Where do the $ stop ?

[Code4]

At what level ($) do I stop buying reloading gear for a factory rifle ?

I've been reloading hunting (stalking) ammo for 29 years after 15 years of buying factory ammo and now time and funds allow me to upgrade my equipment. I have ordered a new .308W.

I won't be walking too far anymore (age and injuries).

I'm not looking at custom dies matched to my chamber or buying bench rest quality barrels. Just appropriate equipment/brands to move me to a higher level of consistency.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Buy the best equipment you can afford, you won't ever regret it .

 

[ShtrRdy]

If you have a good press I would suggest buying good dies and good brass. You need a way to measure to the ogive of the bullet and the headspace datum on the shoulder of the case.

 

[YZ-80]

There are any number of things you could add to your reloading bench/tools to help and I think production rifles are worth the endeavor, because I've realized significant gains in accuracy with mine by just incrementally adding to my tools/skill set over time. I guess it all started for me when I got an OAL gage and really started paying attention to seating depth. The next year, I added a concentricity gage and statrded paying more attention to run-out, then neck tension, etc. I guess I should have done all these things at once but I kind of just "evolved" that way. Now, I don't turn necks, sort/weigh brass, anneal or any of that stuff but my hat's off to those who do. For now, I've reached nirvana. At least until the next Midway catalog hits my mailbox.

 

[johnnyk]

The sky's the limit but precision cost $$.

 

[CUTTER1]

Can't take it with you

 

[jjmp]

Seeing your across the pond ,find someone to anneal your brass, it's saves brass which saves coin,Cheers n Cold beers !!!

 

[MagnumManiac]

When I was an apprentice, my mentor told me he worked by the adage of 'buy once, cry once'.
He told me to scrimp and save for every tool I ever bought. They were all top of the line tools and have lasted me my whole life.
I took the same adage with my handloading gear.
I have bought some expensive tools that I realized I didn't need, such as custom dies, micrometer seaters and a large press that was too much in handle stroke.
I even spent good money on progressive presses for pistol and shotgun, neither are needed now.

Cheers.

 

[Wolf76]

I'll say reloading dies is an area to spend money, regardless of rifle. Having well fitted concentric ammo is always a benefit, it's just a matter of how much.
Where/ when do you stop spending money? Don't know, because I haven't found it yet. But it would be well reasoned to say when you meet your performance goals, your done.
It seems like I get to my goals quicker with the better equipment and costs more money when I buy cheaper stuff (counterintuitive).

 

[6mmazjeff]

I'll say reloading dies is an area to spend money, regardless of rifle. Having well fitted concentric ammo is always a benefit, it's just a matter of how much.
Where/ when do you stop spending money? Don'

At what level ($) do I stop buying reloading gear for a factory rifle ?

I've been reloading hunting (stalking) ammo for 29 years after 15 years of buying factory ammo and now time and funds allow me to upgrade my equipment. I have ordered a new .308W.

I won't be walking too far anymore (age and injuries).

I'm not looking at custom dies matched to my chamber or buying bench rest quality barrels. Just appropriate equipment/brands to move me to a higher level of consistency.

I suggest You read Glen Zediker`s book Top Shelf Ammo in which he discusses levels of equipment based upon your by budget and "needs".
t know, because I haven't found it yet. But it would be well reasoned to say when you meet your performance goals, your done.
It seems like I get to my goals quicker with the better equipment and our costs more money when I buy cheaper stuff (counterintuitive).

 

[30BR]

I'm not looking at custom dies matched to my chamber or buying bench rest quality barrels. Just appropriate equipment/brands to move me to a higher level of consistency.

For a .308 hunter, stop at
Lapua brass (they have 2; large primer and small primer; get the large primer),
Remington primers (always go bang),
Varget powder and whatever bullet you like.
Get yourself a case length guage so you know how far to size your brass without overworking it. (Call Mo Defina at Master Class Sports; 203-775-1013, and ask for his .308 headspace gauge; it will last 5 lifetimes;he is closed Mon Thurs and Sun).
If you have 308 dies, go ahead and use them.
If you want to get better, load the bullets you will shoot into some Lapua cases (4 of them). Measure the OD of the loaded case necks. Then call Forster and order a full length sizing die with the neck honed to the smallest OD you came up, with MINUS .002". They only charge something like $12 for that service. Best deal in the business.
Make sure you THOROUGHLY clean that die inside and out before using it.
Load it as long as your magazine box will allow.
That ammo will be good enough for Service Rifle Competition anywhere.

 

[John@redmt]

Why would you want to stop buying reloading gear? He who dies with the most toys wins!!

 

[30BR]

Why would you want to stop buying reloading gear? !

And remember, "Reloading saves money!"
HA!

 

[Pauleye]

And remember, "Reloading saves money!"
HA!

If you have a spare $2000 no worries