reloading newb check list

[huntsd]

I've decided to take the plunge! Here is the list of items i've come up with. Please chime in to let me know if I am missing anything or if anything is overkill. I will load for a 6.5 CM and 300wm. Lastly, I assume buy everything individually rather than a set as sets look like they have some unnecessary items. Thanks!

Press – I am leaning towards single stage. Turret seems overkill

Dies – 1 per caliber

Shell holder – 1 per caliber

Scale – Do I need with an electronic powder dispenser?

Powder Dispenser – Ecteronic

Calipers

Priming tool – (if not on press)

Chamfer/deburring tool

Flash hole deburring tool

Case trimmer

Annealer – Really not sure if I need this??

Lube/cleaning

Other – Primers/bullets/powder

 

[mountainman406]

Brass tumbler

 

[cjcavinaw]

I would say that although not a necessity but you would most likely want a comparator set for your calipers. Both a headspace comparator and bullet comparator so you can consistently measure shoulder bump and seating depth.

Sent from my SM-S911U using Tapatalk

 

[Billogna]

Mechanical scales still come in handy! They are a great way to cross check your digital scale for accuracy.

Edit for grammar

 

[ResearchinStuff]

you need 2 dies, or 1 die set, per cartridge. You do not need a flash hole deburring tool, just buy good brass. likewise, you don't need an annealer, or a tumbler.

 

[Couescrazy33]

Thread 'Painless load development (mine)' https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/painless-load-development-mine.238400/

Take a read through this.

 

[AZ_Hunter]

I have been loading for over 20 years and have helped numerous friends get set up. Get this list and it will make life so much easier and make reloading more fun.

Redding T7: you can have multiple calibers set up without needing to change dies around. Later you can get multiple turrets full of dies, and change turrets as needed. Run it like single stage, not progressive. Get the priming system, set that up for one size (small or large)

Hand primer - any company. Set that one up for whatever size you didn’t put on the Redding

Lyman Case Prep Station - easy button. Doing all the case prep with hand tools is bullshit

Worlds Finest Trimmer - caliber specific and uses any hand drill. Makes life easy. Trimming by hand is bullshit

Electronic Powder dispenser: I use RCBS Chargemaster, but really any of the competitors will work fine. As simple as using a microwave. Fast and easy. Weighing out each charge on a beam scale is bullshit and powder throwers are a pain if you are switching loads/charges frequently

Franklin Aresenal FART or other wet tumbler. Vibratory tumblers work, but are toxic and messy. Ultrasonic sucks, skip that.

Hornady Case Dehydrator (or Harbor freight version). You can get by without it, but it works better than an oven, makes life easy.

That’s it. Then just dies, case lube and components.

I know this list will cost more than the most basic “kits”, but I’ve seen those kits turn people off and collect dust… or those that still want to load, end up buying all the stuff above anyway. It’s better to just start there and have fun.

 

[huntsd]

I have been loading for over 20 years and have helped numerous friends get set up. Get this list and it will make life so much easier and make reloading more fun.

Redding T7: you can have multiple calibers set up without needing to change dies around. Later you can get multiple turrets full of dies, and change turrets as needed. Run it like single stage, not progressive. Get the priming system, set that up for one size (small or large)

Hand primer - any company. Set that one up for whatever size you didn’t put on the Redding

Lyman Case Prep Station - easy button. Doing all the case prep with hand tools is bullshit

Worlds Finest Trimmer - caliber specific and uses any hand drill. Makes life easy. Trimming by hand is bullshit

Electronic Powder dispenser: I use RCBS Chargemaster, but really any of the competitors will work fine. As simple as using a microwave. Fast and easy. Weighing out each charge on a beam scale is bullshit and powder throwers are a pain if you are switching loads/charges frequently

Franklin Aresenal FART or other wet tumbler. Vibratory tumblers work, but are toxic and messy. Ultrasonic sucks, skip that.

