Reloading equipment advice needed

[kipper09]

Looking to get into loading/reloading ammo since I’ve acquired a couple calibers where ammo isn’t readily available. Honestly pretty ignorant on this topic so wanted some input on an equipment list with what I would need.

Would also like to have good idea on list of which brand/mode of each tool would be best. Trying to just get what I need and not have to redo it in 2 years. Sort of the buy once cry once method. Appreciate any input


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[gman82001]

Read in this thread there’s some very valuable info and will get you a good idea of what you actually need without buying a ton of crap you dont. I’ve reloaded for quite a few years now and based on that thread I managed a sub moa load in my 7mag this fall faster than I’ve ever been able too with way less wasted time and components.

Painless load development (mine)

I have had multiple people ask me to lay out how I do load development being that what I do is different. Since Shaen @Shooter71 just rebarreled a Tikka 595 in 6XC I thought it would be easy to show how I do it. It’s a Master Sporter with a T3 lite profiled 20” barrel- keep in mind it is a T3...

rokslide.com

 

[sndmn11]

What's total budget, and what cartridges?

-Any single stage press that fits what you want to spend.

-scale and trickler of whatever brand you like
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1021876610?pid=671023
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1024207880?pid=657660
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019601974?pid=685263

-i have grown to greatly appreciate an easily adjustable and predictable seating die that is universal. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1022385148?pid=982380

-digital calipers https://www.midwayusa.com/calipers-and-micrometers/br?cid=8866&sortBy=5

-Measurement tools https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012743827?pid=479704
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101273351?pid=231904

-priming tool https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1016958988?pid=582486

-Shellholders (depending on what press you choose, some don't need them and the above priming tool comes with them) https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1011101416?pid=860601

-Lots of methods for trimming, I use this because it was $100 when I got it
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012719754?pid=628405

-case cleaner thing (and the media)
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1064158440?pid=158440

-2-5 reloading trays https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019276755?pid=268238

-Lube https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012758025?pid=758495

-The advantage to the above universal seating die is that you don't have to buy a seating die for every cartridge, and theoretically can save money buying just the sizing die(s).

Forster Bench Rest 6.5 Creedmoor Full Length Sizing Die

The Forster Bench Rest Full Length Sizer Die offers maximum flexibility. It will return brass to factory new specifications. But, if you're loading for...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[kipper09]

What's total budget, and what cartridges?

-Any single stage press that fits what you want to spend.

-scale and trickler of whatever brand you like
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1021876610?pid=671023
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1024207880?pid=657660
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019601974?pid=685263

-i have grown to greatly appreciate an easily adjustable and predictable seating die that is universal. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1022385148?pid=982380

-digital calipers https://www.midwayusa.com/calipers-and-micrometers/br?cid=8866&sortBy=5

-Measurement tools https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012743827?pid=479704
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101273351?pid=231904

-priming tool https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1016958988?pid=582486

-Shellholders (depending on what press you choose, some don't need them and the above priming tool comes with them) https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1011101416?pid=860601

-Lots of methods for trimming, I use this because it was $100 when I got it
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012719754?pid=628405

-case cleaner thing (and the media)
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1064158440?pid=158440

-2-5 reloading trays https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019276755?pid=268238

-Lube https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012758025?pid=758495

-The advantage to the above universal seating die is that you don't have to buy a seating die for every cartridge, and theoretically can save money buying just the sizing die(s).

Forster Bench Rest 6.5 Creedmoor Full Length Sizing Die

The Forster Bench Rest Full Length Sizer Die offers maximum flexibility. It will return brass to factory new specifications. But, if you're loading for...

www.midwayusa.com

The two calibers I acquired are 280ai and 7saum

But also will load for
22-250
6.5cm
6.5 PRC
7-08
270 win
30-06
28 nosler
300wm

Budget I’m honestly not even sure what this should cost. Like to keep it reasonable as I can. But also the main point was to try to just get the good basic components I need and get the good quality tools for the job and not have to do it two or three times.

Appreciate your post. Very detailed and I thank you for that. I’m not going to be mass loading. Just for myself and the kids and honestly it won’t be a ton I’m sure.


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[sndmn11]

The two calibers I acquired are 280ai and 7saum

But also will load for
22-250
6.5cm
6.5 PRC
7-08
270 win
30-06
28 nosler
300wm

Budget I’m honestly not even sure what this should cost. Like to keep it reasonable as I can. But also the main point was to try to just get the good basic components I need and get the good quality tools for the job and not have to do it two or three times.

Appreciate your post. Very detailed and I thank you for that. I’m not going to be mass loading. Just for myself and the kids and honestly it won’t be a ton I’m sure.


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I'd look at bullets you want to shoot from each, then go through Hodgon's reloading data to find powder overlap. With all those cartridges, you could probably be done with two powders: staball 6.5/h4350 and staball hd/h1000.

The first place to save money from what I posted, probably the only place, is the electronic trickler/scale.

 

[Dos XX]

I am a huge fan of the Redding Big Boss II press. I have 2 of them.

 

[InkedElkSlayer]

Looking to get into loading/reloading ammo since I’ve acquired a couple calibers where ammo isn’t readily available. Honestly pretty ignorant on this topic so wanted some input on an equipment list with what I would need.

Would also like to have good idea on list of which brand/mode of each tool would be best. Trying to just get what I need and not have to redo it in 2 years. Sort of the buy once cry once method. Appreciate any input


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You’ve received a LOT of good info to research and digest, I’ll try not to repeat. Here are some of my opinions.

