Time to Join the Hand Loading Ranks

NorthCountry

New Member
Jul 26, 2011
45
0
I’ve been on the fence for years and after two of my favorite factory loads were discontinued this past year I’ve decided that I’m going to start hand loading and not rely on factory ammo. I’m not 100% new to the hobby as I’ve watched others load before and have done my own minor gunsmithing, bow press work, and arrow building for years. I’m only going to load big game rifle calibers for hunting purposes, no handgun loads… .284, .277, and a .300. I wouldn’t expect I’d load more than 200 to 300 shells per year total. Once I find a recipe I like for a particular rifle, that’s all I’ll stick to and just load more shells on an as needed basis. I don’t want junk and want tools that are going to get the job done and last, if that means buying once and crying once, so be it. I like to keep things simple. I do not plan on buying a kit and will be purchasing all the tools separately. I’m looking for recommendations on brands and models for each of the following. I know some of these are more basic than others, but I decided to include them all. I just want good, reliable equipment that I can count on to produce accurate loads… I’m not partial to any red, green, etc. brands. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to add multiple recommendations per tool highlighting the Good, Better, and Best. Thanks guys.

(1) Press
(2) Dies
(3) Shell Holder
(4) Powder Scale
(5) Powder Measure
(6) Powder Trickler
(7) Calipers
(8) Case trimmer and chamfer tool
(9) Primer Pocket Cleaner
(10) Neck Brush
 

Work2hunt

Veteran member
Mar 2, 2013
1,366
11
St. Louis, MO
I'm no expert but I was in your shoes 2 years ago. I've been using a RCBS rock chucker press with RCBS dies, shell holders, and powder measure. I like the RCBS items but the one thing I wish I would have done is instead of getting a digital powder scale I wish I would have gotten the version that dispenses and measures all in one.
 

7 Mag

New Member
Dec 22, 2015
41
0
Indiana
I have the RCBS as well and I like my digital scale. I'm pretty anal about my loads I scale every load and trickle the last few powder grains. I enjoy handloading and once I find a load that I like I stick with it.
 

DRUSS

Very Active Member
Jun 22, 2014
537
157
nw oregon
RCBS has been around a long time for a reason, good products. very good to deal with customer service when (usually me) something doesn't work correctly. most all my components are RCBS. still buying more too
 

libidilatimmy

Veteran member
Oct 22, 2013
1,140
3
Wyoming
Most of my equipment is RCBS for tools and I like them. For dies, I like the simplicity of adjustment of Redding over the others I've tried, being RCBS and Hornady. Hand tool wise I prefer the ergonomics of Lyman over what I've used from others. Be careful with digital scales, don't go cheap for sure. Unless you're using a dispensing unit, little time is saved with digital vs mechanical. I still use a beam scale and weigh every charge individually trickling up to weight.
 

missjordan

Veteran member
Dec 9, 2014
1,136
22
Missoula, MT
Our reloading set up is a mix between Lyman and hornady. I would buy any electronic powder thrower and electronic case prep as it'll save you a ton of time. And the case prep won't kill your hands/joints when your done! Plus they will save you from buying each individual piece of equipment. As far as dies I think rcbs or Lyman are the best over hornady. The hornady dies have been very finicky with our press. Handloading is extremely addicting and so much fun! Another piece of equipment that is important for Handloading are chronograph, especially if your planning on getting Into shooting distance you'll need to know your speeds.
 

Musket Man

Veteran member
Jul 20, 2011
6,457
0
colfax, wa
I probabally have the most mixed up reloading equipment you will ever see. I have got all but a couple sets of dies used and I have got whatever I could find a good deal on used that I thought was decent. RCBS press, Lee Press, RCBS tumbler, Lee powder measure (all given to me by a forum member!), pacific balance scale, pacific case trimmer, RCBS shell holders, dies are Bair, RCBS, Lyman, Hornady, Redding, Lee, and some others that are no longer made. In my experience RCBS and Hornady are top quality. Lyman is good, and Lee is on the lower end. The old Bair and Pacific (now Hornady) stuff is good quality too. If you are going to buy a kit to start I would go with RCBS or Hornady. You cant go wrong with either!
 