Hornady Case Dehydrator (or Harbor freight version). You can get by without it, but it works better than an oven, makes life easy.

That’s it. Then just dies, case lube and components.

I know this list will cost more than the most basic “kits”, but I’ve seen those kits turn people off and collect dust… or those that still want to load, end up buying all the stuff above anyway. It’s better to just start there and have fun.

Thank you for the detailed response. Would you recommend a turret for a guy who doesn't load and shoot a ton? I can't see myself ever loading more than 40-50 rounds for a range day

 

[ThorM465]

What I Own	$ 2,287.48
Press	Cost*
Forster Co-AX	$ 376.99
Powder Measure / scale
RCBS Chargemaster Supreme	$ 429.99
Backup Powder Measure and Scale (EMP Proof)
Redding Match Grade 3BR Powder Measure	$ 198.54
Redding Model 2 Master Powder Scale	$ 107.09
Powder Funnel
Satern Custom Powder Funnel	$ 13.00
RCBS Powder Funnel 22 to 45 Caliber	$ 5.24
Primer Remover
Harvey Deprimer	$ 69.95
Case Prep
Hornady Deluxe 4-Blade Chamfer Deburr Tool	$ 20.80
Hornady 6-Blade Inside Chamfer	$ 14.38
Hornady 4-Blade Outside Deburr	$ 14.38
Redding Case Prep Kit	$ 33.14
Priming Tool
RCBS 90200 Hand Priming Tool	$ 49.99
Bullet Puller
Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller	$ 33.45
Caliber Specific Collet	$ 12.62
Trimming Tool
Little Crow Gunworks Worlds Finest Trimmer Caliber Specific	$ 72.95
Measuring Tools
Mitutoyo 500-752-10 Digital Calipers (Price when I bought them years ago)	$ 115.00
Forster Datum Dial Ammunition Measurement System Complete Kit	$ 119.99
Reloading Tray
RCBS Universal Reloading Tray	$ 10.99

 

[ThorM465]

Phase I - what you need to get started
Economical Recommendation	$ 698.40	Actual Recommendation	$ 1,111.24	Buy 1 Cry 1 Recommendation	$ 1,214.91
Press	Cost*	Press	Cost*	Press	Cost*
Redding Big Boss II	$ 233.99	Redding T7 Turret Requires less exp to setup than the Co-Ax	$ 359.99	Redding T7 Turret Requires less exp to setup than the Co-Ax	$ 359.99
Powder Measure / scale		Powder Measure / scale		Powder Measure / scale
RCBS Chargemaster Lite	$ 249.99	Hornady Auto Charge Pro	$ 339.99	RCBS Chargemaster Supreme	$ 429.99
Powder Funnel		Powder Funnel		Powder Funnel
Satern Custom Powder Funnel	$ 13.00	Satern Custom Powder Funnel	$ 13.00	Satern Custom Powder Funnel	$ 13.00
RCBS Powder Funnel 22 to 45 Caliber	$ 5.24	RCBS Powder Funnel 22 to 45 Caliber	$ 5.24	RCBS Powder Funnel 22 to 45 Caliber	$ 5.24
Case Prep		Case Prep		Case Prep
Hornady Deluxe 4-Blade Chamfer Deburr Tool	$ 20.80	Hornady Deluxe 4-Blade Chamfer Deburr Tool	$ 20.80	Hornady Deluxe 4-Blade Chamfer Deburr Tool	$ 20.80
Redding Case Prep Kit	$ 33.14	Hornady 6-Blade Inside Chamfer	$ 14.38	Hornady 6-Blade Inside Chamfer	$ 14.38
		Hornady 4-Blade Outside Deburr	$ 14.38	Hornady 4-Blade Outside Deburr	$ 14.38
Priming Tool		Redding Case Prep Kit	$ 33.14	Redding Case Prep Kit	$ 33.14
RCBS 90200 Hand Priming Tool	$ 49.99
		Priming Tool		Priming Tool
Measuring Tools		Hornady Hand Held Priming Tool	$ 60.35	Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Perfect Seat Hand Primer Seating Tool	$ 74.02
Hornady Digital Caliper	$ 50.46
L.E. Wilson Cartridge Case Gage per caliber	$ 30.80	Measuring Tools		Measuring Tools
		Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Absolute Scale Digital Caliper	118.99​	Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Absolute Scale Digital Caliper	118.99​
Reloading Tray (Most options will work just fine)		Forster Datum Dial Ammunition Measurement System Complete Kit	$ 119.99	Forster Datum Dial Ammunition Measurement System Complete Kit	$ 119.99
RCBS Universal Reloading Tray	10.99​
		Reloading Tray		Reloading Tray
		RCBS Universal Reloading Tray	10.99​	RCBS Universal Reloading Tray	10.99​

