Basic Reloader and Necessary Tools for Beginner

Hello,

I am interested in getting into reloading for milsurp rounds.

In the past, I was able to order most of the ammo I needed online, especially Privi from several sources (AIM Surplus as an example). Unfortunately, there is no such thing as "UPS Ground" to Alaska, so shipping of ammo from the lower 48 is prohibitively expensive and/or a complete pain in the @$$. Fortunately, most of the more mundane rounds - 5.56, 7.62x51, 7.62x39, etc. - are easy to find at local retailers.

Rounds I'd like to reload include 7.5 Swiss, 7.5 French, 6.5 Swedish, 7.62x45, and something better than the milsurp MG rounds I have for 7.62x54R and 8mm. I'm also contemplating reloading 5.7x28. As far as pistols are concerned, probably only .500 S&W and .44 Special/.44 Magnum.

Anyway, I would like opinions on which reloader to purchase, which tools are necessities, which tools are nice to have, and any other helpful suggestions on getting started.

I apologize in advance if there is a sticky for this topic - I was not able to find it by doing a search.

Thanks in advance...

I started off reloading with a plastic hammer. Simple to use an inexpensive.

Look into one of the starter kits, I bleed green so may I suggest RCBS. They're your best bet and contain all the necessities including a manual except of coarse the dies, powder and primers, brass,bullets. You will need calipers and a way to trim brass and at least a tumbler to clean brass "these don't come in the kit".
Nice to have stuff? There's soooo much out there you'll have to figure that out on your own, I'm eyeballing the RCBS loadmaster combo...:cheers:

Let me add this, You'll find there's more then one tool to do the same job, you'll have to decide which is best for you.

Skip - that certainly is basic, but guessing it's a good way to learn the fundamentals.

Warpig - any reason why RCBS? I've noticed reloaders tend to be very brand loyal.

Thanks...

Warpig got it in one I'd say. The cheap brands like Lee are just that. The RCBS has everything you need and won't wear out. We go through this discussion every once in a while and you can either check back in these threads or just wait a minute and we'll do it all over again here... Simple, Lee is cheapest, RCBS is mid range and Dillon is expensive. I have representatives from all here, shotgun is Lee, single stage is RCBS and progressive in Dillon. Many that preach cheap don't load huge amounts. But you have to start somewhere. Time will show you what you need, once you get it going.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bzuefishx

any reason why RCBS?

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What BAR said sums it up.

First you need good manuals. Lyman Reloading latest edition is excellent. Also Hornady, Sierra, Hodgdon, generic by caliber, various versions out there. Lots of reliable published load data available on line, but you need a manual for learning. Also best to get someone who you know into reloading to help show you the ropes. In AK I would not think that a problem.

Brass preparation:
Primer pocket cleaner - I use one you can stick in electric drill chuck
Primer pocket uniformer -
Tumbler - I use Lyman Turbo, you can also get a wet tumbler with different media
tumbling media
media separator
media polish - if you use walnut or corn cob. I prefer corn cob for most routine jobs.

Press:
Single Stage Press - I recommend single stage RCBS Rockchucker for all around use and durability. Choice depends on anticipated shooting and amount. Rock Chucker is good all around choice for a beginner. It last a lifetime, still use mine.

Sizing and bullet seating:
Case lube (rifle only)
Dies, RCBS or Redding, Lee are also a cheaper option
shell holders

Priming:
Hand priming tool - Lee, Sinclair Intl. more expensive, RCBS, others. For best leverage, may just use the priming tool that comes with the reloading press.

Calipers - Dillon's steel calipers are excellent for the price

Case gages for rifle calibers - especially for shooting semi auto, these are a safety item. You will find them in the normal calibers. For cases that headspace on rim like 7.62x54R you dont need a case gage.

Deburring tool
Case Trimmer - LE Wilson Case Trimmer, available at places like Sinclair Intl, with the cylindrical steel case holders by caliber is the best in my view, but other collet types available too are decent.

Powder dispensing:
Loading blocks
Powder measure - I use RCBS Uniflow with baffle, many others out there.
Powder measure stand
Powder funnel
Electronic scale - I use RCBS Range Master, excellent accuracy, stability and calibration

There seem to be two approaches to reloading. (a) The mass production method and (b) The "precision" approach. Which type you go in for would depend on your own preference. I have been told that Dylon is the monopoly manufacturer of large scale reloading equipment (their products are well advertised online) and this method is usually preferred by shooters who use large amounts of ammunition. The second category is divided up between a number of manufacturers and your choice would depend on how precisely you intend to re-load. Among the best are Wilson and Forster Precision. Re-loading die sets also vary according to the degree of precision required. Personally, if starting fron scratch, I´d choose moderately priced equipment and move on with experience gained.

I'll second that. The low-price stuff (Lee, mostly) is just fine for a beginner - and much of it does good work for us old hands, too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skip

I started off reloading with a plastic hammer. Simple to use an inexpensive.

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yeah so did I and I keep those sets around to remind me why I don't do it that way anymore.

I recommend the RCBS starter kit as well. When my son started that is what I bought him. They are single stage and they work forever. My Rock Chucker had reloaded hundreds of thousands of rounds over the 20 some years I have been using it and had to replace the ram once. BTW I have a spare waiting if I need it and when I move to Tenn and the kid and I get set up there will be 3 in row so we can set up an assembly line.

Dies. I have Lyman RCBS and Lee The Lee dies may wear out sooner (I have some that have loaded thousands of round) but they are about half price. I also suggest a Lee factory Crimp die for pistol calibers

Trimmers: A must for rifle calibers and though I have a Lyman hand trimmer that I still use for some calibers I broke down and bought a Hornady case prep center. Excellent investment. It makes large amounts of trimming a breeze.

Powder measures: Again all the major manufacturers make them and all though I still have an old Lyman I have set up for 2 calibers in small quantities I broke down and got the Hornady Lock and Load Auto charge. Excellent product. I still use scoopers for my pistol calibers though.

Tumblers: Mine happens to be a Rockford Arsenal and can tumble up to 400 pistol cartridges at a time. It runs about 60 bucks. I use corncob as I can get 5 pounds for 3 bucks. I have also discovered I can cut my tumble time and wear and tear on my media by using a sonic cleaner first. I know others make them but mine happens to be, you guessed it, Hornady. Another great time saving investment investment.

Just a few of the things I use to make reloading a little easier and faster.