Going to start reloading

[Aaron1100us]

I'm getting a reloading press from a friend and want to start reloading .303. I think all he has is the press. Unsure of what make or model, just a simple one I'm guessing.

Besides the press, what else do I need? I know I need a .303 die set but what else do I need?

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[jimb16]

Shell holder, powder measure, scales. If the press does not have a primer arm, you will need a primer tool. Generally, I recommend a case trimmer, but for .303 Brit. it usually isn't needed since the cases seldom last long enough to need trimming. ( .303 cases headspace on the rim, rather than the neck or shoulder as is most common.)

[browningautorifle]

You're going to need at least three books on the subject with reloading info. For instance Lymann, Hornady and Speer manuals. Maybe a cartridges of the world for good measure. They have how to's written out and you'll need to consume them first. Then you need to get someone that's reloaded a considerable amount without incident to actually show you hands on practice. You can't just learn it out of thin air. Remember to get all your info from reliable sources. Don't be taking hear-say from individuals, they won't be held liable for ammo accidents and the memory is flawed...

[WarPig1976]

I learned on my own. I bought the RCBS Rock chucker starter kit which came with Speer no14 reloading manual and went from there. I read the "how to" parts, took my time and started with pistol cartridges first. It's not voodoo magic to reload but you can't be a moron either.
Along with Jim's items you'll also need> case lube, calipers, deburring tool, bullet puller "you will screw up one or two", and one should really use a case cleaner, not nessesary but worth the money. Reloading manual, loading tray.
To be honest, I would just buy one of the starter kits from RCBS or LEE it's cheaper then buying everything separate. That's my 2c's

[JasonA]

Read and then read more. Everyone here has good advice so take your time. Reloading is definately the way to go. I have been loading for 25+ years and I enjoy every minute of it. I load all cast loads at reduced charges now. So much easier on the pocketbook and the shoulder. I started with the .303. Enjoy.

[browningautorifle]

I would just buy one of the starter kits from RCBS

I tend to agree, but I think he already has part and that's what has spurred this.

[Mike 56]

You will need to neck size and there will be times you will need to full length size i would buy a lee deluxe die set it comes with both as well as a seating die. They sell for 30.00 on line. You will also need a scale the Lee scale is cheap but it takes some getting use to. I can trough accurate charges with mine. A better scale is worth the money and i plan to up grade mine but if you need to go cheep to get started the lee scale will work. You can buy calipers at Harbor Fright for about 15.00. i prefer dial calipers over digital. The battery's always seem to dead when you need them. If you have a pipe cuter you can use the the deburring tool on it to debur your case mouths or you can use a pocket knife. A small screw driver can be used to clean primer pockets. A empty cartage case of another type than what you are loading can be used as a powder trickler . As said before read, read, read. weigh every charge do not use Lee dippers without weighing your charges. Start with starting loads and work up use bulky powders that fill the case at least half way three fourths is better and stick powders are more forgiving than ball powders. In my opinion after you charge a case it should go straight to the press and have a bullet seated in it.

[Aaron1100us]

Thanks. Sounds like some books are in order.

[joem]

I had to teach myself to reload. I bought two books and liked the Lyman the best. I started on straight walled pistol cases. When I had that down, I read and reread the sections on rifle cases. I started with Lee equipment but shortly upgraded to Dillon. If you get a case cleaner but a Thumbler. There are very quiet and you can run them all night. Good Luck.

[Gun Surfer]

Dillon caliper is an excellent tool for the money, it does all my measurements. If you want a modestly priced digital scale, an RCBS Range Master is an excellent scale for the money, accurate, easy to calibrate, stabilizes fast and stays that way. Forster makes an excellent primer pocket cleaning bit, just stick in your drill and go to town, gets the crap out of primer pockets for better seating. A primer seating tool on your press should give you more leverage, but may be slower depending upon type. The Lee hand priming tool is popular and fast.

RCBS RangeMaster 750 Electronic Powder Scale 750 Grain Capacity 110