Author Topic: Some questions about reloading (Read 14057 times)

Ghost1941 · « **on:** September 28, 2008, 11:26:02 AM »

Hello all,

New to the forum, because this will be my first chance to do some hunting in Washington.

I've been doing a small amount of research regarding reloading, but it seems every site is just trying to "sell" their product and I find the best way to truly get a bit of knowledge on a subject is to ask people who aren't as necessarily as biased.

I'd like to keep the whole startup operation under 400 dollars, but cheaper if possible.

I'm only looking to load .300 WM and I've heard a lot of good things about Lee Precision's loading equipment as well as a company named RCBS. Has anybody had any experience with either?

I was looking at the Lee Precision's 50 year anniversary starter kit, but from what I've read elsewhere it doesn't include a lot of things you might find necessary.

Thank you in advance.

Bofire · « **Reply #1 on:** September 28, 2008, 11:28:36 AM »

:)Hello and WElcome. I use all RCBS gear, they make a starter kit also. Get at least two reload manuals and read them.
Carl

high country · « **Reply #2 on:** September 28, 2008, 11:40:34 AM »

rcbs is like a nicely equipped chevy, lee is more like a geo prism, dillon, forstner, redding.......you are stepping into a caddy.

I have used my rcbs rock chucker since 1993. I have loaded a BUNCH of shells through it and NEVER had a problem. I have 18 different sets of dies if that says anything.

a lee press is usually much cheaper, will work well enough and function properly. but when you get into longer cases, lots of cycles, stuck cases.......you can see where the better presses shine.

Ghost1941 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 28, 2008, 11:51:56 AM »

Yea, I've noticed RCBS is recommended a bit more. Considerably more pricey. So you recommend the Rock Chucker, they have a few kits. The rock chucker surpreme and the reloading starter kit but nothing is listed as far as what is included in the other kits. Only the rock chucker's kit lists details. I apologize ahead of time, I'm extremely new to reloading, but everybody I hunt or shoot with tells me I should look into it considering how much I shoot.

Ray · « **Reply #4 on:** September 28, 2008, 12:20:45 PM »

Something like this might be a good start. http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=133068&t=11082005

It doesnt look like it comes with calipers or a micrometer or a priming tool.

I'd recommend this priming tool http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=319794 thought the lee priming tool I used was caca.

Ghost1941 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 28, 2008, 02:24:55 PM »

I found a store with this reloading kit for just under 330 shipped. I'd like to ask first if that's a decent price and what else would be needed with this kit?
http://shop.rcbs.com/WebConnect/MainServlet?storeId=webconnect&catalogId=webconnect&langId=en_US&action=ProductDisplay&screenlabel=index&productId=2854&route=C04J148

Ray · « **Reply #6 on:** September 28, 2008, 04:03:31 PM »

That would be a good setup.

You might want this http://shop.rcbs.com/WebConnect/MainServlet?storeId=webconnect&catalogId=webconnect&langId=en_US&action=ProductDisplay&screenlabel=index&productId=3179&route=C11J142

Ghost1941 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 28, 2008, 04:12:21 PM »

So the kit, the calipers, and reloading die in .300 wm?

Any other suggestions?

Ray · « **Reply #8 on:** September 28, 2008, 04:19:12 PM »

I have never used a powder measure like that.

I use a small tupperware bowl to hold the powder in and where I scoop it out of. I also use small plastic scoops like this. They can be real handy and are cheap.

Slenk · « **Reply #9 on:** September 28, 2008, 04:41:32 PM »

Go RCBS all the way you only have to buy once. Their stuff is 100% guaranteed. For life of the tool. You can buy RCBS stuff used and it is still guaranteed. I have an old RCBS Jr. press , powder measures, scales, and about 10 sets of their dies. Only thing I have had to have replaced on RCBS is a plastic bullet puller hammer.
I have 2 sets of Lee dies and have had to have parts replaced on both sets. Lucky for me they were under the 2 year guarantee. De capper pins fell out of both.
RCBS is well worth the little more you will pay up front.

Slenk

Ghost1941 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 28, 2008, 04:42:18 PM »

Those are accurate enough?

Ghost1941 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 28, 2008, 04:43:43 PM »

Yea that's what i'm leaning towards slenk. Just need to make sure I get everything I need, don't want to be sitting here with my thumb up my behind when I sit down to start reloading.

