Originally Posted by ckell

LD pretty much said it. A reloading manual is a must, one, two, three, like guns you can never have to many. A manual that explains the basics and gives an understanding of what is happening in the mechanics of a fired round and reloading. What to look for in cases, primers, that could spell trouble. Read it and as much info as you can. Fallow the powder loads and recommendations. Then you will have an idea of what you need for the basics. A chronograph is a very good thing to see how your reloads are performing and alert you to any unsafe issues and develop more consistent loads.

Originally Posted by Nomercy448

Wow, didn't mean to derail this thread by bringing the Chronograph into the mix!!

To those readers: Please go back and read the heading under which I listed the Chronograph = Stuff you MIGHT WANT....

Personally, I used the chronograph as a variation of the ladder test for many years before I even knew what a ladder test was. Across the bench, as I tuned up a load, if my velocities plateaued, then I stopped adding powder. No sense in throwing more powder at it and not getting anything back.

I also wanted to know, even from the beginning, how fast I was flying. Not so I could brag, or try to push the limits, but so I could get an accurate muzzle velocity to cross reference to the ballistic chart (now it's all calculators) to build a preliminary range card.

For a $100, a pro-chrony was probably one of the better investments I've made. Rather than shooting more money (aka rounds) downrange to determine my range card, the chrony gives a good ballpark to get me on the page as I move further out. Saves a lot of money over the years in components (bullets, powder, primers) and brass life.

So no, it's not a necessity, but I still think it's worth having on the list of something a new reloader MIGHT WANT. He11, I'd rather have a chronograph than an electronic powder scale or powder despenser anyday.