Possible sticky - what do I need for reloading?

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All handloading data posted on Full-Bore UK from 23/2/2021 must reference the published pressure tested data it was sourced from, posts without such verification will be removed.
Any existing data without such a reference should treated as suspect and not used.

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Forum rules
All handloading data posted on Full-Bore UK from 23/2/2021 must reference the published pressure tested data it was sourced from, posts without such verification will be removed.
Any existing data without such a reference should be treated as suspect and not used.

Use reloading information posted here at your own risk. This forum (http://www.full-bore.co.uk) is not responsible for any property damage or personal injury as a consequence of using reloading data posted here, the information is individual members findings and observations only. Always verify the load data and be absolutely sure your firearm can handle the load, especially older ones. If in doubt start low and work your way up.
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Possible sticky - what do I need for reloading?

#1 Post by Watcher »

I was thinking that it might be an idea to draw on the collected wisdom of the forum to create a list of the kit that you might need to start reloading. What is essential and what is 'nice to have' or a 'time saver'. I certainly don't have the experience to confidently offer an opinion but I'd be very interested in watching what comes out. This is what I can think of. Perhaps we might add examples of manufacturers products against the items?

A very basic list for rifle would be:

A single stage press (includes priming arm) (Redding Big Boss)
A set of dies;
Set of balance scales;
Powder trickler;
Loading tray;
Funnel;
Tube of lube;
Lube mat;
Lube brush for inside neck;
Case trimmer (basic Lee hand trimmer);
Case measurement device (vernier guage?)
Case neck chamfer tool;
Cartridge dimensions diagramme;
Load data.

More advanced reloading might include:

Multi stage press
Electronic scales
Case trimmer (possibly powered)
Case tumbler
Priming tool (Lee Auto Prime)

I'm sure I've forgotten a lot but hope others think this might become helpful over time.
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Re: Possible sticky - what do I need for reloading?

#2 Post by Watcher »

...and of course I've remembered something already. A small torch to allow you to see inside cases.
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Re: Possible sticky - what do I need for reloading?

#3 Post by Col »

you mentioned load data. I assume you mean at least 1 or 2 manuals, such as LYMANS 49th edition,and maybe sierra or ABC of loading,read them thoroughly first
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Re: Possible sticky - what do I need for reloading?

#4 Post by EagerNoSkill »

Seriously look at one of the RCBS starter kits

They offer great VFM :good:

Add a solid reloading bench and plenty of 2l ice cream containers
If you serious about accuracy

Primer pocket uniformer
Flash hole uniformer

Buy. RCBS hand primer superior to Lee

Get imperial lube then you don't need lube pad
Last edited by EagerNoSkill on Wed Feb 22, 2012 11:02 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Possible sticky - what do I need for reloading?

#5 Post by Ovenpaa »

I prefer to prime separately, so a hand primer. The Lee is good, the RCBS better, drill and tap the handle and fir an M6 cap head and locknut to act as a dead stop if you are not confident about doing it by feel at first.

Get a couple of load trays, 100's if possible.
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Digital vernier - look at Lidlle's as they do them occasionally at good prices.
Beam scales and a dipper work well.

I have tried many pocket uniformers and prefer the Sinclair International one out of all of them.

That Imperial sizing wax is a must.

An oversize PB brush in a cordless electric drill is great for cleaning the inside of case necks.
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Re: Possible sticky - what do I need for reloading?

#6 Post by phaedra1106 »

Another vote for the RCBS hand primer, had a Lee XL and no comparison at all. I have the Universal version, takes any case size without the need for a different shell holder, one of the best bits of reloading kit I've ever bought.

As for scales, RCBS 505, again makes the Lee version look like kids meccano (I have both, guess which one stays in the box). Yes it's more expensive but you'll probably only ever buy one set of scales and it will still be working long after you're not :)

Imperial sizing wax is excellent, RCBS Case Slick spray is brilliant, you can get it off Ebay (US) and a single bottle will do 1000's of cases.
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Re: Possible sticky - what do I need for reloading?

#7 Post by whoowhoop »

I use an electricians screwdriver for cleaning the flash holes. Does a far better job than the Lee one I bought.
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Re: Possible sticky - what do I need for reloading?

#8 Post by Sim G »

In 1978 I was told by my grand dad that the secret to rifle accuracy is, a quality bullet, fired down a quality barrel..... How has that changed?

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Re: Possible sticky - what do I need for reloading?

#9 Post by dromia »

Shellholders and if you get the Lee hand priming unit then you will need their special shellholders for that as well.

Hornady Unique case lube is every bit as good as Imperial and costs a lot less money.

If you go for the Unique, Imperial hand applied type lube then you don't need the lube mat.

When choosing a press I would strongly advise that you look at how they dispose of the spent primers.
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Re: Possible sticky - what do I need for reloading?

#10 Post by zeroveez »

You don't need a powder trickler; I managed for years with an RG case hacksawed in half down its length. Deburr the edges and trickle in the powder from the end of the case. I bought a trickler, finally, about two years ago.
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