Reloading first time

[michaelfelix13]

I would like to start reloading did some research need recommendations. Will start with 270
308
6.5 Creedmoor.
What equipment will I need and what is the most reliable brand.

 

[Quintus]

 

[BillNye]

The basic tennet of "buy once cry once" definitely holds true for reloading, particularly if you're reloading for accuracy. At the most basic, you'll need:

Press, something like an RCBS Rock Chucker is reliable and won't need upgrading.

Powder throw: almost any will do

Beam scale: RCBS 5-0-5 is a personal favorite

Dies: full length sizing is easiest to start with. I like Redding but everyone has brand preference

Manuals: buy a few, read them

Priming Tool: personal preference is for the Frankfort Arsenal hand priming tool

Cleaning device: I like wet tumbling with steel pins, this is very arguable though, everyone has something that works for them. Frankfort Arsenal work for me here as well.

Annealing device: a hand torch and Tempilaque is a great start, I use an annealeaz personally but an Annealing Made Perfect device would be better

Calipers: the best you can afford but any will get you started

Shell Holders: Any

Lubricant: I like Imperial Sizing Wax. Many good options here, I know lots of people use a lanolin/alcohol mix that you can spray on.

Case trimmer: Many good options. I use an L.E. Wilson trimmer

Case chamfer tool: Any VLD chamfer tool will work. Helps the bullet seat into the case mouth without catching on the rim

Powder trickler: dispenses powder slowly to help you get the exact amount you want

 

[katzdad1962]

i only started reloading 3 yrs ago , i had a friend that gave me an RCBS [a base model ] ,but i love it , does a great job and the prices aren't to bad ...

 

[BillNye]

This is very much just my approach and is by no means universal but my order of operations is:

1. Deprime on press with universal depriming die.
2. Wet tumble with stainless steel media, a couple squirts of dish detergent, and 1/4 tsp citric acid powder (removes copper oxides from brass)
3. Anneal neck/shoulder
4. Lubricate brass
5. Size brass (die set to .003" shoulder bump). There's tons of ways to do this. Some rifles I use a body die + Lee collet die to size the body and neck separately, some just get run through a full length sizing die, some get run through a shoulder bump neck bushing die then expanded using a mandrel to set tension. I'm sure there's more ways to do it as well.
6. Wash brass to remove lubricant
7. Trim any over-length brass to SAAMI max length.
8. Chamfer inside of case mouth
9. Prime brass
10. Lubricate case mouth with graphite dry lube.
11. Throw powder charge -1gr from dispenser
12. Weigh on beam scale and trickle until desired weight is achieved, sometimes I have to use tweezers to add or remove a few granules of powder
13. Seat bullets a few thousandths long
14. Measure CBTO
15. Adjust micrometer seating die to seat bullet to desired CBTO (accounts for variation in ogive between bullets)

 

[Ol' Red]

BillNye pretty well covered it. When you get the reloading manuals, read the front section. Most tend to skip this and they miss a lot of good information. There are good starter sets out there from RCBS, Hornady and Lyman that have all of your basics to get started. You will add other things as you gain experience. Good luck and be safe.

 

[michaelfelix13]

Thank you guys
Should I purchase a kit or individual items. Please see below


9252
REBEL PLUS RELOADING KIT
4.9 out of 5 Customer Rating
4.7 star rating3 Reviews



$588.99

 

[Quintus]

I got my RCBS Rockchucker kit in 1994 and still use it all today. I have added to it, but the press, scale, powder measure, and case tray still running. The kits are pretty solid.

 

[huntinghuasna]

Thank you guys
Should I purchase a kit or individual items. Please see below


9252
REBEL PLUS RELOADING KIT
4.9 out of 5 Customer Rating
4.7 star rating3 Reviews



$588.99

Depends on how much money you're willing to spend. What is your budget? If you just want to get your feet wet with quality equipment, that Rebel Plus looks like a good one. BTW: That kit is selling for $451.99 on Amazon through the RCBS store right now.