 

[ThorM465]

Phase II - What you will need sooner than later
Recommendations	$ 1,333.01
Bullet Puller	Cost*
Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller	$ 33.45
Caliber Specific Collet	$ 12.62
Trimming Tool
Little Crow Gunworks Worlds Finest Trimmer Caliber Specific	$ 72.95
Primer Pocket Swager (If Reloading Military 5.56/.308 Brass)
Swage it (If you have a Dillon progressive press)
Dillon Super Swage 600
Chronograph Garmin or Labradar

 

[huntsd]

Phase I - what you need to get started
Economical Recommendation	$ 698.40	Actual Recommendation	$ 1,111.24	Buy 1 Cry 1 Recommendation	$ 1,214.91
Press	Cost*	Press	Cost*	Press	Cost*
Redding Big Boss II	$ 233.99	Redding T7 Turret Requires less exp to setup than the Co-Ax	$ 359.99	Redding T7 Turret Requires less exp to setup than the Co-Ax	$ 359.99
Powder Measure / scale		Powder Measure / scale		Powder Measure / scale
RCBS Chargemaster Lite	$ 249.99	Hornady Auto Charge Pro	$ 339.99	RCBS Chargemaster Supreme	$ 429.99
Powder Funnel		Powder Funnel		Powder Funnel
Satern Custom Powder Funnel	$ 13.00	Satern Custom Powder Funnel	$ 13.00	Satern Custom Powder Funnel	$ 13.00
RCBS Powder Funnel 22 to 45 Caliber	$ 5.24	RCBS Powder Funnel 22 to 45 Caliber	$ 5.24	RCBS Powder Funnel 22 to 45 Caliber	$ 5.24
Case Prep		Case Prep		Case Prep
Hornady Deluxe 4-Blade Chamfer Deburr Tool	$ 20.80	Hornady Deluxe 4-Blade Chamfer Deburr Tool	$ 20.80	Hornady Deluxe 4-Blade Chamfer Deburr Tool	$ 20.80
Redding Case Prep Kit	$ 33.14	Hornady 6-Blade Inside Chamfer	$ 14.38	Hornady 6-Blade Inside Chamfer	$ 14.38
		Hornady 4-Blade Outside Deburr	$ 14.38	Hornady 4-Blade Outside Deburr	$ 14.38
Priming Tool		Redding Case Prep Kit	$ 33.14	Redding Case Prep Kit	$ 33.14
RCBS 90200 Hand Priming Tool	$ 49.99
		Priming Tool		Priming Tool
Measuring Tools		Hornady Hand Held Priming Tool	$ 60.35	Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Perfect Seat Hand Primer Seating Tool	$ 74.02
Hornady Digital Caliper	$ 50.46
L.E. Wilson Cartridge Case Gage per caliber	$ 30.80	Measuring Tools		Measuring Tools
		Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Absolute Scale Digital Caliper	118.99​	Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Absolute Scale Digital Caliper	118.99​
Reloading Tray (Most options will work just fine)		Forster Datum Dial Ammunition Measurement System Complete Kit	$ 119.99	Forster Datum Dial Ammunition Measurement System Complete Kit	$ 119.99
RCBS Universal Reloading Tray	10.99​
		Reloading Tray		Reloading Tray
		RCBS Universal Reloading Tray	10.99​	RCBS Universal Reloading Tray	10.99​

Thank you!

