Jeramie Posted February 6, 2006 Report Share Posted February 6, 2006 Ok gang, as of recently ive started giving heavy thought to loading. My primary was mainly a 30-06 but I just picked up a .243 ill be using for varmit and deer hunting. Now that ive entered this new world im thinking of reloading. I have several other people that will gladly contribute to the leads and powder (in exchange for loading) but I will need to pic up the loader. Not to sound cheap but what is a good/ cheap and effective re-loader? My wife will throw a hissy if I want to punch out 1k on a new toy! Also, what tools are needed to start reloading (gauges, de-burr, etc)? This is kind of a general information thread so I would appreciate all ideas and input... Thanks a million gang... Jeramie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David_218 Posted February 6, 2006 Report Share Posted February 6, 2006 Re: Re-Loading? \"I need info,\" post. Lee makes reasonably priced Reloading Presses. I think they even still make the kits thay call "Lee Loaders" in the caliber you have. I personally have the same R.C.B.S. reloading bench press that I bought back in 1968. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
str8shooter48 Posted February 6, 2006 Report Share Posted February 6, 2006 Re: Re-Loading? \"I need info,\" post. RCBS makes great equiptment that you will get many years of service with a little care. http://natchezss.com/product.cfm?content...7&src=ba207 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Re-Loading? \"I need info,\" post. Personally, I would stay away from most of the Lee line of stuff. They do have some nice things like their hand primer that I actually like better than the RCBS but other than that, I don't like them. For a press, the Redding Boss, RCBS Rockchucker, Lyman Crusher II, etc will last a very long time and can turn out ammo worthy of any match shooter. For dies, I like Redding (first choice), Dillon (2nd choice), RCBS, CH4D (3rd choice). I will not buy Lee dies any longer. Shell holder just about anyone. Powder scale - electronic or balance beam, many good ones to choose from Dial Calipers - Again many good ones to choose from Powder measure - anything from Lee Dippers to a Harrell will do the job. You can always upgrade when you are ready. I still use Lee dippers and tap/trickle the charge into the pan on the scale. Manuals - get a couple manuals Nosler, Hodgdon, Hornady, Speer, Sierra, etc are all good manuals. Case trimmer - Various good ones. Loading Trays - wood or plastic Case deburring tool - ID and OD Sizing lube - Again many good ones to choose from. I like Hornady aerosol. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In time you will want to get a case tumbler or vibratory cleaner with some corn cob or walnut shell media. Primer pocket cleaner/uniformers Flash hole deburing tool. And probably more items I am forgetting at this moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LETMGROW Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Re-Loading? \"I need info,\" post. AJ, I have several sets of Lee factory crimp dies. What have you had a problem with? Should I be looking out for anything in particular? So far I haven't had any problems at all. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Re-Loading? \"I need info,\" post. The only dies I have worn out is Lee. Their crimp die may be ok but the only cartridges I crimp are straight wall cartridges. I don't crimp bottlenecked rounds. I started out buying Lee dies as they were inexpensive and worked. As my knowledge, skill, and expectations grew, I found they were not lasting as long, they were inducing more bullet runout than others, and needed to be replaced by a quality set. Their sizing die is what was giving me fits. I have not worn out a set of Redding or RCBS dies. I have a set of Hornady dies that I didn't care for also. So spending $20 extra bucks on quality dies is money well spent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Idaho_ Elk_ Huntr Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Re-Loading? \"I need info,\" post. I purchased a RCBC Rock Chucker Supreme kit at Walmart for $249 and then purchased a case trimmer and dies on eBay. Then there is a few other things you will need. I have been loading for about 25 years and jusst wanted to upgrade my old Rock Chucker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LETMGROW Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Re: Re-Loading? \"I need info,\" post. [ QUOTE ] The only dies I have worn out is Lee. Their crimp die may be ok but the only cartridges I crimp are straight wall cartridges. I don't crimp bottlenecked rounds. I started out buying Lee dies as they were inexpensive and worked. As my knowledge, skill, and expectations grew, I found they were not lasting as long, they were inducing more bullet runout than others, and needed to be replaced by a quality set. Their sizing die is what was giving me fits. I have not worn out a set of Redding or RCBS dies. I have a set of Hornady dies that I didn't care for also. So spending $20 extra bucks on quality dies is money well spent. [/ QUOTE ] Thanks for the come back. Glad to know there isn't a bad problem. So far I have had good luck. Although I have reloaded quote a few rounds, I don't think I'll ever wear them out. I like to experiment some for accuracy etc. but am not really a high volume bullet maker. The reason I picked the crimp dies was because I have mostly semi-auto rifles. Thanks again!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Xen Posted February 8, 2006 Report Share Posted February 8, 2006 Re: Re-Loading? \"I need info,\" post. I like the Dillon reloaders. only problem is that Dillon has a minimum price that they won't let distributors sell for less than. if you are looking for a dillon reloader, try to find a company that will sell you the reloader and give you free shipping, that is about the best deal you can get on a dillon. i have seen a store on ebay that did that, i can't remember the name of it tho. they had the same minimum price as everybody else, but the free shipping is why i chose them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntinsonovagun Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Re: Re-Loading? \"I need info,\" post. Jeramie- I'm contemplating on buying a reloder/kit. I don't really have the money, but at the same time you save so much money by reloading!! Buddy and I figured up how much you save doing it yourself and it doesn't take long for a reloader to pay for itself!!! Great buy right here!