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Reloading List

14K views 89 replies 12 participants last post by  black5.3 
#1 · (Edited)
Alright guys, it's about time for me to start on the reloading venture. Here is my current list, what are your opinions? I am starting with just .308WIN and all prices are from MidwayUSA, but I will look around for better prices before buying.

RCBS ChargeMaster 1500...$349.99 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/7...500-powder-scale-and-dispenser-combo-110-volt
RCBS 2-Die Set .307, .308 Winchester...$29.99 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/564956/rcbs-2-die-set-307-308-winchester
RCBS Shellholder #3...$7.99 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/326468/rcbs-shellholder-3-308-winchester-30-06-springfield-45-acp
RCBS Precision Mic .308 Winchester...$52.99 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/574297/rcbs-precision-mic-308-winchester
RCBS Universal Hand Priming Tool...$59.99 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/319794/rcbs-universal-hand-priming-tool
RCBS Case Lube Kit...$19.99 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/672826/rcbs-case-lube-kit
Thumler's Tumbler Model B...$174.99 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/4...del-b-high-speed-rotary-case-tumbler-110-volt
Lyman AccuTrimmer Kit...$52.99 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/755364/lyman-accutrimmer-kit-with-9-pilots
Lyman Dial Caliper 6" SS...$30.49 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/128288/lyman-dial-caliper-6-stainless-steel
Lyman Case Prep Multi Tool...$22.99 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/135615/lyman-case-prep-multi-tool
Lyman Bleacher Reloading Tray...$6.49 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/3...ter-30-06-springfield-50-round-plastic-orange
Lee Primer Pocket Cleaner...$4.99 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/467111/lee-primer-pocket-cleaner
Stack-On 1-Drawer Reloading Bench...$205.99 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/6...ding-bench-20-x-40-top-with-pegboard-backwall
Saturn powder funnel .30 Cal...$12.79 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/924093/satern-powder-funnel-30-caliber-aluminum-and-brass

Total $1,032.66

...As for a press, some have recommended me to start simple with something like the Lee Reloader Single Stage Press for $37.99 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/807734/lee-reloader-single-stage-press ...but something about it tells me I will be wanting far to early with that one. Thoughts?
 
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#3 · (Edited)
Do not go cheap for the press. You will not be satisfied for long. The Forster coax is the way to go for the press. It is just as quick as the turret but more precise. Also with the Forster press you will not need the shell holder.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/265719/forster-co-ax-single-stage-press

Forget the lube pad and just buy some imperial sizing wax. It is much better, cheaper, and easier to use.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/519525/imperial-case-sizing-wax-2-oz

or

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/198318/hornady-one-shot-case-sizing-wax-2-oz

or

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/758495/hornady-unique-case-lube-4-oz-tub


I would also forget the chargemaster. It is not nearly as accurate as they let on. I would spend the same money on a quality lab grade scale and a trickler and the lee perfect powder measure. It is slower than the chargemaster but much more precise. Second option is a good beam scale, trickler, and perfect powder measure.

I would step up on dies. I would get a quality Redding, Forster, or if you can swing it whidden die set. These are important in my opinion.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/270734/redding-2-die-set-307-308-winchester

or

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/454332/forster-bench-rest-2-die-set-308-winchester

or

http://www.whiddengunworks.com/product/non-bushing-fl-sizer-and-micrometer-set/

If you have a caliper and the hornady comparator you will not need the precision mic. The hornady comparator has one insert to measure headspace and one for measuring base to ogive. You will want both for the calibers you intend to load.

All hand primers leave a lot to be desired. If money is tight i would prime on the top of the coax until you can afford a CPS or CPS lite (not on midway). The coax will do fine but is painfully slow.


With the stainless tumbler you will not need a primer pocket cleaner. For the price of that tumbler you can build a much larger and more powerful one if you have some mechanical ability. If you are interested let me know and I will walk you trough it. I will also give you a piece of 8" pipe if you meet me in Memphis.

As far as trimmers go, you will be much better off with a Wilson trimmer than the Lyman. They are more precise and not a lot more. Just the base model and the appropriate case holder is all you need. It works just fine from being held in a vice.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/74...winchester-for-new-or-full-length-sized-cases

AND

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/966918/le-wilson-case-trimmer-stainless-steel
wow-- these have really gone up in price. you can probably watch ebay and grab one for $30 or so.

Lyman makes a bench mounted model of the case prep tool. It is a little more money but worth the extra.

