Pay It Forward-Free

[Fryeguy]

Not sure if this is the right thread, but I'm finally starting to load my own for rifle. Does anyone have any advice on kits, components, brands, etc? I'm going into this kinda blind, so what to spend money on and what not to waste money on is critical. Thanks in advance!

I really like Redding. Easy setting adjustments on the reloading dies. I have two Redding presses now and love them. I started out with RCBS rock bucket kit, but have mostly switched to Redding for everything. I like RCBS die sets as well, sometimes on big bore or oddball stuff they are way cheaper. I use an older RCBS 10-10 scale. I do NOT like Hornady dies, others may, but I have nothing good to say about them. Lee stuff is pretty good too, and I use the crimp dies a lot for big stuff

 

[PARA45]

I could use the Hornady Headspace Comparator Kit if it's still available.

Received the Hornady Headspace Comparator Kit. Thank you sir!

 

[Hedge774]

If any of you have any reloading equipment that is in your way, it would be very much appreciated to help get me started. I would certainly pay some items forward! Thank you!

 

[PARA45]

If you list what is it that you need, it will help us see how we can help you.

 

[Hedge774]

Copy that, Sir. I have brass, bullets, powder, and primers. I just need the other stuff. Haha... I am shopping kits but have been warned away from pre packed set ups so many times that I am just going to piece together my own as suggested.

 

[Ray B]

The answer to what you need is: It Depends. It depends on what sort of volume, accuracy and variety you are seeking. the basics of reloading consist of: taking a fired case, removing spent primer, sizing case down so that it will fit easily into the guns chamber and provide firmness to hold the bullet, trimming off excess case length. Seating the new primer, measuring and pouring in the powder charge and seating the bullet.
All of this can be accomplished with a simple set of hand tools, a scale and a case trimmer. If you intend to load a box of cartridges per year, these will be sufficient. As the number of cases and the desired accuracy and number of different cartridges increases, so does the equipment needed.

 

[Hedge774]

The answer to what you need is: It Depends. It depends on what sort of volume, accuracy and variety you are seeking. the basics of reloading consist of: taking a fired case, removing spent primer, sizing case down so that it will fit easily into the guns chamber and provide firmness to hold the bullet, trimming off excess case length. Seating the new primer, measuring and pouring in the powder charge and seating the bullet.
All of this can be accomplished with a simple set of hand tools, a scale and a case trimmer. If you intend to load a box of cartridges per year, these will be sufficient. As the number of cases and the desired accuracy and number of different cartridges increases, so does the equipment needed.

Thank you, Ray B. I totally understand what you are saying. I plan on loading the more hard to find rifle Ammo (9.3x62, 9.3x74, 375 HH, etc.). While I'll be doing more than a box, I won't be doing thousands or anything like that. I appreciate your patience with your reply!

 

[cash_tx]

Thank you, Ray B. I totally understand what you are saying. I plan on loading the more hard to find rifle Ammo (9.3x62, 9.3x74, 375 HH, etc.). While I'll be doing more than a box, I won't be doing thousands or anything like that. I appreciate your patience with your reply!

@Hedge774 - I have a small box of some older reloading stuff that was given to me by an old family friend; and being honest, I just won't use it because I have more higher end stuff already. I'll try to get you some pics and a description of what I've got, and you're welcome to anything you need (caveat - it's a small collection of stuff, so get your hopes set too high).

 

[Hedge774]

@Hedge774 - I have a small box of some older reloading stuff that was given to me by an old family friend; and being honest, I just won't use it because I have more higher end stuff already. I'll try to get you some pics and a description of what I've got, and you're welcome to anything you need (caveat - it's a small collection of stuff, so get your hopes set too high).

Thank you, Sir! Very much appreciated!

