I know you folks have answered this 1,000 times over but I'm going to ask for your patience and ask again.

I want to start reloading and after looking through some web sites and the Cabela's Firearm Catalog I'm lost.

I want to reload:
.223
7/08
308Win
300WM
7mmRM
450 Marlin
30/06
45/70
35Rem
300 Savage

Which manufacturer and set up would you suggest? There is a starter kit for RCBS which has an electronic dispenser,press,electronic scale,case trimming tool,hand primer,deburring tool for $569.00...Is this a good start?

Thanks,

Really hard to beat RCBS kits.

Be sure to buy at least two and better three or four reloading manuals. Read them through, ask questions. Have fun,be safe.

The sweetness of a low price is soon forgotten. The bitterness of poor quality sticks in your craw.

muck

There's no better deal to begin with, than the RCBS kit. Once you get into it, you can try something else. I'm telling you men, these things are addictive. But it's a lot of fun.

quote:

Originally posted by Bruz:


I want to start reloading and after looking through some web sites and the Cabela's Firearm Catalog I'm lost.

Which manufacturer and set up would you suggest? There is a starter kit for RCBS which has an electronic dispenser,press,electronic scale,case trimming tool,hand primer,deburring tool for $569.00...Is this a good start?Thanks,

The RCBS kit is a great way to start reloading. What I would not buy, however, is the electronic version. I believe it best to start in this technical world with manual tools until you've mastered the fundamentals. Besides, why spend the extra bucks on a hobby you might not like so much a year or two down the road?

Other reasons to avoid electronic scales and powder measures are that the money you save up front can later be spent on tools you might develop a preference for. Consider your reloading room for example, is the lighting fluorescent? Do you use a cordless phone? Because the signals emitted by some of these commonly used devices, be it optical or otherwise, have been known to interfere with some brands of reloading equipment, one must consider them not the best choice for the novice hand loader.

I'm not trying to scare you, I just want you to reconsider before plunking down your hard earned cash.

My RCBS is 30 plus yrs and works great. Cant' go wrong with it. The starter kit is good but not all inclusive. After you read the manual you will realize you need a few more extras.

quote:

Originally posted by buckshot:

The RCBS kit is a great way to start reloading. What I would not buy, however, is the electronic version. I believe it best to start in this technical world with manual tools until you've mastered the fundamentals.

+1 on that advice. The regular RCBS kit would be better for a starter. It will have the balance beam rather than the electronic version. Most of us started out that way and it will get you familiarized with the procedure and you can upgrade later.

My advice is the RCBS starter kit and for dies I would recommend a

A Lee Collet Neck Sizer and Bullet Seater. There are better bullet seaters but the Lee will work. The Collet Neck Sizer is easy to use and will give you little runout (better concentricity).

A Redding Body Die. You will need to push the shoulder back after 3 or 4 firings to keep the case easy to chamber.

A Hornady OAL Length Gauge along with a modified case and a set of comparators will allow you to find where the lands start in you chamber and allow you to seat the bullet at a distance from the lands that you choose.

Remember to read and comprehend the instructions for each piece of equipment before using.

Ask questions here. It's the best place to learn in a hurry.

I agree with Woods (which is common) but for one thing, I would start with a few calibers, 1 or 2 and use a regular set of dies, i.e. RCBS 2 die set for a couple of your favorite calibers. After you master the basics, move on with neck sizers, body dies etc.

I also would have no problem telling a beginner to start with an electronic scale system, if you know to be sure and monitor it's accuracy, meaning calibrate it always, and know it's accurate, I think this is why a lot of the guys are advising starting with a beam type scale--I do like having a couple of scales to check against each other from time to time, but really that is what the check weights are for, and the RCBS electronic scale/dispenser definitely comes with those!

As Woods said, don't be afraid to ask questions. Get a couple of manuals at least, I really like the Nosler manual, it was one I started with, and it seemed straightforward and easy to grasp to me. I probably have 6 or 7 different ones now, but I do like the Nosler best of all still.......

