Basic starter kit for 7mm REM MAG specifically

[Taylorbok]

Hi all thanks! Wife has a beam scale - I also have a high precision one for piston weight matching.

Looking at this Lee die kit - will I need all these or can I get by with the 2 die sets?

A 2 die set will do everything you need it to.

ah ok - so ill get the 4 die set "Ultimate" - thanks, this with a press should be enough to get started yes? (apart from materials of course)

No. you will at a minimum need, a set of calipers, powder scale, chamfer tool, Lube, don't forget the lube.
(surely I'm forgetting something)

 

[Treker]

I believe there is some really good counsel here. I would say before you spend money do what has been stated in several ways. READ, get a reloading manual & pour over it. Find someone in your area that reloads and someone who has been reloading for awhile. Become familiar with equipment needed. Watch videos to see how stuff works but get data from printed material from powder manufactures. Many critical mistakes are make because people want to push beyond limits. This is not a wise thing for a novice. Reloading requires concentration, you cant be watching TV or anything else while reloading as there is too much at risk.

 

[johngibbs222]

I started reloading (again after about a 40 year gap) I bought all my major components, press, tumbler and rcbs 200-0-5 balance used, dies I bought new lee 4 die sets and I also bought a lee hand primer and lee perfect powder measure in hindsight I didn't really need that. I also bought lee case trimmers for my calibers and found the shell holder for those fits the hand primer or maybe it was the other way round. I also use home brew lub when necessary, 1 part liquid lanolin to 9 parts isopropanol. I'd recommend buying a couple of decapping/neck sizing rods, just a few $$ from lee, just in case you bust one. FWIW, my lee press dates from late 20th century and still going strong and about a year ago I had a part sent FOC from USA to UK to replace a broken toggle.
I bought some test weights for the balance off e-bay and had them checked at a local dispensary, fortunately they were accurate.
The biggest problem you will face, apart from the learning curve, is finding the right powder for your caliber, I settled on two, vihtavuori N 150 and hodgdons cfe 223 (for 308 btw)
With a big case like the 7mm RM you will need to follow the start at loads as religiously as the do not exceed loads as, apparently, too much airspace can lead to excessive pressures if you start below the start at load.
I've really settled on the n 150 as it's an extruded powder and seems to fill the case better than the spherical cfe 223 but loses some muzzle velocity.
Another hurdle you will have to overcome is in interpreting pressure signs and this is where a buddy can help enormously as long as he has 7mm RM experience.
I bought the lyman and lee reloading handbooks I prefer the lee one, except for the ads in the text. I also bought the cheapest magneto speed sport chronograph which is really helpful in load development.
Good luck with your choices.

 

[chav0_12]

Christmas is right around the corner. Add a KIT to your Christmas list and hopefully someone will come through. Initial investment-$0. That's what I got, I told my parent't and wife's parents that I wanted to get into reloading and I got an RCBS Rockchucker kit for Christmas one year. I've been adding to it little by little over the years and now I have a the setup you see in my avatar photo. It got me going, granted I didn't have EVERYTHING I needed I was able to load ammo, I quickly realized I needed a trickler and trimmer and a few other things.

Keep in mind that those 7mm RMs might be tough to size and one of those "cheap" Lee presses could have a hard time.

 

[B-LOT Banga]

@CamaroMan shoot me a PM with your address and I will get out some 7mm mag brass and some bullets you can start with. If your building race engines then you already have a jump start. Cleanliness, a good data log and detailed labeling will keep you out of trouble and save precious components, I made that mistake more than once.

Aloha, Banga

 

[65WSM]

Why not buy used. Buy a used RCBS Rockchucker (not the budget model). Shop E-Bay for a used sizing die. You will want a new Hornady seating die (be careful to read the instructions to avoid chrimping) with the VLD stem to avoid crushing the tip. The goal should be to end up with a Redding "Type S" full length bushing die. Again look for these used. With a set of Redding Competition shell holders (also for sale often used) you can adjust the shoulder bump and outside neck diameter. The third die is the Sinclair Expander, which replaces the "button" on the size die for the final neck tension. The best inside button on a die is the Forster "Bonanza" design, but the 600 and 1000 yard bench rest guys have proven better results with the custom mandrels in the Sinclair die.

