Looking to reload what do I need?

[That_FNG]

So a buddy of mine decided to get out of reloading and sold me his equipment for $100. I have never reloaded before but I am now Looking to get into reloading but what else do I need?

Looks like what I got is all RCBS(?) stuff. At first I would be doing just .223 and 7.62 nato. Looking to reloading quite a bit to feed my semi autos. My GF’s day does a ton of reloading for his pistols and offered to teach me if I get all the equipment needed. Here is what I have so far:



He was into long range 300-338 caliber shooting so I also got some magnum primers and a half bottle of powder. Not sure if powder is still good but I don’t have a need for it if anyone wants it.

 

[Mosinitis]

Not too bad of a deal for $100. RCBS kits which include most of what you received are the best way to start. Even if you decide to upgrade, all of this equipment will still be usable.

 

[Darth]

A good manual with a good how to section. I recommend Lyman 49th.

 

[Mosinitis]

I found this book to be the best to explain reloading process to a beginner. Excellent drownings and diagrams make it easier to understand.
There is a new version of this book, but I never seen it.

 

[JamieZ]

Vibratory or tumble case cleaner. Dies, case trimmer, I prefer a digital scale but to each their own. A book that teaches you proper reloading. Good to read while laying in bed before falling asleep.

To me, Little Crow case trimmers are the quickest and easiest to use. Set it up for the proper size case and then there is never a need to measure again. Shoot a bunch of rounds, deprime and size cases first, turn on your drill press or drill with Little crow in it and start running all your cases through it. The ones that need trimming get shaved, the ones that dont, dont. Also purchase a auto deburring and chamfering tool.

 

[Mosinitis]

I didn't see Darth's post when I posted. So there.

 

[That_FNG]

To start I’m going to start by learning how to load new brass and then move to reloading spent brass. Looking at dies I like the Hornady .223 dies as it has a lifetime warranty and is meant for hi volume reloading.

Amazon.com : Hornady 546228 DIESET 2 223 REM Remington Custom Grade Reloading DIE Set (Series I Two-Die Set) (.224) : Gunsmithing Tools And Accessories : Sports & Outdoors


Sent from my iPhone

 

[That_FNG]

I found this book to be the best to explain reloading process to a beginner. Excellent drownings and diagrams make it easier to understand.
There is a new version of this book, but I never seen it.

Does it cover most calibers? I only plan on doing .223 and 7.62 nato to start, but want to leave myself the option to expand to other calibers down the road such as 9mm etc

 

[Mosinitis]

Does it cover most calibers? I only plan on doing .223 and 7.62 nato to start, but want to leave myself the option to expand to other calibers down the road such as 9mm etc

Yes, it should cover all calibers.

 

[Mosinitis]

To start I’m going to start by learning how to load new brass and then move to reloading spent brass. Looking at dies I like the Hornady .223 dies as it has a lifetime warranty and is meant for hi volume reloading.

Amazon.com : Hornady 546228 DIESET 2 223 REM Remington Custom Grade Reloading DIE Set (Series I Two-Die Set) (.224) : Gunsmithing Tools And Accessories : Sports & Outdoors


Sent from my iPhone

They will all stand behind their product, not just Hornady. Dies are interchangeable, but I would stick to the same brand as your press unless there is a good reason. Less chance of a surprise.

 

[JamieZ]

To start I’m going to start by learning how to load new brass and then move to reloading spent brass. Looking at dies I like the Hornady .223 dies as it has a lifetime warranty and is meant for hi volume reloading.

Amazon.com : Hornady 546228 DIESET 2 223 REM Remington Custom Grade Reloading DIE Set (Series I Two-Die Set) (.224) : Gunsmithing Tools And Accessories : Sports & Outdoors


Sent from my iPhone

I almost treat new brass the same as I treat once fired brass. I still size it and still run it through my trimmer in case there is some odd ball in there. So basically the only thing I dont do different between the two is cleaning of the cases. No need to clean the new.

 

[That_FNG]

Ok so other than dies what equipment do I still need to buy?

 

[That_FNG]

They will all stand behind their product, not just Hornady. Dies are interchangeable, but I would stick to the same brand as your press unless there is a good reason. Less chance of a surprise.

