Blackdirt Cowboy
Well-Known Member
I understand that part. What you ld e the need in doin that? If I get my set, wouldn't that do the same thing?
Blackdirt Cowboy, I was new to reloading a little over one year ago. Before purchasing any equipment, I read many articles on the internet, purchased a couple of reloading manuals, read forums, and watched hours of YouTube video. We are fortunate to have a wealth of experience at our fingertips, and everyone has opinions. In the end, I had to make equipment decisions, and below is what I purchased. After one year, I am totally satisfied with my choices. I reload 9mm, 6.5 Creemor, .223, and 7mm RM currently.I am just getting into reloading and was given a rock chucker supreme for Christmas this year. Now I need to buy all the other equipment I need to start reloading. Other than the shell plates, the dies, and the consumables, what will I need to get started? I'll be using both new and once fired brass until I get some stock piled. What system should I look at for the powder charge? I don't want to spend a ton of money, and two of the calibers I'll reload for are for hunting only. The other caliber I'll load will be a combination long range target and hunting rifle.
Also, how do you go about selecting the right dies for your intended application?
Whatever you decide on, get yourself one of these... It's worth the expense.
https://www.mightyarmory.com/products/copy-of-the-magnum-100-universal-decapping-die-for-all-presses
As for scales, balance beams are good to have around because they function without electricity. However, they're not quite as accurate as a digital scale when it comes down to serious precision loading down to 1/10 of a grain. If you go with a digital setup, and stick to extruded rifle powders, then I suggest the Chargemaster 1500. Pricey, but worth the investment. If you want something that's half manual and half digital, then getting a Hornady Quick-Trickle and a good digital scale like a Gempro setup where you hand trickle each charge, that's also a very precise way to go.
Dies, I prefer Redding over RCBS, but have lots of each, and they all work good. Also, a way to make precision ammo, is to buy a shell holder for each individual set of dies, and do not mix them around. This way your die set is adjusted perfectly to that shell plate, in your press. When it comes to loading precision ammo, consistency is key in every aspect.
Do yourself a favor and get some Imperial Sizing Wax, and DO NOT use Hornady One-Shot spray! That stuff will get brass stuck faster than anything. At the minimum use 98% alcohol and 12:1 lanolin mixture that you mix yourself.
Get a good set of calipers. I don't recommend skimping on money in this department... You'll find you use caliper for a lot more than just reloading. I use the Starrett 799A-6.
Many on this forum have taken reloading to the extreme and spend a lot of time debating minutiae, that while important can lead a newcomer down rabbit holes that you really don't need to go down until you and your equipment are capable of getting anything out of it.
Blackdirt Cowboy, I was new to reloading a little over one year ago. Before purchasing any equipment, I read many articles on the internet, purchased a couple of reloading manuals, read forums, and watched hours of YouTube video. We are fortunate to have a wealth of experience at our fingertips, and everyone has opinions. In the end, I had to make equipment decisions, and below is what I purchased. After one year, I am totally satisfied with my choices. I reload 9mm, 6.5 Creemor, .223, and 7mm RM currently.
Forster Co-Ax press
Redding "S" dies and Forster dies
Lee Universal de-capping die
RCBS Chargemaster
Mitutoyo calipers
LE Wilson case trimmer
Franklin Arsenal wet media case cleaner
LE Wilson case gauges.
I am now beginning to expand my equipment after loading several thousand rounds over last year. My choices may not be perfect, but they have served me well. Reloading is a boat load of fun. Have fun!