Thinking of getting into reloading

[newguru]

I have been checking around and this is what I"m looking at buying:

RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Scale and Dispenser Combo 110 volt
Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Single Stage Press
Hornady Lock-N-Load Die Bushings Package of 10
Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Single Stage Press Automatic Primer Feed
Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension 2-Die Set 223 Remington
Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension 2-Die Set 300 Remington Ultra Mag
Hornady Chamfer and Deburring Tool
Hornady Cartridge Catcher Large
Hornady M-2 Case Tumbler 110 Volt

I'm real big on just buying once and getting good stuff.

How does this selection look for someone who is new to reloading and wanting good equipment that will last?

Thoughts? Stuff to change? Things I'm missing?

Reloading newbie so I'm sure there is a lot I'm not thinking about.

[britz]

Originally Posted by newguru

I have been checking around and this is what I"m looking at buying:

RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Scale and Dispenser Combo 110 volt
Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Single Stage Press
Hornady Lock-N-Load Die Bushings Package of 10
Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Single Stage Press Automatic Primer Feed
Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension 2-Die Set 223 Remington
Hornady Custom Grade New Dimension 2-Die Set 300 Remington Ultra Mag
Hornady Chamfer and Deburring Tool
Hornady Cartridge Catcher Large
Hornady M-2 Case Tumbler 110 Volt

I'm real big on just buying once and getting good stuff.

How does this selection look for someone who is new to reloading and wanting good equipment that will last?

Thoughts? Stuff to change? Things I'm missing?

Reloading newbie so I'm sure there is a lot I'm not thinking about.

Hello and welcome to the dismal science of reloading
First thing you need is a good reloading book and read it front to back several times (before even purchasing anything else). I have Speer (#11) and Nosler (#4) and both are fairly good books. I'm sure the new editions are just as good if not better.

I am a big fan of Redding dies. I'd recomend redding or Forster bushing dies if you plan on playing with neck tension or possibly having a custom rifle built in that caliber. I also recomend getting a neck sizing die set with the body die seperate which will be an economical way to go and allow you to full length size, partial full length size, neck size, and/or partial neck size. THe set (Redding) I'm looking at would run about 175 or so in standard calibers and would consist of a micrometer adjustable compatition seating die, a standard bushing neck sizeing die and a shoulder bump die.

A good 6 inch dial caliper ($30) accurate to .001" is a must. I also use the Hornady bullet comparators to measure the seating depth.

I am also a fan of the RCBS Universal hand priming tool and/or the Lee AutoPrime.

All you "need" to load is a cheap press, scale, and cheap dies. Beyond that is just going to make it easier to make good ammo.

[EddieHarren]

The most important piece of reloading equipment is a good manual. Read the "introduction to reloading" section twice. After doing so, if you have any questions, there are no shortages of experts on this, and other sites, to help you out.

[7mmSendaro]

Not knocking the other manuals listed here (I own them too), but I find myself using my Sierra manual more than any other. Just my opinion.

[newguru]

Originally Posted by 7mmSendaro

Not knocking the other manuals listed here (I own them too), but I find myself using my Sierra manual more than any other. Just my opinion.

I actually bought the Sierra book yesterday and am already reading it. I have the Nosler, Lee, Hornaday and Speer on order. The Lyman I'm waiting on because a new 49th version comes out in June and no sense buying this and then having to buy another a month later IMO.

I actually haven't bought a thing yet except for the books.

I want to read first, twice, and then get advice from those in the know. There are a ton of reloading products out there. I want to buy once, what works well, is reliable and repeatable, and will be durable.

Some of the stuff is on sale right now like the ChargeMaster so I want to jump on some items that are must haves even though I'm not ready to use it yet just to start packing away items I know I would need to buy anyways.

If the powder measure, scale and press are the for sure, must have items, does everyone think that the ChargeMaster and Hornady Classic Single Stage press are good items to start with?

I like the idea of the single stage press for a newbie like myself instead of the all in one progressive presses. I can always go that route later if I want to at a future time.

[HRstretch]

The list of items you have will serve you well for a long time. The Chargemaster will diffenatly spoil you to providing accurate repeatable powder throws. read all you can and work up loads slowly.

Safety first will keep you around for a long time.

[Winchester 69]

For hunting ammo, what you are proposing is fine. If you are reloading for accuracy, you will find that other pieces are preferred. My suggestion is that you do your reading and perform searches on the gun forums. Then you will form opinions and develop specific questions. The education will serve you well.

When you understand the rudiments and if your interests are in accuracy, read a book on precision reloading. It will put things into perspective for you. At that point you will know what expectations you should have for the equipment. My guess is that the only piece of your chosen equipment on that list will be the ChargeMaster, and this statement is not a derogation of Hornady equipment. While Hornady makes some equipment aimed toward the accuracy market, their primary market is elsewhere. It's no tragedy if you do buy Hornady; their equipment will do the same job as well, but you will probably want better dies (Forster or Redding). My only reservation concerning the Hornady press is that it's aluminum; cast iron makes better presses, both for stability and wear.

Plan first, however. Decisions can be no better than the information on which they are based.
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