The Accurate Reloading Forums
What Reloading Equoipment is Needed?
16 January 2010, 01:39
Hunt41BullWhat Reloading Equoipment is Needed?
Ok, probably a “dumb” question from a newbie to the forum, but I’m tired of not being able to find factory loads I want to shoot so I want to start reloading. This is the start of my investigation into the process! I am currently looking at the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit to get started. I read an old thread from 4 years ago and it seemed to be highly recommended. What book or books should I purchase first to read prior to starting? (I have two friends that reload and will also use them for resources, but neither is highly experienced.) What other equipment in addition to the kit will I need to purchase once I get started? I want to have an idea what the total cost will be to get into this correctly. All advice welcome!
16 January 2010, 01:55
rick boggsshell holders priming tool as the one on the rock chucker press isnt that easy to use you get a manual with that kit and all the powder companies and most bullet companies have load data on their web sites a bullet puller will be needed . also need a caliper for measuring cant seem to think of the right name for it now that should get you started then you will get into the accuracy mode and spend more on tools
16 January 2010, 02:16
JD MillerThe new kit looks like it comes with the hand primeing tool, least the one in the cabelas catolog.
Calipers, dies shell, shell holder. Should get you going. The kit used to come with the speer reloading manual which has alot of good instructions and info to get you going
16 January 2010, 03:16
wasbeemanThe kit you mentioned is supposed to be a good one and before you start buying any of the "nice to have" thingies, I would get a couple of load books (one should come with the kit) and read them cover to cover before going forward. I know that will be a PITA but in order to get the most out of your new hobby you want to get off on the right foot and not try to get ahead of the learning curve. Taking apart 100 cartridges that you've put together wrong ain't fun.
I'd suggest Lyman's 48th Edition (if that's the latest) reloading handbook as a good one. It has generic info so's you're not tied to one brand of stuff.
Also, IMO, a Chrony is one of the best, first, nice to have items you can buy. In addition to opening so many informational doors, it is just really neat to know how fast YOUR bullets are going. The load books can give you guessimates based on generic info; the Chrony can give you hard data.
Aim for the exit hole
16 January 2010, 07:08
icemanls2quote:
Originally posted by Hunt41Bull:
Ok, probably a “dumb” question from a newbie to the forum, but I’m tired of not being able to find factory loads I want to shoot so I want to start reloading. This is the start of my investigation into the process! I am currently looking at the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit to get started. I read an old thread from 4 years ago and it seemed to be highly recommended. What book or books should I purchase first to read prior to starting? (I have two friends that reload and will also use them for resources, but neither is highly experienced.) What other equipment in addition to the kit will I need to purchase once I get started? I want to have an idea what the total cost will be to get into this correctly. All advice welcome!
HUNT41BULL, If you don't wanna spend the $350.00 for the rockchucker I have a complete set that is virtually new, used like 3 times then boxed back up and i bought it from my buddies uncle. He decided reloading wasn't for him. Its a Pacific 007 press (looks almost identical to the Hornady Classic)O-type, powder measure, case lube pad,beam scale(noticed the adjuster at rear was damaged so you'd need a scale), powder funnel,Hornady reloading manual, I'd have to check what else. I'll make ya a great deal on that if your lookin used. I also have a RCBS junior 2 press and a Lyman 55 powder measure. Let me know.
16 January 2010, 07:23
vapodogquote:
Originally posted by icemanls2:
HUNT41BULL, If you don't wanna spend the $350.00 for the rockchucker I have a complete set that is virtually new, used like 3 times then boxed back up and i bought it from my buddies uncle. He decided reloading wasn't for him. Its a Pacific 007 press (looks almost identical to the Lee classic cast)O-type, powder measure, case lube pad,beam scale(noticed the adjuster at rear was damaged so you'd need a scale), powder funnel,Hornady reloading manual, I'd have to check what else. I'll make ya a great deal on that if your lookin used. I also have a RCBS junior press and a Lyman 55 powder measure. Let me know.
Sounds like a helluva deal.....Pacific 007 is a good press.....aluminum but still fully adequate.
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16 January 2010, 08:35
Winchester 69And it looks like the Hornady Classic, not a Lee Classic.
There's been so much written on this kit and getting started on this forum that you can learn anything you need to with Searches.
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16 January 2010, 21:03
stockdocIceman I have sent you a pvt. message......
