So far, for reloading I have picked up a bunch of stuff
Forster Co-Ax Single Stage Press
Dillon Die Set in 10mm/40
Forster Full Length and Micro-Seater dies in .223
RCBS Crimp Die in .223
RCBS Universal Hand Primer
RCBS Tumbler
RCBS No2 Walnut Media
RCBS Case Lube and Pad
Hornady Lock-N-Load Powder Charge Dispenser
Bullet Puller
Digital Calipers
(2) 1 pound bottles of Blue Dot powder
(1) 1 pound Alliant 7 powder
100 rounds of Hornady JHP
500 rounds of Rainer FP
300 Starline Brass
1k CCI Large Pistol Primers
1k Federal Magnum Large Pistol Primer
(3) Plano Ammo Boxes
Lyman Reloading Manual
Speer Reloading Manual
I still need a Case Prep Center, nicer calipers, some new cabinets, Lee Pro 4 (20lbs), Hornady Manual, and lead molds. I also need primers, powder, Plano boxes, and bullets for my 223. Id like to get a progressive press for pumping out 223 since I want to use the Forster to tweak precision loads. Id like to get the Hornady Heated Ultrasonic machine.
Any other things I might be missing?
That's quite a list for a beginner. Mostly OK.
If I may suggest:
Get a REAL scale. RCBS 505 or 1010 work very well. Verify your loads, and don't rely on digital, unless you are loading ONLY light-medium power, in non-magnum cartridges.
Save the Blue Dot. Either use faster powder, or get faster bullets. The Raniers are OK, if kept at lower velocities (1050 FPS, 1100 max). Blue Dot is excellent, but dirty at lower charges. R7 powder is great for small rifle loads. It's fine for 10mm, if you are running down old ladies (without their walkers).
Get some corn cob media and a good polish. Walnut is OK, but should be used for really dirty range brass that's been left in the weather for weeks/months/years. Or, opt for the rock-tumbler w/ SS pin polishing ($$ and a PITA, but most effective). If you are loading/shooting/collecting your own brass, be nice to it. Walnut is punishing, and often ineffective. It will "etch" the brass surface, leaving it with a "brushed" surface, and will allow the brass to collect fouling, oil, and residue (hard on dies). Some folks use and swear by it, I simply disagree. Used correctly, corn cob will not be dusty, and will leave your brass ready for sizing. I've never used the "dryer sheet" method (or paper towel, etc.), as by the time the corn cob gets that dirty, it's worn out.
Go slow. Double/triple check EVERYTHING. Have fun! In that order....
DM1906's recommendation for the balance beam type scale is a good one. I have the RCBS 5-10 which has been spot on since new in the mid 70's. Digital scales can and will drift and constantly need re-zeroing...they are faster at finding unknown weights.
I imagine you have the shell holders to go with the dies...
I will say that at any point, in any part of the handloading process, if you are uncertain or in doubt, Stop and ask questions! The only STUPID questions are the ones NOT asked!
Quote from: The_Shadow on September 15 2012 09:11:30 AM MDT
DM1906's recommendation for the balance beam type scale is a good one. I have the RCBS 5-10 which has been spot on since new in the mid 70's.
Agreed. Love my Redding Model #2 beam scale's accuracy down to well under half of a tenth of a grain, for working up loads, and otherwise.
QuoteDigital scales can and will drift and constantly need re-zeroing...they are faster at finding unknown weights.
Very true, it greatly irritates me.
Man you have picked up a bunch! Good job.
Warning: you've Just gotten started. 8)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h63/customshopkv1/934F939A-45FA-4893-BBB4-7FD1D7DEBEBF-6306-0000065012B883B1.jpg)
Congrats! Carry on! ;D
Lookin' good, and take your time. Be safe. ;)
Just an update. I ran 3 ten round batches through my 20/29 this Saturday without any issue. I also loaded 2 five round batches for my AR which also worked without issue.
So now I feel a little better. Thanks for all the help guys. I know I'll have more questions but I made it over the first hurtle.
Awesome! Which bullet, powder, and primer did you start out with? Also, I forgot, do you have a chronograph?
Quote from: REDLINE on September 25 2012 12:35:29 PM MDT
Awesome! Which bullet, powder, and primer did you start out with? Also, I forgot, do you have a chronograph?
No chrono, that'll be next. I just ordered a EOTech 553.A65 for my AR.
I loaded 10mm 180gr Hornady HP over 9.8/10.0/10.2 of Blue Dot in New Starline brass with CCI LP
I loaded 223 75gr HPBT Hornady over 21.0/22.0 of H335 in once fired brass with CCI Magnum small rifle primers
Got a nice oak desk from my Mom, so now I can sit and prep cases while chillin.
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h63/customshopkv1/F535A657-27A6-4099-B6DE-046BB5FB6437-1190-000000C8C4FE829B.jpg)
Quote from: Bro KV on September 25 2012 02:20:29 PM MDT
Quote from: REDLINE on September 25 2012 12:35:29 PM MDT
Awesome! Which bullet, powder, and primer did you start out with? Also, I forgot, do you have a chronograph?
No chrono, that'll be next. I just ordered a EOTech 553.A65 for my AR.
I loaded 10mm 180gr Hornady HP over 9.8/10.0/10.2 of Blue Dot in New Starline brass with CCI LP
I loaded 223 75gr HPBT Hornady over 21.0/22.0 of H335 in once fired brass with CCI Magnum small rifle primers
Definitly need that chronograph. Hope you can pick one up sooner than later. I know without mine I would just feel lost. Especially when comparing different powder/primer combinations. Aside from pressure signs and what not, without the chronograph, you just don't know what you are or aren't achieving. And that makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to decide on a "favorite"/"best" load.
Glad to see you up and running (or jogging, as the case may be :D).