LaHunter

Active Member
Aug 24, 2012
322
0
N.E. LA
I use an RCBS RockChuker Supreme press. This is all I have used and it works well for me. I have read very good things about the Redding single stage press as well.
I use a Redding FL sizing die.
I use a Redding Competition Bullet Seating Die, and I highly recommend this regardless if you use VLD bullets or not.
Also, I highly recommend the Redding Competition Shell Holder set. This will allow you to bump the shoulder back only as much as you need, prevents over working your brass.
Any good digital caliper is a must.
Hornady Lock n Load Head Space / Bullet Comparator kit has been very beneficial to me. You need to be able to measure headspace along with CBTO and this kit allows you to do this with good precision.
I use the RCBS bench mounted case trimmer (manual operation). I can't remember the exact name. I have been very please with the results of this case trimmer.
I use an RCBS balance scale, which is tedious, but I feel like I can be a little more precise with this scale and I am not a high volume loader. I also use an RCBS powder trickler.
Also, I would get 2,3, or even 4 different reloading manuals and read them first and make sure you have a good solid understanding of what each step involves in the reloading process and the purpose of each step.

Good luck.
 

usmc99

Member
Jan 7, 2015
78
0
I just got into reloading this year. I bought this RCBS rock chucker kit and I have been impressed with everything.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
 

Umpqua Hunter

Veteran member
May 26, 2011
3,576
88
61
North Umpqua, Oregon
I don't by any means consider myself anywhere close to being an expert, but when I got in a few years ago, it was to produce the most accurate reloads I possibly could since I was already getting excellent accuracy (2.6" @ 400 yards) in my primary hunting rifle (300 WSM). I wanted develop long range hunting loads with exceptional accuracy, and went about selecting components to do so. I did a ton of research and bought the best components I could find to accomplish that goal:

To start with, here is an excellent video on precision reloading, and I'll refer to it a few times below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taXgvWthvLg


Scale: RCBS Chargemaster 1500. I don't own a separate scale, powder trickler, and powder measure, since this automatic scale does it all. If it is ever slightly off (0.1 grains), I just pour the powder back in the hopper and throw a new charge.

http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/772151/rcbs-chargemaster-1500-powder-scale-and-dispenser-combo-110-volt


Forster Coax Single Stage Press. This has a built in universal shell holder. On Midway 134 out of 138 reviews gave it the highest rating (5.0 out of 5.0). There are several good YouTube reviews on this press.

http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/265719/forster-co-ax-single-stage-press


Forster Bench Rest Full Length Sizing Die (Midway carries them).


Forster Ultra Micrometer Seater Die (Midway carries them).


Sinclair Phase II Priming Tool #PT-2000

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZQnkLu8aCU
@ 6:45: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taXgvWthvLg


Sinclair Primer Pocket Uniformer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHgEqDD_iOU


Redding Flash Hole Deburring Tool #06100 Universal Tool (includes .30 cal pilot stop). This uniforms the size of the flash hole, which is critical to accuracy.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/125945/redding-flash-hole-deburring-tool-with-30-caliber-pilot


Wilson Sinclair Ultimate Case Trimmer. This has specific collets which support the case. These collets clamp into the case trimmer. It also has a micrometer adjustment. This insures the case mouth is trimmed squarely and to accurate length.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81D3OEhCLbg

@5:04: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taXgvWthvLg


Caliper: Mituyoto 500-196-20 digital caliper. I had used these in engineering work for many years and bought one for my projects at home.


Powder Funnel: I use a different Satern Custom funnel for each caliber I load. Here is 30 caliber (side note: This is amazing for 50 caliber muzzleloaders too. Perfect fit!):

http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/924093/satern-powder-funnel-30-caliber-aluminum-and-brass


RCBS Neck Brush


Imperial Sizing Die Wax

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/519525/imperial-case-sizing-wax-2-oz
 
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Colorado Cowboy

Super Moderator
Jun 8, 2011
8,348
4,741
83
Dolores, Colorado
UH covered it well. Reloading is a science, hobby and above all an optimizer for finding the right combination of components that your individual rifle likes. Not all rifles are created equal, but you probably already know that. But the real kicker is that not all rifles of the exact same specs (Brand, caliber, barrel length, stock, etc) will shoot the exact same ammunition the same way. There are too many variables like individual part tolerances, chamber, barrel, material differences and a lot more that will effect the way a rifle will shoot. You just have to find the right combination that "IT" likes.