Good Luck

If you want the electronic scales and dispenser then get it, but it certainly isn't necessary. I've loaded many thousands of rounds and don't have them, don't feel I need them. I weigh all my hunting rounds, the plinking stuff (22-250) I throw with a powder measure. I'd recommend starting with the regular kit, it's got everything you need except dies and calipers. Regular full length dies will work well for all the calibers you mentioned, I'd probably buy some lee collet dies for the 223, they're great for high volume loading like you'll probably do for the 223 and make great ammo.

I highly recommend the RCBS starter kit. If you can afford the electronic scale version they are a little nicer IMHO.
I've recommended this setup to a couple different beginning reloaders and they have responded back extremely favorably about their decision to buy the RCBS RockChucker Starter set. It's what I started with 31 years ago and it all still works great today though of course I've greatly expanded from there.
I don't think you will go wrong starting will all RCBS stuff and then expanding from there. I personally avoid Lee stuff whenever possible because it wears out and breaks. Good Luck and don't be afraid to ask lots of questions......................DJ

Thanks for all of the input.

I ordered the Barnes and Nosler Manuals tonight as I hope to be reloading the TSX in several of my rifles for hunting.

I will start with my favorite rifle....It's an LVSF in 7mm/08 and I have 100 once fired cases. The gentleman I traded for it said that it likes 42.5 grains of Varget with 150gr Nosler Ballistic Tips....I want to shoot 140gr TSX's out of this rifle so I will go by the Barnes Manual.

I'm sure the manuals will answer these questions but they aren't here yet....So here goes.

The RCBS Kit contains the following:
1) Rock Chucker Press
2) Electronic Measure and Scale
3) Case Trimmer
4) Deburring Tool
5) Hand Primer

I know I will need the RCBS 2 Die Set,Primers,Powder and bullets but what else is necessary or would make my life easier...Don't I need a tool for removing the old primers?

Thanks again,

Robert

I'm also a big fan of the RockChucker kit. You'll need a set of dies & a shell holder in the caliber of your choice. The sizing die also removes or decaps the primer, so nothing else there. You'll need a set of calipers for measuring the OAL (over all length) & to check your brass length.
Don't take the previous owners load recommendation as gospel, work up your own loads. Read your reloading manual several times & start slow. In no time you'll be turning out quality ammo.

Fredj is right on. The next thing that you'll want to buy is a caliper to measure case length etc.. I've used expensive Starret and Brown and Sharp models but tend to use the $20 digital model that I picked up from Harbor Freight tools the most. I wouldn't fret as much if I dropped it or something I'd just replace it.

A lot of reloaders like to tumble their brass to make it nice clean and shiney. You can buy a kit from Midway with Media and everything for not too awful much.

Whatever you do don't get a Sinclair International Catalog unless you want to find all sorts of neat high quality gadgets that will help you load more accurately. They have some great stuff but you will more than likely end up spending lots of money there! -Be forewarned

Good luck I hope you enjoy reloading as much as I do............................DJ

Sounds like you're well on your way. As you have posted yourself, don't try to go too fast too soon.
The 7-08 is an easy cartridge to load for and is easy to reload. Don't paint yourself in a corner by saying I'm gonna load xxx bullets or xxx powder until you see what the rifle itself likes.
I think the case tumblers are the greatest thing since bottled beer. When I resize my cases, I lightly lube the inside of the neck to help reduce case stretch. After I've resized, I toss 'em in the tumbler for a while which cleans the inside while it's cleaning the outside.
Ask lotsa questions but, sadly, take what you find in cyberspace with a pinch of salt.

quote:

Originally posted by stillbeeman:
The 7-08 is an easy cartridge to load for and is easy to reload. Don't paint yourself in a corner by saying I'm gonna load xxx bullets or xxx powder until you see what the rifle itself likes.

