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73Dustr
01-18-2008, 08:41 PM
How many of you in here reload? I am looking into possibly starting to reload rifle cartridges and eventually handgun loads. From some other sources, I have heard a lot of people suggest the RCBS Master kit to get started. I would like a decent setup that I can start with, but won't cost an arm and a leg. I should mention, I plan to start slow with a single stage. Thanks in advance

Boost21
01-18-2008, 09:01 PM
I used to reload shells, but not rifle cartrages. I doubt its the same process, but shotgun shells were straight forward to do.

73Dustr
01-19-2008, 12:39 PM
I used to reload shells, but not rifle cartrages. I doubt its the same process, but shotgun shells were straight forward to do.

I understand the process behind it all, now I'm just looking into the actual equipment.

USMARINE1108
01-21-2008, 06:29 PM
My lineup:
Lee Classic press
Forster benchrest dies
Forster trimmer
Dillon tumbler
Redding powder measurer
Dillon electric scale
My other odds and ends are Dillon and Forster

Lots of people like the RCBS Rockcruser, I've got a buddy who uses it just fine. I like the Lee because it has the priming tool built in, and it's a little "beefier". I imagine both work just fine. Reloading is the only way to go these days with centerfire ammunition getting so expensive. For precision, you can't go wrong.

What do you plan on reloading for?

73Dustr
01-21-2008, 07:17 PM
My lineup:
Lee Classic press
Forster benchrest dies
Forster trimmer
Dillon tumbler
Redding powder measurer
Dillon electric scale
My other odds and ends are Dillon and Forster

Lots of people like the RCBS Rockcruser, I've got a buddy who uses it just fine. I like the Lee because it has the priming tool built in, and it's a little "beefier". I imagine both work just fine. Reloading is the only way to go these days with centerfire ammunition getting so expensive. For precision, you can't go wrong.

What do you plan on reloading for?

I was looking into the RCBS Master kit and that looked pretty good. I want to reload 270 WSM, .40S&W for starters and then go friom there. I also shoot a lot of 7.62x39, but that's so cheap as it is. Come this summer I'll probably be getting a 22-250 so I'd reload that as well. I really the idea of playing aroud with different "recipes" to get the best performance out my rifles. Not to mention, $40/box of the WSM is getting old.

USMARINE1108
01-21-2008, 09:49 PM
Do you have any manuals yet? I like these ones.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=438424&t=11082005

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=484416&t=11082005

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=823498&t=11082005

73Dustr
01-22-2008, 01:00 PM
No, I have not got any manuals yet. Thanks for the suggestions.

nitroxtreme
01-23-2008, 04:35 PM
Yes, That is the kit I started out with about 18 years ago..I still use it for today. There are more things you are going to need that the kit does not have in it, but that it like everything...If you have any questions or need to copy some receipe books PM me and we will get together..

Rocket Power
01-23-2008, 06:05 PM
Damn all this talk about reloading makes me think I should actually take my Pro1000 out of the box and set it up. I mean I've only had it for 10 years:rolf

USMARINE1108
01-23-2008, 07:40 PM
Damn all this talk about reloading makes me think I should actually take my Pro1000 out of the box and set it up. I mean I've only had it for 10 years:rolf

Well what are you waiting for?

Rocket Power
01-23-2008, 08:56 PM
First it was buying a house so I could set it up in my own basement, well I've owned a house for 5 years so now it's just laziness and a lack of a bench:rolf
It's a 10mm model but I bought the stuff to change it to .40 ,which I think was just stuff to change the primer size IIRC. Now I don't have a .40 anymore, so I need to buy 9mm dies. I've started keeping cases and have a few hundred so it's a start.

73Dustr
01-31-2008, 12:31 AM
Well I picked up some equipment to get started. Ended up getting the RCBS Master kit, case trimmer and other odds and ends. Got a pretty reasonable deal from a friend of the family. Now I just have to find some time to start setting things up. Now I have a reason to get out to the range a lot more this spring/summer. Question for you experienced reloaders, when following a recipe, do you guys stick to the primers listed, or is that not a big deal? I realize substituting powders could make a huge different, but are primers pretty interchangeable?

DirtyMax
01-31-2008, 10:24 AM
^^^ What did that setup run ya' and where did you get it from?