Along the lines of “Buy once…” as you said. I switched to the RCBS Chargemaster electronic powder thrower and scale around 15yrs ago. It’s spendy. You don’t “need” it. But every time I reload, especially when I switch from 1 rifle to the next, I am very glad I have it. To me, it is worth the $.
I have Forester brass trimers. If I was starting out now, I’d spend the extra $ on a Sinclair, etc. trimmer with a micrometer adjustment.
Absolutely, under NO circumstances, justify getting into reloading to save $. You won’t. I guarantee you. But… it’s worth it.
I agree with sndmn11 that you can probably get away with a few different powders. There are some powders that are synonymous with your calibers (H1000, H4350, Varget). Also… H4831 is not the newest, most hyped powder out there, but it’s very versatile. My dad has shot it in everything from 243, 270, 06, 7mm, 300WM since the early 70s.
Your actual hardware components are 1 thing, where you will bleed yourself dry is if you’re switching up brass/bullets/primers/powder year after year. If you know you’re ultimately going to shoot a specific bullet, etc., then hold out until you can get them. Then stock up.
Last thing. Reloaders are hoarders, traders, bullshitters, and they like to help other people get into reloading. You will be able to get components from Rokslide, guys you already know, etc. Reach out and guys will help you.
Good luck

 

[rayporter]

in the mean time buy at least 2 manuals and read them. this will begin to give you an idea of what and why of some of the tools.

 

[Lawnboi]

What’s your budget and how much do you shoot?

That would determine to me if it’s even worth it. With the quality of factory ammo out there now, it takes good stuff to make similar or better quality. I know many will disagree but budget items either do a crap job, wear out fast, or waste a lot of your time.

 

[kipper09]

What’s your budget and how much do you shoot?

That would determine to me if it’s even worth it. With the quality of factory ammo out there now, it takes good stuff to make similar or better quality. I know many will disagree but budget items either do a crap job, wear out fast, or waste a lot of your time.

Honestly I don’t shoot a lot at all. I would be surprised if I shot over 100 rifle rounds a year. Honestly closer to 50. Rimfire I’ll shoot alot more with the kids but just buy that ammo.


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[Lawnboi]

Honestly I don’t shoot a lot at all. I would be surprised if I shot over 100 rifle rounds a year. Honestly closer to 50. Rimfire I’ll shoot alot more with the kids but just buy that ammo.


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For that volume I would recommend buying from a maker like unknown munitions if Hornady and Berger don’t make it. Reloading is definitely not worth it for a few hundred rounds a year. You will get better made ammo and be money ahead going with something like above.

Unless you want a hobby, and to shoot a lot more.

 

[Slugz]

For that volume I would recommend buying from a maker like unknown munitions if Hornady and Berger don’t make it. Reloading is definitely not worth it for a few hundred rounds a year. You will get better made ammo and be money ahead going with something like above.

Unless you want a hobby, and to shoot a lot more.

What he said.

 

[Doc Holliday]

I disagree with the comments about having to shoot a requisite amount to justify getting into rolling your own. The very process of working up loads and then getting the results of that process necessitate shooting.

I shoot significantly more now than before I got into reloading, as I am constantly experimenting with new load formulas, new rifle/scope combos, etc. I have no doubt the OP will too.

 

[Doc Holliday]

As for what to buy, this will get you going:

Primer: https://www.rcbs.com/priming-and-powder-charging/bench-mounted/automatic-priming-tool/16-9460.html

Single stage Press: https://www.rcbs.com/presses/single-stage/rock-chucker-supreme-press/16-9356.html

Case lube: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101274264?pid=263132

Powder Dispenser: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1024207880?pid=657660

Reloading Tray (x2): https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1016994121?pid=254150

Case Prep Center (trimming, chamfering, deburring, cleaning primer pockets): https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012913995?pid=135727

Die Set for each caliber you want to load for: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1011278027?pid=194495

Brass Tumbler: https://www.amazon.com/Lyman-Cleaning-Tumbler-Corncob-Media/dp/B00D7YU3K8/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3DP2TAB8KOQHH&keywords=lyman+1200&qid=1672080335&sprefix=lyman+1200,aps,162&sr=8-5

Shell Holders (example): https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1011904075?pid=583303

Powder funnel: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019622665?pid=875852

Hornady Lock N Load OAL gauge: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012747079?pid=570611

Lock N Load inserts: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012738158?pid=348740

Modified case for each caliber: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012753414?pid=387209

Digital Caliper: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1018112097?pid=297498

Workbench: https://www.globalindustrial.com/p/72-x-36-maple-square-edge-work-bench-adjustable-height-1-3-4-top

Riser: https://www.globalindustrial.com/p/72-w-power-riser

Reloading manual (Nosler, Barnes, Hornady, Sierra, Swift, etc.). Here is a Nosler: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1022995924?pid=332588

Youtube is a great resource for any of the steps, including getting your dies set up in your press. Of course you know you can reach out to me anytime too. I'm no authority, but I can at least tell you how I do it.

 

[Gila]

With all of those calibers, I would get a turret press or a press that you can snap dies in and out of the press without adjusting or screwing each die in and out. There are various brands of presses that you can replace the sleeve with a Lee Breech Lock sleeve to do that. Locking rings help in that you don’t have to adjust the die, but still need to screw them in and out. I opted for a Lee Classic Turret press. I can change turrets without tools, just twist and lift. The turrets cost $10 each. I have a turret for each caliber.

Case prep is 90% of the effort. I use a Lee universal de-capping die and de-cap everything at once. I don’t have very many cases to do so I use hand tools. You will want to re-work the case necks. Eventually trim the cases. And of course cleaning out the primer pockets and de-burr the flash holes (once). I anneal the cases by hand using a drill. Some don’t anneal but I will try to get as many firings as I can out of the brass I have. After the case prep is done, the next step is to resize the case (Imperial sizing wax is a good thing). After an hour or two in a cheap corn cob tumbler, the cases are done.

MidSouth has one good deals once in a while: https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/dept/reloading