Reloading setup

F

Freddy

New member
Just getting started in rifle reloading.
What's a good setup to do around 100 -200 rounds a year. I am wanting to do mostly .204 but some 6.5 creedmoor also. I don't need the best press but I don't want a cheap one either. Any advice or input on all components I need would be appreciated.
 
An RCBS jr would be a fine choice in a press. Look for a good used one on ebay or Craigslist. Plenty of good YouTube videos that can tell you how to get started and what you need. When I started loading back in 1973 you had to learn as you went along. Not so much that way now days. Much easier.

You will not regret getting quality reloading gear to start off with.
 
True about the quality stuff if you can swing it. Right now it's about what's available if you're in a rush at all. A week or so ago RCBS stuff was available online, I was eyeballing that Rebel press but my old RC II is going strong like it did 30 years ago.

200 a year? Easy enough to do with a decent balance beam scale. I don't recommend a cheap digital, they tend to drift. And like Rusty said, you can watch youtube vids till your eyes bleed.
 
I'd go with a Rock Chucker and an RCBS 10-10 scale with an eye to the future as you are taking your first shot of dope.

Greg
 
Back in my college days I spent way more money than I had business spending on the RCBS Rock Chucker kit, which came with everything but dies, powder, and bullets. Here I am a quarter century later using all that same gear to reload for the whole family. I've reloaded tens of thousands of rounds with that press, scale, and powder measure, and still consult the manual that came with it.

If you can find that kit available anywhere, I heartily recommend that you spend a few extra bucks and get it. I doubt you will regret the purchase. I sure don't.
 
Some of it will be a Ford vs Chevy thing but some presses do offer distinct advantages over others.

I like Redding stuff and for a economical single stage the Redding Boss will do everything you want.

A lot of people like the Forster Co-Ax Press. My dad has one they are a very nice press I really like their shell holder setup and never having to worry about buying separate shell holders or having the right shell holder ever again is definitely a plus for the Forster Co-Ax press but they're also quite a bit more expensive too.
 
I have two RCBS3's IIRC. Had them forever and they still load good ammo. I load everything from 22Hornet to 270Win. The 270 length cases are kinda tough because the throat of the press is a little short but it can be done without a problem. They weren't top of the line but just a good solid press. I've thought about upgrading and then think why??? They do a fine job of loading my ammo. They aren't fast but when I reload, I'm in no hurry. Hurrying gets you in trouble. Buy a few reloading manuals, read them, then read them again. Ask questions here. Watch videos. Prepare to spend money. LOL! Your only wanting to reload for two calibers now....but that will change. Good luck and have fun.
 
First of all buy a newer reloading manual (will have 6.5CM and .204 data) and read it cover to cover. An RCBS Jr or Rockchucker will serve you well. There are a lot of us geezers kicking off and used presses come up at garage sales, Craigslist, and local hunt/fish website classifieds.
 
There are so many variables that one can screw up in the loading process.

Most of us could write a book or talk for hours.

My advice is to first prepare a secure climate controlled area. If you have children there should be a lock on the door.
If your young child sticks a primer in their mouth..... I don't even want to think of it.

Build a dang sturdy bench with consideration to if you want to stand or sit at a chair or bar stool.

I highly recommend buying the load manual of the company you plan to buy bullets from. The "how to's" at the beginning of those books must be read time and time again.

Try Sam at Panhandle Precision on youtube. He has a nice play list on precision reloading.
 
Along with all the basic knowledge to get started that you can find in most any loading manual, this book is a must have!

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Book-Precision-Shooting-Reloading-Guide/393081664979?hash=item5b857e35d3:g:v2AAAOSwrndcW3re

Expensive! but worth every penny IMO.
 
Has anyone else mentioned, at 100-200 rounds a year, your probably not going to break even on your reloading equipment and components especially with whats currently going on.

I would of just bought a few hundred rounds of each before the [beeep] show and now your not dealing with 200.00 per pound of powder, and 500.00 per thousand primers.
 
Originally Posted By: skinneyHas anyone else mentioned, at 100-200 rounds a year, your probably not going to break even on your reloading equipment and components especially with whats currently going on.

I would of just bought a few hundred rounds of each before the [beeep] show and now your not dealing with 200.00 per pound of powder, and 500.00 per thousand primers.

Darnit James, you had to go inject reason into this discussion!
smile.gif
Good point though, and one I overlooked in my zeal to offer a recommendation. For the amount of ammo needed, it'll be hard to break even on reloading.

What I found though - having the tools and supplies to reload encouraged me to shoot more than I ever did buying factory ammo. But even that's a crapshoot now with the current state of things. Probably best to scrape together those few hundred rounds of ammo to get you by, and see where things are in a year or two.
 
Powder is $40.00/pound here. Haven't seen a price on primers. Compared to gouching prices that is good. I'm seeing components on the net at less than astronomi prices from trusted suppliers.

Greg
 
Originally Posted By: crapshootI load more to wring the most out of my guns more so than to save money.

1000%, same here, I gladly pay some stupid prices for components that I need that my guns like to shoot precisely. But when your talking 100-200 rounds, I'm assuming it's not that situation.
 
Correct me if I'm not right... Because everyone knows where assuming gets you.

I'm not trying to come across as snarky. Reloading is awesome and in this day and age can have a huge benefit and asset, especially with zero to no available preloaded ammo. Unfortunately the situation also persists with components now, and by the time you factor in prices on all of this equipment, your easily going to be upper hundreds if not thousands into it.

Just looking at it logically currently. IF you are trying to work up a load for a rifle or want another cool hobby, and have available funds that will consist of well over MSRP for this equipment, then absolutely go for it. I just got the gist you were possibly thinking of getting into it for the cost savings benefit, nothing more. IF that's the case, easy answer is look elsewhere.
 
I'm not a volume shooter. A couple hundred rounds could last me a couple or even several years.
The rest i stock pile so im not scrambling for components when crap hits the fan as well as to benefit my children and grandchildren now and when im gone.
 
Originally Posted By: crapshootI'm not a volume shooter. A couple hundred rounds could last me a couple or even several years.
The rest i stock pile so im not scrambling for components when crap hits the fan as well as to benefit my children and grandchildren now and when im gone.

Absolutely, part of my above post regarding assets. Components are like gold right now, and may even be more so in the future. Keep your powder dry my friend.
 


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