Slenk · « **Reply #12 on:** September 28, 2008, 04:47:54 PM »

If you use the dippers or a scales you will still want to use a scales on every load if you are load towards the top loads especially. I weigh every load but that's just me.

Slenk

runningboard · « **Reply #13 on:** September 28, 2008, 04:50:17 PM »

Quote

Go RCBS all the way you only have to buy once. Their stuff is 100% guaranteed. For life of the tool.

Bought a set of dies at a gunshow and found out later that decapping pin was bent, called RCBS and they asked what the dies were for and my address, sent five new pins just for calling! didn't charge me for the call, postage or anything else. Been using RCBS since I started more than 20 years ago and still using the same press. Had to rebuild my bench a few times but the press and other accessories are still going strong.

Ray · « **Reply #14 on:** September 28, 2008, 04:51:07 PM »

Quote

I weigh every load but that's just me.

Me too.

smdave · « **Reply #15 on:** September 28, 2008, 04:54:17 PM »

RCBS is all I have it just looked stronger then Lee,

Midway USA has the kit you are looking at for $269.99, I do not know how much shipping is dies are going to be another $30.00 or so. Midway is on of the best online sites for reloading.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=646599

Slenk · « **Reply #16 on:** September 28, 2008, 04:55:45 PM »

http://www.hodgdon.com/
A down loadable guide that I use.
Also as mentioned above get at least 2 manuals and keep them updated (buy new ones) at least every couple of years. There are some put out by Loadbook that are for each caliber . They have loads from several Bullet manufactures as well as Powder manufactures.
Slenk

Ghost1941 · « **Reply #17 on:** September 28, 2008, 04:57:48 PM »

Didn't even check midway for it, I should've... I have like 6 of their magazines sitting in front of me haha. Thanks bud.

So an electric scale you say? I'll look around for one of those too... Anything else I might need?

Ray · « **Reply #18 on:** September 28, 2008, 05:01:17 PM »

If you have a mechanical scale what would the electrical scale be for? I think the electric scales are superfluous for simple reloading.

Bookworm · « **Reply #19 on:** September 28, 2008, 05:03:00 PM »

If you do very much reloading you will need a case trimmer & a de burring tool. I use several of the case blocks at a time so extra's come in handy.

Ray · « **Reply #20 on:** September 28, 2008, 05:04:32 PM »

A case trimmer will be useful and I don't use them very often (i borrow my buddies). I have never had to use them on brand new brass so it may be something he can wait on depending on what brass he picks up. It looked to me like the kit he had in mind already had a deburring tool.

Bookworm · « **Reply #21 on:** September 28, 2008, 05:05:32 PM »

I missed that it doesn't come with a caliper, very important tool for reloading!

Curly · « **Reply #22 on:** September 28, 2008, 05:23:56 PM »

The RCBS kit that Ray posted a link for would be a good one. The price seems good too.

Besides the caliper that you'll want to get separately, I'd suggest getting a Lee case trimmer http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=476992&t=11082005 and length gage. They are inexpensive and work great. Just use your portable drill and you can trim a bunch of cases in no time.

I also second what Slenk says about the dippers........the dippers work great but you will want to weigh each charge. The dippers just get you close.

Ghost1941 · « **Reply #23 on:** September 28, 2008, 05:30:06 PM »

That's why I asked about the scale. Should it be electric or a mechanical? Think something like that would come in a "kit" lol.

Ray · « **Reply #24 on:** September 28, 2008, 05:32:47 PM »

Quote from: Ghost1941 on September 28, 2008, 05:30:06 PM

That's why I asked about the scale. Should it be electric or a mechanical? Think something like that would come in a "kit" lol.

Those kits in the links above have mechanical scales. They should do the trick.

smdave · « **Reply #25 on:** September 28, 2008, 05:34:11 PM »

Quote from: Curly on September 28, 2008, 05:23:56 PM

The RCBS kit that Ray posted a link for would be a good one. The price seems good too.

I missed that Ray had already posted the link I did later, +1 on that one.

You do not need an electronic scale, save your money and buy another reloading book.

