Reloading Shopping List...Help double checking

[Wicked]

I ordered the Hornady LnL AP, it is already sitting at my house waiting for me to arrive from deployment. Here is a list that I have put together from all the reading I have done plus with a lot of help from a member on this forum.

Nothing is set in stone, recommendations are appreciated but I would like a reason, not just this one is better because that's what I use.




Case Prep/Cleaning/Lube:
Berry’s Tumbler $59.95
Lizzard Litter Crushed Walnut/NU Finish Car Polish
Hornady One Shot Dry Lube $8.59
RCBS Case Lube Kit $15.99
Possum Hollow Trimmer $24.99
Possum Hollow Power Adapter $11.00
Lyman Case Prep Xpress Prep Center $123.99

Spares:
Hornady LnL Case Retainer Spring 3pk $7.29
RCBS Decapping Pins Small Pack of 5 $2.49
Hornady LnL Bushings 10pk $39.99
Hornady Sure Loc Die Locking Ring 6pk $17.49
RCBS Case Lube-2 $3.99

9mm:
RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set 9mm Luger $41.99
RCBS Lockout Die $44.99
Hornady Powder Through Expander .355 Diameter $9.49
Hornady #8 Shell Plate $30.99
Precision Delta 115gr FMJ $82.00 per 1000
CCI #500 Small Pistol Primers from Powder Valley $26.00 per 1000
W231 4lb from Powder Valley $63.55

.223:
RCBS X-Die 2-Die Set 223 Remington $47.49
Lee Factory Crimp Die $11.99 (To do tests myself to see if I like with or without crimp)
Hornady #16 Shell Plate $30.99
CCI #400 Small Rifle Primers from Powder Valley $26.00 per 1000
H335 8lb from Powder Valley $132.50

MISC:
Hornady Quick Change Powder Die $21.99
Gemini-20 Electronic Scale $30.00
Frankford Arsenal Electronic Caliper $18.49
Lyman Magnum Impact Bullet Puller $18.99
RCBS Primer Turning Tray $4.99
Hornady Powder Funnel 22-45 Cal $3.79

Reloading manuals:
Lyman 49th Edition Manual $28.99
Hornady Reloading Manual $27.99


I plan to prime using the press hoping there are no problems like people have. If not I will be getting something for hand priming.

 

[john16443]

First and foremost, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY. Hope you arrive home safely and soon.

You have certainly been doing your homework, that is an extensive list. You'll be pleased with the LNL.

I would like to make one suggestion regarding your 9mm items, and it would be based on whether or not you plan on reloading lead bulelts or plated/FMJ bullets. If lead or plated, consideration should be given to the purchase of a Lee Taper Crimp Die (TCD) instead of the Lee Factory Crimp die (FCD). This could save you a lot of grief down the road if your FCD decreases the diameter of your bullet as it goes through the die. For handgun calibers, it seems that the best results are obtained by separating the seating and crimping operations to prevent/preclude the instances of lead shaving or plating shaving from the bullets. If you are shaving material as part of the seat/crimp operation you could end up with excessive leading issues in your barrel, and poor ballistic performance from your rounds ie. no consistency or accuracy.

You'll of course find arguments both ways on whether it's better or even necessary to use a FCD. I have several as they are included in the Lee 4 die carbide sets, but use a TCD instead. Since separating my seating and crimping, I've never had a shaving or leading related problem, and never had a problem with chambering my reloads in any number or 9mm pistols that have included Rugers, SIG's, CZ's, Glocks, and Taurus's.

Also, some generic reloading trays may come in handy for you. I believe most are usable for pistol and rifle calibers, and as you're starting out, may be handy in keeping track of exactly what's going on.

 

[oneounceload]

Powder Funnel $30.00

YIKES! Is that amount correct? If so, you might try a trip to Walmart or the dollar store and look in the kitchen or auto section

 

[Buckeyeguy525]

I'm not sure of your budget (I would imagine you have a bank account full of deployment money) but you can definitely cut some costs with your media, media seperator. A $1 noodle strainer works fine to seperate the media from the cases, and a bag of $8 reptile bedding from Petsmart will last a long time for tumbling media.

 

[Otto]

•The Possum Hollow case trimmer is alot easier with their power adapter...$11.
•I prefer Imperial Case lube.
•I'd pass on the Lyman Case Prep Center...it's too pricey.
•You won't need a Primer slide spring.
•You really only need one RCBS lock out die.
•When you listed the powder funnel, did you mean the Hornady PTX Expander or Powderfunnels.com Expander?
•I like Lee's Universal decapping die for removing crimped primers.
•I would not buy a Lee Factory Crimp Die for either caliber....you can load without them.
•For hand priming, I suggest the RCBS Universal.
•Forgo the cheap digital scale and get a RCBS 505.

