equip advice

[lilblue79]

just gettting into reloading and looking for experienced individuals to give good advice for starting out i have read three books on this subject and still have no real advice as to what is the better equip and absoultely nessacery equip i want to reload .223 rem , 30-06 spg , 45 long colt , 40 sw , 9mm , 7mm-08 , and some shot shells i understand that each of these require diffrent powder and primer types and will use reloading manual to start for each load but would like to buy equip at a reasonable price and maybee some of it could serve for more than one purpose

[Beentown]

I am interested in this also. Anyone who reloads give us some trade secrets and things we should stay away from.

Beentown

[hangtownz]

I just started 6 mo ago and have had pretty good luck. I found most of the info I needed in the speer manual, you can find older used ones on ebay cheap. I bought the LEE 50th anniversary kit at cabalas when they were on sale for about $80. It had almost everything needed except a case trimmer. Most of the stuff was kinda cheap though and I'm gradually replacing everything. If you want to start with something better I'd suggest a RCBS kit. For a case trimmer I do like the lee one that goes in a drill. I've had pretty good luck with used dies from ebay. If you can go to the Cabales in Wheeling and talk to Courtney he works every weekend and is very knowledgeable in reloading He'll make sure you get all the right stuff. In the mean time if you want to reload I'd start shopping for powder and primers most places are always out of stock or have ridiculous prices.
For powder I've had the best luck with Varget for 223, and Unique for 38spl

[ohiosam]

Lee equipment will get you started cheaper. In the long run you will probably be happier with most RCBS or Hornady products. Most of my stuff it RCBS but I do use some Lee dies and Lee's priming tool they are good. Look at the starter kits, good way to get the basics. For the straight walled pistol cartridges get carbide dies.

[pstryjew]

Probably the best place to start is an RCBS Rock Chucker Master Kit.

Also, keep an eye out for OLD reloading manuals, they included a lot of information about reloading, just not "recipes".

A great manual for Process and Procedure:
http://materials.nrahq.org/go/product.aspx?productid=EF%2013527

This book was developed as the "textbook" for NRA Reloading classes in an effort between the NRA and Reloading Manufactures.

If you are around Central Ohio, PRO-Training is starting NRA reloading classes in May and this book is included in the cost.
www.CentralOhioCCW.com

Pete

[antiqucycle]

agree 100% with sam. RCBS press, rcbs powder measure, carbide pistol dies. but there is nothing wrong with Lee dies.
The Lee priming tool is an absolute must. the only way if your loading a 100 rounds at a time. and do buy some extra parts, they wear out.

Case trimmer is not an absolute must at first. but I do make some oddball loads. like 9X18.

I cant emphasize enough on inspecting individually, the cases you plan to reload. If you suspect any kind of defect, crack, corrosion, toss the brass. If you feel anything out of the ordinary, when operating the press, there is something wrong, find out why! Its always a good idea, to chamber the first few rounds, during each reloading session.

NEVER EVER shoot something that feels questionable.

Once you have reloaded a batch, record exactly the components on the box so you can duplicate it.

I have enough confidence and experience that when I buy a new caliber gun, I do not buy factory ammo. I just get brass or make it from some other brass, and the right components.

[BigV]

I have been reloading for over a year now. I recommend the RCBS Rock Chucker to begin. You can reload both pistol and rifle cartridges with this one. Some set-ups will only reload pistol or rifle but not both. Make sure you get one that does both. Start out slow and use minimum loads. Check to insure each cartridge has powder and is not overfilled before moving to the next stage. Don’t stop half way through a batch and come back later. Allocate enough time to complete your batch from beginning to end. Only reload 10 to 20 cartridges at first and then spend some time at the range to insure they function properly especially in semi auto pistols. If you have problems with FTF (Fail To Feed), or FTE (Fail To Eject) you may need to increase your powder charge slightly until you find the one that works best. If your going to reload rifle cartridges I would recommend a case trimmer and trim each case to the proper OAL (Over All Length) after resizing. Check each primer before charging to insure they are seated firmly as a protruding primer can cause a slam fire. Get a good set of digital calipers (Harbor Freight has some good ones for cheap) to measure OAL of your finished product. In my experience with reloading you will not save any money, because you will shoot more. Most of all have fun…

EDIT: You will not be able to reload shotgun shell with your RCBS.
No one make a reloader that will do pistol/rifle as well as shotgun.
Unfortunately you will need to purchase a separate loader for shotgun only.

[geezer II]

I have been loading with RCBS - equipment since the 60's - ya can load just about anything ya want with the proper dies except prolly .50BMC -doan know bout that - can't go wrong with RCBS - will last ya a lifetime and then some :)

[Beentown]

I am not the OP but thanks for all the great advice :bouncy:

Beentown