The ELD seating die is below:
The Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension Seater Die is a great die for the avid reloader. The Seater Die will improve your bullet seating and accuracy with its floating bullet alignment sleeve and stem. The floating sleeve is designed to align the bullet and case prior to seating, preventing any deformations on the base of the bullet.
Brand: Hornady
Price Range: $30.40 - $35.99
Die Type: Bullet Seater

 

[Pointman]

My advice is to buy quality tools and use them for a lifetime. I prefer RCBS presses and dies since that's what most used in the last century. I still use my "chucker" for the "grunt work", sizing, etc. I have added a MEC precision press that I only use to seat projectiles. LEE does offer some fine products, although I do not care for the lock rings. I prefer their dies for my handguns primarily because I like their factory crimp die. The shell holder as part of the die package is another plus. You do need a really good reliably accurate scale and a good manual. I started with a Lyman D-7 that I still use during load development. I paid $17 in the early '70s and it still works well. A caveat for all tooling is to take care of the tools, dies, etc and they will serve you well. I do use an RCBS chargemaster once the load development is complete, it does speed up the process. Once again, buy quality once and ask questions from trusted sources. Wish we had forums like this when I was a neophyte but in those days, most "gun" stores had at least one season reloader on staff. Components will be your challenge and there is no quick fix for this. Over the years, I developed the habitat of buying primers and powder every time I went to a gun shop. Eventually this to will be fixed but remember, over the past several years the number of new firearm buyers has exploded in number. I'm sure the shops in your area can refer you to a seasoned loader for help.

 

[skipglo]

agreed- i emailed Lee to recommend a die set, there are some loaders around for 60 and up so will go step by step, thats the plan. I dont care for bells and whistles.. but a primer/loader in one wd be nice.. ill just keep trying to figure out how it all works gotta get down to the shop now tho- laters fellas and thanks

You tube, you tube you tube....all your questions answered VIDEO AND INSTRUCTIONS!

 

[chav0_12]

@CamaroMan shoot me a PM with your address and I will get out some 7mm mag brass and some bullets you can start with. If your building race engines then you already have a jump start. Cleanliness, a good data log and detailed labeling will keep you out of trouble and save precious components, I made that mistake more than once.

Aloha, Banga

That's not a bad idea. If you need ammo, I have three boxes of the stuff and no gun to shoot them in. Totally forgot about those before I read that.

 

[RAGGED EDGE]

You got good rifles in a GREAT caliber. Much good luck on your loading adventure, and for a while it WILL be an adventure. Grab H-1000 whenever you can.

 

[DDWing]

agreed on the kit! Prob mis-worded that- "parts" basically im still wrapping my head around the terms- at least we shoot the same ammo

I purchased the Hornaday lock and load kit when I got back into reloading a few years back, and I have never regretted my purchase. It's a great starter kit, and can be upgraded over time. I still use the majority of the items that came in the kit. The only thing you would have to buy extra are the dies, in order to get started reloading. Not including your reloading components.

 

[smokey3]

Hi all thanks! Wife has a beam scale - I also have a high precision one for piston weight matching.

Looking at this Lee die kit - will I need all these or can I get by with the 2 die sets?

Most scales big enough to weigh pistons on will not be suitable for weighing grains of gun powder. It may work but I would be very suspect of the accuracy. Scales used for reloading are not the standard beam variety used to weigh most objects. They must be able to weigh in tenths of a grain. Just spend the money and get a scale designed for reloading or the results may not be what you want. Enjoy your new hobby safely.

 

[Boarman03]

Don't forget to watch your Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, local classifieds, garage sales, estate sales, pawn shops, Forums, etc.
Know what you are looking for and deals can be found.
Again, Knowledge IS Power. Spend a lot of time researching and you'll not only save money$$$, you may keep yourself or others from getting hurt.
Have fun! Best wishes.

 

[Swinehunt74]

Click on my Avatar to start conversation. If to new to this sight it wont let u....Text me for any questions 2one03six7sixteenten. Feeling magnaminous