17 January 2010, 02:30
icemanls2quote:
Originally posted by Winchester 69:
And it looks like the Hornady Classic, not a Lee Classic.
There's been so much written on this kit and getting started on this forum that you can learn anything you need to with Searches.
You're right , i misspoke. should have known that cause Pacific was bought by Hornady. I also have a RCBS Trim pro like new as well if you need one. As i said, let me know .
17 January 2010, 02:48
stockdocquote:
Originally posted by stockdoc:
Iceman I have sent you a pvt. message......
17 January 2010, 07:53
icemanls2quote:
Originally posted by stockdoc:
quote:
Originally posted by stockdoc:
Iceman I have sent you a pvt. message......
Returned a PM
18 January 2010, 02:34
icemanls2Pacific set is gone.
18 January 2010, 07:00
Buliwyf1. Forester/Bonanza Co-Ax Press (both jaw sets). I buy the aluminum Forester Cross Bolt Lock Ring to repalce rings that come with dies for use on Co-Ax. I don't use steel rings because i want the ring to have any wear not the press frame.
2. Harrell's Premium Culver Powder Meter Buy direct from Harrell)
3. RCBS 1010 Powder Scale to set clicks on Harrell's.
4. Whitetail Primer lg&sm Pocket Uniformer (Russ Hydon Supply)
5. Lee Auto Priming Tool with case holders
6. L.E. Wilson/Sinclair Ultimate Trimmer with case holders
7. Sinclair Poly Blocks to hold cases
8. RCBS Sidewinder Case Tumbler (wash cases with hot water and auto dishwasher detergent not walnut or corn cob hulls)
9. L.E. Wilson case mouth chamfering Tool
10. RCBS or Redding Case Sizing Lube and Pad
11. Best Quality Redding dies. Sizing die to have interchangeable neck bushing capability. I mostly partial neck size for bolt guns.
12. I like an Arbor Press with L.E. Wilson Hand Dies also (check out on the Sinclair International website)
13. Sinclair Flash Hole Deburring Tool
Simple RCBS Kinetic Bullet Puller tool for the ocassional revision.
14. Starret/Mitutoyo 6" Calipers
15. Starret/Mitutoyo Micrometer
16. Starret/Sinclair Case Neck Micrometer
17. Davidson Seating Depth Checkers for use with caliper (Sinclair site)
18. Hornady OAL Guage and Modified cases
Two great books I highly recommend:
"Precision Shooting: Reloading Guide" Book Editied by Dave Brennan
A-Square "Any Shot You Want Handloading and Rifle Manual" Reloading Manual
Both of these books are available at MidwayUSA.
Also, I recommend Precision Shooting Magazine, Dealing exclusively with extreme rifle accuracy. Here is the website
http://www.precisionshooting.com/That's about all for now. MidwayUSA and Sinclair international are good online stores to shop at.
19 January 2010, 23:27
Hunt41BullThanks everyone for your input. Sorry I didn't get back sooner, but was out of town. Looks like lots of good information here and anxious to get started...should have some better questions later. Iceman, will PM if I can figure that out. Thanks!
20 January 2010, 04:21
rcamugliaquote:
11. Best Quality Redding dies. Sizing die to have interchangeable neck bushing capability. I mostly partial neck size for bolt guns
My bullet run-out has been cut in half since I got Redding Competition seaters.....
20 January 2010, 05:43
rick boggsquote:
Originally posted by rcamuglia:
quote:
11. Best Quality Redding dies. Sizing die to have interchangeable neck bushing capability. I mostly partial neck size for bolt guns
My bullet run-out has been cut in half since I got Redding Competition seaters.....
mine was also with the rcbs comp dies
20 January 2010, 07:42
NakihunterPRIORITY NO 1 - Understanding the complex issue of high pressure in relation to the other variables like powder & load, bullet & weight, case brand/length/sizing, primer, bullet seating depth, barrel, chamber & throat etc.
I would stick to just the Lyman manual for the first year. It is easy to get confused & make mistakes with hot loads. Once you have mastered the basics and are fully aware of the risks of hot loads, pressures, etc. it is useful to start looking at other manuals.
I would also learn to measure case head expansion first, before trying to develop high / max velocity loads.
Be safe & have fun!
"When the wind stops....start rowing. When the wind starts, get the sail up quick."