Getting started reloading.
- Thread starter glennv
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DeadFlies
Member
A reloading manual or three.
First, read the stickies at the top of this subforum. All of your questions about equipment basics should be answered there.
Second, I cannot think of any necessary items that are not included in the Lee kit. Of course this depends on which caliber you are reloading for, the condition of your brass, lead vs. jacketed and so on. But the Lee kit should be plenty of gear to get you started.
First, read the stickies at the top of this subforum. All of your questions about equipment basics should be answered there.
Second, I cannot think of any necessary items that are not included in the Lee kit. Of course this depends on which caliber you are reloading for, the condition of your brass, lead vs. jacketed and so on. But the Lee kit should be plenty of gear to get you started.
Jesse Heywood
Member
A 6" dial caliper. A must for checking cases and cartridge length. I say dial because I haven't had a digital that didn't eat batteries. They don't have to be high dollar, expect $15-20, unless you find a sale at Harbor Fright.
Oops I posted the wrong kit. It's the Rock Chucker.
And I'm starting with .308.
http://www.basspro.com/RCBS-Rock-Chucker-Supreme-Master-Reloading-Kit/product/10200311/
And I'm starting with .308.
http://www.basspro.com/RCBS-Rock-Chucker-Supreme-Master-Reloading-Kit/product/10200311/
Matt Dillon
Member
A Wilson case gauge for each caliber you plan to reload, and a good scale, such as te RCBS 1010.
Lost Sheep
Member
Welcome to reloading. Thanks for asking our advice.
This post was composed for someone asking BEFORE buying a press, but you get the idea.
Please don't be offended when I point out that, depending on your needs, you may have jumped the gun with the purchase of your Challenger kit. It is fine for the casual reloader, but if you need 50 BMG, it won't do. If you need 500 rounds a week you would be better served by the Lee Classic Turret, or, more likely, a progressive press.
Here is the post I mentioned:
Aside from eye protection and manuals, you only need three things (physically) to load good ammo.
Press because fingers are not strong enough to form metal
Dies because fingers are not accurate enough to form metal to SAAMI specs
Scale (or calibrated dippers) because eyeballs are not accurate enough to measure out gunpowder
Everything else can be done without, substituted for or improvised until you can afford to buy good quality gear.
But it is more efficient and cost effective to get equipment that fits your needs in the near future.
We could target our advice better if you shared some information about yourself: (What I use has no relevance to you if our needs are not similar.)
What calibers will you be reloading?
What quantities will you be reloading for those calibers?
How much time will you be willing to devote to those quantities
What is your budget?
Will you be putting your gear away after each session or leave it set up permanently?
How much space will you devote permanently to a loading area, if any?
Do you want it to be portable?
What are your shooting goals? Cheap ammo? Ultimate long-range accuracy? Casual plinking, Serious competition - what kind? Cowboy Action Shooting? Strictly hunting?
Lost Sheep
This post was composed for someone asking BEFORE buying a press, but you get the idea.
Please don't be offended when I point out that, depending on your needs, you may have jumped the gun with the purchase of your Challenger kit. It is fine for the casual reloader, but if you need 50 BMG, it won't do. If you need 500 rounds a week you would be better served by the Lee Classic Turret, or, more likely, a progressive press.
Here is the post I mentioned:
Aside from eye protection and manuals, you only need three things (physically) to load good ammo.
Press because fingers are not strong enough to form metal
Dies because fingers are not accurate enough to form metal to SAAMI specs
Scale (or calibrated dippers) because eyeballs are not accurate enough to measure out gunpowder
Everything else can be done without, substituted for or improvised until you can afford to buy good quality gear.
But it is more efficient and cost effective to get equipment that fits your needs in the near future.
We could target our advice better if you shared some information about yourself: (What I use has no relevance to you if our needs are not similar.)
What calibers will you be reloading?
What quantities will you be reloading for those calibers?
How much time will you be willing to devote to those quantities
What is your budget?
Will you be putting your gear away after each session or leave it set up permanently?
How much space will you devote permanently to a loading area, if any?
Do you want it to be portable?
What are your shooting goals? Cheap ammo? Ultimate long-range accuracy? Casual plinking, Serious competition - what kind? Cowboy Action Shooting? Strictly hunting?
Lost Sheep
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