Want to start reloading

[optimusprime]

Hey all. I want to start reloading my own ammo. I’m gonna be doing 7mm rem mag and 300 wsm. What re-loaders do y’all use and what do y’all recommend? I’ve seen several brands out there but I’d like to get your opinions on where to start and what to get. Thanks I’m advance!


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[nhyrum]

A few things you'll need, of the top of my head.

A press - I recommend a single stage "O" frame press. Many manufacturers make them, Lee, Lyman, mec, rcbs, etc. I personally stay away from anything rcbs made in the last 20 or so years. But really any of them will serve you well.

A good scale. Don't fall for any of the digital ones(I could rant and rave as to why, but I'll spare you the dissertation) mainly because most of them use strain gauges, which are prone to drifting, manufacturers and programmers know this, so if you trickle too slowly, it can get written off as drift. Lots of people use them anyway, but having a bit of experience in analytical chemistry and using very sensitive scales, and with my hands and face being on the line, I'll pass I recommend the rcbs/ohaus 505.

A powder throw that's "infinitely" adjustable and a trickler. Scoops and measures like the Lee auto disk are ok, but I like to load by mass, not just volume and call it a day(although really, just about every measure is volumetric, I want to be able to pick the weight it throws) really, they're all the same if you're weighing everything on a good balance

A decent set of calipers. I've got a pair that I got in one of my engineering classes some 10 years ago. Looking on Amazon, they're amongst the 15 ish dollar ball park. Good enough for the girls I go out with.

A few reloading manuals. Hornady, speer, whoever, get a few, and read them. They'll cover a lot of good information.

Some sort of priming mechanism. Some presses offer on press priming, some don't. If whatever one you decide to get doesn't, get a hand primer. I've got the Lee, and it's done fine for me. The rcbs one is pretty popular. I'd recommend at least starting hand priming to get a feel of what it feels like, but nothing wrong with on press priming as long as you're careful.

I'd also strongly recommend something akin to the Hornady oal tool, modified case and a way to measure shoulder bump and cartridge base to ogive. I have the Forster datum dial kit, and being able to measure both of those on just about any cartridge with one kit(albeit an expensive kit) not having to buy a piece here and there is nice

I'm sure there's quite a bit that I'm missing, but that should be a good start

Oh, you'll need dies. I go with full length, bushing dies.

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[optimusprime]

Thanks for the awesome info! Out of curiosity, why do you stay away from newer rcbs reloaders?


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[nhyrum]

Thanks for the awesome info! Out of curiosity, why do you stay away from newer rcbs reloaders?


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I just haven't had Good luck with them. I've had issues with a few dies (one being bored off center) and trying to get correct parts has been a nightmare. I've sent them pictures of what I needed from their website along with part numbers, and I've still managed to get incorrect parts. Personally I think they now, they're just living off the reputation they HAD. I go about it like this, I'd rather buy from a company that few, if any have actual experience with the company's customer service department than the company that EVERYONE has been through the customer service department. Yes, having good customer service, but if EVERYONE has gone through... Well, the line from Tommy boy comes to mind about buying a guaranteed piece of shit.

I've dealt with rcbs a number of times and most of them were unpleasant. I think I've had to deal with Lee once or twice, and being asked to pay shipping is perfectly fair (remember, nothing in this world is free. Ask yourself how much free stuff rcbs just gives away... It's all wrapped into the price of the initial purchase) and I've never had to deal with Hornady. I'd rather not deal with customer service than deal with free parts customer service.

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[Actual_Cryptid]

I use a digital scale, to avoid drift I've gotten in the habit of writing down the weight of my powder measure, trickling in until I'm at my weight, removing the whole thing, zeroing, and placing the measure back to double-check. if I had more room I'd trickle on my triple beam balance and then confirm on the digital, but I'm talking about "one hole" loads. For .357 and .38SPL I'm using "fill the case then seat the bullet loads" to begin with, which solves that problem.

I always recommend either starting from a reloading manual or the bullet manufacturer's recommendation. So far I have had very good luck with Nosler's recommendations, N140 under their 150gr E-tip is a solid shooter for me.