I would think for the $200 you could build a better bench that what you are looking at buying. I would build it onto the wall so it can't move. I have two benches and built both of them for under $100.

Saturn powder funnels are pretty good. Xtreme hardcore funnels are much nicer. They also are not found on midway.

http://xtremehardcoregear.com/powderfunnels.html
 
#5 ·
...I would also forget the chargemaster. It is not nearly as accurate as they let on. I would spend the same money on a quality lab grade scale and a trickler and the lee perfect powder measure. It is slower than the chargemaster but much more precise. Second option is a good beam scale, trickler, and perfect powder measure...
The only thing that scares me about these routes is inexperience. I liked the chargemaster because it seemed effective and lazily simple. I do have a fear of blowing my face off due to improperly measured powder until experience flourishes.

...If you have a caliper and the hornady comparator you will not need the precision mic. The hornady comparator has one insert to measure headspace and one for measuring base to ogive. You will want both for the calibers you intend to load...
Again, fear of inexperience. The RCBS mic kit looked to make things simple for my novice skills...correction, for my lack of ALL experience in this department.

...All hand primers leave a lot to be desired. If money is tight i would prime on the top of the coax until you can afford a CPS or CPS lite (not on midway). The coax will do fine but is painfully slow...
I want a CPS...but not willing to drop $600 at this time when I won't even be loading that high of a volume to start with. The hand primer seemed like a suitable alternative till experience is earned

...With the stainless tumbler you will not need a primer pocket cleaner. For the price of that tumbler you can build a much larger and more powerful one if you have some mechanical ability. If you are interested let me know and I will walk you trough it. I will also give you a piece of 8" pipe if you meet me in Memphis...
What would it cost to ship it? Surely still cheaper than buying it locally. I would be willing to build one. It is simply a motor belted or chained to a tumbler...


Not that I am lazy, I will start researching all of these options and editing my list as necessary. I will repost the list shortly for further review if applicable. However, if you have any of the links handy...that would make life simpler. Thank you for your help
 
#4 ·
On the press, either go with the Forster Single Stage and buy once cry once, or go with the Lee "O" frame.

Forster or Redding dies would be a much better choice.

Lee sells a complete shell holder assortment for $20, don't pay $7 for one.

Buy this on sale and with a 20% off coupon. Saves you $100 on a bench. I know lots of guys use these for a reloading bench. Wood Workbench - 60" Wood Workbench w/ 4 Drawers

The Lyman multi tool has the primer pocket cleaner, so no need for the Lee PITA one.

The Thumblers Tumbler is the best. But you can buy a Farnkford Arsenol for like $50. I'm not sure how much difference there is in tumblers.

Skip the case lube kit and get either Redding Imperial Wax or Hornady's sizing wax. Buy the Lube brush still if you want, but fingers and q-tips work fine.

I'm not a fan of hand primers. Either go full out and buy the CPS Lite from Primal Rights, or just use the priming method on which ever press you buy.

Toss the 308 mic kit and get these instead Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Comparator Basic Set 6 Inserts
Hornady Lock-N-Load Overall Length Ga Bolt Action
Hornady Lock-N-Load Headspace Ga 5 Bushing Set Comparator
Then your set to measure any rounds you want to do later on.

I see ddd was posting while I was, lol. We we're thinking a lot along the same lines too.
 
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#10 ·
...Forster or Redding dies would be a much better choice.

Lee sells a complete shell holder assortment for $20, don't pay $7 for one...
I have heard a lot of rumor that it is a good idea to match the shellholder to the dies...Redding shellholders are $10+ each or $56+ for a set of 5...but if there is any truth to this rumor than I'm game. Don't want to spend $20 on a set of Lee shellholders if I should be matching shellholders to dies...
 
#6 ·
Just so you know how much experience I have reloading...I have never seen reloading equipment in person with exception to the cheap looking press kits that Bass Pro sometimes carries on the shelf. And due to my experience with most box store equipment, I never even took the time or showed the interest in such kits to actually look them over. So you guys are basically teaching your 5yo to reload at this point.
 
#7 ·
Chargemaster is easy and is accurate to within about + or - 0.25 gr. They claim 0.1 gr, but according to my saturious they are sadly mistaken. It will work as long as you don't push max loads.

The hornady comparators are fairly simple to use. You will not have trouble with them.

If you can't swing the CPS yet then just prime on the coax. It is slow, but works. I wouldn't mess with a hand primer.

