B-day is coming up....Going to get into reloading....Help!

[proraptor]

[phish]

For dies, I use Redding's S-die with the interchangeable bushings, which is on sale at Sinclair International for $39 right now. The .335 bushing will size the necks without over working them and give you the right amount of neck tension. I think LEE is referring that their dies have some type of built in lub reservoir, sounds messy. You'll always need to lube bottleneck rifle cartridges, even with Dillon's carbide dies.

I use Redding's BR seater, but would probably get Forster's if I had to do it again. Forster's seater is about 20 bucks cheaper, which is almost a box of bullets.

A scale is also a good thing to have. The scoops are probably fine, but having a scale leaves nothing to chance when you want to know how much powder you're dunking in the cases.

I'd get a stuck case remover also. It's like a tap&die set in that you don't use it all the time, but glad you have it when you do.

[wildcard]

For loading my .308 Match loads, I use the Forster full length sizer die and Bench Rest Ultra Micrometer Seater die. Works great for me. Though there are carbide dies out there that advertise not needing case lube.. I wouldn't recommend it. Just try to resize one and you'll be begging for the lube.

You'll need a scale to properly work up your loads and a powder dispenser. I use the RCBS line of products (not electronic) for these and am happy with it. Though a powder trickler may not be necessary.. it's worth it when all you need is a fraction of a grain to keep your loads consistent.

I personally prefer the analog tools and as such purchased a used Mitutoyo 4" dial caliper from Ebay. I don't see any real benefit to go digital for this.

However, you may want to go digital for a scale as there will be significant savings in time. You also won't have to manually rezero the thing everytime (I do because I move my beam scale around).

Other things you'll need:
Case trimmer
Primer pocket cleaner
Primer seater
Case tumbler
Tumbling media
Loading tray (somewhat optional)
Funnel (convenient)

And I think that's really it for the necessities.

[ibanezfoo]

I do NOT recommend the Lee powder dispenser. That thing makes a mess... leaks more powder out of the side of the mechanisms than into the cartridge you're working on! It might be able to be fixed, I haven't taken it apart yet.... just used the scoops and a scale and I was good to go. Once I figured out a level scoop is exactly the right weight of powder I was using, I just used that and cranked out a bunch of cartridges.

-Bryan

[ETD1010]

I know I'm not a master reloader, or even a reloader with TONS of expertise, but I love my Lee Dies. They are super inexpensive and seem to do the job of my friend's RCBC dies just fine. As for reloading for competition, I believe Lee dies are pretty good in that realm too. Suffice to say, I've had a Lee Anniversary Reloading kit for about 7 years now, and I love it. It came with everything I needed except dies and case trimmer guides. I was up and running in no time. Plus, I've even stuck cartridges in the dies a few times (from not lubing enough) and they are easy to get out w/o damage to the die. The hardest part for me is my budget, and with Lee, I've been good so far. Plus, I LOVED that book he wrote, and learned a TON from it.

Up until two weeks ago, I never tumbled my cases. I just ran some steel wool as I trimmed that and they cleaned up decent. However, I will say that I do NOT regret getting a tumbler... MUCH easier. So far, my dies are still working hard as they did from day 1.

[SavageHMR]

I just started reloading for my .308 and reload about 40-60 rounds per month for competition.

In addition to the other advice above, here are two additional things that I have found useful so far:

1) I use an RCBS manual case trimmer and recently got a 3-way cutting head for it that trims, deburs the inside of the neck and also chamfers the outside of the neck all at the same time. This was a great help to reduce the time, and accuracy, of trimming and then deburring and chamfering.

2) Instead of a tumbler, I have tried a chemical cleaner called ISSO and it seems to work well and is less expensive than a tumbler. Just don't let the cases soak for any more than the two to five minutes that it states in the directions. After cleaning them with this, I rinse them down, dry the outside of the cases with a towel and let them air dry overnight in a loading block.

[proraptor]

Thank you for all the advice guys! I really appreciate it....I should be able to start buying what I need this weekend...

[dw1784]

handgun caliber carbide dies don't need lube. Dillon makes rifle cailber carbide dies($100+) but not sure if it's 100% lube free. If this is for your Savage, just get neck sizing dies. 308(or any bottle-neck cartridge) only gets tough when you're full length sizing for semi-auto's. Lee's are great as starters. I started on Lee's and bought RCBS after. I prefer Lee's because it's easier to set up and simpler to use. Yes, I'm lazy Plus, it's less than $20.

Lee powder scoop is good for starters but it's lower than minimum load, prob for safety. Good for plinking and not much more. You should invest in a quality scale and powder dispenser though. Good equipment will save you time and lots of headaches.

have fun reloading

[Jicko]

Dillon Carbide dies are NOT lube free... I don't know if there are ANY rifle dies that is lube free.....

[scrat]

Ok here is the best advice around.

first thinking about lee. good idea.

which one. the O frame good choice.

Check out www.midwayusa.com. for the lee anniversary kit. comes with almost everything minus the dies.

Ok dies which ones. Lee only makes carbide dies for the handgun which require no lube. On the dies you will want to get the 3 die pace setter dies. Why. because it has everything you need. shell holder, size die, bullet seater and crimper. the lee factory crimper is one of the best on the market hands down on the price its very good cant beat it. if you buy from www.leeprecision.com. the shipping is only $4.00

dippers scales

you can start of on a dipper. in fact the pacesetter die comes with a dipper. you can start loading from that. you do not need a dispenser. a scale is a good idea. however that is down the line. as long as you are going by the load data and the minimum charge using the dippers you will be fine. latter as you get more experience and knowledge and want to make every round perfect you will want a scale. (you do not need an expensive scale). you can buy a digital $10 dollar scale. test it with test weights if its accurate use it.

You really should look at the lee anniversary. for the price what happens is you will buy a press a set of dippers a die set. then you will find out you need a primer installer then you will figure out you need a funnel. then you will find out you need a case trimmer and lock stud, then a chamfer and primer pocket cleaner. by the time you buy all that you just bought your self a kit. a lee anniversary kit can be bought for about 80.00 minus the dies. the dies through lee is about 25.00. after that go buy some long rifle primers, powder and bullets and your in business.


tip for the day. when i first started i notice right away i needed a caliper to measure the rounds. you can buy one on ebay for about 10.00 to get you started. then before you start making live rounds practice on a couple of empty cases, sizing them measuring them then press in a bullet then measure it. then chamber it. if it chambers ok and measures ok then your ready to use a live primer and powder.

pm me if you have any other questions.