I think I've got everything to start

[SanDiego619]

Hello, after reading and watching videos for a few days I think I've got a list of things I need to get started. Missing items are tumbler and swager die. I am going to be using once-fired brass that I am buying new and firing myself, and very few rounds, so I think at first I am going to clean the cases without tumbling.

I think this is all I need to get started. I know with this gear, it won't be quick and fun, but it seems like a good setup for a beginner.

Lee Challenger Kit 121744 $149
Press
Auto Primer
Cutter
Perfect Powder Measure
Chamfer tool
Primer pocket cleaner
Beam scale
Funnel
Lube

50 rd reloading tray (2) $10
Lee Precision 6.5X55 Pacesetter Die set $34
Lee Precision 6.5x55 Swedish Case Trim Gauge 90126 $6
L.E. Wilson Case Length Headspace Gauge $29
Anytime Tools Premium Dial Caliper 0-6"/0.001" $36

And the Lymans 50th edition is in the mail already.

Is anything missing?

[elpaisa1]

You're going to need a manner to clean brass i.e. wet/dry tumbling. And associated items based on what manner you choose.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[SanDiego619]

You're going to need a manner to clean brass i.e. wet/dry tumbling. And associated items based on what manner you choose.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

I was gonna use hot water and elbow grease for the first batch, which will probably be 50 rounds...

[boyguan]

I was gonna use hot water and elbow grease for the first batch, which will probably be 50 rounds...

The game changer for me was a tumbler and a automatic scale. If your not doing precisions loads, the auto drum works pretty well.

[pacrat]

I was gonna use hot water and elbow grease for the first batch, which will probably be 50 rounds...

Which will more than suffice. I can't believe how many NEW reloaders come here for advice on how to minimally get started. And get EggSpurt advice telling them they need a case tumbling set up.

Dish soap, a few drips per load, and a coffee can full of real hot water for initial washing. Then a couple rinses with hot water to remove any debris loosened by the wash cycle. If cases are tarnished a few turns between thumb and fore finger, with white color Scotch Brite pad. Before the wash cycle.

For the first 20 or so yrs of my 52 yrs reloading. Worked just fine.

edit to add.................I don't see a "trickler" on your list.

[sofbak]

OP, if you decide to go with dry tumbling and can stand a drive to Mira Mesa-I'll make you a very good deal on a slightly used, but never abused Franklin Armory vibrating tumbler. PM if/when ur interested.

[ironhorse1]

While clean cases are nice to work with it is not mandatory to have a tumbler.

My neighbor never tumbled a case in 50 plus years of reloading. He just wiped them off,brushed the necks, cleaned the primer pockets and reloaded.

He was wildcatting 6mm Rocket and the 22-250 before it was produced by vendors.

A tumbler is nice and not expensive so get one when you can.

Anyway I don't see powder, primers and bullets on the list.

You will need a trimmer and what do you need a swager for if I might ask? Primer pockets? Probably not needed.

[ironhorse1]

OP, if you decide to go with dry tumbling and can stand a drive to Mira Mesa-I'll make you a very good deal on a slightly used, but never abused Franklin Armory vibrating tumbler. PM if/when ur interested.

Had one of these for a long time. Good of you to offerup one that is GTG.

[nedro]

Good luck with your reloading!
Always welcome a new member to the rabbit hole we call reloading.

[SanDiego619]

OP, if you decide to go with dry tumbling and can stand a drive to Mira Mesa-I'll make you a very good deal on a slightly used, but never abused Franklin Armory vibrating tumbler. PM if/when ur interested.

I think I could handle the few-minute drive

For now, I'll skip tumbling and wash my brass by hand, a big reason is I just don't have room in my small place for another thing like that. I am not even sure where to set up the reloading stuff. Thank you for that, if I start reloading more then I will see if you still have it, for now I will try by hand... let's see how long it takes me to get tired of doing it that way.