The rifle shot a .438" group with the 42.5gr Varget and 150gr Nosler handloads supplied by the prveious owner. I then shot factory loaded Hornady SST's in 139gr and it shot an average of .75" @ 100...So the rifle is a shooter. I would prefer to use the 140gr TSX's but if for some reason it doesn't like them I'll go back to the Noslers.

How do you pick a starting point Bulet,Primer,Powder...When you don't have past experience to guide you?

Thanks,

quote:

Originally posted by Bruz:
Thanks for all of the input.

I ordered the Barnes and Nosler Manuals tonight as I hope to be reloading the TSX in several of my rifles for hunting.

I will start with my favorite rifle....It's an LVSF in 7mm/08 and I have 100 once fired cases. The gentleman I traded for it said that it likes 42.5 grains of Varget with 150gr Nosler Ballistic Tips....I want to shoot 140gr TSX's out of this rifle so I will go by the Barnes Manual.

I'm sure the manuals will answer these questions but they aren't here yet....So here goes.

The RCBS Kit contains the following:
1) Rock Chucker Press
2) Electronic Measure and Scale
3) Case Trimmer
4) Deburring Tool
5) Hand Primer

I know I will need the RCBS 2 Die Set,Primers,Powder and bullets but what else is necessary or would make my life easier...Don't I need a tool for removing the old primers?

Thanks again,

Robert

You have my favorite rifle. 7mm08 and I load the 140 TSX with 44.5gr of varget and CCI BR2 primers and Rem brass. 2840FPS Start your loads a couple grains lighter than mine and ease on up.

Unless you just want to blow some money get the RCBS set without the elctronic scales. The 2 die resizing set deprimes as it resizes. You do have to buy a case holder which is #3 for the 7mm08 and 308 and a few others. A range of poweders will be listed in the manual for each caliber and bullet weight. You will find that a case like the 7mm08 does not have room for the slower poweders but you can load H 4350 in it. Varget works very good. As far as primers go just pick a brand and stick with them I have used CCI primers for 30 yrs. Pick a brass and stick with it. If you mix brass from different companies you can have pressure differences. YOu may be disappointed in the Barnes manual. No information on the TSX in it.

The previous posters have all given you very good advice, but here's my two cents anyway:

I came of age with computers, so I bought and use an electronic scale simply because it's what I identify with. BUT be mindful of the potential problems with one, and a magnetic dampened mechanical scale is a good idea to have as a spare and check. (Not unlike being able to drive a manual transmission.)

You can buy a separate depriming die from RCBS (and probably others) that will deprime without sizing. You might want this if you are going to necksize some cases.

The Barnes manual recommends some powders for any given bullet and cartridge. I have had good success using the Barnes recommended powders.

If you are going to load Barnes TSXs be sure to read the loading information on their website re the TSXs as their current manual was published before the advent of the TSX.

Start slow and work up. Play with one caliber and focus on learning the fundamentals. As you progress, there will be many more tools that you will want or need.

Regards,

LWD

Bruz, to your point on starting components, the Nosler manual as an example will list the primer they used along with the powder charges for the various powders, and the case (brass) as well I think. That's a starting point, but honestly, I think most of us--certainly me--have certain components we like for various and sundry reasons, and just build loads from that perspective, working up to an accuracy load.

As an example I like WW Brass, Nosler Brass, Lapua Brass and Norma Brass, depending on caliber, I will use one of these case brands.

I like CCI primers, but also use Winchester and Federal as well. I usually start with CCI's.

I like a lot of different bullets, and the TSX's are definitely on that list. They like to be set well back off the lands and they are a long bullet, sometimes that comprimises case capacity for powder, but they are my go to bullet in several rifles, and I am able to get the amount of powder I needed/wanted in those particular rifles.