 

[Petey308]

I made some lists about two years ago for recommendations on items to get started. Not sure about current availability, price, or if all the links still work but the products should still remain the same at least.

I put together a few different lists of reloading items to essentially form a kit of my own creation for those wanting to get into reloading. I made a "basic", "intermediate", and an "advanced" list, along with links and prices and totals.

These aren't all inclusive lists, as far as I'm not saying the exact items I've picked are exactly what you should go with. You could obviously pick something else that's similar.

My goal was to pick quality items that will produce quality ammo and not be overpriced, and to provide an alternative to all the premade kits out there that tend to be full of items you'll never use or will want to upgrade immediately, or are lacking many other essential items. These are lists intended to get you started. You can upgrade certain pieces of equipment and tools later as you get going down the rabbit hole.

In an effort to reduce the size of this post, I'll post each list in a separate post. Hopefully this proves useful.


••Basic Kit

•Calipers: $41

Amazon product ASIN B00INL0BTS
•Comparator set: $34

Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Comparator Basic Set 7 Inserts

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Comparator is perfect for the reloader looking to quickly and precisely measure seating depth of loaded ammunition from...

www.midwayusa.com

•Press: $81

Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press

The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press is a great press that is full of features. Some of these features include a the breech lock quick change die system...

www.midwayusa.com

•Lee Auto Prime: $22

Lee Safety Prime Small and Large Primer Feeder

Lee Safety Prime Small and Large Primer Feeder by LEE RELOADING PRODUCTSMakes priming on the press a delight. Never touch the primers from box to shell. Primer flip tray features a CAD designed flipping surface that instantly rights the primers. Change primer size in seconds. Primers are...

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

•Scale: $30

Amazon product ASIN B00ESHDGOI
•Powder funnel: $3

Lee Precision | Reloading Dies and Presses - Midsouth Shooters

At Midsouth Shooters Supply, we offer one of the widest selections of Lee reloading presses, dies, molds, & accessories. Shop Lee Precision supplies today!

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

•Die Set: $34

308 Winchester Full Length Pacesetter 3 Die Set With Shellholder

308 Winchester Full Length Pacesetter 3 Die Set With Shellholder by LEE RELOADING PRODUCTS Lee Pacesetter 3-Die Set includes Full Length Sizing Die, Easy Adjust Dead Length Bullet Seating Die, Factory Crimp Die, Universal Shell Holder, Powder Dipper, and Instructions/Load Data.

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

•Bullet puller: $17

Midsouth Deluxe Bullet Puller With 4 Collets (Kinetic)

Deluxe Bullet Puller With 4 Collets (Kinetic) by MIDSOUTH RELOADING & ACCESSORIES Great way to remove components from loaded ammo without damaging the components.. The rubberized grip is easy on your hands, the rubber insert in hammer tip is easy on your bullets. This Kinetic Bullet...

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

•Lee case conditioning kit: $10

Case Conditioning Kit

Case Conditioning Kit by LEE RELOADING PRODUCTSCase Conditioning Kit inlcudes cutter and lock stud, chamfer tool and primer pocket cleaner. Order the appropriate case length gauge to complete this kit.

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

•Lee case length gauge: $5

308 Winchester Case Length Gauge With Shell Holder

308 Winchester Case Length Gauge With Shell Holder by LEE RELOADING PRODUCTS308 Winchester Case Length Gauge is a precise, easy way to trim to length and square the case mouth. Used with the Cutter and Lock Stud or Zip Trim.

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

•Case lube: $10

Frankford Arsenal Case Lube 8oz Pump

Frankford Arsenal Case Lube doesn't leave a residue and isn't sticky like many other lubes available. It is quick, simple to use and allows for quick...

www.midwayusa.com

•Reloading trays: $8

Frankford Arsenal Universal Reloading Tray 50-Round Plastic Blue

The Frankford Arsenal Universal Reloading Tray is an essential accessory for any reloader. It will hold 50 pieces of brass of virtually every rifle...

www.midwayusa.com

Total: $290

 

[Petey308]