 

[ThorM465]

Phase III - Quality of Life Upgrades
Recommendations	$ 631.90
Primer Remover	Cost*
Harvey Deprimer (I like to deprime and clean my brass before I run it through the resize die)	$ 69.95
Press Upgrades
Inline Fabrications
Primer Tube Filler (either/or)
DAA Primer-Pro, DAA Pickup Tubes and Magnetic Collars	$ 81.95
RF100 Auto Primer Filler	$ 480.00

 

[ThorM465]

Sorry about the multiple posts, it was the easiest way to post it from an excel file where I had this. The prices are based on midsouth, creedmore sports, and amazon from a few years ago.

Phase IV - Brass Cleaning
Recommendation
Sonic Cleaner / Tumbler	Cost*
Rotary Case & Media Seperator

Phase V - Progressive Presses
Recommendation
Progressive Press	Cost*
Dillon XL750	$$$
Accessories
Lots of Stuff	$$$

 

[AZ_Hunter]

Thank you for the detailed response. Would you recommend a turret for a guy who doesn't load and shoot a ton? I can't see myself ever loading more than 40-50 rounds for a range day

Yes. Once you start loading for one caliber, you’ll load for another. With the T7, like I mentioned you can have multiple caliber die sets set up. I loaded today in between work stuff. On that turret:
30-06 sizing die, seating die and FCD crimp die
6.8 sizing die, seating die, FCD crimp
Lee universal deprime die

With the Chargemaster, powder comes out: BEEEP. Load case with powder, put pan back on dispenser, powder automatically fills pan again. While that is happening I put the case in the press, seat bullet, rotate turret, crimp.. and the pan is now charged, so process is repeated. It’s fast and brainless.

 

[TaperPin]

You’ll also want to brush the inside of the neck with a tiny amount of lube. Don’t forget about a funnel - use a cheap plastic one that fits all calibers, but later you’ll upgrade to caliber specific aluminum. Some like to use the cheap plastic trays for brass, but I like heavy milled aluminum sized specifically for the cartridge - they just hold the brass better as your filling with powder. Also, a powder trickler is used every time, unless you get fancy with an automatic scale. I like the heavy cast iron Redding trickler, rather than the ultra light aluminum or plastic ones.

I also have a small candle and lighter to smoke a bullet and adjust seating depth to just touch the lands - slower than a fancy comparerator, but less likely to have error.

A must have to help judge pressure, is a 0” to 1” micrometer that reads to .0001” - case heads expand each time we shoot and simply measuring the amount of expansion is another clue when you’re getting higher pressure.

A log book to record everything loaded - and colored sharpies to write on brass, or label them for different uses (black bullets are my code for a fouling shot not to be hunted with - red on the case head means the case should be tossed after the shot). Some people use a different colors for different loads, and the colors show up on target on the edges of the bullet hole.

Some 0000 steel wool cleans sharpie marks from cases.

 

[huntsd]

Yes. Once you start loading for one caliber, you’ll load for another. With the T7, like I mentioned you can have multiple caliber die sets set up. I loaded today in between work stuff. On that turret:
30-06 sizing die, seating die and FCD crimp die
6.8 sizing die, seating die, FCD crimp
Lee universal deprime die

With the Chargemaster, powder comes out: BEEEP. Load case with powder, put pan back on dispenser, powder automatically fills pan again. While that is happening I put the case in the press, seat bullet, rotate turret, crimp.. and the pan is now charged, so process is repeated. It’s fast and brainless.

will the co-ax not allow me to switch calibers? I assume I just have to switch dies?

 

[ThorM465]

will the co-ax not allow me to switch calibers? I assume I just have to switch dies?

Yes, that's mostly correct. You may have to switch out jaws.