Reloader for Match Grade Accuracy

[wildcard]

Well I realize that a lot of things go into making a "Match Load," but I'm concerned only with the loading machine/press right now. As much as I would like a Progressive Dillon RL 550B, I just can't justify the expenditure or the space that monster requires. I just dont need anything that fast if theres an alternative that provides equal or better quality at a lower price.

Can anyone recommend a good single stage loading machine? In this particular order, I'm after something that is 1. capable of making accurate loads as good as any other machine, 2. high quality, 3. durable, 4. simple, and 5. cost effective. Speed is the least of my concerns so a single stage would be fine. If it makes a difference, I want to make .308 Winchester Match loads. And assuming its faily versatile and not incredibly slow to do so, i'd like to load other handgun and rifle calibers as well on the same machine.

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.

J

[big jon]

Wildcard you`ll need
1, press
2, dies
3, shell holder
4, scale
5, priming tool
6, primer pocket cleaning tool
7, dial caliber tool
8, I would get at least 2 reloading books(and make notes)
9, powder thrower
10, trickler
11, case trimmer
I`m sure i forgot something? Take a look on ebay reloading page I have found tons of reloading stuff sooooo cheep

http://sporting-goods.ebay.com/Hunting_Reloading-Equipment_W0QQcatZ31823

[ocabj]

RCBS Rockchucker. Still the single stage that all other single stage presses are compared to.

If you want match quality ammo, you need to invest in high quality dies, too. Redding competition dies are the best.

After that, acquire all the necessary tools that you need for reloading, as mentioned above.

Two items that will assist in match loading are a neck turner and a concentricity gauge to measure runout. Personally, I don't own either. I don't own a rifle with a custom barrel that requires neck turning. Although, it wouldn't hurt to neck turn brass for some of my guns, it won't help much, if at all. As far as a gauge to measure runout, I keep putting it off. But it's definitely worth having for a meticulous reloader.

[bu-bye]

You can't beat the Lee Anniversary kit for price. For a single stange press thats all you really need. That is what I use and my loads are no different then those that have a $1000 setup. Its all about the care and consistency you put into your loads. If all you need is a single stange for Match rifle loads then check out the lee. Its really not worth spending a lot of money on a single stage press.

[big jon]

When i started making match ammo 20+ years ago i was able to find a Foster/Bonanza co-ax press,I still have it but i purty much only use the RCBS and my Hollywood dose anyone know a link to Foster/ Bonanza/ I just saw one sell on ebay for 150.00

[EvolutionGSR]

I'm glad you posted this because It is exactly what I wanted to ask. I only want to load accurate .223 and .308 rounds, and don't want to spend the time turning out mass plinking cartrigdes. I'm also considering this becuase Arnold hasn't signed or veto'd ab2714 (? is this the mail order ammo bill number?) and I usually buy my black hills reloads Federal GMM thru the net. I have a hard time finding them in stock in the stores. Reloading may turn to be an option for a lot of people here who have a hard time finding match grade ammo. I'm also leaning toward one of the Lee kits that Bu-bye recommended.

[elsolo]

1.) Get the Dillon as soon as you can afford/justify it.
2.) Best deal in a solid single stage, LEE Classic Cast.

[EvolutionGSR]

For those of you who live in a apt and reload, where do you store your powder and where do you set up your press? I would imagine out in a garage of some sort would be the best place to have all this but...what if you don't have a public garage?

[Whitesmoke]

Any single stage will do the job.....

A lee or rockchucker are both good choices. Save even more money and buy them used...they don't really ever wear out. Just buy good dies....I use standard (not even match) RCBS dies and my .308 match ammo beats Federal Gold Metal Match (does about .75-1 MOA in my rifle...still very good) every time...and a whole lot cheaper. My M1a (think M14) shoots .5-.75 MOA consistantly with my hand loads. I can't ask more than that from a semi-auto rifle.

A dillon is probably the best machine around....but speed abd quality are their virtues...not value. The other machines can do the job too....I use a LEE loadmaster...it's a finicky machine, but it does the job. I recently got a RCBS rockchucker to use too.

[EvolutionGSR]

On midway and on the lee site there are many choices for .223 dies. There are 2 and 3 pieces "pacesetter" dies, collet neck sizer dies, deluxe, and ackley improved 40 degree ones, and full length sizing dies. What is each one for and what would be the best if my only concern is to make accurate handloads?

[Whitesmoke]

What kind of rifle are you reloading for? That determines what kind of dies you need.....

example: FL (full length) resize dies resize the whole case....they are often used in semi-auto rifles. Some semi-autos require S.B. (small base dies)...they size the case smaller to allow better loading and extraction.

Neck dies are only for bolt guns....

etc....

[JamesY]

RCBS Rockchucker for me. Buying used is the way to go (on the press, powder measure, etc.). Get a good quality set of dies. I use RCBS, but I hear a lot of good things about Redding.

[elsolo]

For those of you who live in a apt and reload, where do you store your powder and where do you set up your press? I would imagine out in a garage of some sort would be the best place to have all this but...what if you don't have a public garage?

One apt dwelling shooter I know has his own lockable garage, his Dillon 1050 is out there.
I keep my 650 in the dining room area of my apt, which is more like a workshop area w/ rollaway toolbox. computer desk, reloading table, etc. The woman of the house doesn't mind because it's better than having me hide out in the garage.
I also know of a 550 mounted in a pantry/closet in a small apt.

[dwtt]

For those of you who live in a apt and reload, where do you store your powder and where do you set up your press? I would imagine out in a garage of some sort would be the best place to have all this but...what if you don't have a public garage?

When I lived in a studio apartment I mounted my loading press to a scrap piece of 2X6 I bought for $1 at Home Depot. I used lag bolts to bolt the press to the wood, then I used c-clamps to hold the wood to my desk. When I wasn't using the press, I stored it in my closet.