 

[Ray B]

Cartridges such as the 9.3s are going to use press mounted dies. On a limited budge, my suggestion would be to search for an older "C" press. these were very common and were the standard up to about 40 years ago when the "O" presses surpassed them. A C press can be found where ever used stuff is sold and are commonly seen for about $25. Same thing for a balance beam scale such as an Ohaus, RCBS or Lyman. With the introduction of electronic scales a lot of balance beam scales are on the used market. The 9.3 dies will probably require purchasing them new or an extensive search on sites such as this. Trimming dies is best done with a trimmer such as Forster or Wilson, but can be done with a file with care and attention. A press, dies and scale are the minimum needed for reloading, but that is sufficient to get you started and as you go you will see what things would make the activity better.

 

[Hedge774]

Cartridges such as the 9.3s are going to use press mounted dies. On a limited budge, my suggestion would be to search for an older "C" press. these were very common and were the standard up to about 40 years ago when the "O" presses surpassed them. A C press can be found where ever used stuff is sold and are commonly seen for about $25. Same thing for a balance beam scale such as an Ohaus, RCBS or Lyman. With the introduction of electronic scales a lot of balance beam scales are on the used market. The 9.3 dies will probably require purchasing them new or an extensive search on sites such as this. Trimming dies is best done with a trimmer such as Forster or Wilson, but can be done with a file with care and attention. A press, dies and scale are the minimum needed for reloading, but that is sufficient to get you started and as you go you will see what things would make the activity better.

I'm surely no good with a file. Will a Rockcrusher fit the bill?

 

[Ridge Runner]

Copy that, Sir. I have brass, bullets, powder, and primers. I just need the other stuff. Haha... I am shopping kits but have been warned away from pre packed set ups so many times that I am just going to piece together my own as suggested.

Why not get a pre packed set up?

Most basic kits contain the minimum items needed to get people started into reloading with minimal additional items needed. And are generally less expensive than purchasing each item individually.

 

[Ray B]

A Rockchucker is an O frame steel press- it was the top of the line from RCBS for about 50 years. It is what I use. There are newer presses from different companies- the advantage of the newer models are: some have turrets to hold several dies to speed changeover; others are larger to accommodate longer cartridges and some are better in theory in that they have less rotation. Trimming can be done the easy way with a trimmer such as a Forster where all you need is a collet that grips the cartridge base and a pilot which guides the cutter- or the hardly ever seen any more- a trim die- specific to the cartridge and any brass that sticks out the end is filed away. The trimmer is separate from the press.

 

[Hedge774]

Why not get a pre packed set up?

Most basic kits contain the minimum items needed to get people started into reloading with minimal additional items needed. And are generally less expensive than purchasing each item individually.

Thanks for the insight. From what I'm told, I'd just wind up replacing items from the kit with replacements. This may be true, may not be. That's why I ask experienced folk, like yourselves.

 

[Hedge774]

A friend just sent me this. Thoughts?

 

[Andrew NOLA]

Redding T-7 turret. I have 4 of them. Rigid and lets you set up to 7 dies - good if you plan on reloading multiple calibers and it keeps you from having to reload in steps - i.e. size first, change dies, expand, change dies, seat bullets.

Rcbs Chargemaster for throwing powder. Since it includes a scale, not as expensive as it seems

I prefer hand priming versus using the press primer and use the RCBS 90201 Universal Hand Priming Tool.

Redding dies are my preference.

I shot benchrest for years and loaded many thousands of rounds with the above.

Watch for sales

Buy once, cry once.

 

[Hedge774]

Also for your consideration.
Thanks AndrewNOLA. I'll check her out!

 

[PARA45]

I'd look on E-bay or just go and buy a new RCBS Rock Chuker and call it a day. It's better to buy good equipment vs. getting some secondhand stuff (unless it's in great shape). Look at pawn shops too, or garage sales.

 

[cash_tx]

@Hedge774 - Here are some of the extra reloading tools that I had laying around; you are welcome to any or all of it:

- Lee powder scale
- powder dispenser
- powder dribbler
- powder funnel
- wooden loading block
- case lube pad

 

[Hedge774]

I will take it! Just yell me what I owe you for shipping! Thank you!