If you intend for there to be a significant distance from your muzzle to the endpoint and intend there to be traumatic results when it arrives, a chronograph becomes important. Less so if you can confirm your point of impact at various ranges at a known temperature (can make good estimates that way) but if you're shooting at 7mm Mag distances then you want to know what the bullet is doing at what point in flight.

Know how to identify pressure signs in your loads. If you have a cousin who's sort of a dick maybe let them test your new loads first, but barring sacrificial relations know what a bulging primer looks like and what that means. Always start with a minimum load when using a new powder or bullet as well.

I also like a single stage press, but I don't have issues with my turret press either for accurate loads. I use quick-change bushing either way which minimized the adjustments needed, but it is faster to just run 20 pieces of brass and the click over to the next station instead of removing everything. If you're on a budget, the Lee "all in one" challenger kits are a good starter and you won't lose much if you decide that your time isn't worth the $20 per box you're saving on ammo.

 

[lennywd87]

I know @nhyrum already down talked RCBS and I can agree with staying away from the dies. A set of Lee dies are going to be way easier to free a stuck case from if you ever stick one.

I’ve never had problems with my RCBS Rock Chucker Single stage press or the stuff it came, which is more than enough equipment to get you started. It comes with a priming tool on the press and a hand primer that takes the same case hold dies as the press if I remember right. I also have a Lee hand priming tool but it’s a whole different set of case hold dies to buy.

I throw and trickle almost all my rounds over that kit’s balance beam to save time and gain accuracy. I have an auto trickler/scale that is just collecting dust that I only use on extruded/stick powder from time to time.


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[sndmn11]

This might be fair to look at buying, I think there are 10% codes as well

M-Press & Universal Bullet Seating Die | Frankford Arsenal

M-Press & Universal Bullet Seating Die

www.frankfordarsenal.com

I have both and have had no issues.

 

[OXN939]

Hey all. I want to start reloading my own ammo. I’m gonna be doing 7mm rem mag and 300 wsm. What re-loaders do y’all use and what do y’all recommend? I’ve seen several brands out there but I’d like to get your opinions on where to start and what to get. Thanks I’m advance!


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Some observations from a guy about 2 years in:

- Hornady Lock N Load kit is a pretty easy way to get started and not too expensive. That plus a new scale and you'll be in business. Not fast, but in business.

-Buy all the primers you can. If you find a load your rifle "likes," get as much of all the associated components as you can.

-Use good brass from the start. This will save you money and time in most cases.

-If your rifle doesn't "like" a load you try, change a major component (powder, brass, bullet) rather than spending a bunch of time tweaking seating depth and charge volume.

-Reloading is like any other DIY project- the time you invest on the front end doing research and learning to measure twice, cut once will pay dividends once you start the process itself.

Best of luck!

 

[N2TRKYS]

I use RCBS stuff including their full length sizing die sets. I’ve had nothing but great luck with them and their customer service has been some of the best I’ve ever had.

I use an electronic powder dispenser/scale combo and love it. I would quit reloading if I had to use a balance beam scale again.

 

[lennywd87]

I use RCBS stuff including their full length sizing die sets. I’ve had nothing but great luck with them and their customer service has been some of the best I’ve ever had.

I use an electronic powder dispenser/scale combo and love it. I would quit reloading if I had to use a balance beam scale again.

I have all that as well but get way tighter ED the old fashioned way and load 4x faster. To quit reloading is a pretty strong statement for the gains from using a balance beam to verify charge weight. Maybe you’re happy with pie plate groups though.


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[lennywd87]

Hey all. I want to start reloading my own ammo. I’m gonna be doing 7mm rem mag and 300 wsm. What re-loaders do y’all use and what do y’all recommend? I’ve seen several brands out there but I’d like to get your opinions on where to start and what to get. Thanks I’m advance!


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You can do everything you need with a rcbs rock chucker kit and Lee dies with no issues. I’ve had mine for 6 years and it does it all. The time to start reloading would’ve been when prices were low. Everyone wants to start during a shortage when supplies are hard to find at peak prices.