I'm looking to start reloading a bunch of different calibers. With factory stuff getting pricey, and owning so many different calibers, it's almost worth it as this point.

73Dustr
01-31-2008, 11:37 AM
I actually found a deal on CL and paid $200 and got:

RCBS Master Kit
RCBS Case Trimmer
Case holder Set
Bunch of hand tools (brushes, deburring tools, etc)
2 3 die sets
Press mount
Powder trickler
Brass, powder, primers

I looked up everything that I got and there is easily $500 of equipment, so I'm happy. I know you can get the RCBS Master kit new from Cabela's for $270 through their catalog or online. Gander wants $330 for the same kit. It might not hurt to look at CL, because that's what I have been doing. I've seen two reloading kits on there in the past month. The first one I was too slow to respond, and the second one I bought. If you don't get the Cabela's Shooting catalog, go online and request one. It has all the different reloading equipment, kits, etc. and is broken down by brand. It's nice to use for comparing stuff.

USMARINE1108
02-04-2008, 08:35 PM
I realize substituting powders could make a huge different, but are primers pretty interchangeable?

Can't help you out much there. Havent switched primers, but will be soon.

73Dustr
02-04-2008, 09:41 PM
I was just curious. I suppose if a recipe is working, why change it? I just figured if two brands of primers were interchangeable, I might get the one that's a little cheaper. I wonder if there is some type of documentation of what primers are very similar. If I learn anything, I'll let you guys know.

UnderPSI
02-04-2008, 10:02 PM
We should make a list of who reloads what so we know who wants the brass. I have a ton for calibers I don't even own.

MurphysLaw88GT
02-04-2008, 10:19 PM
I need 30-06 or 7.62x51 brass:thumbsup

UnderPSI
02-05-2008, 12:10 AM
Come on over and get it then.

73Dustr
02-05-2008, 02:15 PM
270 WSM
222 Rem
40 S&W

USMARINE1108
02-05-2008, 09:34 PM
I was just curious. I suppose if a recipe is working, why change it? I just figured if two brands of primers were interchangeable, I might get the one that's a little cheaper. I wonder if there is some type of documentation of what primers are very similar. If I learn anything, I'll let you guys know.

I'm going to take a stab in the dark and guess you're looking for Federal primers?

73Dustr
02-08-2008, 06:10 PM
I'm going to take a stab in the dark and guess you're looking for Federal primers?

Yeah.

USMARINE1108
02-08-2008, 07:35 PM
What kind of powder? I use a lot fo R-15, I'm switching to CCI primers since I can find them for now. The word is that Lake City (producers of military ammo) are beefing up production, so Federal (makes the primers for LC) has to keep up with them.

USMARINE1108
02-11-2008, 02:00 PM
If you're interested, there is a guy who works at Sportsman's in New Berlin named Billy who is very knowledgable and a great guy. He's a good family friend. He gives the reloading class there, I can't think of a better guy to learn from. I've never been to his class, but can guarantee it's a good way to learn.

73Dustr
02-20-2008, 01:16 PM
If you're interested, there is a guy who works at Sportsman's in New Berlin named Billy who is very knowledgable and a great guy. He's a good family friend. He gives the reloading class there, I can't think of a better guy to learn from. I've never been to his class, but can guarantee it's a good way to learn.

Thanks for the tip.

UnderPSI
02-20-2008, 04:30 PM
I have 3,000 rounds of once fired .223 brass if anyone wants it.

MurphysLaw88GT
02-20-2008, 06:04 PM
i will take it

DirtyMax
02-20-2008, 06:11 PM
I didn't know Sportsman's had a class. I might have to enroll. Even though I don't see the need to have anything much hotter that the factory 4200 fps that my .204 has available.

USMARINE1108
02-20-2008, 10:25 PM
I have 3,000 rounds of once fired .223 brass if anyone wants it.

If MurphysLaw doesn't want it, PM me a price if you are interested in shipping it.

USMARINE1108
02-20-2008, 10:29 PM
Yeah.


I shot some loads with the CCI's this weekend and found that with R-15 I needed to drop the charge a little bit. That's with CCI's large rifle and small rifle. Once I found the right powder charge, my loads fired as accurately as the loads I had been making with Federal primers. I bought a few thousand of them.

