New Reloader: Thoughts on initial set up??

[Horse]

A bump gage and bullet comparator will help a lot. I wish I would have bought them earlier on, make measuring much easier

 

[jrg]

Would recommend a Stainless Steel Pin Tumbler for cleaning, a Head Space Comparator gauge & a good set of Calipers for C.O.A.L. & Base to Ogive (Seating Depth), Also a Case Annealer to extend the life of your Brass!

 

[sturner]

I got a pin tumbler, sonic cleaner and a vibrating case tumbler just depends on how much brass I got to clean and how fast I need it. so pick the one that suit your needs

 

[ronstone09]

I am a new Reloader (haven't loaded a round yet) and I am still waiting for the last remaining things to arrive. I am starting with 223 Remington for bolt action 700's.

My equipment:
RCBS Rock Chucker
RCBS Chargemaster Lite
Redding 2 Die Set
Redding Shell Holders
RCBS Collet Bullet Puller with Collets
L.E. Wilson Trimmer/Sinclair Micrometer
L.E. Wilson Case Holder
iGaging Absolute Caliper
L.E. Wilson Chamfer and Debur Tool
Sinclair Neck Brushes LG and SM
Imperial Sizing Wax
Imperial Dry Neck Lube
Satern Funnel
Dewey CR Crocogator Primer Pocket Cleaner
National Metallic Reloading arrays
National Metallic Ammo Boxes
Nosler 8th Edition Manual
Hodgdon Benchmark Powder 2lbs
CCI BR4 Primers 1000
Nosler 40 gr Ballistic Tips

I know many of you will say I'm missing a bunch of things, and I believe I will need many more items as I go, but I want the basics to get loading some ammo and still keep initial costs some what controlled.

Thoughts? Did I many any mistakes? Is there something I don't have that I need?

Appreciate all your help, knowledge and patience. It's been 3 years or so of research and tons of intimidation before this commitment.

Steve

That's a good start after you reload for awhile you might try something k&m as they are great accurate tools !

 

[johngibbs222]

+1 for the hand primer, I think that the only thing you've left off is organization, got to have as much of that as you can manage.
If you've got young children you'll need a steel will to keep them away from you whilst reloading.
If you really want really accurate repeatability of powder charges (highly desirable in small capacity cases like the 223) take a look at http://www.targetmasteruk.com/ then try to find one in the US that's similar in concept, worth their weight in gold.
If you can get a carbide decapper/sizing rod that is a time saver.
TBH the two rifles I reload for are single shot so I just use a Lee neck size die, bullet seater die and lee neck crimp die.
With this set-up for my 223 and 308, case trimming is really infrequent and I prep the necks for bullet seating with lee's hand deburr tool.

 

[Alibiiv]

Well said and I'm been loading since 85 and I'm still finding new things like lee spinner I getting one ordered today

Been reloading since 1962 and still learning new stuff thanks' to the forum

 

[Eric H]

Would recommend a Stainless Steel Pin Tumbler for cleaning, a Head Space Comparator gauge & a good set of Calipers for C.O.A.L. & Base to Ogive (Seating Depth), Also a Case Annealer to extend the life of your Brass!

Love that tumbler. Really cleans in and out. I made a "hang dry" brass dryer after i got mine.

 

[sturner]

4 minutes at 250 in my wife's oven

 

[Eric H]

If you still need a caliper, check Harbor Freight prices.

 

[sturner]

Been reloading since 1962 and still learning new stuff thanks' to the forum

Just thought I was old school glad you still loading

 

[aushunter1]

Definitely Hornady headspace gauges & bullet comparators, OAL gauge & modified case. I couldn't reload without them.

Also first case cleaner I bought was a cheap $30 ultrasonic cleaner off ebay, still using it 10 years later.

 

[jrg]

Love that tumbler. Really cleans in and out. I made a "hang dry" brass dryer after i got mine.

We use a food dehydrator for drying our brass & it works very well!

 

[SCSCHNUR]

There are alot of things to add to your reloading. I like the Lyman case prep Xpress it cleans primer pockets champhers inside ans outside, swages all in one unit.

Lyman Case. Prep Xpress (115 Volt ) Case Prep Center 114.99. Regularly 146.99.

 

[K1W1Spada]

My suggestion is to get a good beam scale for double checking of powder loads
Always double check especially when starting out
Remember safety FIRST and LAST