Intermediate Kit

Calipers: $40


Amazon product ASIN B00INL0BTS

Comparator set: $33

Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Comparator Basic Set 7 Inserts

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Comparator is perfect for the reloader looking to quickly and precisely measure seating depth of loaded ammunition from...

www.midwayusa.com

Press: $77

Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press

The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press is a great press that is full of features. Some of these features include a the breech lock quick change die system...

www.midwayusa.com

Priming system: $29

Lee Auto Bench Priming Tool

Lee has done it again with the New Auto Bench Prime. Just like the standard setting Auto Prime, you never touch the primers from box to priming. Uses...

www.midwayusa.com

Shell holders for priming system: $20

Lee Auto Prime Hand Priming Tool Shellholder Pack of 11

The Lee Auto Prime Hand Priming Tool is a great tool for the handloader wanting to prime each brass case by hand. The Lee Auto Prime utilizes special...

www.midwayusa.com

Scale: $24


Amazon product ASIN B00ESHDGOI

Powder funnel: $3

Lee Precision | Reloading Dies and Presses - Midsouth Shooters

At Midsouth Shooters Supply, we offer one of the widest selections of Lee reloading presses, dies, molds, & accessories. Shop Lee Precision supplies today!

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Seating die: $90

FORSTER ULTRA™ MICROMETER SEATER DIES | Brownells

Forster Reloading Dies are of excellent quality and provide the reloader with the ability to produce concentric rounds time and time again. ...

www.brownells.com

Sizing die: $20

308 Winchester RGB 2 Die Set

308 Winchester RGB 2 Die Set by LEE RELOADING PRODUCTSReally Great Buy. Includes full length sizer die and easy adjust dead length bullet seating die (no crimp).

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Mandrels: $20

SINCLAIR INTERNATIONAL TIN COATED TURNING MANDRELS | Brownells

The Sinclair TiN Turning Mandrels are a great option for those who want increased resistance to abrasion over our Stainless Steel Mandrels, ...

www.brownells.com

Mandrel body: $33

GENERATION II EXPANDER DIES | Brownells

Our Generation II Expander Dies completely capture the mandrel within the die so the mandrel cannot pull out. An O-ring in the die cap allows the mandrel to float a bit and find its own center within the case neck. All three Generation II dies are...

www.brownells.com

Bullet puller: $20

RCBS Collet Bullet Puller

The RCBS Collet Bullet Puller is designed so the reloader can easily pull jacketed bullets from brass cases without damaging either. The puller utilizes...

www.midwayusa.com

Collets for bullet puller: $12

RCBS Collet Bullet Puller Collet 41 Cal (410 Diameter)

The RCBS Collet Bullet Puller is an excellent tool designed to help reloaders dismantle loaded ammunition to save valuable components. These collets are...

www.midwayusa.com

Case cleaner setup: $93

Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler Master Kit Quick-N-EZ Rotary

The Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler is the biggest advancement to happen to case tumbling in years. It is packed with features and upgrades;...

www.midwayusa.com

Case prep tool: $27

Lyman Case Prep Multi Tool

The Lyman Case Prep Multi-Tool is a unique case prep tool that provides the reloader with all the essential case prep accessories in one compact,...

www.midwayusa.com

Case trimmer set: $32

Lyman E-ZEE TRIM Hand Case Trimmer Rifle Set

Lyman is one of the industry leaders in trimming and case prep innovation. Lyman has introduced a case trimming system for the reloader interested in...

www.midwayusa.com

Lube for mandrel: $18

Imperial Dry Neck Lube Convenience Pak

The Imperial Dry Neck Lube Convenience Pak provides an easier way to purchase pre-charged application media along with the recharging lubricant. The...

www.midwayusa.com

Case lube: $10

Frankford Arsenal Case Lube 8oz Pump

Frankford Arsenal Case Lube doesn't leave a residue and isn't sticky like many other lubes available. It is quick, simple to use and allows for quick...

www.midwayusa.com

Reloading trays: $8

Frankford Arsenal Universal Reloading Tray 50-Round Plastic Blue

The Frankford Arsenal Universal Reloading Tray is an essential accessory for any reloader. It will hold 50 pieces of brass of virtually every rifle...

