I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

I finally broke down and did what I had meant to do for a long time now and bought myself most of a handloading setup. I wanted to thank all of the wise sages of the reloading forum for your contributions to this board which has greatly helped me decide on what to buy.

The stuff I got includes:

RCBS Rockchucker Supreme Master Kit
RCBS Carbide .45ACP dies 3-set
Redding Deluxe 3-die set for 22-250 (Neck and F/L sizers)
Used Forster Case trimmer with collets 1-4
Lyman Flashhole uniforming tool
Cartridge specific reloading manuals for both .45ACP and 22-250
Digital caliper
1lb Varget for the 22-250
1lb Universal Clays for the .45ACP (recommended by the salesman who says he loads it for his 45. Claimed it to be a clean burning powder, and I liked it because the data indicates it produces moderate pressures)
55gr. Hornady V-Max bullets
Winchester primers for both calibers (lg rifle and lg pistol)
RCBS spray case lube (Case Slick)

Stuff I still need to get:

Pilots for the Forster case trimmer. I came with .30cal but I need .451 and .224.
Case tumbler...I'll probably order the Frankfort Arsenal tumbler from MidwayUSA. Both of my local shops never seem to have tumblers in stock.

Anyway, I think I have just about all I need to get started except the tumbler. If ya'll have any suggestions regarding other nice tools to have I'd appreciate them. My goal for handloading the 22-250 is best accuracy, and I'll be reloading the .45ACP just for target shooting.

Man, I'm excited to finally get started. I think I'm going to go make a spot on my workbench to mount the press too right now!

Mike

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

Congratulations on your new hobbie!! You will also need a Bullet Puller (Frankford Arsenal), and powder trickler. Midway also sells Frankford Arsenal Classic Wood Reloading Trays which work better than the reloading tray that came with your kit. Good luck.

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

driftrider,

Congratulations and welcome to loading. One thing I always suggest to those just getting started, is to read your manual twice before you actually start to use your equipment. Loading can be as simple, or as complex, as you wish to make it. Let us know if we may help in any way. Good luck and God Bless.[&:]

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

It appeas that you got some of the good stuff.....I wish I had started out that way.....I fumbled around a lot until I discovered the "good stuff". It's a hobby that will stay with you a lifetime....congrats friend!!

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

You don't need one, but they are nice: Stoney point OAL guage.
Sounds like you have some nice gear to start with

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

Big Bob could not be more right. I just started handloading two years ago. I just jumped right in with a 22-250, and have had the good fortune not to kill my fool self before several graybeards stepped in with that self-same advice. Now I read everything I can on any new caliber I load before I even buy the dies. The more you get into it, the more fascinating the subject is. Two years ago, I didn't even know who Elmer Keith was. Today, my shop is becoming a shrine to him.

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

driftrider, Congrats on a fine outfit . Your starting out with way better than I did when I first started . My first outfit ran me less than $30.00 but it did the job .

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

I could not have said it any better & would like to add that if your not sure & can't find it in a book then ask before you do it. It may save you a lot of trouble or form getting hurt. (learned this the hard way)

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

I just ordered a Frankfort tumbler and trimmer pilots from MidwayUSA. The next time I get to the gun shop I'll pick up a bullet puller and I think I'm also going to get the big Hornady reloading manual since I'm loading Hornady bullets. The Speer manual the Rockchucker kit came with has good background info, but doesn't give loads for my exact combination of components, and since I have almost zero experience with handloading I'm not about to experiment with stuff I'm unsure of.

Yeah, but I've spent more money than I thought I would too. [:@] If my wife knew exactly how much I've spent she'd take my new reloading press and beat me over the head with it. But what she doesn't know can't hurt her (or me), right! :D;) The money I spent was actually saved for buying a new revolver for deer hunting next year, but after thinking about it I decided I'd be better off finally getting a reloading setup, and buy the handgun. I've always kindof looked at things like this from a "spend the money now, or spend it twice later". I could have bought a cheap used Lee press for $25, but eventually I'd likely replace it with a Rockchucker anyway.

I'm very happy with the stuff I've got, and I think it'll serve me well for a great many years.

Mike

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

Driftrider,
Looks like you've got a pretty nice setup. I see a few things on your list that I use also. The Midway tumbler is excellent. The RCBS press and accesories are top notch. You will love the Redding dies.......they are the only ones I use. You might want to consider the carbide sizing buttons for the FL and Neck dies, they are kind of expensive but well worth it in the long run. They especially make full length sizing easier and you can neck size w/o any neck lubing. And the Varget powder is a winner for sure. I use it exclusively in the .22-250 and .223 and have several sub half inch groups in both calibers to show for it to boot. I agree on the cartridge specific wooden loading blocks, I use the ones Sinclair Intl. sells. They are well worth the money. Good luck with your reloading!

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

One final thought on handloading; I got into it ostensibly because "It was cheaper". (I can actually hear a few of you chuckling). My old Lyman turret press and most of the tools were donated to me by an interested friend. What I actually ended up with was a moderately expensive habit that has brought my father and I closer together than we had been for decades. He's a retired cop/hunter/handloader/gunsmith who kept waiting for one of his four boys to take up the cause. Since he had had to sell most of his equipment years ago to support a growing family, he is now able to pass on wisdom and wit on those cold Colorado nights when neither of us has anything to do. Whatever I spend on loading, I regain a hundredfold in lost time.