Dave

Ghost1941 · « **Reply #26 on:** September 28, 2008, 05:36:18 PM »

Dave the one you posted has more then the one Ray posted... but they're the same prices... what's up with that? Sorry about this guy's you've been a lot of help and I ask a lot of questions. Haha.

Ray · « **Reply #27 on:** September 28, 2008, 05:39:09 PM »

Ghost1941 the one that dave linked is a better press. I have that press. I have also used a 25 year old version of the other RCBS press in the first link and it still worked just fine after all these years. If it was me I would go with the Rockchucker supreme press in the kit which Dave linked.

ppodpearson · « **Reply #28 on:** September 28, 2008, 06:18:47 PM »

Ghost,

I made this deal to someone last year and they never followed through. Not much, but can help keep cost down.

I have a Nosler Reloading Guide, Fifth Edition (the newest is the 6th edition). The cost for someone starting out is $0. The only thing I ask is to be reimbersed for mailing after it is received. I have the new one and don't need two. I live in Lewis County, in case you're my next door neighbor or something, then there would be no need for postage.

I've been reloading for 45 years. Nothing fancy and no large volumn. A balance beam scale is the only way I go, and weigh every load. I started out with the RCBS Jr., which I passed on, and now have a Rock Chucker setup. Right now I only load for my 30-06 and .308 Win.

If you're interested in the manual let me know and we can work out the details. You can shoot me a message a ppodpearson@hotmail.com . Dave

Ghost1941 · « **Reply #29 on:** September 28, 2008, 06:34:28 PM »

I can do that, not a problem pearson. Thats very kind of you, I'll email you here in a minute. I'm in Pierce county stationed at Fort Lewis, just north of you if I'm not mistaken.

So far I have this list put together, if anybody can think of anything I missed or might still need thanks in advance. What about a tool to debur the flash hole? Or is that included and I'm just missing it?

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Single Stage Press Master Kit
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=646599

Lee Case Trimmer Cutter and Lock Stud
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=476992&t=11082005

RCBS Dial Caliper 6" Stainless Steel
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=630852&t=11082005

RCBS X-Die Full Length 2-Die Set 300 Winchester Magnum
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=281328

Frankford Arsenal Flip-Top Ammo Box #511 300 Remington Ultra Magnum, 375 H&H Magnum 50-Round Plastic Smoke
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=734191

Lee Case Length Gage and Shellholder 300 Winchester Magnum
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=695045&t=11082005

bobcat · « **Reply #30 on:** September 28, 2008, 07:58:19 PM »

Quote from: Ray(huntwa) on September 28, 2008, 04:19:12 PM

I have never used a powder measure like that.

I use a small tupperware bowl to hold the powder in and where I scoop it out of. I also use small plastic scoops like this. They can be real handy and are cheap.

I have been using those Lee powder dippers since I started reloading over 20 years ago. Funny, I thought I was the only one who used them.

Curly · « **Reply #31 on:** September 28, 2008, 10:06:27 PM »

You will also need a Lee Length Gage to go with the cutter and lock stud. It really is the best and least expensive way I know of the trim the cases.

I don't load my .300 Win Mag very hot and I need to trim every other time, but I do check all the brass every time before loading. It is so fast and easy with the Lee trimmer.

Another thing I recommend is the Loadbook USA "300 Winchester Magnum"

Jamieb · « **Reply #32 on:** September 28, 2008, 11:10:19 PM »

The RCBS rock chucker Supreme kit.
Add a caliper and your set to start reloading.
The only other thing you'll need is a case trimmer but that can wait.
The only real difference between the rock chucker press and the supreme is the size.
You can load long cases like 378 in a supreme.

high country · « **Reply #33 on:** September 29, 2008, 05:27:30 AM »

well it looks like you got the intel you need on brands, now let me save you some headaches that I have had over the years.

blow out the pivot points of your beam scale occasionally, mine got a bunch of lint in the povot area and read bogus.

if you are setting up in a basement do not set your bench under the furnace vent.....it will give you a false weight.

lube EVERY bottleneck case you resize EVERY time......they will stick and it does suck.

NEVER use those lee scoops on black powder, they are likely to carry static electricity and bp is way sensitive

keep a log of how many times your brass has been loaded, how it shot, load data.....you'll thank yourself someday

do not have anyone help you or visit with you while you are cranking out ammo.

if you stock more than one powder, keep it away from your bench and when you are done clear your powder throw/trickler back to its container. in the event you mix powders, throw it all away.

