more motivated to load my own cartridges. It'll be a major relief to have more control over bullet selection and performance. I think the choice and quality of factory ammo is great but in general it's still a compromise.

Since I'm not big on compromises so I'll put the Rockchucker back on the list. I won't be shooting any reloads until spring but I want to get the equipment now and start reading manuals at least.

Scott, the Hornady's and BT's were only intended for practice and to get started. I think a great all-around load would be 165gr TSX's in the 300WM. Next year, if I'm still using my 300WM, that's what I'll be hunting with. :dancingbanana:
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The Classic Cast is every bit as solid as the rockchucker and is $60 cheaper($100 from Higginsons). You really won't need to upgrade from the challenger though.....it should serve you fine.
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