what equipment/parts are the need/must have's, to should have's to be nice to have's?

Mr. Friendly

Mr. Friendly

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what equipment/parts are the need/must have's, to should have's to be nice to have's for an affordable (not cheap) and efficient loading bench?

if we have to be caliber specific, let's take straight walled cartridges like the .30-30 & .45-70 and then tapered cartridges like the 7mm-08 and .270 Win.

if you want to be even more specific, the Lee Precision Classic Turret.

in making recommendations, feel free to mention make/model of the accessories/bits/pieces that you feel are needs, should have's and wants.

hopefully we can create a thread that's sticky worthy for all the newcomers who are as overwhelmed by the options and terms as I am! :)
 
ABC's of Reloading..it has step by step pictures for both rifle and pistol. Stuck case puller...for the $25 not to have things come to a dead stop

Clint
 
Dmay said:
Get a reloading manual and read it.
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that's the most helpful post in a while! I'll be getting the ABCs of Reloading and the Lee Reloading 2nd edition shortly.

if there are other publications that you think are good to have, please share.

also, this thread has two purposes. one to help me figure this out, I'm overwhelmed (especially by so many different types of dies) and to help the up and coming layperson who's also quite discombobulated by all the options.
 
Efficiency would be increased with an electronic powder dispenser like the rcbs chargemaster. Weighing charges can be tedious when doing big batches so this helps speed up the process. A good repeatable case trimmer is a must. I have the LE wilson lathe trimmer and its great. Not recommended for bulk trimming. A chronograph is a very useful reloading tool as well.
 
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I highly recommend the Lyman reloading manual and start reading from the first page. The Lyman manual will list a universal receiver with a pressure test barrel. The test barrel has a minimum SAAMI chamber and bore dimensions that will generate the highest chamber pressures. And when a specific firearm is listed a strain gauge is glued to the barrel for pressure readings. The majority of reloading manuals will list a specific firearms listed and use a strain gauge. This is why the reloading data varies between manuals due to the variations in firearms used in testing.

Your loads should start at the suggested start loads and working up and visually looking at each fired case. This will show you the effects of the increasing chamber pressure in your rifle.

I'm still using my RCBS Rockchucker press I bought in 1973 and highly recommend a single stage press for starters. Meaning slow and sure and checking each step of the reloading process.

Bottom line, keep it simple for starters and remember reloading is about making ammunition better than factory ammo and not how fast you can reload.
 
A person can often find nice reloading manuals at gun shows. The procedures haven't changed much over the years. There are more choices in equipment, powder, etc., so some reading is in order. I have a variety of equipment. My first setup was a Classic Lee Loader for 30-30. I bought a new Lyman Spar-T back in the 70's and used it for all my reloading. I now use a newer version of the Lyman turret. I have several Lee Pro 1000's and a couple of Lee Load-Alls, plus a couple other smaller Lee presses.

Reloading should be a pleasureful activity, at least in my humble opinion. That's what I'm doing right now, loading some mixed 30-30 brass with cast bullets for firing warning shots at a 100 yd. gong.
 
Mr. Friendly said:
yes, I am hoping to make it a thing to do with my SiL...me loading for mine and him loading for his, enjoying coffee n conversation. :)
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Careful with that plan.... distractions while reloading can be a bad thing. Did I charge that case or not? are those cases checked for length?......etc, etc, etc....
There are many steps along the way to a reloaded cartridge, and all of them require substantial attention to detail.
 
OldDude said:
Careful with that plan.... distractions while reloading can be a bad thing. Did I charge that case or not? are those cases checked for length?......etc, etc, etc....
There are many steps along the way to a reloaded cartridge, and all of them require substantial attention to detail.
Click to expand...
indeed, due process would be taken, but some of the tasks are mindless, like de-priming and such, which could be done leisurely. :)
 
the Lyman is on my list now too. probably should just get the recent revision/edition of everyone and read it...no doubt there's going to be perspectives and thoughts that others don't have/share. :)
 
Perhaps nice to have, but not necessary: powder trickler.

You already have 2 of these, built in: thumb and forefinger.
 
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