Got ya, will look at the rcbs dies then. I didn’t think of that

 

[71velle]

I have the same equipment that I use to load 223 for a bolt rifle. I did load pistol with it but it was too slow for the way I shoot so I bought a different press for those calibers.

What you have will give you a good start and allow you to learn to load and determine what of if you need another press.

You will need a measuring caliper and your dies and your ready to go. If you have spent brass that is not crimped primer use that.

 

[That_FNG]

I have the same equipment that I use to load 223 for a bolt rifle. I did load pistol with it but it was too slow for the way I shoot so I bought a different press for those calibers.

What you have will give you a good start and allow you to learn to load and determine what of if you need another press.

You will need a measuring caliper and your dies and your ready to go. If you have spent brass that is not crimped primer use that.

What would a good measuring caliper be? I started looking on brownells and got confused. Too many options lol

 

[Mosinitis]

Ammo gauges from Wilson or similar are very nice, but not absolutely necessary. You drop in your reloaded round or rounds to make sure it all sized and trimmed correctly. Caliper definitely a must have.

 

[Mosinitis]

I use this one for over 20 years. It works very well and it cost me less then $20. All reloading companies should have the same type of caliper with their brand name. Cheap, simple to use and works great, no need to go fancier then that.

 

[71velle]

What would a good measuring caliper be? I started looking on brownells and got confused. Too many options lol

Yea, its crazy you can spend $20 or $200!! I bought the RCBS but I would not worry about getting a crazy expensive one. I do like having a digital.

 

[Mosinitis]

I am cutting back on anything requiring batteries, if there is a mechanical version that does the same thing. You can take it out of the case years from now and not worry about battery being dead, coin batteries are not cheap if you need to get one right away. This is my philosophy, just my 2 cents.

 

[That_FNG]

I am cutting back on anything requiring batteries, if there is a mechanical version that does the same thing. You can take it out of the case years from now and not worry about battery being dead, coin batteries are not cheap if you need to get one right away.

I’m thinking that as well. I don’t like having to deal with batteries.

 

[That_FNG]

Primed 223 Brass 500 Count | Midsouth Shooters

What do you guys think about this? Already primed .223 new brass with gbw headstamp

 

[Mosinitis]

You need case lube. There are many types. I prefer lanolin/alcohol mix. You can make it yourself, but it's much simpler to by ready mixed.

 

[That_FNG]

RCBS - 2-Die Set 223 Remington - 11101

Would these be what I need for .223 dies?

 

[Mosinitis]

Primed 223 Brass 500 Count | Midsouth Shooters

What do you guys think about this? Already primed .223 new brass with gbw headstamp

That's cheating!!!!!
Seriously, you want to learn the whole processes. Sizing and all. Doing everything yourself gives you more confidence in you ammo.

 

[That_FNG]

You need case lube. There are many types. I prefer lanolin/alcohol mix. You can make it yourself, but it's much simpler to by ready mixed.

Got ya, I will search that next then

 

[That_FNG]

That's cheating!!!!!
Seriously, you want to learn the whole processes. Sizing and all. Doing everything yourself gives you more confidence in you ammo.

Lol nothing wrong with cheating a little. I do plan on learning everything, but for my first time I want to keep it simple

 

[Mosinitis]

RCBS - 2-Die Set 223 Remington - 11101

Would these be what I need for .223 dies?

That's a good choice. There are fancier dies, but these will work and simple to use.

 

[That_FNG]

You need case lube. There are many types. I prefer lanolin/alcohol mix. You can make it yourself, but it's much simpler to by ready mixed.

Hornady® Unique Case Lube : Cabela's

Would this work ?

 

[Mosinitis]

Lol nothing wrong with cheating a little. I do plan on learning everything, but for my first time I want to keep it simple

I don't have any experience with sized and primed brass. Midsouth is a good company though, so these should be ok.

 

[Mosinitis]

Hornady® Unique Case Lube : Cabela's

Would this work ?

They all will work. My personal preference is this.

Frankford Arsenal Case Lube 8oz Pump - MPN: 460478

Remember when using case lube less is more. This pump bottle lasts years and I reload a lot.