Randall's "match ammo is too expensive" list.

[happy trigger]

I'm ready to start reloading for the first time. I went with Randall's less expensive list of items for match grade 308 win. The only thing I need to get started are the neck sizing bushings, so here's the question. I'm shooting a Rem. 700 5r and using new Winchester brass, and Federal brass from once fired " in my same rifle". The Federal brass is from new American Eagle 168 grain OTM, the M1A Matches stuff. What size bushings do I need to get for this Brass, and any recommendation on brand. Thanks in advance for any help on this, and thanks again to Randall for all the great info, without it I'm sure I wouldn't be as far in this as I am.

[khw9mm]

I asked Randall a while ago about FGMM and this was his reply:

It seems like I was using a 0.336" bushing when I was reloading 308 with federal brass.
Get the redding titanium nitrided bushings.

[vinny_land]

Is there any advantage to using the Possum Hollow Kwick Case Trimmer vs lets say the RCBS ones?

[4granit]

Ok....I just purchased everything off the "high end" list. Except that I got a thinkers tumbler and stainless media for brass cleaning. Looks like a big difference in shine for a little more $$. Anyway...what beginner reloading video would you guys recommend. Id rather watch than read. Im not opposed to reading in addition to the video. I've just never reloaded before...and would feel more comfortable "seeing" it done. I got the RCBS dvd and it is lame. Thanks a lot!!

Loading .308 for ...800+ yard stuff...so maybe long range video as well??!!

[vinny_land]

Here you go...and he's a on Calguns.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7tFxx9W-Yk

[SDmtnbkr]

Originally Posted by ar15barrels

Personally, I use a Lee Classic Cast for most of my single stage sizing now......


.....For a good single stage press, look at the RCBS Rockchucker or perhaps a Forester Bonanza press.

I noticed that you chose RCBS over Lee for the "good stuff" group and even recommended it again here, but you actually use the Lee yourself. I realize you said this because you wanted to mount it and not care if it rusts but you don't strike me as a person who would use a lesser quality press just because it would get dirty, especially when it's only $100.

So to a new reloader who is about to buy all his starting equipment... why the RCBS over the Lee?

I was going to go with the Lee Classic Cast (maybe the breech lock one, IDK the difference yet) and put in the Hornady L-N-L conversion kit to make switching dies a little easier. But I was trying to figure out if the LNL kit works with the high end Redding dies.

Would love your input. Thank you.



ETA: I realize this thread is beyond old but I figured it was a sticky and didn't want to start a whole new thread just for my question.

[-aK-]

First off, thanks for posting this! Informative. and I know its a few years old.

I'm about to pull the trigger on my reloading setup. I've been shooting for years, even collecting brass for awhile. I'm going to jump right into the deep end.

I mostly blast 556, .45, 9mm. I recently acquired a nice .308 bolt and I'll also be checking out .300 aac. In the next year I may very well get a 25-06 hunting rifle as well.

I say that because I will be "blasting" still but also I'm looking at getting into shooting match and better than match grade stuff.

Immediately I'll start off making .308 pushed through a 24" 1/11 twist barrel on a sig ssg3000. I think the 168gr hpbt

Also 556 for 16" 1/7 twist barrel. I'm thinking trying out 62gr, 69gr, and 77gr hpbt and 75gr amax.

A friend tells me anything a single stage can do a progressive can ALSO do.

So, here is what I'm thinking about. Posting here for feedback first.
I'll add my comments in red.

Originally Posted by ar15barrels

...
First, the good stuff:

Lyman "49th Edition Reloading Handbook" Reloading Manual Softcover 19.99
Product #: 217655
purchased the 50thed already

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Single Stage Press 122.99
Product #: 513567
Skip. and get the Dillon 650

Redding Competition Shellholder Set #1 (308 Winchester) 42.99
Product #: 525874
on my wish list

Redding Type S Match Bushing 2-Die Set 308 Winchester 129.99
Product #: 271533
On my wish list, I'll also need additional calibers

RCBS Precision Mic 308 Winchester $39.99
Product #: 574297
On my wish list, I'll also need additional calibers

Imperial Case Sizing Wax 2 oz 6.49
Product #: 519525
on my wish list

Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler Master Kit 73.99
Product #: 414369
on my wish list

Possum Hollow Kwick Case Trimmer 308 Winchester 20.49
Product #: 155172
this one is discontinued and I'll need a different one

Smith & Wesson Dial Caliper 4" Stainless Steel $19.99
Product #: 119190
this one is discontinued and I'll need a different one, easy enough

Possum Hollow Chamfer and Deburring Tool Power Adapter 9.99
Product #: 295771
this one is discontinued and I'll need a different one

L.E. Wilson Chamfer and Deburring Tool 13.49
Product #: 789334
on my wish list

RCBS Hand Priming Tool $36.49
Product #: 329291
on my wish list

RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Scale and Dispenser Combo 110 Volt 319.99
Product #: 772151
on my wish list

Lyman Electronic Scale Powder Funnel Pan 6.09
Product #: 118739
on my wish list

Grand total of about $860 plus shipping.


Now, the economy stuff:

...

I have a very strong opinion that the very best quality dies are a strict requirement to make the very best quality ammo.

sold on this concept

In addition to each of these lists, you will need a neck sizing bushing.
The size can't be determined until you figure out what brass you will be using.
These bushings run around $10-$15.
Then you need powder, primers, brass and bullets.
.

