There's been a couple of threads about people getting into reloading. I just finished my first round of reloading this past weekend so I'll offer some advice from the view of a beginer. List of things I have:
RCBS RockchuckerII press ($90 on eBay, came with extra primer cups, springs and feed tubes)
RCBS 7mmRemMag 2 die set ($25 on eBay)
Case Lube Pad and lube (free from eBay seller)
RCBS 505 Scale ($75 new from Fowler Gun Room)
Case Block ($6 New)
Case Deburring Tool ($16 Arm USA New)
RCBS Powder Funnel ($4.29 Midway USA)
RCBS Powder Trickler ($10.79 Midway USA)
New Winchester Brass-50 ($17.99 Midway USA)
Hornady 100gr HP bullets-100($14.49 Midway USA)
Speer Reloding Manual (caliber X about $25)
Lee Reloading Manual ($53.82)
1# IMR 4831 Powder and 100 Winchester WLR primers ($20.69 Stockade)
MTM Caseguard shell Box (1.99 Arm USA)
MTM Handloaders Log (24.99 Arm USA)
Vernier Caliper (borrowed until I can buy a dial caliper)
0.75" group at 100 yards-PRICELESS
So far I have spent a little over $400 to get started.
I started out with the reloading manuals and reading whatever I could find on the internet. Then I started to buy the equipment piece by piece as I could afford it. I also picked up the Reloader's Guide by R.A. Steindler for 50c at a garage sale. ###It's the third edition (1975) but the information contained therein answered some of the questions I had on how to set up the dies as far as seating depths and such.
(Edited by karstic at 6:41 pm on Feb. 26, 2002)
Looks like a pretty complete list. ###The results must be helping!
don't forget to add in a dial caliper and a case trimming tool. ###As you shoot repeated reloadings in the same cases they will stretch and need to be trimmed back to size.
Karstic,
Sounds like you're well on your way. ###There's a place in Northridge that I get most of my reloading stuff - The Reloading Center. ###All they carry is reloading stuff. ###Prices are good and they'll at least match any price from Cabela's, Midway, etc. if something is out of line. ###They also carry more than any other SoCal sporting goods store that I've ever seen (if you need anything from 15 grain .17 Bergers or dies for a .17 Ackley Hornet they have them in stock...)
Just one of those places to be aware of if you need something at the last minute and don't want to wait for the UPS guy.
On the dial caliper, I do some machine work and find little difference between the imports which sell for about $15 and a Starrett that is probably over $100 new. The only difference I've noticed is when you drop the import you don't get the same sick feeling you do when you drop the Starrett. If you feel the need for a name brand, Starrett, Mitutoyo, Fowler, Brown and Sharp, check the pawn shops. I've bought several for less than $30.
If you really feel the need for better accuracy get a set of 0-4 import mics on sale for about $40. They'll take you to .0001"
Shot here's one to read.
I try not to buy from ebay unless its a real bargin or the shipping on all the items can really add up .
I Usually try save up a couple bucks and do bulk orders . There are several places that offer Blem bullets were the only thing about them thats blem is cosmetic and you can get them for about %40 regular price.
There are places on line that offer "Surpluss powders" at about %50 of the 1 lb shelf price but you have to buy 8 lbs at a time .
I prefer the hand prime tools so I can "feel" the primer seat .
The stuff I bought off eBay was from guys that were local to me, so I didn't pay for shipping. I picked the stuff up in person. One guy even gave me a couple free things along with some reloading advice.Originally posted by smokin54@Aug 17 2004, 05:10 PM
I try not to buy from ebay unless its a real bargin or the shipping on all the items can really add up
The Reloading Center is shut down now.
Hunting and fishing are not matters of life or death. They are much more important than that.
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