I started this thread on the Reloading board. I plan to cast bullets for the 416 in the future. Would like information on equipment for reloading and bullet casting. Thanks.

I plan on buying the CZ 416 Rigby when they come out with the American stock. So I guess I could put the cart in front of the horse and start asking about the reloading components. My father was a tool and die maker that reinforced in me the pride of high quality close tolerance equipment. So the first question is where do I start with high quality equipment that will last multiple generations? As someone finds time, could you list the minimal components necessary to reload accurate 416 Rigby's and then the nice to have items also? For this endeavor I will stray from the Escort and concentrate on the Cadillac's. Best brass? Best press? I understand the Forster may be the best? Thanks for assisting me as I expand my horizon.

All of the information is appreciated and motivating. I'll start ordering the equipment for an early Christmas present to myself. I'll just be waiting for the American Stocked CZ. The big push is a new angle to the felt recoil. Doesn't sound as brutal as a sharp jab. I guess the higher velocity rounds would be both a big push and a sharp jab. Is there any advantage to the Coax over the new Rock Chucker? There are more questions at the end of my order list. Please advise.

So far my list includes:

Redding dies
Lee crimp die
Norma Brass
Digital Caliper

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Kit which includes
Rock Chucker Supreme Press (Supreme press has 4" opening, which is 1/2" larger than Rock Chucker)
505 Scale
Speer Manual #13
Uniflow Powder Measure
Deburring Tool
Case Loading Block
Hand Priming Tool
Powder Funnel
Case Lube Kit
Hex Key Set

Is an electronic scale needed?
What brand of case trimmers?
Case tumbler?
Any gauges needed for accuracy?
Which books are the best for beginners and which ones to avoid.
I want to use cast bullets also so which book, which bullet, which mold, which lead?
Want to develop a low velocity highly accurate load for Big Bore competition. Any special information resources?
Any other suggestions for equipment is appreciated. Thanks

Forgot to mention that if any or all of the items in the kit are marginal, I would like to buy better quality pieces individually now. Thanks

METOO, have I got a mold for you! A Rapine custom two-holer. Used, but in excellent condition. Casts a .414" 320 grain 3RF boolit. Computed BC is .41. This mold, if you look at it warmly, will spew boolits onto the closest soft cloth. <G>

If you're interested, give me shout at grumble222@yahoo.com, and we can discuss details and I can send you some pics.

Looks to me like you have been listening and learning and have already made a very sound choice of equipment.

I don't think anybody needs an electronic scale. It is a convience item and not a necessity. They are nice but not necessary.

When it comes to case trimmers the Wilson is the cream of the crop with the Forster right behind. ME? I prefer to use Redding file trim dies

I also like Wilson case guages to check for length, head space adjustment of the dies etc.

For every caliber I reload in addition to the dies, I have a Redding file trim die, and a Wilson case guage for every bottle neck case.

Oh yes..I also think a Logan 9X18" lathe is also a pretty essencial item for reloading :-).

You are heading the right way..just get that mould from Grumble and cast away. I have done business with Grumble and he is an honest guy. A little wierd, but honest.

Oh yes...I don't think a loading bench is complete without a Lyman handloading manual.

"Uniflow Powder Measure"

You guys might enlighten me. Is this that meausure where the rod slids in and out of the fill chamber? That fill chamber say 1/2" or so in diameter?

I have this style in a Herters which isn't used much here. I have the micrometer drummed Pacific which is one of the best IMO. Only one I've used for >30 yrs.

You'll have a headspace guage when you buy the rifle [it's chamber].

Couldn't give me a digital caliper either. Just something to break. Actually the one I have is now broke but no matter, I don't need it. Each bullet has a dummy cartridge set for bullet seating using brass that's ready to retire. But I think most everyone starts with a caliper.

My Starret micrometer now, I use that alot.

So far so good on the loading, but what about the casting? How do you want to melt
your lead; electric furnace, propane fish/turkey fryer, camp stove, kitchen range? Dip, or
pour? If you pour, you will need a bottom pour furnace. Do you want to pan lube or use a
lubesizer?

You dont need an electronic scale, but the balance beam sure gets old after a while.

Metoo

If you get into casting your own bullets you will have a blast . I would suggest a electronic scale for one reason , not all bullets come out the desired weight ,mix might be a little off or your mould gets to hot or to cold or your melted lead temp was not the same ETC, a lot of different things can change from batch to batch , try sighting in a bullet that has a big weight grain difference , you will pull your hair out and do not forget to get a good thermometer . Have fun

RR

Addressing the issue of casting your own bullets for the .416, I can say the following from experience:

My RCBS 416-350 mould casts wheelweight metal RELIABLY with less than ONE GRAIN of weight variation, day in and day out. It also casts a perfect diameter of .4165", and the RCBS .417" bullet size/lube die barely touches it. (In my Ruger .416 Rigby, a .414" bullet would be decidedly undersize.)

The rifle will fire these 365-grain bullets (actual cast weight from my alloy) at speeds over 2600 fps WITHOUT leading and with excellent accuracy. It's a heck of a lot more comfy at 2000-plus, though.

If you intend to shoot this new rifle very much at all, you can cast these bullets and use them with nothing more than a mould, a pan on the stove, and a Lee sizing die which fits on your loading press. The die will install gaschecks on the bullets....necessary for higher-speed loads. The entire process is quite simple and the results are wonderful.

Equipment cost would be perhaps $70.00 basic, and higher if you want more elaborate gear such as a lube-sizer. Consider that the cost-per-bullet, given free or inexpensive salvaged wheelweights, runs about TWO CENTS or so....mostly for the gascheck! Tooling costs get amortized VERY quickly when you save twenty to fifty cents per bullet.

My "Ruger Rigby" has now fired over 1000 rounds of cast bullets and works beautifully with them.

(I have several boxes of .416" Barnes X bullets here which I won't be using, at a good price if anyone's interested.)

Regards from BruceB (aka Bren Mk1)