www.midwayusa.com

Total: $609

 

[Petey308]

Semi Advanced Kit


Calipers: $40


Amazon product ASIN B00INL0BTS

Comparator set: $33

Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Comparator Basic Set 7 Inserts

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Comparator is perfect for the reloader looking to quickly and precisely measure seating depth of loaded ammunition from...

www.midwayusa.com

Press: $77

Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press

The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press is a great press that is full of features. Some of these features include a the breech lock quick change die system...

www.midwayusa.com

Lee Auto Prime: $22

Lee Safety Prime Small and Large Primer Feeder

Lee Safety Prime Small and Large Primer Feeder by LEE RELOADING PRODUCTSMakes priming on the press a delight. Never touch the primers from box to shell. Primer flip tray features a CAD designed flipping surface that instantly rights the primers. Change primer size in seconds. Primers are...

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Powder funnel: $3

Lee Precision | Reloading Dies and Presses - Midsouth Shooters

At Midsouth Shooters Supply, we offer one of the widest selections of Lee reloading presses, dies, molds, & accessories. Shop Lee Precision supplies today!

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Die Set: $31

308 Winchester Full Length Pacesetter 3 Die Set With Shellholder

308 Winchester Full Length Pacesetter 3 Die Set With Shellholder by LEE RELOADING PRODUCTS Lee Pacesetter 3-Die Set includes Full Length Sizing Die, Easy Adjust Dead Length Bullet Seating Die, Factory Crimp Die, Universal Shell Holder, Powder Dipper, and Instructions/Load Data.

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Bullet puller: $17

Midsouth Deluxe Bullet Puller With 4 Collets (Kinetic)

Deluxe Bullet Puller With 4 Collets (Kinetic) by MIDSOUTH RELOADING & ACCESSORIES Great way to remove components from loaded ammo without damaging the components.. The rubberized grip is easy on your hands, the rubber insert in hammer tip is easy on your bullets. This Kinetic Bullet...

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Case lube: $10

Frankford Arsenal Case Lube 8oz Pump

Frankford Arsenal Case Lube doesn't leave a residue and isn't sticky like many other lubes available. It is quick, simple to use and allows for quick...

www.midwayusa.com

Reloading trays: $8

Frankford Arsenal Universal Reloading Tray 50-Round Plastic Blue

The Frankford Arsenal Universal Reloading Tray is an essential accessory for any reloader. It will hold 50 pieces of brass of virtually every rifle...

www.midwayusa.com

Case prep station: $170

Platinum Series Case Prep and Trim System

Platinum Series Case Prep and Trim System by FRANKFORD ARSENAL Platinum Series Case Trim & Prep Center Frankford Arsenal's Case Trim & Prep Center accurately trims brass in seconds. An innovative Case Holder with Adjustable Collet and Bushing System indexes the case shoulder and can be set...

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Electronic powder dispenser: $200

Platinum Series Electronic Powder Intelli-Dropper

Platinum Series Electronic Powder Intelli-Dropper By Frankford Arsenal ITEM DESCRIPTION Midsouth now offers the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Electronic Powder Intelli-Dropper. The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Electronic Powder IntelliDropper features an individual powder calibration...

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Total: $613



Add case tumbler setup: +$90 ($703 total)

Midsouth Reloading Brass Tumbler Kit Pro with Brass Sorter

If you're a beginner in polishing and cleaning, try the Midsouth Reloading Brass Tumbler Kit Pro with Brass Sorter. This kit handles many different calibers.

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

 

[Petey308]

And finally:

Advanced Kit (still low cost)

Calipers: $40


Amazon product ASIN B00INL0BTS

Comparator set: $33

Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Comparator Basic Set 7 Inserts

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Comparator is perfect for the reloader looking to quickly and precisely measure seating depth of loaded ammunition from...

www.midwayusa.com

Press: $77

Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press

The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press is a great press that is full of features. Some of these features include a the breech lock quick change die system...

www.midwayusa.com

Lee Auto Prime: $22

Lee Safety Prime Small and Large Primer Feeder

Lee Safety Prime Small and Large Primer Feeder by LEE RELOADING PRODUCTSMakes priming on the press a delight. Never touch the primers from box to shell. Primer flip tray features a CAD designed flipping surface that instantly rights the primers. Change primer size in seconds. Primers are...

