Since I'm just starting to handload, What essential,basic tools or thingys do I need?

I think the first order of business would be to buy some reloading manuals and read their tutorials on loading, plus get a copy of The ABC's of reloading.
I really don't have a list of what's needed to start. But, off the top, an RCBS beginners kit would get you going. Don't remember if it has a powderder measure and a set of powder scales; you'll need them too. A six inch dial caliber is a must have too.
So, you need a loading press, shell holders so you can load different calibers, a set of dies for calibers you will load.

I don't think you need a lot of stuff. I am a relative beginner as well and over the time I've been reloading here is what I've gathered up. Missing from the photo is my press and a powder funnel but I'm making my own ammo with this and don't think I need any more stuff:

Buy one of the kits (RCBS, Hornady, etc). It will have just about everything you need except a caliper. Then you can build you collection of tools. I have to warn you that once you get into reloading your list of "must have" tools will grow rapidly. Whatever you do don't look at sinclair.com

The first order of business should be several reloading manuals. I personally prefer Sierra, Nosler & Hornady. Others are probably as good and more clear on loading procedures. I'd recommend thoroughly reading and understanding the methodology before getting any equipment.
As to equipment, I'd recommend the RCBS starter kit. It will have most of the basic items you'll want/need. In adddition you'd need dies & shell holders for the cartridges you're going to load for. Think I'd start with only one cartridge and get the hang of the procedure first then move on to others. One other "thingy" that's extra that you'll want is a vernier caliper of some type - I personally prefer the digital ones but those are more expensive. Just my thoughts.
Bear in Fairbanks

Mr. Pepper,

Like the guys said, buying a kit is much cheaper way to get started. If you stick with this fine hobby or way of life to some, you will accumulate many "Must Have Tools = Thingys.

Make preparations for a place to store all that stuff if you don't have space already.

Best of luck to you. Merg

quote:

Originally posted by Zoboomafoo_dude:
Buy one of the kits (RCBS, Hornady, etc). It will have just about everything you need except a caliper. Then you can build you collection of tools. I have to warn you that once you get into reloading your list of "must have" tools will grow rapidly. Whatever you do don't look at sinclair.com

I'm looking at a Lee kit and adding what I need to. Manuals,so far I have a Lee and what is available from a few of the powder makers which
I got from their sites.
Sinclair well I'm waiting on there latest catalog which will make my third one from them.
Dies I have are 300WSM from Lee and
RCBS 480/475 carbide.Now just make room
to do all this in. Wife told kitchen table was off limits. Dunno why its a good table

I'll second the Lee Challenger Anniversary kit, you get a lot of stuff for your money.

It can be argued that you can buy better quality of everything offered, which is true but not for under $100 total. So I'll suggest buying the kit and using it to learn reloading on and then when you know more and finances permit upgrade the stuff you want to and use this as backup, or you can do stuff like leaving the powder measure set up for your main caliber, etc.

Good luck, and have fun!

1.Read the “ABC’s” of reloading (current addition).

2.Read the Lyman’s reloading manual (current edition).

3.Find some one local that is experienced that is willing to help you get started. A good place to ask is your local gun store.

4.Buy only quality reloading equipment and reloading components.

You will need:

1.Press.

2.Dies & shell holders for the ammunition you wish to load.

3.Among the most important, an accurate powder scale.

4.Accurate dial caliper.

5.Case tumbler (media type) for cleaning your empty brass.

6.Case trimmer (neck) manual or auto.

7.Case lube or spray.


These are the basics and you can purchase a kit that will have all the necessary things you need to get started and you can add as you go along. The most important element is finding a competent person to help you in getting started. Perhaps going to his/her place to watch them and ask as many questions as you can without being annoying. This is by far the best way to get started. But do read the books as mentioned above first so you have a basic understanding.

quote:

Originally posted by WhatThe:
1.Read the “ABC’s” of reloading (current addition).

2.Read the Lyman’s reloading manual (current edition).

3.Find some one local that is experienced that is willing to help you get started. A good place to ask is your local gun store.

4.Buy only quality reloading equipment and reloading components.

You will need:

1.Press.

2.Dies & shell holders for the ammunition you wish to load.

3.Among the most important, an accurate powder scale.

4.Accurate dial caliper.

5.Case tumbler (media type) for cleaning your empty brass.

6.Case trimmer (neck) manual or auto.

7.Case lube or spray.


These are the basics and you can purchase a kit that will have all the necessary things you need to get started and you can add as you go along. The most important element is finding a competent person to help you in getting started. Perhaps going to his/her place to watch them and ask as many questions as you can without being annoying. This is by far the best way to get started. But do read the books as mentioned above first so you have a basic understanding.

This is darn good advice.....take it!

Very good advice indeed!
As I mentioned earlier I have brass dies and shellholder for 2 calibers.
I'm going to start with the 480 then as I get better then will I'll start with the 300WSM and 35 Remington.
I several guys that load and have given me very
good advice on what to do and how addicting it is.