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

"spend the money now, or spend it twice later". I could have bought a cheap used Lee press for $25, but eventually I'd likely replace it with a Rockchucker anyway.
Driftrider when I started reloading they didn't even make Lee presses and RCBS was a new company . I was just thinking how it had changed over time . 53 years to be exact . Thinking out loud . Hal

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

driftrider congrats on the new hobby

i myself just recently got into reloading and i cant tell you how much the people on this forum can help you

i have posted most of my problems here and recieved excelent advice in a very small amount of time

enjoy the new hobby and if you have any probs. dont hesitate to ask.

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

One of my best purchase was a 3 ring binder that I keep all my hand loads and range/ field reports in. I record any useful information on my pet loads as I can, from how well it groups at the range too bullet performace on game. In a couple of years you will have a good history of what you have done.

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

If you have access to a drill press, you can make some great loading blocks out of blank wood blocks. I had some large blocks of cedar that I made about 6 blocks from. Made them quite deep for more steadier holding of the cases. (35 Whelen)
Oh, it might pay to get a little something for the missus, just in case she figures out what all that stuff you got is worth. LOL

Russ

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

Actually, I do have access to a drill press to make loading blocks for myself. My dad's an accomplished woodworker and has an extensively equipped workshop. I just hadn't thought about making my own blocks, but it is a great idea, thanks.

As for the missus...maybe a night out on the town, a dozen roses, a nice necklace...and a bullet proof vest for me in case the first three don't passify her! She's a better shot than I am! :D;)

Mike

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

Ahhh, that explains the need to reload ...... practice, practice, practice. :)

Sounds like you have a nice set up, good luck and enjoy.

A word of warning .... casting your own bullets usually follows

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

I'm actually very proud of her shooting skills, because I'm the one who taught her to shoot. She had never even touched a gun until she met me, and I taught her everything I know about marksmanship. She's a classic case of the student surpassing her instructor. I also credit a lot of her performance to the fact that whe was a "gun virgin" so to speak, so she had no bad habits to break and learned to do it right from the start. I, on the other hand, was taught to shoot by my dad who did his best, but the Marine Corps really taught me how to be a rifleman. I'm still trying to break some of my bad habits that go back to when I was a kid.

I'm just fortunate to have a shooting buddy who's also my wife. It makes it a lot easier to justify buying to much ammo if I bought some for her too. Women like her are hard to find, so I guess I consider myself blessed to be with her.

Mike

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

Congrats, looks like you got some good stuff there. Reloading is a great hobby that you'll never get bored with. I will make a suggestion though. Make more room because once you get started you'll always see something else you want to add. Don't forget those safety glasses! Good luck.

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

I agree with mykey, I also started with the rock chucker and moved on to an additional rock chucker with a lee progressive and a dillon 550b. All work excellent and I use them for different applications. There's also one more item you will eventually need and that's a case remover for when a case get's stuck in your die. They sell them made up or you can make your own with a 1/4 X 20 tap, 1/4 X 20 bolt, drill bit for tapping 1/4 X 20, some fair size flat washers, and a couple of good size nuts.
Polack

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

I made my own reloading blocks, one deep for .30-06, and one shallower for .45acp. Don't worry, in a few weeks you'll find something else you "need" like a chronograph, or a progressive press....or maybe a bullet casting setup.

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

You might want to consider buying a Sinclair Bullet Comparator ($16.25), a Primer Pocket Uniformer ($19.50 + $9.85 if you want a handle) and a tin of Imperial Die Wax ($4.75). The Bullet Comp. gives you a way of measuring the cartridge length based on bullet minor dia. using your caliper. That is needed when you start working with bullet seating depth or jump of the bullet to the rifling. I have the best accuracy with my .22-250 with about .020" of jump. It does make a difference. Good luck.

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

What does the Imperial Die Wax do? Is it a replacement for case lube?

Mike

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

Imperial Sizing Die Wax is the only case lube I have ever used. It has extremely high lubricity, you just apply it very sparingly with the tip of your finger and after sizing, wipe the case clean with a paper towel. It may be slower to lube one at a time with Imperial but worth it if you are the meticulous type like me who doesn't mind sacrificing speed for accuracy. Give some a try, I think you will be pleased with it!

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

I apoligise if this sounds like a dumb question, but if I were to use the Imperial wax, how would I lube the inside of the necks? do you put a little bit of the wax on a case brush like with normal case lube?

Sooner or later I'd like to get a carbide expander button, but until then I'll have to lube the inside of the necks.

Mike

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

DR, That's a good question. I usually use a spray, I use Hornady, when I'm just neck sizing, and at the correct angle I get the inside of the neck just fine. When I use IDW for FL sizing or neck reduction, I use a mica system I got from Midway, I think. A case neck brush by itself will usually get the neck slick enough to pass the expander without difficulty, but have the mica handy if it seems to be sticky.

RE: I finally took the plunge into reloading...what do you think?
 

Driftrider,
If you were to use the Imperial Die Wax for a case lube, then you would need to lube the inside of the necks with something else like Westbronco said. I use the Frankford Arsenal Case Neck Lubricator from Midway for inside neck lubing.

When I FL size my brass, I use the Imperial Wax on the outside of the case, then dip the case neck into the mica and then run it down over the appropriate size brush, then run the brass into the FL die. I also have a carbide expander button in all my Redding dies and with this process, FL sizing is a breeze with not a lot of effort required. If you were to just neck size your brass and you had the carbide button installed in the neck sizing die, then no lube would be necessary at all. But if using the standard expander button, then all that is required is again to dip the case neck into the mica and run it over the proper brush and then into the neck die. Hope this answers your question and good luck!