I would ship. I have a fedex account. To build the tumbler you will need a good motor (mine is a 1hp baldor...but that is overkill), four pillow bearings, two 3/4" shafts, pulleys for each shaft and the motor, and rubber hose to go on the shafts. Just bolt all of it to 3/4 plywood and you are done. I have probably 100,000 rounds through mine with very little maintence or issues.

I will get links a little later when I am in front of a computer.
 
#8 ·
Comparing the RCBS Turret to the Forster Co-Ax...is the Forster that much better? I'm wondering because with the RCBS Turret I would assume it is faster with having 6 dies on the turret, just rotate and press...vice having to change out dies all the time. If the Forster Co-Ax is that much better, than so be it...I intend to do every step in batches anyway
 
#19 ·
The turret press is really not much faster if any than the coax. Thing is...you will complete one stage before moving on to another. In other words you will size all 100 (or 500) cases, then change the die, then seat all of the bullets (after powder and primer of course). Therefore there is only one die change throughout the course of loading. That coupled with the fact that the dies just slide in and out of the coax means that they can be changed almost as fast (if not faster) than the turret press...and the Coax incorporates a floating system which tends to be more precise than the turret system. The only way to speed the process up significantly is to go with a progressive...and I have several...but they are not what I would consider precision loaders.
 
#9 ·
Yes it's that much better. As you said everything is done in steps, so your not going to be using both dies at once.

If you were going to do pistol and wanted to speed up the process, then a Lee Classic turret is great.
 
#17 ·
So far from my original list I only have the tumbler (debating), the reloading tray, and the caliper...in a way I hate you guys, but glad I asked before I bought lol
 
#23 ·
I'm beginning to see that buying everything is one adventure, learning how to use it all will be another adventure...

I noticed that Lee does not have a trickler, at least on Midway, to compliment the perfect powder measure...any trickler better than the others or does it not matter? I won't be getting everything on Midway, just using the site to compile the list and save it since they have most everything available. Right now I'm looking at the Frankford Arsenal trickler, seems to be the favored one from a "reviews" standpoint https://www.midwayusa.com/product/110398/frankford-arsenal-powder-trickler

Other than that, I think the only thing I'm short on is a quality lab grade scale...who makes a good one?
 
#24 ·
Also, is there anything else we've missed...even basic stuff? I'm curious because I see things like neck turners/reamers, flashhole tools, etc that we haven't discussed. As I noted with my 5yo reloading experience level...how many rags should I have lying around? lol
 
#25 ·
dddoo7...

What kind of bench annealing setup is yours? I don't want to throw it out or hold off on it just yet till I know what it runs. Instead of that setup, is it possible to put a case in the shellholder and anneal by hand with a small torch? How would a process like that work if it has any success at all?
 
#27 ·
My annealer is a benchsource.

New Case Neck Annealing Machine

it can be done by hand...but precision is everything in this hobby. I cannot be nearly as precise by hand as I can be with an automated annealer.

This again is not something you need starting out. If you have that much cash sitting around I would buy a Giuard trimmer instead of an annealer. That would eliminate the wilson trimmer, case holder, and lyman bench mounted prep station as the Giuard will trim, chamfer, and debur all in one step.

GTC Trimmer
 
#26 ·
I have a redding trickler. Most any trickler should be fine.

As far as a lab grade scale...the sky is the limit.

I have a Satorius (acculab vic 123) and it is a good scale. One of my near future purchases is going to probably be this scale

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004C3ASH...TF8&colid=2OCZ6XVZ7RJVG&coliid=I3QPY3AT2SJAFJ

This one can be coupled with an auto trickler which is supposed to be fairly accurate. again...I don't have these yet, but will probably purchase soon and can give a review then.

auto trickler
Automatic Powder Trickler - Home

The promethius is the top of the line...but there is quite a wait and a hefty price tag on those.

Stay away from cheap lab scales (gempro 250, hornady, etc). While they appear to work and some people are happy with them repeatability has proven to be less than desirable. In other words...if one drops a 175 gr bullet on the scale today and it reads 175.12, then tomorrow it should also read 175.12...and every day thereafter. The gempro and other low end scales tend to walk. You will want to spend the same (or maybe even more) on a scale as you were going to on the chargemaster.

Now...this precise of a scale is not necessary for just starting out. You will do fine probably for some time with the chargemaster...but I have hit the limit of what it is capable of and I am very frustrated at the $300 paper weight sitting on my bench...but I won't sell it until I choose a better option. If you are willing to sell and upgrade equipment as you learn then the chargemaster might be what you want to start out with.
 
