What are the must have tools for reloading?

[bwp]

I have a RCBS Rebel press and a Lee Pacesetter 3-die set for 6.5 PRC. Will these work for reloading 6.5prc? What other tools do I need to purchase that are a must have?

 

[Weldor]

A good set of calipers and a Lyman case length and headspace gauge.

 

[Harvey_NW]

Powder throw, scale, case block, calipers, comparator/headspace gauge with bullet inserts, chamfer & deburr tool, & nylon neck brushes is what I would consider necessity.

Convenient additions would be a tumbler, auto thrower, and case prep station, or trimmer with 3 way cutter, because it sucks doing them by hand.

 

[bwp]

Powder throw, scale, case block, calipers, comparator/headspace gauge with bullet inserts, chamfer & deburr tool, & nylon neck brushes is what I would consider necessity.

Convenient additions would be a tumbler, auto thrower, and case prep station, or trimmer with 3 way cutter, because it sucks doing them by hand.

Got any specific recommendations for these? I’m ok upgrading tools for convenience

 

[skipper907]

press
2 die set
calipers
powder scale
powder dispenser
case trimmer
funnel
loading case block
priming tool ? dependent on press ( some press you can prime on )
case lube

Note if you are shooting more than about 500 to 1000 rds a year of rifle ammo reloading has a cost savings and a benefit. Reloading at an entry level can be a bit time consuming, unless its something you really want to do.

 

[Harvey_NW]

Got any specific recommendations for these? I’m ok upgrading tools for convenience

Totally depends on your budget. Auto trickler with fx120i seems to be the gold standard for precision auto charging, but a Chargemaster works decent for most applications. The Harrel's manual thrower is also common with powders that aren't super chunky.

For the most part, any of the main brands like RCBS or Hornady are budget friendly and fine for things like headspace gauge, case block, funnel, hand primer, etc. I would recommend buying Mitutoyo calipers up front. And if you intend to anneal, the Burstfire 2 in 1 annealer/case prep station is really handy and decently priced for that setup.

 

[SippyCup]

Hornady head space comparator and their o-jive tool as well. Chamfer and deburr tool. Good calipers. Pickup things as you need them, don’t just buy stuff to fill your bench. I did that when I first started and have since replaced just about everything. Most of my equipment is rcbs and I really enjoy working with it

 

[MallardSX2]

I probably wouldn't reload if I didn't have one of these.

When I got mine I just chuckled to myself and just shook my head wondering how much time I had wasted in the past. A TON of time prepping brass for sure.

WELL WORTH THE MONEY.



I set mine up pretty much as it is shown but I have copper brushes in the top locations and carbide primer pocket uniformer and flash hole debur tool in the bottom rotating open slots.

 

[SippyCup]

I probably wouldn't reload if I didn't have one of these.

When I got mine I just chuckled to myself and just shook my head wondering how much time I had wasted in the past. A TON of time prepping brass for sure.

WELL WORTH THE MONEY.

View attachment 1014940

I set mine up pretty much as it is shown but I have copper brushes in the top locations and carbide primer pocket uniformer and flash hole debur tool in the bottom rotating open slots.

These thing are the cats a$$. I had an identical reaction when I first used mine as well

 

[MallardSX2]

These thing are the cats a$$. I had an identical reaction when I first used mine as well

I can believe everyone doesn’t own one. They save a ton of time and hand cramping.

 

[WestTN2288]

MUST haves? Press, dies, scale and something to hold/pour powder with.

Gun = gauges/measuring devices

Everything after that just makes the process faster and smoother

 

[Andouille]

Burstfire or Forster neck tension gauge is an inexpensive must have to achieve consistent neck tension, and it provides the simplest and most direct neck diameter measurement.

Saeturn aluminum funnels work fantastically and are static free, which helps with accurate and repeatable charge measurements.