If you buy any of this at Midway, look for their promo code online.

 

[Snag]

I would drop the Hornady One Shot lube stuff and just go with some Imperial wax and/or a regular lube pad. I also wouldn't buy the Lee Factory Crimp Dies, you don't need them. Skip the Case Press Center and spend that money on a regular scale instead of the cheap digital. You also don't need a primer flip tray, a powder funnel, or a lock out die for each.

 

[Wicked]

Yes, Powder Funnel was meant to be the powderfunnel.com Expander

What do you suggest for case prep then for the .223 if you dont suggest the Lyman kit?

So if I plan on using alot of cheap bullets like berry's plated then the Lee Taper Crimp Die would be better for the pistol rounds?


In regards to doing the homework on my list, I have alot of freetime on my hands and like to plan out purchases before hand to make sure they are a one time buy and no need to replace later on.

 

[altitude_19]

What's this ammo for? If you just need plinking ammo, ditch the nu-finish. Does nothing for function, just makes stuff purdy (and adds one more stupid thing to worry about).
Also, the Speer manual kinda sucks (unless you are using their bullets). I haven't found a usable load out of the speer manual yet.
If you have a good drill, you can just get some deburring/chamfering tools to chuck into the drill and save the money for the case prep center.
Try running your press WITHOUT the factory crimp die. It's usually a solution in search of a problem, so wait until you have a problem, then buy the solution (you probably won't ever need it).
The frankford arsenal bullet puller is awful (bad ergonomics, Chinese made, and breaks easily). For a few dollars more you can have the Lyman bullet puller, with a WAY better grip.
And check into the RCBS X-die. It's supposed to eliminate the need to trim rifle brass after they've been trimmed the first time around. Big time saver.
AND FINALLY, grab up a cheap single-stage press. You will be wanting one SOON. They're good for odd jobs and can keep you reloading if your progressive is out of commission for whatever reason. I'd recommend a Lee Chellenger.

 

[Snag]

I'm pretty new to reloading too so take what I say with a grain of salt.

What do you suggest for case prep then for the .223 if you dont suggest the Lyman kit?

All I have for case prep, besides tumbler of course, is a case deburring tool and the two primer pocket cleaners and neck brushes that came with my Redding trimmer.

So if I plan on using alot of cheap bullets like berry's plated then the Lee Taper Crimp Die would be better for the pistol rounds?

The three die set from RCBS has a seat/crimp die, why not just use that? It is nice to crimp separately but not necessary.

 

[Otto]

Yes, Powder Funnel was meant to be the powderfunnel.com Expander

What do you suggest for case prep then for the .223 if you dont suggest the Lyman kit?

So if I plan on using alot of cheap bullets like berry's plated then the Lee Taper Crimp Die would be better for the pistol rounds?

The Powder Funnel is no better than Hornady's PTX Universal Powder Expander which is also cheaper. http://www.hornady.com/store/Powder-Through-Expanders/

The Possum Hollow trims the .223 so all you'll need is a Wilson Chamfer / Deburring tool. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/789334/le-wilson-chamfer-and-deburring-tool-17-to-45-caliber

I prefer Full Metal Jacket bullets over cheaper plated ones. Actually, plated aren't all that cheap anymore. For a few dollars more I'd get Precision Deltas
http://www.precisiondelta.com/detail.php?sku=B-9-124-FMJ

 

[Mike 27]

OK from the top,
Case retainer spring, maybe I'm just lucky but still using the first one of three that come with the press after 9 months. The LNL bushings are nice but I really only leave the bullet seater in them. The other dies are very easy to set up if the budget gets tight. The locking rings I have not used and don't plan on using them. I will say get the RCBS lockout especially for the reason you are starting on a progressive, it is one additional safety measure. The FCD's you really wont need them on these calibers unless you are running some extremely tight aftermarket barrel on the 9mm (I have the 45acp one). I would also recommend getting a good scale. I have the hornady digital I think it ran me around $85 and it is great. A good beam scale is great for every bench even if you have a digital.

I will also give a +1 to a single stage press. You may get back off the deployment and at least run it for a bit to get the basics down before trying the LNL. It can be a little intimidating with all of the moving pieces. You will use the single stage even with the LNL for a number of reasons and tasks...I use mine all the time, an you can pick up a lee singe stage cheap...Welcome to the hobby.....