In summary, pic the components you like for whatever reason--including availability--and start working up your loads. I mention availability, because nothing is more frustrating than getting a really good shooting load you like, and then not being able to get the powder you like to build more

The powder and bullets you mention for your 7-08 is great, and pretty readily availble IME, so have at it!

The first little 'extras' I would tout are the caliber specific Satern alumninum powder funnels, and the Heavy duty poly loading blocks from Sinclair--you can get the powder funnels from Midway as well---slick little tools, I love those funnels! Both of these are relatively cheap, and I would also second DJ's comments/recommendation on the digital calipers, available lot's of places.

Good Luck--Don

rcbs starter kits are great thats how i started about 30 yrs ago, only it was the rockchucker starter kit back then,its still working flawless all these years,go the modern route with the kit you mentioned,read all you can on every aspect of reloading, always ask questions theirs always some one that will help you out!!!barnes bullets need a 50 thousants jump to the lands....their ausome bullets take them on with more experience under your belt,never re-load tired or distracted, regards jjmp

Thanks again for all of your replies. I truly appreciate the input. I'm sure as I get going I will ask your advice many many times.

Have a good night,

Bruz

Nothing wrong with the RCBS kit although I'd advise piece milling a starter set-up together.

If you started with these following items, you'd be headed in the right direction:

1)Lee Classic Cast single stage. Darn good press, I like it better than a RCBS RC but, they are fairly new and several folks turn their nose up at Lee because of the low price.
2)An RCBS 505, 1010, or Dillon Precision beam scale.
3a)Powder funnel, Lee or RCBS as they are about the same.
3b)Lee powder dipper set
4)Shell holders for the cartridges you intend to load(alot of SHs work for many different carts) I use a #2 and #5 the most as they cover many carts. Again Lee or RCBS are both fine
5)RCBS primer pocket brush tool
6)RCBS chamfer/debur tool
7)Loading block, the RCBS is good and there are some good wooden blocks as well
8)A Good Loading manual that has a good read and how-to section for beginners reloading.
9)Dies, RCBS 2 dies sets are good, Forester is much better. Hornady and Lee work fine as well.
10)Lee Case Lube
11)Brass
12)Powder
13)Primers
14)Bullets
15)A bench to set-up your press
16)A good chair to sit in while you reload for a while
17)Caliper



You'll be set with all that, just go to Midway and fill your basket to see where you're at on cost. Place the order for all of it(except primers and powder) and you'll save a good bit on shipping.

Read the manuals or books on the steps to reloading and begin to experiement. Just load a few at a time so you can get the hang of it.

Good Luck

Reloader

I will add, until you gain some experience follow the K I S S principle.
The kit already mentioned needs a quality(dosen't mean expensive) 6" caliper, powder funnel and basic set of dies.
Spend more time reading than reloading for a few days.
Ask questions.

Also as some one mentioned the Sinclair International catalog is full of many goodies. It has been cited as a possible cause of divorce actions. Loss of affection etc... you have been warned.

muck

For the sake of workflow, I like two blocks: take a case from one block, size or whatever, move it to the second block.

And I can't imagine weighing powder without a trickler.

flaco

OK...I had a wrench thrown into my plans...I had a man give me the following:

1) RCBS Rock Chucker
2) RCBS Powder Dispenser
3) Lee Hand Primer
4) RCBS 5-10 Scale
5) Lyman Turbo Tumbler

I ordered

6)RCBS ChargeMaster and Scale
7)RCBS Power Station (Case Prep)
8)RCBS Digital Calipers
9)RCBS Digital Micrometer
10) RCBS Funnel Kit
11) RCBS Trimmer Kit
12) RCBS 7mm/8 Die Set
13) CCI BR Primers
14) H380 1lb
15) Barnes TSX 140gr
16) Remington 7mm/08 Brass
17) 2 Loading Blocks
18) Set of Shell Holders
19) Case Lube


Am I missing anything???????

Yep, I did not see Varget powder on the list. It works great in the 7mm08 with the 140TSX.