[SanDiego619]

Which will more than suffice. I can't believe how many NEW reloaders come here for advice on how to minimally get started. And get EggSpurt advice telling them they need a case tumbling set up.

Dish soap, a few drips per load, and a coffee can full of real hot water for initial washing. Then a couple rinses with hot water to remove any debris loosened by the wash cycle. If cases are tarnished a few turns between thumb and fore finger, with white color Scotch Brite pad. Before the wash cycle.

For the first 20 or so yrs of my 52 yrs reloading. Worked just fine.

edit to add.................I don't see a "trickler" on your list.

To all: Thanks for the tips, I realized I don't need a swager, it's off the list now.

I will add a trickler, my thinking is I set the perfect powder to be a tiny bit under my target weight, then use the trickler to get to my exact weight, that seems best. Tricklers aren't expensive either.

[SmokeTheClay]

I was gonna use hot water and elbow grease for the first batch, which will probably be 50 rounds...

The way I cleaned brass before I had a wet tumbler with steel media was:

If you have a ~64 ounce, cleaned out PLASTIC orange juice container, you're set.

Just stuck your brass in the orange juice container, add hot water about half way up with some dishsoap. Shake if around for a few minutes. Then rinse the brass. Then stick it in a sun to dry and you're good.

[SmokeTheClay]

Hello, after reading and watching videos for a few days I think I've got a list of things I need to get started. Missing items are tumbler and swager die. I am going to be using once-fired brass that I am buying new and firing myself, and very few rounds, so I think at first I am going to clean the cases without tumbling.

I think this is all I need to get started. I know with this gear, it won't be quick and fun, but it seems like a good setup for a beginner.

Lee Challenger Kit 121744 $149
Press
Auto Primer
Cutter
Perfect Powder Measure
Chamfer tool
Primer pocket cleaner
Beam scale
Funnel
Lube

50 rd reloading tray (2) $10
Lee Precision 6.5X55 Pacesetter Die set $34
Lee Precision 6.5x55 Swedish Case Trim Gauge 90126 $6
L.E. Wilson Case Length Headspace Gauge $29
Anytime Tools Premium Dial Caliper 0-6"/0.001" $36

And the Lymans 50th edition is in the mail already.

Is anything missing?

Something that I found was my most helpful purchase was a really good set of Mitutoyo calipers. I started out with the Pittsburgh calipers from Harbor Freight and it would consistently get inconsistent readings. When you want to get more specific with your loading, the calipers are a really worthwhile first investment.

[ojisan]

No tumbler is needed.
Mostly fill a large coffee can with walnut cleaning media and your brass.
Secure the lid with duct tape.
Put the can in your car trunk with room to move around in all directions.
Drive up and down a bumpy dirt road for a couple hours or for a week of normal work and grocery store commuting.
For faster results, securely attach the can to the rear frame loop of your dirt bike or ATV and ride in a rocky area for one hour.



Yes, I think you have everything to start.
Keep us posted.

[SanDiego619]

No tumbler is needed.
Mostly fill a large coffee can with walnut cleaning media and your brass.
Secure the lid with duct tape.
Put the can in your car trunk with room to move around in all directions.
Drive up and down a bumpy dirt road for a couple hours or for a week of normal work and grocery store commuting.
For faster results, securely attach the can to the rear frame loop of your dirt bike or ATV and ride in a rocky area for one hour.



Yes, I think you have everything to start.
Keep us posted.

That's a good idea, I don't want all that noise though so I think what I will do is sneak under my neighbors truck at night time and use a giant hose clamp to attach it to his lower control arm. I will retrieve it after a week.

I will update when I get closer to reloading. I'm going to order 200 rounds of 6.5x55 for my gun, wait for my gun to arrive at the FFL, wait 10+ days for DROS, then shoot at least 50 rounds through it, and then try reloading. That won't be for a month or two.

That is, if primers are available in a month or two...