I bought this kit last year. I am loading .270 Win with it. It works well for learning and low volume stuff. Tight groups like you would expect from factory ammo but better.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewp...ee&utm_campaign=9315

quote:

Originally posted by Bendite:
I bought this kit last year. I am loading .270 Win with it. It works well for learning and low volume stuff. Tight groups like you would expect from factory ammo but better.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewp...ee&
utm_campaign=9315

The other Lee kit is the one I plan on getting.

mr.pepper, Welcome to the Land of the Reloaders!! The LEE kit will do for getting your feet wet. If you can swing it, the RCBS Rock Chucker Kit will be with you without a lot of upgrades for a long time! LEE dies are(Collet Die Sets, 3 dies, FL, Neck and Seater) second to none in the business! A good triple balance beam scale (OHAUS makes them all for RCBS, Dillon, whoever) is a definite upgrade to the Lee scale. Powder measures..........LEE makes a decent powder measure if using ball or speherical powders, all fall short(RCBS, Hornady, Lyman, whomever) if using the old style IMR stick powders like 3031, 4350, 4831.......that's why IMR now offers "sc" powders in some of thier numbers, you have a hard time "throwing a charge". That's why you need a qality scale when starting out.........so you can check the "thrown charge" each time you throw one. Presses?..........Still using an old RCBS RockChucker that was new in 1975.............I have all the data from every cartridge it's loaded during that time frame! It's been a few!! Reloading Manuals...........can't get enough!! Speer, Hornady, Sierra, Nosler, Barnes, Accurate Powders(Western Powders) IMR, Alliant..............get all the data that is out there if possible.......and now it's possible if you have a computer(you do!!) and a printer. Wish you lived closer and I'd give you a demonstration of reloading techniques and practices and lessons for free. I just enjoy passing knowledge on to folks want to learn!! RELOADING is the most enjoyable pasttime I've ever known! You will enjoy the fruits of you labor! Of course it will mean that you have to try this method or that tool or buy this or that rifle to experiment with but it will be rewarding!! WELCOME to the club!! Charlie (GHD)

mr. pepper, I started with the Lee Anniversary kit. In no time, I discovered the scale was mediocre at best and a little tough to read. I also replaced the press for the RCBS Press.

Had I spent the extra $ on the RCBS kit, I would be ahead.

I like the Lee trimmers and Lee Dies

I've never thought much of the kits. Sure they get you started, but a lot what you are buying is stuff that you will want to upgrade the first time you use it, like the balance beam scales. I don't use the lube pads either.

I wish they had a kit with a digital scale.

A lot of good advise was given already, but if I were getting started, I'd get a rock chucker press and buy the rest of the stuff that I needed. Get 3-4 reloading manuals.

quote:

Originally posted by mr.pepper:
Since I'm just starting to handload, What essential,basic tools or thingys do I need?

Now there's a question we don't get every day. Oh wait, yes it is.

There's over 10 years of answers in the 'find' archive. Try using the search function for viewpoints from other than today's posters. If you actually desire to be an informed consumer.

That may be an everyday question. However, out of how many that ask those everyday questions honestly apply what they learn from it?
I've been busy for awhile now gathering as much
information and asking questions like this to get started with reloading.

quote:

Originally posted by mr.pepper:

I've been busy for awhile now gathering as much
information and asking questions like this to get started with reloading.

Yes I can see that you've been an AR member for 5 years now. And asking 'getting started' questions for almost that long.

All I'm saying, and this pertains to all questioners, learn to use the search function. There's a wealth of info from posters and days gone by. 99% of that info is still relevant. Why only limit yourself to the info gleaned from whomever decides to answer today?

Agree with Vapo that "WhatThe" has a real good start. But we all have slightly different Priorities for our time.

Also the flick by Caoroach includes things I would not want to be without:
1. Powder Trickler - needed for rifle cartridges.
2. I believe that is a Lee Scale in his flick. As long as the readings are consistent, about any Scale sold will do. The "dampening" of the swing costs a bit to do as well as the type of "poise" material. Some electronic scales are OK, and some will drive you crazy if you breathe near them, or the air cuts on.
3. The Lee Trimmer and Case Gauge in the flick are great. I like them for non-Wildcat cartridges better than the Lathe style trimmers.
4. I would not be without the Lee Auto Prime. Most Presses are able to seat primers, but the Lee Auto Prime is just too good not to have.
5. You mentioned 480 which I'll guess is a Straight Wall revolver case. If that is true, then go the extra cost of Carbide Dies, you will not regret it.
6. Champfer/Deburr Tool (in the flick)is low cost and necessary for me.
7. I made a Case Mouth Polisher (for rifle cases) with 0000SteelWool wrapped around an old 22cal Bore Brush. I would not want to be without it either.

If you see Primer Flipper Trays going for 1cent per thousand Trays, it is still a bad deal.

If you want to know about your Pressure, there are only two ways which actually work, good old, never fail, always reliable, CHE & PRE which told more about Pressure than the $$$HUGE$$$ waste of money shown in the next link.

And there are the totally worthless Haphazard Strain Gauge FIASCOs where "your buddy" showed how worthless they are - with the one he wasted $$$HUGE$$$ on. I refer to it as the GLOAT Thread.

8. So, a 0.0001" capable Micrometer would be needed for CHE & PRE, if Pressure interests you.

Notice no "THINGYS" are needed nor wanted!!!

An experienced reloading friend.

a mentor
a rcbs master reloading kit
ONE powder,