73Dustr
02-20-2008, 10:57 PM
I shot some loads with the CCI's this weekend and found that with R-15 I needed to drop the charge a little bit. That's with CCI's large rifle and small rifle. Once I found the right powder charge, my loads fired as accurately as the loads I had been making with Federal primers. I bought a few thousand of them.

Well that's good to know. Maybe I'll just go with the CCI primers rather than the Federals. I still have to finish setting up my reloading bench.

USMARINE1108
02-21-2008, 09:39 AM
Well that's good to know. Maybe I'll just go with the CCI primers rather than the Federals. I still have to finish setting up my reloading bench.


Have you been able to find Federals anyplace? Las place I saw them was a gunshow in Savannah about 2 months ago for $58/1000:eek:

73Dustr
02-21-2008, 10:49 AM
Have you been able to find Federals anyplace? Las place I saw them was a gunshow in Savannah about 2 months ago for $58/1000:eek:

I was looking a little bit today online. Midway is out of stock with no backorder. Cabela's has them on backorder and expects them to be shipped in 1-2 weeks. I might just go that route and stock up on some.

USMARINE1108
02-21-2008, 12:26 PM
I was looking a little bit today online. Midway is out of stock with no backorder. Cabela's has them on backorder and expects them to be shipped in 1-2 weeks. I might just go that route and stock up on some.

Cabella's was saying that 5-6 weeks ago.

MurphysLaw88GT
02-21-2008, 01:45 PM
I didn't know Sportsman's had a class. I might have to enroll. Even though I don't see the need to have anything much hotter that the factory 4200 fps that my .204 has available.

i like the "location" you have listed

73Dustr
02-21-2008, 06:15 PM
Cabella's was saying that 5-6 weeks ago.

Did you order some from them?

USMARINE1108
02-21-2008, 07:45 PM
Did you order some from them?


No I didnt, but I've been watching like a hawk as a lot of shooters are for them to come into stock anyplace. They all dried up when Federal started filling a Lake City military contract. Federal is telling dealers now to not expect any in 2008. :( Oh well, I can't think of a better place for the supply to go then making "pink mist". ;)

USMARINE1108
02-25-2008, 08:11 PM
Did you order some from them?

So how close are you to making a round? :banana1:

73Dustr
02-28-2008, 12:46 AM
So how close are you to making a round? :banana1:

Well, I have my bench all set to go. I have brass. I still need to get some powder, bullets, and primers. I also plan on getting a tumbler, then I'll be set to go. I figure I should start within a few weeks. I'm not in a huge hurry because I would like a little warmer weather for range days. Hopefully I'll start soon, I've just been busy with other stuff.

73Dustr
02-28-2008, 06:24 PM
I talked to a rep. from Barnes and he said that you can change out primers regardless to brand. Large rifle for large rifle, magnum for magnum. I was curious what primer would be a good substitute because Federals are impossible to find and he said another brand of rifle mag primers would be fine. I would imagine certain primers would yield different results to some extent. I'll soon find out.

USMARINE1108
02-29-2008, 07:29 AM
Like I said, I found I had to reduce my loads a little bit with CCI primers vs. Fed. That's with R-15 in Winchester and Lake City brass.

USMARINE1108
04-28-2008, 12:03 PM
have youmade a round yet? :banana

73Dustr
04-30-2008, 06:16 PM
Hahaha, not yet. I'm just getting settled into a new job and I've got exams coming up. Once the school thing is done for summer, and I have more time, I'll start. I'll definitely keep you posted.

73Dustr
09-11-2008, 12:07 AM
Finally got some handloads done. Made up some .222 with the 36 grain Barnes Varmint Grenades. I was very satisfied with the results. I can't wait to use these things on coyotes this winter. We shot some small pumpkins and they blew up into practically nothing. It'll be interesting to see the performance on an animal.

I'm going to play around with some other primer/powder combos. I also just got dies for my 270 WSM, so I'll be loading those in the next few weeks.

UnderPSI
09-11-2008, 06:36 AM
Where you going hunting? If you need an extra guy let me know :thumbsup

Breecher_7
09-12-2008, 06:30 AM
Where you going hunting? If you need an extra guy let me know :thumbsup

I need someone for bear hunting in Ontario this upcoming may! :thumbsup

fivonut
09-12-2008, 10:06 AM
We should make a list of who reloads what so we know who wants the brass. I have a ton for calibers I don't even own.

If anybody has .50ae I'll put it to good use....