Do I need the hand priming tool if I go with the Dillon 650?

Which brass to get?

[ar15barrels]

Originally Posted by SDmtnbkr

I noticed that you chose RCBS over Lee for the "good stuff" group and even recommended it again here, but you actually use the Lee yourself. I realize you said this because you wanted to mount it and not care if it rusts but you don't strike me as a person who would use a lesser quality press just because it would get dirty, especially when it's only $100.

So to a new reloader who is about to buy all his starting equipment... why the RCBS over the Lee?

The lee press failed after 6 months of use and I replaced it with an RCBS rock chucker.
The RCBS has been working fine outside for 4+ years now.

[ar15barrels]

Originally Posted by -aK-

A friend tells me anything a single stage can do a progressive can ALSO do.

Your friend is wrong.
A progressive absolutely will not size brass as consistently as a single stage cast iron press or charge cases as consistently as a chargemaster or load ammo that is as precise as a single stage press.

I ran my own accuracy tests where I loaded 20 rounds on my Dillon and 20 rounds by hand with the same components and I got group sizes 3x larger with the ammo loaded on the progressive press.

I load my blaster ammo on a progressive whe I do not require premium accuracy ammo.
I size my premium accuracy brass on a single stage press and seat the bullets on an arbor press with hand dies just like most benchrest shooters do it.

[-aK-]

Originally Posted by ar15barrels

Your friend is wrong.
A progressive absolutely will not size brass as consistently as a single stage cast iron press or charge cases as consistently as a chargemaster or load ammo that is as precise as a single stage press.

I ran my own accuracy tests where I loaded 20 rounds on my Dillon and 20 rounds by hand with the same components and I got group sizes 3x larger with the ammo loaded on the progressive press.

I load my blaster ammo on a progressive whe I do not require premium accuracy ammo.
I size my premium accuracy brass on a single stage press and seat the bullets on an arbor press with hand dies just like most benchrest shooters do it.

Got it. Makes perfect sense.

[-aK-]

The possum case trimmer and chamfer adapter are discontinued. Which would you recommend getting today?

Should i get a case trimmer kit? In the original list was just an adaptor.

[ar15barrels]

Originally Posted by -aK-

The possum case trimmer and chamfer adapter are discontinued. Which would you recommend getting today?

Should i get a case trimmer kit? In the original list was just an adaptor.

Any case trimmer is fine.
The cartridge specific ones that mount in a power drill are better for high volume work.
A Wilson trimmer works great for low volume work.

[splithoof]

Originally Posted by ar15barrels

Your friend is wrong.
A progressive absolutely will not size brass as consistently as a single stage cast iron press or charge cases as consistently as a chargemaster or load ammo that is as precise as a single stage press.

I ran my own accuracy tests where I loaded 20 rounds on my Dillon and 20 rounds by hand with the same components and I got group sizes 3x larger with the ammo loaded on the progressive press.

I load my blaster ammo on a progressive whe I do not require premium accuracy ammo.
I size my premium accuracy brass on a single stage press and seat the bullets on an arbor press with hand dies just like most benchrest shooters do it.

So very true. After thirty-five years of reloading, I have found the above to be quite exact.
I use a pair of RCBS Rockchuckers to craft the good stuff, and a few Dillon machines for all the rest.
As for .308, you might as well use 175's. If you are doing much past 800 yds, it can make the difference, IME.

[Rocketman99]

Just found this Sticky when looking up info on getting into reloading. Found this kit on Midway for sale. Anyone have any input on it for a starter kit?

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/93...tage-press-kit

[highpower790]

That is a great kit!I bought one 20+years ago and not a problem have I encountered.

[Rocketman99]

Good to know Highpower790! Thanks for the response!

[Rocketman99]

Any other items you can think might be beneficial to add with it?

Looking mainly to reload 308 WIN for now.

[highpower790]

Originally Posted by Rocketman99

Any other items you can think might be beneficial to add with it?

Looking mainly to reload mainly 308 WIN for now.

At the very minimum a decent pair of digital calipers for measuring,a #3(rcbs) shell for 308 a extra reloading book of a different mfg.

[Rocketman99]

Luckily I already have a good set of calipers from past work... Thanks again highpower!

[PseudoTsuga]

Originally Posted by ar15barrels

...
The fit and finish of the redding benchrest dies is above all other mass produced 7/8-14 threaded dies on the market.
Nobody else even comes close until you start buying custom dies from small makers.

Randall, you ever use Newlon Precision micrometer seating dies?


https://newlonprecision.com/collecti...er-seating-die

They were my dad's favorite. After he passed, I put all his reloading stuff in storage. Gonna break it out soon enough though.

[ar15barrels]

Originally Posted by PseudoTsuga

Randall, you ever use Newlon Precision micrometer seating dies?

No, but I have chambered Newlon die blanks for people.

[beanz2]

Randall,
As the original post was last revised in 2010, how would your list change if it were written today?

Also, would anything be different if you were hand loading for 6.5 CM?

Thanks!

[ar15barrels]

Originally Posted by beanz2

Randall,
As the original post was last revised in 2010, how would your list change if it were written today?

Also, would anything be different if you were hand loading for 6.5 CM?

There is a new chargemaster now and more options on case trimmers.
Everything else stays the same.

[SanDiego619]

I should have looked at this thread before I created mine

Answers my questions.

Randall you're an asset to all shooters, your posts have helped me many times.

Take care

[Wyseguy]

Still a good post 11 years later !