If you were to start reloading today?

[schmidty3]

Ive had a a&d fx120 scale for a year. Just got the autotrickler for xmas.

So far seems like an elite combo. Expensive but awesome.

I got a SAC die for prc's. 6.5 and 25. I dont like how they sell it. Its annoying and hard to figure out what to buy, and then it just costs way too much. But if you are sizing into something weird (like a 25 prc), then its pretty slick. I may end up with a creedmoor one as well.

Dont forget an annealer! I got an annealeze. Its basic and not too expensive but works pretty decently.

 

[crowlja]

Two places I'd spend the extra money is an automatic powder dispenser, case trimmer and prep station. I read above that someone stated that he charges powder faster than the ribs chatge master...but not me. I personally feel like it save me time as I can set the charge master, seat a bullet and measure then go to the next one is it all taking 3 steps...and I let the ribs get infront of me 15-20 rds anyways.

I just got a case prep center and automatic trimmer recently and that I feel like saved me day's! I tend to reload at night after the wife and kids go to bed, so 10 to midnight. And case prep would take almost a full week! With the new setup, I did all my sizing Saturday night, I trimmed and prepped brass Sunday night and even had time to prime 100 cases. Tonight I primed another 100 cases and charged and seated 100 rounds. Now I just need to charge and see 100 rds tomorrow night and I'll have the 200 308 rounds done
Case prep alone use to take a week or so alone! Lol.

I haven't used the hornday presses, picked up an RCBS ages ago and haven't seen a need to change. I do prefer reading dies bust also have rcbs and hornday. Really...for me is saving time. Again with the short windows of time I have. I am often fighting between working out, reloading, or sleep...can't do all 3 lol.

 

[tstowater]

I'm going to take a different approach than most. Based on what you intend to load and the likelihood that your time is valuable, then I would recommend a single stage and a progressive. Single stage is personal preference. I have three or four Rockchuckers. The RC IV is really nice. I would also recommend looking at a Dillon 550 for volume loading. If you are going to load any amount of 9mm or 223, the progressive is going to keep you from hating yourself. Save the single stage for load development and loading hunting/precision loads. Case prep is the other nightmare of the process and I will defer to others as to what to do as I vary depending on the cartridge.

 

[flyfisher117]

Thanks for the input everyone. A case prep station was something I also have on my short list.

Will a rockchucker or redding be noticeably better than the hornady press? Only reason I keep looking at the hornady is the brass/bullet rebate that would almost pay for the press or kit.

Does anyone have any experience with the Frankford Arsenal M press that looks similar to the co-ax?

I learned to load on dad’s old rock chucker. I bought a LNL classic when I moved out since it came with the free bullets. I can’t tell a difference in ammo quality. I do want to upgrade now, just can’t justify it.

I use whatever dies I get the best deal on. I’m partial to the basic Hornady dies.

Your scale set up is IMHO the one area worth spending a little money. I learned on dad’s old Ohas beam scale. Worked great. I bought a new model RCBS scale and it was hot garbage. So I bought an RCBS charge master lite. Been using it for a while now and I am pleased. Your scale is one of the tools with the biggest impact on ammo quality/consistency.

I enjoy the flashy accessories, like my Area 419 funnel kit, but it’s not worth spending money on right out of the gate. The basic $3 plastic funnels work well enough.