finally getting a reloading setup

[Weston]

Hello, I am fairly new to the site, and fairly new to reloading, I have been wanting to get my own equipment for some time now, but finally have the resources to do it. The main reason I'm posting is because my two friends houses who I rload with dont really have the patience to do precision reloading which is what I want to do, so I have compiled a "list" of stuff that I think I am planning on buying but I would like some opinons first, an I would like to know if all of this stuff seems reasonable, I will be loading for a .338 Lapua primarily, but have about 10 rifle calibers and 5 handgun calibers I might get into.

For starters I will be building loads for my .338 LM .308 .300 WM and .204 ruger. I am fairly concerened some of this equipment might not work for the .338 LM due to the nature of the beast.....

Here is a list of the things I have compiled so far,

electronic caliper (or dial open to sugestions havnt done my research)

Lyman Magnum bullet puller

The RCBS Supreme Rock chucker kit (not sure how I feel about buying a kit) if the kit isnt appropriate I was thinking about a forster co-ax press, the uniflow powder measure and as for the scale I'm not sure..... heard to many mixed things on just about everything out there.

RCBS case trimmer, kind of opting for the electronic version, however I'm not sure why.

Hornady case tumbler (again not sure why seems like a good bang for the buck)


Already have forster competition dies for the .338 LM



I understand I will need more case prep things but not sure what I need and whats just "hype"...

I truley appreciate any help I recive, jumping into this without a mentor who wants to reload for the accuracy I am hoping for is a bit overwhelming!

 

[Korhil78]

This is what I have set up and I love all of it.

Redding T7 Turret press
The new Lyman case prep center (quieter than the RCBS)
L.E. Wilson case trimmer (works great)
RCBS 1500 Chargemaster
Frankford Arsenal tumbler

I just got the new Lyman Case prep center. It does everything to prep anew case to be loaded after you resize. It's very nice and right at 100 dollars.

 

[bruce_ventura]

I reload for several calibers from 223 Rem to 50 BMG, including 340 WM. I can offer a few tips for large magnum calibers.

To reload for 338 LM, you need a press with a long ram stroke. I use the Redding Big Boss II, but there are others. I like the priming system on the Big Boss II - quick and effortless.

You need a good case lube. Dillon and RCBS sprays work the best for me. One Shot sucks.

You need a Hornady chamber (OAL) length gauge and a modified case for each caliber. You also need an electronic caliper and a bullet comparator for every bullet caliber. Two PTG comparators will cover all common calibers.

To get more life out of those pricey 338 LM cases, you should anneal them at least every other time you resize. I recommend the Hornady annealing kit.

An electronic balance really speeds up the process for the precision shooter, since you have to weigh every charge. I use the RCBS Chargemaster - no complaints. The electronic balance keeps track of the number of charges. If that number equals the number of loaded cartridges you won't end up with a squib load when you're done. BTW, I recommend you buy a Lymann or RCBS plastic weighing pan with the funnel built on to one side - very convenient.

A case prep center is handy, but the electronic balance should have a higher priority (unless you have arthritis or tennis elbow). I use the RCBS case prep center. It works fine but there are nicer ones available nowadays.

I recommend the RCBS collet bullet puller over an impact puller. The Hornady collet puller is also nice.

I recommend you get Wilson case gages for every caliber.

Also buy couple different reloading manuals - Lyman and Lee are good ones to start with.

Pass on the neck turning gear until you're sure you need it (probably never unless you have a rifle with a very tight chamber).

Have fun and be safe.

 

[Sully2]

Hello, I am fairly new to the site, and fairly new to reloading, I have been wanting to get my own equipment for some time now, but finally have the resources to do it. The main reason I'm posting is because my two friends houses who I rload with dont really have the patience to do precision reloading which is what I want to do, so I have compiled a "list" of stuff that I think I am planning on buying but I would like some opinons first, an I would like to know if all of this stuff seems reasonable, I will be loading for a .338 Lapua primarily, but have about 10 rifle calibers and 5 handgun calibers I might get into.

For starters I will be building loads for my .338 LM .308 .300 WM and .204 ruger. I am fairly concerened some of this equipment might not work for the .338 LM due to the nature of the beast.....

Here is a list of the things I have compiled so far,

Let me edit your own list....


electronic caliper (or dial open to sugestions havnt done my research)

Lyman Magnum bullet puller ( If thats a kinetic then yes BUT you will also need a collet type)

The RCBS Supreme Rock chucker kit (not sure how I feel about buying a kit) if the kit isnt appropriate I was thinking about a forster co-ax press, the uniflow powder measure and as for the scale I'm not sure..... heard to many mixed things on just about everything out there.


DONT buy the kit...lots of useless stuff in it. The included scale is a total joke

DO buy the press ALONE and instead of buying all the other do-dads...but their ( RCBS) Chargemaster...which is an electronic scale AND a drop tube AND a trickler

Hornady case tumbler (again not sure why seems like a good bang for the buck)

You dont need a Hornaday tumbler....but a Frankford from Midway USA for about 1/3 the $$. Ive used mine all the time for the last 7 years

Already have forster competition dies for the .338 LM
I understand I will need more case prep things but not sure what I need and whats just "hype"...

For many calibers the low cost Lee dies work fine. I use them on many "standard" calibers but had to go with..as an example....more $$ Redding for the 6mmBR that Im having built

I truley appreciate any help I recive, jumping into this without a mentor who wants to reload for the accuracy I am hoping for is a bit overwhelming!

I pick up items all the time from E-Bay....if you know what something SHOULD cost retail...and you compare...you can get some superfine deals

Dont forget sizing lube...I like the cream style from Hornady

 

[mrcustomsteel]

This would make a good sticky.

 

[joe0121]

Forster CoAx2.