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Powder funnel: $3

Lee Precision | Reloading Dies and Presses - Midsouth Shooters

At Midsouth Shooters Supply, we offer one of the widest selections of Lee reloading presses, dies, molds, & accessories. Shop Lee Precision supplies today!

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Die Set: $20

308 Winchester RGB 2 Die Set

308 Winchester RGB 2 Die Set by LEE RELOADING PRODUCTSReally Great Buy. Includes full length sizer die and easy adjust dead length bullet seating die (no crimp).

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Mandrels: $20

SINCLAIR INTERNATIONAL TIN COATED TURNING MANDRELS | Brownells

The Sinclair TiN Turning Mandrels are a great option for those who want increased resistance to abrasion over our Stainless Steel Mandrels, ...

www.brownells.com

Mandrel body: $33

GENERATION II EXPANDER DIES | Brownells

Our Generation II Expander Dies completely capture the mandrel within the die so the mandrel cannot pull out. An O-ring in the die cap allows the mandrel to float a bit and find its own center within the case neck. All three Generation II dies are...

www.brownells.com

Seating die: $90

FORSTER ULTRA™ MICROMETER SEATER DIES | Brownells

Forster Reloading Dies are of excellent quality and provide the reloader with the ability to produce concentric rounds time and time again. ...

www.brownells.com

Bullet puller: $17

Midsouth Deluxe Bullet Puller With 4 Collets (Kinetic)

Deluxe Bullet Puller With 4 Collets (Kinetic) by MIDSOUTH RELOADING & ACCESSORIES Great way to remove components from loaded ammo without damaging the components.. The rubberized grip is easy on your hands, the rubber insert in hammer tip is easy on your bullets. This Kinetic Bullet...

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Case lube: $10

Frankford Arsenal Case Lube 8oz Pump

Frankford Arsenal Case Lube doesn't leave a residue and isn't sticky like many other lubes available. It is quick, simple to use and allows for quick...

www.midwayusa.com

Reloading trays: $8

Frankford Arsenal Universal Reloading Tray 50-Round Plastic Blue

The Frankford Arsenal Universal Reloading Tray is an essential accessory for any reloader. It will hold 50 pieces of brass of virtually every rifle...

www.midwayusa.com

Case prep station: $170

Platinum Series Case Prep and Trim System

Platinum Series Case Prep and Trim System by FRANKFORD ARSENAL Platinum Series Case Trim & Prep Center Frankford Arsenal's Case Trim & Prep Center accurately trims brass in seconds. An innovative Case Holder with Adjustable Collet and Bushing System indexes the case shoulder and can be set...

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Electronic powder dispenser: $200

Platinum Series Electronic Powder Intelli-Dropper

Platinum Series Electronic Powder Intelli-Dropper By Frankford Arsenal ITEM DESCRIPTION Midsouth now offers the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Electronic Powder Intelli-Dropper. The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Electronic Powder IntelliDropper features an individual powder calibration...

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Total: $748


Add case tumbler kit: +$90 (total: $838)

Midsouth Reloading Brass Tumbler Kit Pro with Brass Sorter

If you're a beginner in polishing and cleaning, try the Midsouth Reloading Brass Tumbler Kit Pro with Brass Sorter. This kit handles many different calibers.

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Again, pick from this lists as you wish, mix and match, completely disregard them if you choose, or whatever. There are definitely plenty of other options out there that would be as good or better than what I picked, these were just the most decent quality and affordable options I found at the time.

 

[Old Rooster]

My neighbor cruises all garage sales and picks up some great buys on reloading equiptment.
Might try that and watch the ad's in the paper and classifieds on our site.
Most enjoyable hobby I ever got into and I bet you'll say the same a few years from now.