Basic reloading setup. What am I missing?‏

[Donut]

For right now, I'm planning on just loading .308. Down the road, I'm sure I'll pick up a turret press and add some calibers, but for now here is what I have:

EQUIPMENT
- Classic Lee Loader (.308 Win)
- Lee Safety Powder Scale
- Lee Case trimmer cutter and lock stud with .308 gauge and shell holder
- Lee Chamfer tool
- Primer pocket cleaner
- RCBS Case Lube-2
- Kinetic bullet puller
- Cen-Tech digital calipers
- MTM 50-round ammo boxes

Manuals
- ABC's of Reloading
- Ammo and Ballistics 3
- Lee Modern Reloading, 2nd Ed.
- Sierra Load Manual, 5th ed.

I also have access to a case tumbler, but what do I use for media, anything special?

Am I missing anything important?

[thmpr]

A Dillon and a Giraud trimmer....


Brass, bullets, powder, case gauge and corn cob media

[gunboat]

I think I would give up one of the manuals for a lyman manual -- Don't care much for the kinetic puller either --

[rabagley]

As for tumbling media, read this thread:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=111945

[RogueSniper]

You didn't list your Databook. You need to record everything you're doing in it so if you come up with a good load, you can repeat it.

I have that same scale, but I also bought a PACT digital scale. The Lee one will do for now, but if you're doing any precision loading, looking into a digital scale.

What kind of powder are you planning to use? Check your manuals. Some books might not include some powders. I like my Speer and Hornady load books, they've been a good reference for me.

[Sheldon]

I'de include a bullet comparator. I'm also not a fan of the Lee scale. Anybody elses would probably be better.

[thebloodsonthewall]

I like the Lyman Universal case trimmer. You can buy an attachment so that you can hook your drill up to it. It is real easy to use and solidly built. Reloading is fun.

[BamBam-31]

Case gauge (or does that Lee gauge do it as well?).

ETA: Ooops, thmpr said it already.

[CSACANNONEER]

I like the Lyman Universal case trimmer. You can buy an attachment so that you can hook your drill up to it. It is real easy to use and solidly built. Reloading is fun.

Next time I pass by your way, I'll have to bring my Giraud trimmer so you can see just how fun trimmimg can be!

[Donut]

This is what I ordered (Cutter and lock stud, and a .308 gauge and shell holder):




Is there another case gauge I need in addition to that?

About the databook, is it just a plain notebook, or is there a special, pre-formatted notebook out there?

[CSACANNONEER]

This is what I ordered (Cutter and lock stud, and a .308 gauge and shell holder):




Is there another case gauge I need in addition to that?

About the databook, is it just a plain notebook, or is there a special, pre-formatted notebook out there?

The is a case gauge that you use to make sure that your sized brass will chamber.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=880646

If you are only reloading your own brass that was shot out of a bolt gun and that is the same gun you are now loading for, I wouldn't worry about getting one right away. There are other reloading items to spend your money on. If you are going to reload mil surplus, you will NEED something to swage or trim the primer crimp though.

[Fjold]

I would recommend a powder trickler to get the last few grains of powder on the scale.

I like having a powder measure to throw the load into the scale pan. I set it up the throw about 0.1-0.2 grains light and then I use the trickler to top off the load in the pan when it's on the scale.

[RogueSniper]

Databook

You can use a regular notebook, but if you create a format, you can quickly compare your last load data.

Mine looks like this. I based it on some data sheets I got someone. It's on half sheets so I can put them in a Dayrunner or small 3-ring notebook.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/3064767887_996e6c8fd2_o.jpg

[Donut]

Wow. That sheet rocks! Thanks!