Oldtime Shooter13
Well-Known Member
I have been reloading 40+ years. If I had one piece of advise to give. Buy the best equipment that you can afford to start! I started with a Lyman Kit, that worked for many years and I still have some of the parts to that original kit over 40 years later.
I have used all kinds of different die sets. For rifle dies I lean towards Forester owning several sets. I also have Redding and RCBS rifle dies. I have one set of Hornady rifle dies and they are OK for economy dies. Adding a Lee Collett die to your reloading process can eliminates a lot of issues.
Pistol dies I only use RCBS Carbide die sets. Price point is right and quality is excellent. I've got a lot of older RCBS dies.
RCBS Rock Chucker press is what I use. Watch eBay and sometimes they can be bought reasonable. Reliable tough press. I use the primer seating attachment on my RCBS press to seat primers. I also use RCBS bench mount primer tool as well. Both do an excellent job, Bench mounted tool is much more positive se
Scales I prefer balance beam scales over electronic! That is just me, any reliable scale with check weights to make they stay true is a must. I currently still use the Original Lyman 505 scale that I purchased over 40 years ago. Keep them clean dust free and scales will last a lifetime. I also have a vintage Redding 325 scale on my bench.
When it comes to brass trimmers, to me L.E. Wilson is the only way to go. Expensive, but you get what you pay for. There are others, but Wilson is a mini lathe that uses case holders instead of collets and pilots. Slows down the trimming process, but Wilson trimmer will provide the most accurate brass trimming you can buy. Tool can also be used to inside neck ream and clean primer pockets. Again, expensive but you buy it once and it will last a lifetime of brass trimming.
Powder measure I use old Ohaus that I purchased used a couple years after I purchased my Lyman kit. Great powder measure if you can find one on eBay. Electronic is way too expensive for my taste and will not throw charges as accurate as my old Ohaus.
Good Calipers are essential. Dial are fine, but I have used Digital for years. Buy the best that you can afford. I use Starrett, Mitutoyo are excellent as well. Some people will tell you that the calipers from China at Harbor Freight are fine. Made in Japan ok stay away from made in China. I have made that mistake, waste of $30. You can shop around, but expect to pay $150 and up for any quality digital caliper. Quality dial calipers are less $$ nut not by much for good quality set?
You can use lube pad and case lube for your rifle cases for sizing. I have switched to using Hornady Unique Case Paste. Non petroleum product that will not contaminate powder or primers. Remainder of equipment are powder funnels for different cases, powder trickler, reloading manuals (More the Better) I like the Lyman Manuals. Read them and read them. I have a bookcase of manuals old and new.
The above mentioned will set you back some significant $$. Reloading is not cheap to get into, but once you get started it will become an habit! If you think that reloading will save you money, think again. Equipment will never pay for itself. To be able to make reloads for specific purpose and succeed is Priceless!
If you are looking to dip your toes gradually, I would start with an RCBS or Lyman kit for starters and build up your reloading equipment over time. Much easier on the wallet!
Welcome to the Insane World of Reloading. Stick to this site for information. Good bunch of Guy's here.
I have used all kinds of different die sets. For rifle dies I lean towards Forester owning several sets. I also have Redding and RCBS rifle dies. I have one set of Hornady rifle dies and they are OK for economy dies. Adding a Lee Collett die to your reloading process can eliminates a lot of issues.
Pistol dies I only use RCBS Carbide die sets. Price point is right and quality is excellent. I've got a lot of older RCBS dies.
RCBS Rock Chucker press is what I use. Watch eBay and sometimes they can be bought reasonable. Reliable tough press. I use the primer seating attachment on my RCBS press to seat primers. I also use RCBS bench mount primer tool as well. Both do an excellent job, Bench mounted tool is much more positive se
Scales I prefer balance beam scales over electronic! That is just me, any reliable scale with check weights to make they stay true is a must. I currently still use the Original Lyman 505 scale that I purchased over 40 years ago. Keep them clean dust free and scales will last a lifetime. I also have a vintage Redding 325 scale on my bench.
When it comes to brass trimmers, to me L.E. Wilson is the only way to go. Expensive, but you get what you pay for. There are others, but Wilson is a mini lathe that uses case holders instead of collets and pilots. Slows down the trimming process, but Wilson trimmer will provide the most accurate brass trimming you can buy. Tool can also be used to inside neck ream and clean primer pockets. Again, expensive but you buy it once and it will last a lifetime of brass trimming.
Powder measure I use old Ohaus that I purchased used a couple years after I purchased my Lyman kit. Great powder measure if you can find one on eBay. Electronic is way too expensive for my taste and will not throw charges as accurate as my old Ohaus.
Good Calipers are essential. Dial are fine, but I have used Digital for years. Buy the best that you can afford. I use Starrett, Mitutoyo are excellent as well. Some people will tell you that the calipers from China at Harbor Freight are fine. Made in Japan ok stay away from made in China. I have made that mistake, waste of $30. You can shop around, but expect to pay $150 and up for any quality digital caliper. Quality dial calipers are less $$ nut not by much for good quality set?
You can use lube pad and case lube for your rifle cases for sizing. I have switched to using Hornady Unique Case Paste. Non petroleum product that will not contaminate powder or primers. Remainder of equipment are powder funnels for different cases, powder trickler, reloading manuals (More the Better) I like the Lyman Manuals. Read them and read them. I have a bookcase of manuals old and new.
The above mentioned will set you back some significant $$. Reloading is not cheap to get into, but once you get started it will become an habit! If you think that reloading will save you money, think again. Equipment will never pay for itself. To be able to make reloads for specific purpose and succeed is Priceless!
If you are looking to dip your toes gradually, I would start with an RCBS or Lyman kit for starters and build up your reloading equipment over time. Much easier on the wallet!
Welcome to the Insane World of Reloading. Stick to this site for information. Good bunch of Guy's here.