Mike

 

[Wicked]

Ok, I will slowly be making updates after going through posts.

In reference to the x-die is it better to get just the single x-die and add it to the current 2 die set or go with the 2 x die set. I dont see a crimp in the 2 x-die set. Links would be helpful to whats recommended.

I do not have a good drill so that is the reason of looking into a case prep center instead. Was looking at the lyman or the hornady for about $87 if I remember correctly.

 

[popper]

RCBS die you call out are fine (2 die X). Forget the 1-shot, anything else is better. You don't want or need the FCD for those cal. RCBS 9mm is a taper crimp, what you need. Consider ultrasonic cleaning vs the tumbler - no mess, no fuss. Possum hollow trimmer works great, I just use a dowel rod and an electric drill. You don't need the trimmer for 9mm or 223 if using the X die. Get Powder and lots of primers in bulk, on-line -powder valley, etc. My inexpensive HF calipers and FA electronic scale works for me. Welcome back.

 

[altitude_19]

You don't need the trimmer for 9mm or 223 if using the X die.

Untrue. You NEED the trimmer because X-die intructions read that you are supposed to trim brass to a certain length BEFORE using the X-die, which keeps them there.

Consider ultrasonic cleaning vs the tumbler - no mess, no fuss.

Wet solution to splash all over the place that needs drying and costs 3 times as much is "no mess"???? You can clean up dry media with a hand broom and dust pan.

 

[blarby]

Bullet comp for your caliper...

Hard to measure loaded pointy bullets where it matters with a flat caliper.

Or, get a precision mic...and while you are at it a precision seater if it'll fit in the ammo plant...not sure if it will.

Seriously recommend a case lube and pad for rifle brass lube.... Onestuck has quite the reputation...not just because "I" use a pad. But thats totally up to you.

Def. get the lyman center, or an RCBS trim-mate.... you will want this, believe me.

The lee cutter is faster in a drill than the possum hollow, and considerably cheaper, but again- a personal choice.

 

[Wicked]

With the x-die set will I also need to purchase a crimp die? It only lists a seater die.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/194698/rcbs-x-die-2-die-set-223-remington

 

[blarby]

If you wish them crimped, I believe so.

I don't own that set, but it doesn't specify if it crimps or not...

 

[popper]

Seater is also crimper - just make sure it is a taper crimp, not roll crimp. I put a shim under the seater to seat, then pull it and crimp with same die ( just a SS press, you can crimp in a separate step on a progressive, I think -else you need an extra seater/crimper die). I have the AR set for 308, works fine and has TC seater. It is small base (.001 smaller in dia.). Still haven't trimmed any 308 brass, ~ 5 reloads so far. Mostly a HS situation, not neck length, set that correct and neck doesn't get longer. Lost a few and scrapped a few due to bolt dings or rim bends. Trimmed all my 30-30 brass once, necks don't grow anymore. Use a PP uniformer, did that once on each. US gets cases clean, (and PP too) is not 'splashy' and is about 5 min of work/ 50-100 cases. Rinse and let em sun dry. Pogoing is just hitting the buttstock on the ground and letting the bolt mass extract the case - don't do it if your stock is the collapsible style. Woks on everything but revolvers.

 

[Wicked]

Ok I updated the first post, I think I am pretty much set. Still need to decide on case lube, I may go with the RCBS Lube 2 + lube pad.

Also any suggestions for a comparator for the digital caliper, or if there is a different caliper that has it included.

 

[altitude_19]

I may go with the RCBS Lube 2 + lube pad

Works for me...but the RCBS lube is THICK and takes some effort to squeeze out of the tube. I warm it up with a lamp or something to make it easier.
Are you in love with RCBS dies? If not, you can have Lee pistol dies for cheaper prices.

 

[Wicked]

Not too worried about pricing for dies since it will more than likely be a one time purchase. I was debating between and Hornady due to the bullet rebate.

When you say the lube is thick is that only for when you are getting it out of the tube? Any problems any where else or getting it off in a tumbler?

 

[altitude_19]

Comes off in a tumbler, no problem. Just a few minutes takes it off. And the thickness is only a pain getting it out. It behaves just fine once you get it on the pad or casings.

 

[Wicked]

Ok list has been updated. I think last thing is if anyone recommends a certain digital caliper with comparator

 

[blarby]

http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pid=34014/Product/Sinclair-Insert-Style-Bullet-Comparator

 

[rfwobbly]

The $17 Lyman manual is most likely the paperback version. For standing in a book shelf or between bookends, the hardbound version is slightly more cost but much easier to deal with.