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[RifleBen]

Definitely start with a single stage press or similar , after using a 45-70 hand kit I got a multistage and found it a little intimidating. I’m trading it for a turret press. The 45-70 hand kit was a great introduction though.

 

[N2TRKYS]

I have all that as well but get way tighter ED the old fashioned way and load 4x faster. To quit reloading is a pretty strong statement for the gains from using a balance beam to verify charge weight. Maybe you’re happy with pie plate groups though.


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I found the balance beam way too slow and inconvenient. I get single digit SDs and ES in the teens with the electronic dispenser.

There were zero gains and only negatives with using the beam scale.
Good luck with your groups.

 

[lennywd87]

I found the balance beam way too slow and inconvenient. I get single digit SDs and ES in the teens with the electronic dispenser.

There were zero gains and only negatives with using the beam scale.
Good luck with your groups.

Must be inexperience talking to have that mind set. I used to share the same opinion until more experienced reloaders convinced me otherwise. I verify my electronic dispenser with a balance beam and if you’re not your asking for trouble. I’d time yourself throwing powder and trickling over a balance beam before claiming it’s faster. I average 12seconds a round and a dead nuts charge weight with just the basic gear.


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[N2TRKYS]

Must be inexperience talking to have that mind set. I used to share the same opinion until more experienced reloaders convinced me otherwise. I verify my electronic dispenser with a balance beam and if you’re not your asking for trouble. I’d time yourself throwing powder and trickling over a balance beam before claiming it’s faster. I average 12seconds a round and a dead nuts charge weight with just the basic gear.


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You can try trolling someone else.

 

[lennywd87]

You can try trolling someone else.

Not trolling just trying to open your mind and make your life easier. Just give it a shot. Like I said I shared the same opinion as you until I tried it. Elevate your skills and take advice from people who’ve already done it. If it isn’t hole in hole groups there is always room to improve. Chargemasters might be easier but that doesn’t make them better or faster.


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[optimusprime]

What dies do y’all recommend and what ones will I need? From what I’ve read I’ll need a re-sizing die and seating die. Am I missing anything? What is being referred to when it says full length and bushing die?


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[Ryanbusk23]

Everyone that tells me they want to start reloading, I give the same piece of advice. Buy a manual, read that first, and again if need be. That is the most important tool you will need.

 

[nhyrum]

What dies do y’all recommend and what ones will I need? From what I’ve read I’ll need a re-sizing die and seating die. Am I missing anything? What is being referred to when it says full length and bushing die?


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I prefer Hornady dies if I'm not getting fancy with my dies. Yes, you'll need a sizing for and a seating die for rifle. You may need an expanding die for flat based bullets(usually pistol) and pistols usually need a crimp(which is often part of the seating die).

There's essentially two different styles of rifle sizing dies. Full length(fl) and neck only. Those dies can either have a neck area that's reamed to a certain diameter that's a "one size fits most" type deal, or they're cut to accept bushings that allow you to choose the diameter that best fits the neck tension you want with your particular brass and bullets, as each batch of brass can have different thickness at the neck. It takes some measuring(and consistent brass) to be able to calculate the bushings diameter needed. That might be a bit more hassle than it's worth at this point. If you want to get fancy, the refund type s bushing die set is the platinum standard. I think the Hornady new dimension set will probably suffice.

Another thing you'll need is a case lube. You can make your own with a mixture of pure liquid lanolin and 99% alcohol, or buy a variety of lubes. I prefer imperial wax. It takes just the smallest bit, so the little bit lasts a very long time. If you buy it use a spray, it's very important that you allow the carrier/solvent to flash off before running the case into your die, as that's just asking to get a stuck case, which is NO FUN. it's also important to get some lube on the inside of the neck, as there's usually an expanding ball inside the die that needs lubrication too

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[N2TRKYS]

Not trolling just trying to open your mind and make your life easier. Just give it a shot. Like I said I shared the same opinion as you until I tried it. Elevate your skills and take advice from people who’ve already done it. If it isn’t hole in hole groups there is always room to improve. Chargemasters might be easier but that doesn’t make them better or faster.


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I started off doing it that way. That’s why I’m doing what I’m doing now. Works way better for me the way I do it now.