Well, I'm planning on starting to reload for 458 Win mag, 45-70, and 375 Ruger and 375 H&H. (and someday, a 505 Gibbs, and 50 BMG) I'm pretty sure I want to get a Forster press, and a Chargemaster. I need suggestions for case prep, and priming.

Sorry if this is a duplicate -- when I searched, I kept either ending up w. 1 page, or 115...

get the rcbs SUPREME MASTER reloading kit
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?s...id=646599&t=11082005

this will handle everything short of the bmg... and that is such a specialized press, with a HUGE handle throw, you'll want a seperate press for it.

jeffe

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
get the rcbs SUPREME MASTER reloading kit
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?s...id=646599&t=11082005

jeffe

+1

Cheers,
Canuck

quote:

Originally posted by Aglifter:
Well, I'm planning on starting to reload for 458 Win mag, 45-70, and 375 Ruger and 375 H&H. (and someday, a 505 Gibbs, and 50 BMG) I'm pretty sure I want to get a Forster press, and a Chargemaster. I need suggestions for case prep, and priming.

Sorry if this is a duplicate -- when I searched, I kept either ending up w. 1 page, or 115...

RCBS is hard to beat or Hornady or Lee Cast press or?

Yep all of that is good advice but I'd use a Redding T7 so as not to have to screw with my die set ups. Buy a couple extra die plates - they are inexpensive. The "Kits" don't have much of anything useful in them except the press so I would buy what you're really gonna use a la carte. I wouldn't buy those cheesy electronic scales the reloading companies sell. If you're loading those big cases you won't need the speed but will need the accuracy and a not so dainty working scale etc. Same goes for the electronic calipers. Spend a little money and get something USA or Europe made. I have some of that gear in photos on my site and can show you where to shop for it - PM if interested.

scour the classifieds here and elsewhere, and get an RCBS A4. You will need about a 4 1/2" opening to get those 3.13" empty cases in and start a bullet by hand. The 505 Gibbs family need 1" dies to reload. Another good option; the CH4D heavy duty unit. The Ultimate Option is a Corbin single stage unit that will also allow you to swage jacketed and cast bullets, $300 or so. Check Corbin's website. you have to look at it as an investment...

Rich
DRSS
Knowledge not shared is knowledge lost...

I could spend WAAAY too much money at that Corbin site buying all kinds of neat things that I'd never have the time to use...

The thing about any hobby is you can spend as much money as you have. If you want to reload the cartridges you state with the exception of the 50BMG you can do it on an RCBS Rockchucker with no trouble at all. As to scales I have been using one of the PACT electronic's since they were introduced with no problem other than changing the battery. Only other piece of equipment really necessary is a good case trimmer. I use a collet type which requires no shell holders. I load everything from .17 Remington to 470 NE on the same setup. I did have to buy a Forster trimmer for the 470's. As far as measuring devices I use a Midway dial caliper that is well within the acuracy requirements for reloading and is inexpensive.

AgLifter,

look at CH4D and see their big press. What I said about the Gibbs dies...

Rich
DRSS
Knowledge not shared is knowledge lost...

go for the forester - best thing on the market today. loads everything from 17bee to 470's for me and i don't have to keep buying shellholders for every different thing, and i don't have to pick up old primers off the floor ever and i can snap dies in and out and so on and so on.

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
get the rcbs SUPREME MASTER reloading kit
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?s...id=646599&t=11082005

this will handle everything short of the bmg... and that is such a specialized press, with a HUGE handle throw, you'll want a seperate press for it.

jeffe

Ditto. This was my Christmas present to myself a few years ago. It just works. You'll also need a case trimmer + stand, a powder measure stand and a base plate or two.

Things I didn't like:
1) The green loading tray is useless - order some better trays - Frankford #7 for the H&H family of cartridges.
2) The neck tool is barely adequate for 45 caliber. I load 45 Colt, 45 Win Mag & 45 Lott and the tool barely fits.
3) They should have included a caliper in the kit. The extra kit cost would be worth it. A decent caliper is an essential.
4) The case trimmer (separate) does not include a pilot for 458 - you'll have to order that separately.

I've loaded thousands of 45ACP, 30-06,45 Colt, 458 WM, 458 Lott - and this kit has held up well.

Lots of good presses out there. As far as scales go I like the Lyman digital powder handleing system. It's not cheap, but is convienient. Pour in powder, enter charge weight, and there you go, perfectly trickled out charges at the push of a button. Also it stores your load data (caliber, bullet, powder type, charge weight, ect.) Too many other features to list although most of them I don't use.

I would second the recommendation for a Forster press for the reasons mentioned.

The best thing that I have done for my self, besides the Forster for my arthritic hands, was a RCBS load master scale and measure combo. It is great.

For case prep, Lee will make you trimming dies for any wild cats if you send them a case trimmed to your rifle. These are a buy.

They also will make crimp dies which are nice to have when loading the big ones. Kudude

Forster Co-Ax press comes with a primer seater right on top, which should be fine for all the cartridges you mentioned. I'd also recommend the Forster trimmer. I've been using mine since '71 and only had the cutter resharpened at the factory 2 years ago. They make a model with extra long base for the big\long cartridges. I'd also recommend the Lyman power deburr accessory set #7999050. It includes inside and outside case mouth chamfers, small and large primer pocket cleaners and even a military case crimp remover. I chuck these tools in a Bosch PS20 cordless driver, which also now powers the Forster trimmer with the power adapter in place of the crank handle.

Case prep: RCBS power Case Prep Station, Gracey Case Trimmer, and hand held .50 caliber chamf. tool.

Priming: Lee Auto Prime or the Co-Ax Press built-in priming system.

I have been very happy with my RCBS Ammo Master. It easily handles 375 H&H and 500 NE 3". I think it will work with the BMG as well (but you may need an extra part or two, not sure).

I finally settled on the RCBS Ammomaster A-2, as I load for a lot of big bores..It gives me lots of room to work and its a strong press. who knows I might get a 50 Cal Machine Gun rifle some day, and the RCBS works for that one also...