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Re: Re-Loading? \"I need info,\" post. [ QUOTE ] it doesn't take long for a reloader to pay for itself!!! [/ QUOTE ] It depends on what chamberings you shoot. If you shoot 223, 308, 30-06, you will have to load for a long time before it pays for its self. If you shoot a WSM, belted magnum, or oddball cartridge, it pays for its self in much less time. Personally, reloading does not save me much money. I shoot more because its cheaper, so it costs more. The money that is spent is similar to buying factory ammo, but the skill is much more from the added trigger time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntinsonovagun Posted February 9, 2006 Report Share Posted February 9, 2006 Re: Re-Loading? \"I need info,\" post. Actually, I figured it up. Loading Hornady V-max (40 gr) in .223 will save you $22.92 per 100 rounds. (figuring brass, primers, pounder, bullets) That's saying you use a full pound of powder on 100 rounds, which I HOPE no one tries!!!! So, by the time you reload roughly 1000 rounds of .223, your reloader paid for itself, unless you're shooting the really cheap Wolf ammo, etc.... Now, by the time you figure in what you're time's worth, you're probably not saving any money, and you're right about shooting more, too... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted February 10, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2006 Re: Re-Loading? \"I need info,\" post. The reason im really considering it is because of the varmit ammo. It seems to run about $20a box. Corelokt runs the same as the major other cals (30-06, .270, etc). I would love to load varmit rounds cheaper! I have every intention of picking one up for that reason. I plan on shooting a lot too, factory loads or not. Im going to have a 200yd+ gun and im going to do my best to be accurate beyond that, meaning a lot of shooting! Not to mention, I love shooting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted February 10, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 10, 2006 Re: Re-Loading? \"I need info,\" post. Btw Ryan! Thats a good link! Thats a lot of stuff for the money. THANKS! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted February 17, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 Re: Re-Loading? \"I need info,\" post. What is a progressive re-loader? Im guessing that means once you setup you load several at a time (assembly line style) versus single loads. I read on ebay that the rock chucker could be made progressive with the addition of Piggyback-3 Conversion Unit. Any one have any experience with these? Would it be worth the money (whatever they cost, I cant find one on ebay)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted February 17, 2006 Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 Re: Re-Loading? \"I need info,\" post. There are 3 basic types of reloading presses. The first is the single stage press. This press usually comes in a O or D configuration making it super rigid. This is a good thing as it will not flex while sizing the cases. This is is paramount to accuracy. The single stage press will accept one die at a time. The operator has to resize all of their cases at one time. Then the die can be swapped for the bullet seating die. The reloader can only operate on one casing per cycle of the lever. Examples of this type of press are the RCBS Rock Chucker, Forster Co-Ax, Lyman Crusher 2, etc. These presses can turn out some extremely accurate handloads. I use the Rockchucker for most of my rifle loading. Turret presses are slightly faster than the single stage presses. They have multiple die stations on a turret that will spin around alowing the reloader to do multiple operations quickly. After each operation, the operator can rotate the turret to the next die and complete the sequence on one cartridge. The drawback to the turret style is flexing of the turret. When the operator starts full length resizing of large rifle cartridges, the turret can develop slop which induces more runout of the bullet. This is devestating to accuracy. I know, I learned this with my first press. Progressive presses spit out a loaded cartridge with every pull of the lever. Some are manual indexing machines meaning after you cycle the lever and move the shell plate, add an empty, add a bullet, add powder then you cycle the lever again. Progressive presses can load very accurate ammo. I also use a Dillon XL 650 progressive press for all of my straight walled handgun loading and some of my high volume rifle loading. The single stage RCBS Rockchucker can be made into a progressive press for handgun cartridges or rifle cartridges up to .223 Rem by the addition of the Piggyback™ System . They run just over $280 for the Piggyback System. The Piggyback-3 is for the older Rockchucker. The Piggyback-4 is for the Rockchucker Supreme. I advise starting with a single stage until you have the reloading down pat. If then you want to speed up production, you can look into another press. Unless you are burning up 100 or more rounds per week, its not worth going progressive. I would start with a Rockchucker or something like that. If you like reloading and start shooting more, look into getting a Dillon progressive. Dillon presses actually hold their value so findind a bargain on a used one is pretty hard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted February 17, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 Re: Re-Loading? \"I need info,\" post. Now thats good info with pics to boot! That helps loads. I appreciate it. Im going to order a rock chucker from the link that Ryan pointed out above. I will probably burn at least 50-rounds per week but I dont have a problem with single loading. I thought it might be worth looking into if it were cheap and easy. Ill take it a step at a time... Thanks AJ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LETMGROW Posted February 18, 2006 Report Share Posted February 18, 2006 Re: Re-Loading? \"I need info,\" post. Every now and then you may see a press for sale in the want ads. I have two presses on my bench. One I use for depriming and resizing, the other for the rest. This seems to speed things up without going the added expense of a progressive press. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LETMGROW Posted February 18, 2006 Report Share Posted February 18, 2006 Re: Re-Loading? \"I need info,\" post. I meant to add, most reloading presses have a lifetime warranty so buying a used press can be a good investment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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