Trying to start reloading, what else do I need?

[mydogsmonkey]

I have gone through many threads and researching but i'm having a bit of trouble as some parts such as the powder and primer parts are called different things by each company, and they have different models, # of pieces. I want to get the lee progressive press and start reloading match 308.
if i get this kit

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=347040#enlarge

what else do i need beside a .308 die set? thanks

Ernest

[Gio]

have you seen this thread? http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=158086 That has all the info you need, as far as primers and such you will need Large Rifle Primers and a decent powder as well. This thread has great info on .308 loads as well what powders and what not. http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...ad.php?t=72798

-Gio

[mydogsmonkey]

yeah i tried that thread, whats confusing is since i want theprogressive kit, it obviously comes with different things, different names. like the powder loaders are different, what else do i need? do you get it?
im just confused at all the names and different parts that i need

Ernest

[SLO_Ryan]

If you are really interested in reloading match ammo, consider a single stage rather than a progressive.

You can get good results with a progressive, but generally speaking you will have better quality with a single stage, especially if you don't have a ton of experience already with the steps of reloading.

[Harvey Mushman]

I have to agree with the single stage. I am also a novice to reloading. I feel like using the single stage one round at a time has really helped me develop my own process and understanding. I have been reloading for my 06 and the single stage will produce more than enough product for my shooting needs.

[mydogsmonkey]

alright single stage it is. i was thinking the lee anniversary kit. so aside from the rcbs shell holder, powder trickler, case length gage and shellholder, headspace gage, calipers, resizing and seating die, trimmer, and primer pocket cleaner, what else would i need? Anything i really don't need in that group to be reloading 308 for a bolt gun? Thanks
ETA- just note that i don't have any reloading gear aside from the consumables

[CSACANNONEER]

Definately get a SS press for bottleneck cartridges. Also, if you plan to load military brass, you'll need a way to remove the crimp. There are all kinds of other tools you might end up getting but, I think you've got enough to get you started. When you get really anal, you'll end up with a "better" press, inside and outside neck turning tools, neck sizing dies, primer pocket uniformer, etc. You'll end up with trimmers which index off the case head, case neck and from the bottom of the inside of the case. You'll get a case length gauge, several types of balances (Denver instruments are the best), different priming tools etc. But, for now, starting with the Lee kit will get you going for a while.

[Chief-7700]

alright single stage it is. i was thinking the lee anniversary kit. so aside from the rcbs shell holder, powder trickler, case length gage and shellholder, headspace gage, calipers, resizing and seating die, trimmer, and primer pocket cleaner, what else would i need? Anything i really don't need in that group to be reloading 308 for a bolt gun? Thanks
ETA- just note that i don't have any reloading gear aside from the consumables

Powder Scale

[Gio]

Did you go on Midways site and use the numbers Randall posted? That should of shown you all you needed and or given you the info on them as to what they were or did Take care,

-Gio

[mydogsmonkey]

where is the military crimp? and what do i use to take it out? budget options please. thanks

[mydogsmonkey]

Did you go on Midways site and use the numbers Randall posted? That should of shown you all you needed and or given you the info on them as to what they were or did Take care,

-Gio

i did, thats what most of my stuff is off of. its still just a bit confusing. noob here you know? haha

[mydogsmonkey]

and also whats the purpose of the calipers? and powder scale? i thought the press did that on its own

[gunboat]

You need -- press, dies, shellholder -
You need a method of priming, either on the press or a hand tool -
you need a method of lubing case for sizing -
you need a powder scale and funnel -- trickler is helpful --
you need a block to hold cases -- can be homemade --
You need calipers or case length gage to check case length and perhaps overal length.
If you use military cases you will need a primer crimp remover, can be a swager, a reamer, or a pen knife.
That is wht you need, all else makes life easier or more enjoyment loading --
my ha-penny

[CSACANNONEER]

Well, we all seem to be forgetting the most impotant thing for you to have. You need, at least, two good reloading manuals. Never go by just one. Always check at least two independent sources before starting to develop a new load. Every manual or online source might have a misprint, many do. So, first get a good reloading manual and read it. It will cover everything you need to know. Then, if you still have questions, come back here and ask away.

Calipers are needed to calibrate certain settings like the adjustment of your seating die.

You always need a decent scale. A press will not measure powder. A powder measure will and some are attached to progressive presses. But, you still need a scale to check the adjustment of your powder measure.

[gunboat]

You are absolutely correct about the manuals !!!! --- I prefer the older lymans but most any one is good --