Reloading for Newbies

[wyododge]

Originally Posted by Fronty Owner

cant give away all my secrets at once...

I like IMR 4831 for my 7mm.
I think Im going to try a pound of IMR 4895 and see how I like it.

I do thank you for all the info sir. I also recognize the amount of toil and hardship that goes into developing a load and I thank you for all the info you have given so far.

I was actually thinking that it was IMR4831 (based on load info in my reload manual - hornady) you were using but with a 160 gr bullet my manual states 59.1 gr as the maximum load and to use caution. So I just wanted to make sure that was the powder cause there were a couple of others that were listed but not as a max load.

Oh hey have you had any experience with an RCBS press???? I stopped by Walmart and they actually stock a rock chucker master kit for only 277. Looked like a retty good deal, but you referenced a different brand so I figured I would ask.


Thanks again for all the info!!!!

[Fronty Owner]

Im shooting 150 gr and referencing the Lyman 48th edition.

[wyododge]

Originally Posted by Fronty Owner

Glad you like the game kings and congrats on your elk.
As much as you will shoot while hunting, I wouldn't worry about a couple brass lost in the field.
What all is included with the rcbs kit?
I think I listed out about everything you will need to in the gun forum.

This is what is included..

# RC Supreme Press
# 5-0-5 Powder Scale
# Uniflow™ Powder Measure
# Speer No. 14 Reloading Manual
# Hand Priming Tool
# Hex Key Set
# Case Loading Block
# Case Lube Kit
# Powder Funnel and Deburring Tool.

I have that list, I was wondering what you though of the rcbs system. I have seen them around but was just a bit concerned as it was in walmart. didn't want to buy a pile and then have to replace it because it was junk.

Thanks for the help and advise!!!

[Fronty Owner]

RCBS is typically considered one of the best presses. Im not impressed with their die quality over Lee dies.
I dont think you will be disappointed.

I have the lee anniversary kit myself. For my loading habits, I think the lee will hold up just fine. Some people have reported breaking the leverage bars with a full cartridge resizer on large cartridges over time. The RCBS has heavier leverage bars than the lee.
The Lee kit is cheaper from Midway, but you need to get few other times that is included with the RCBS.
Just dont get over caught up in everything having to be RCBS. Lyman, Hornady, and Lee all make good products.

[HK416]

Originally Posted by Fronty Owner

RCBS is typically considered one of the best presses. Im not impressed with their die quality over Lee dies.
I dont think you will be disappointed.

I have the lee anniversary kit myself. For my loading habits, I think the lee will hold up just fine. Some people have reported breaking the leverage bars with a full cartridge resizer on large cartridges over time. The RCBS has heavier leverage bars than the lee.
The Lee kit is cheaper from Midway, but you need to get few other times that is included with the RCBS.
Just dont get over caught up in everything having to be RCBS. Lyman, Hornady, and Lee all make good products.

I have RCBS and I like the system. One thing to note if you like the rcbs press you can buy that and then use the other brands for your other stuff needed like scale, case trimmer and such. I have really enjoyed reloading, at first I got into for cost but now its all about accuracy!! So in the end it has cost me a lot more cause I shoot more I have a few Lee items and they seem cheap, they use plastic parts where rcbs uses metal, but they work!! You will just have to look into it and see what you like. Also when you start reloading get a good reloading book but also for your powder and loads you want to use you can go to www.hodgdon.com and they have reloading data on there for hodgdon,IMR, and winchester powder with min. and max loads. Thats what I have been using to work up and try loads. you can also go to RCBS website and they will take you step by step on the reloading process, how to adjust dies and everything else. Very good info.

[Fronty Owner]

most die brands use the same 7/8"-9 threads and they are all interchangable.
I got the Lee Anniversary kit to get started. I may pick up an RCBS press later. There is a pawn shop near work that always has one or two used ones for sale.

[HK416]

Originally Posted by wyododge

This is what is included..

# RC Supreme Press
# 5-0-5 Powder Scale
# Uniflow™ Powder Measure
# Speer No. 14 Reloading Manual
# Hand Priming Tool
# Hex Key Set
# Case Loading Block
# Case Lube Kit
# Powder Funnel and Deburring Tool.

I have that list, I was wondering what you though of the rcbs system. I have seen them around but was just a bit concerned as it was in walmart. didn't want to buy a pile and then have to replace it because it was junk.

Thanks for the help and advise!!!

Good price for that kit, RCBS is top notch in reloading..

[wyododge]

Well guys got my kit at Christmas. Now I just have to build my bench and get everything set up. I went ahead and got that RCBS kit, but I got it at Scheel's. They matched Waly worlds price the took ten bucks off!!! Pretty cool I thought. Anyway as soon as I get some room, some powder and some bullets I am sure I will have some questions for ya.

Thanks again for all of you help!!!!!

[HK416]

Originally Posted by wyododge

Well guys got my kit at Christmas. Now I just have to build my bench and get everything set up. I went ahead and got that RCBS kit, but I got it at Scheel's. They matched Waly worlds price the took ten bucks off!!! Pretty cool I thought. Anyway as soon as I get some room, some powder and some bullets I am sure I will have some questions for ya.

Thanks again for all of you help!!!!!

Any rounds loaded yet?

[wyododge]

Originally Posted by HK416

Any rounds loaded yet?

Sorry guys been away for a while. Got hired back on the rig. I made a promise to myself that I would not unpackage and start reloading until I had a few more dollars in the bank. A buddy of mine lives in a nearby town (by wyoming standards-90 miles away) who is an avid reloader and ex military. We are hoping to get together in the next week or so. I will let you know what load we work up and get your opinion on any adjustment you think might help out.

Man I am getting excited though, can't wait to get a little extra so I can set things up!!!!