I always do some research before I start loading something new, even for an older rifle I may have shot for years. I like to try some of the newer powders and bullet combinations just for fun. I have 4 or 5 reloading manuals and also use online resources on new components that are not in my reference library already.

Take you time and don't get in a hurry. If you have a problem or have questions, there are quite a few of us here that have lots of reloading background and can point you in the right direction.

Above all....have fun. You will get your reward when you develop a load that your rifle will consistently shoot sub moa groups and a bullet that will get the job done on the animal you are hunting!
 

bigmoose

Active Member
Jan 2, 2012
377
123
Yerington Nevada
Lots of good info here. I would only mention that I like the Lee Auto Prime. It holds lots of primers and you don't need to handle any of them. It has a great "feel" and there's not much chance of getting any oil from your hands on the primers.
 

NorthCountry

New Member
Jul 26, 2011
45
0
Thanks guys, all great info!!! Definitely pointing me in the right direction. Glad to see there's so much knowledge here and I'm sure I'll be asking some questions along the way.

Please keep the responses coming.

What’s the opinion out there on purchasing used equipment from unknown sources… ebay, craigslist… etc? Should one stay away from that route and go new or used form known sources?

Umpqua - thanks for such a detailed response... sounds like I am getting into reloading for the same reasons you did. 2.6" @ 400yds would be a victory for me :)

Thanks and Merry Christmas everybody! Keep the responses coming.
 

Colorado Cowboy

Super Moderator
Jun 8, 2011
8,348
4,741
83
Dolores, Colorado
Lots of good used stuff out there. My suggestion would be to go to a big retailer and look at lots of reloading stuff. Decide on what you want, then start looking for used stuff.
 

Musket Man

Veteran member
Jul 20, 2011
6,457
0
colfax, wa
Almost all of mine has been used off of ebay! Always check prices against what you can buy it for new. I have seen things go for asmuch as new after you pay shipping. Keep looking and dont get in a hurry to buy and you can get some great deals!
 

Slugz

Veteran member
Oct 12, 2014
3,664
2,340
55
Casper, Wyoming
Not to repeat but to highlight a few things.

1: RCBS guy here
2: Do not buy new, just way too much stuff out there
3: Insert a digital scale somewhere in your process
4: Don't skimp on building a good bench. I made the NRA old school one that you can get plans from online and added a foot in length for the second person to help (son, daughter, family member or the guy you may be teaching some day)
5: If you don't have a mentor nearby then ask every detail possible on the forum here.
6: Lastly think about your reloading space/room. Best advice I got while I was being taught. Seat height, lighting, music, tv for football/sports.....list could go on.

All the best and Merry Christmas from Colorado.
 

amoor983

New Member
Dec 3, 2015
40
0
I have used the same RCBS rock chuck press (actually the whole kit) and redding dies for 15 years and they work very well! It's a great investment and a great hobby and it will make you a better shooter.
 
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Mule3006Elk

Active Member
Jul 3, 2013
264
82
RCBS Rock Chuck Press.
RCBS Vibratory Case Cleaner (Lyman Turbo Tumbler Media).
Redding Competition Bushing Dies.
RCBS trimmer with no issues although I've always had my eyes on the LE Wilson trimmer.
Hornady Lock-N-Load Overall Length Gauge.
Hornady Lock-N-Load Bullet Comparator.
Hornady Lock-N-Load Headspace Gauge.
RCBS 505 scale. I use RCBS Deluxe Scale Check Weights as my control for scale adjustments.
Powder trickler.
Good micrometer.
Flash hole deburring tool.
RCBS priming tool.
I neck turn my brass which is one time deal.
Brass prep is key. You can control almost every parameter. Do the same thing to every piece of brass. Primer, powder, and bullet seating are the easy part.