#28 ·
I have a redding trickler. Most any trickler should be fine.

As far as a lab grade scale...the sky is the limit.

I have a Satorius (acculab vic 123) and it is a good scale. One of my near future purchases is going to probably be this scale

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004C3ASH...TF8&colid=2OCZ6XVZ7RJVG&coliid=I3QPY3AT2SJAFJ

This one can be coupled with an auto trickler which is supposed to be fairly accurate. again...I don't have these yet, but will probably purchase soon and can give a review then.

auto trickler
Automatic Powder Trickler - Home

The promethius is the top of the line...but there is quite a wait and a hefty price tag on those.

Stay away from cheap lab scales (gempro 250, hornady, etc). While they appear to work and some people are happy with them repeatability has proven to be less than desirable. In other words...if one drops a 175 gr bullet on the scale today and it reads 175.12, then tomorrow it should also read 175.12...and every day thereafter. The gempro and other low end scales tend to walk. You will want to spend the same (or maybe even more) on a scale as you were going to on the chargemaster.

Now...this precise of a scale is not necessary for just starting out. You will do fine probably for some time with the chargemaster...but I have hit the limit of what it is capable of and I am very frustrated at the $300 paper weight sitting on my bench...but I won't sell it until I choose a better option. If you are willing to sell and upgrade equipment as you learn then the chargemaster might be what you want to start out with.
Honestly, instead of learning bad habits by starting out lazy on something like the chargemaster...I'd rather just learn to do it right from the start with a regular scale. Than I won't have to relearn later, which is always more difficult. So, I'm ditching the chargemaster...
 
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#29 ·
That's a $600+ scale you're looking at...may wind up going with a beam scale for awhile. I take it that weighing powder is done on the scale in grams and converted to grains? Everything I see is advertised as +/- 0.001g but g and gr are not the same thing...pretty sure if I loaded 42.5g of powder I would blow my face off at the very least
 
#31 ·
Just listen to 007.
I am Priming with the Coax for now.
You will get blisters with case prep hand tools. That was what I got after working my way through the care package Norcal sent me.
I will get the Lyman powered case prep center with all the bits spinning at once.
I am using an RCBS 10-10 beam and check weights.
Powder scoops for now.
They can be messy. Should have at least tried the Lee powder measures. I took it out of the box at Academy and decided to save for a Redding. I did buy the Hornady caliper bushing sets.
I have an extra red adapter now. Online you can get just the bushing in one kit and buy the complete kit with bushing for OAL to Ogive.

Imperial Wax is very effective and easy to use.
Once you feel a Forster Micrometer Seater compared to an RCBS you will not go back. The larger diameter of the adjustment knob puts it over the Redding to me. I have Forster in 223 and a Redding National Match 3 die set in 30-06 and Lee 3 die Pacesetter in 270. Lyman makes a decent universal depriming die. I am using the RCBS small base full length in 223 to deprime and resize crimped brass and then the Forster on the subsequent firings
Forster says not to use their full length on crimped primers.
I still need a tumbler but am good on brass for about 200 more shots.
Still can't decide if wet or dry.
Thumler, Dillon, or the commercial Lyman if dry.
The Lyman or home built if wet.
The Lyman is just an orange version of the commercial wet polisher.

Trimming with the Lyman EZ Trim and a cordless drill for now.
It takes practice to get consistent results and you must use the shell holder because it is the depth stop.
It is fast but not the best.
There are better drill mount from Giraud but by the time you buy three different case family bits you are close to the full machine in price.
A hand crank like a Wilson will probably be a better match for my use.

Get the good ammo storage boxes.
Between 007, Orkan, NorCal, and Mamalukino, and Rhyno, I have had good council and do not feel like I have spent any money that was not necessary to spend.
I am going to get two Wilson case gauges for 223 and 30-06 for speed alone and not having to set up the Comparator.

I already have a Wilson 270 case gauge.




My next purchases will be powder measure, tumbler, Wilson style trimmer, quality digital scale and trickler, and finally , CPS primer.

Something with a true action and fitted barrel may come after the trimmer and a $1k or twice that scope. That will be spread out over the next 12 months.
Tumbler and measure will be next 3 weeks.
Thanks for the advice everyone.
 
#37 · (Edited)
Lyman makes a decent universal depriming die.

I am going to get two Wilson case gauges for 223 and 30-06 for speed alone and not having to set up the Comparator.
Lee makes about the best decapping die I have found. I have several of them set up for different things...some with 20,000 plus rounds decapped (with new pins of course).