Slenk · « **Reply #34 on:** September 29, 2008, 06:36:56 AM »

Quote from: high country on September 29, 2008, 05:27:30 AM

well it looks like you got the intel you need on brands, now let me save you some headaches that I have had over the years.

blow out the pivot points of your beam scale occasionally, mine got a bunch of lint in the pivot area and read bogus.

if you are setting up in a basement do not set your bench under the furnace vent.....it will give you a false weight.

lube EVERY bottleneck case you resize EVERY time......they will stick and it does suck.

NEVER use those lee scoops on black powder, they are likely to carry static electricity and bp is way sensitive

keep a log of how many times your brass has been loaded, how it shot, load data.....you'll thank yourself someday

do not have anyone help you or visit with you while you are cranking out ammo.

if you stock more than one powder, keep it away from your bench and when you are done clear your powder throw/trickler back to its container. in the event you mix powders, throw it all away.

All very good advice.
Slenk

Ghost1941 · « **Reply #35 on:** September 29, 2008, 08:35:18 AM »

Quote from: high country on September 29, 2008, 05:27:30 AM

well it looks like you got the intel you need on brands, now let me save you some headaches that I have had over the years.

blow out the pivot points of your beam scale occasionally, mine got a bunch of lint in the povot area and read bogus.

if you are setting up in a basement do not set your bench under the furnace vent.....it will give you a false weight.

lube EVERY bottleneck case you resize EVERY time......they will stick and it does suck.

NEVER use those lee scoops on black powder, they are likely to carry static electricity and bp is way sensitive

keep a log of how many times your brass has been loaded, how it shot, load data.....you'll thank yourself someday

do not have anyone help you or visit with you while you are cranking out ammo.

if you stock more than one powder, keep it away from your bench and when you are done clear your powder throw/trickler back to its container. in the event you mix powders, throw it all away.

Thank you, I'll keep that all in mind and be referring back to here often enough

Just waiting for pay day so I can still keep my buffer zone in my bank account. Don't like not having money on hand, never know when you're gonna need it

brokenbone · « **Reply #36 on:** October 02, 2008, 08:41:05 AM »

all of the posts look good. i would have to say that sportsmans warehouse is selling the hornaday kit forthe same price as the rcbs. and if you get a single stage you also get 500 free bullets. about 175 bucks back for your investment. if you need some things that are not in the kit. and you will let me know i have enough reloading stuff to reload for the army.

Huntbear · « **Reply #37 on:** October 05, 2008, 11:27:58 AM »

Kinda got in on this one late,

But RCBS for your reloading machine,
electronic scale for powder weighing, and bullet weighing (yes, I weigh my bullets, it is amazing how much diff. there is in a box of say 150 gr. bullets.)
For dies, I use RCBS and Hornady only.

I also use match grade primers, for whatever I am loading. They seem to give more consistent ignition.

I keep a complete log book of all my loads, whether they worked out or not. Wife says I keep better records of my reloading than I do of the checkbook.

Intruder · « **Reply #38 on:** October 06, 2008, 02:31:16 PM »

I've only browsed through the various posts so my apologies if your question has been addressed already.

Based on your budget it may be worth considering a mix and match approach. I believe the Lee Classic Cast Press is a good quality press that represents a real good value. I don't care for the Lee Kits much. Many of the other things like dies and scales are often available at pawn shops. Get a good scale.... RCBS, Hornady, etc. Dies.... the same. Some of the other tools you mention are good choices. I'm personaly fond of the hand primers but you can certainly use your press in pinch. All in all you should be able to put together a damn nice setup for the budget you've stated.

Ghost1941 · « **Reply #39 on:** October 06, 2008, 07:48:22 PM »

Yea, I put the list together and now I'm just going to wait a little. I'm not in any hurry to pick it up. I'm saving up brass right now hehe. I've decided to keep my .30-06 due to the fact that I'm deploying before hunting season next fall so no reason to prepare for elk season. So a few things are changing but I'm going to piece it all together over the next two months or so. Not in any hurry so if anybody comes across any deals for the things listed keep us updated

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