You are also correct about the wilson case gauges. I have one for every rifle caliber I load as well. They are worth the money.
 
#34 · (Edited)
Is this the Acculab you're referring to? If so...$305 isn't bad
Acculab Vicon Digital Scales
It certainly claims to be accurate enough. The .001 gram repeatability equates to 0.01543236 grains. That's about the weight for a single granule of most stick type powders.


The real question is how quickly does it stabilize it's readings after you put a charge on the pan. The finer the resolution the more sensitive. Breezes from A/C or Furnace Duct, open window, kids running up and down stairs, "mouse farts", etc. Some are better than others in that respect.

Want to see what's available? This site has dozens of scales that are in the .015 to .077 range of accuracy with a wide range of prices. Gempro's are popular as are the Sartorius models. How much do you want to spend.

Precision Balances - 0.001 Gram to 0.005 Gram Resolution
 
#33 ·
Here is the new list...

Acculab VIC-123...$305.00 Acculab Vicon Digital Scales
Lee Perfect Powder Measure...$25.99 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/540522/lee-perfect-powder-measure
Redding #5 Powder Trickler...$23.99 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/487186/redding-5-powder-trickler
Redding 2-Die set...$47.49 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/270734/redding-2-die-set-307-308-winchester
Forster Co-Ax Single Stage Press...$299.99 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/265719/forster-co-ax-single-stage-press
Forster Co-Ax Single Stage Press Cover...$14.49 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/220519/forster-co-ax-single-stage-press-cover
L. E. Wilson Case Trimmer Kit SS...$104.99 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/214923/le-wilson-case-trimmer-kit-stainless-steel
L. E. Wilson Trimmer Case Holder...$11.29 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/7...winchester-for-new-or-full-length-sized-cases
Hornady Lock-N-Load OL Gauge...$28.49 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/570611/hornady-lock-n-load-overall-length-gauge-bolt-action
Hornady Lock-N-Load Comparater set...$26.99 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2...ad-bullet-comparator-basic-set-with-6-inserts
Hornady Lock-N-Load Bushing set...$33.49 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/4...headspace-gauge-5-bushing-set-with-comparator
Hornady Lock-N-Load OL Gauge Modified Case...$5.49 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/4...all-length-gauge-modified-case-308-winchester
Xtreme Hardcore funnel...$27.99 caliber specific relaoding funnels
Imperial Case Sizing Wax...$8.89 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/519525/imperial-case-sizing-wax-2-oz
Thumler's Tumbler Model B...$174.99 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/4...del-b-high-speed-rotary-case-tumbler-110-volt
Lyman Case Care Kit...$42.99 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/442091/lyman-case-care-kit
Lyman Dial Caliper 6" SS...$30.49 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/128288/lyman-dial-caliper-6-stainless-steel
Lyman Bleacher Reloading Tray...$6.49 https://www.midwayusa.com/product/3...ter-30-06-springfield-50-round-plastic-orange

Total $1,219.50...only $186.84 over my original list. Does not include a bench but that is not hard to figure out or build for ~$150...I also feel much better about this list...time to price match
 
#39 ·
#40 ·
No.

The case gauge can be used to determine headspace...but really the case gauge is just a quick check to make sure most everything is correct. It will check the headspace, sizing, and trim length just by dropping brass into the gauge. The hornady is easier to measure headspace and the wilson is quicker just to make sure nothing is way out. Once your dies are set up for a particular rifle you will not use either very often.
 
#41 ·
#42 ·
Try truck driving to keep you from reloading.
Seriously, don't.
Looking for decent BBQ in Memphis off of Shelby right now. Tommy's is closest.
Just ended my work shift.
Lee hand press maybe?
Could deprime cases at least.
Good list 99.
I am about $1000 and change into total investment right now.
Coax, Three die sets, scale, tools, gauges, powder & bullets, ammo boxes etc.

It will be $2k+ when it is fully set up plus remodeling a spare bedroom for all my other stuff like radios and synthesizer keyboards and music stuff.
I really ought to start selling that stuff off.
 
#44 ·
Yep, Wilson is like a go no go gauge.
Hornady gives you the actual distance to the datum line and you can do a before and after.

I will use the Wilson for final check with loaded ammo as well for the AR and immediately after deprime/resize.

They are for my AR and Garand ammo primarily.
Hunting ammo for 270 as well.
Super duper OCW ammo is the Hornady and setup.
With an actual number I know how much to turn the Micrometer dies or resizer.
 
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