so what do I need now?

[biggyin]

Just was given a RCBS rock chucker supreme master reloading. kithttp://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Reload ... t104516280" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It's my first foray into reloading, initially I want to start reloading 223. Apart from the obvious bullets, brass, powder and primers. What would you guys/gals recommend for me to also have? Any help, thoughts, views, gifts (worth a try ) would be very helpful. I have a habit (so my wife informs me) of going a bit overboard when left unsupervised while internet shopping.

Below is what i already have saved in my midway shopping cart, let me know what i actually need opposed to 'nice to haves'. Thanks!


Lyman Primer Turning Tray
Product #: 615223
Move
Available $5.19

Lyman "Reloading Data Log" Reloading Manual
Product #: 203800
Move
Available $6.99

Lyman Peel and Stick Reloader's Labels Rifle/Pistol 1" x 2" Fluorescent Green Package of 75
Product #: 336978
Move
Available $4.99

Hornady Impact Bullet Puller
Product #: 810810
Move
Available $20.99

MTM Flip-Top Ammo Box 17 Remington, 204 Ruger, 223 Remington 100-Round Plastic Clear-Blue
Product #: 120930
Move
Available $5.18

Forster Original Case Trimmer Kit
Product #: 614276
Move
Available $74.99

Lee Primer Pocket Cleaner
Product #: 467111
Move
Available $2.09

Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler Master Kit with Quick-N-EZ Rotary Media Separator 110 Volt
Product #: 414369
Move
Available $63.99

RCBS Shellholder #10 (17 Remington, 204 Ruger, 223 Remington)
Product #: 797095 REBATE! View Rebate (2)
Move
Available $7.09

Redding 3-Die Set 223 Remington
Product #: 307180
Move
Available $59.99

[BobCat]

AndyC is right about the press - I have a Rockchucker my brother and I bought used, in 1971, that I still load .223 on. Same for the Forster trimmer, same vintage.

He is right about the primer turning tray, too - the kit comes with a hand priming tool, the tray of which works for that.

Cheapskate that I am, I use a bound blank school essay book to write load data, and write loads on masking tape and stick to the boxes. Get several plastic boxes for finished rounds, you may have two or more loads (bullet or powder weights) to try out.

The bullet puller is a good idea. You may never need it, but if you do, you do.

Get two shellholders, you will wind up leaving on on the priming tool and one on the press. It is not that much of a pain to change the shellholder from one to the other, but over time you will be pleased to have two.

The following is a hot-button sore point, so don't take me too seriously here, but I've had good luck with Lee dies. Most people disparage Lee equipment because it feels and seems cheap, but it is serviceable. Only thing I changed is on the seating die, the insert that bears on the bullet ogive, I opened up the hole a little so the ogive goes deeper and is more positive. Certainly nothing wrong with Redding dies though!

The very best case lube I've ever used, and still use, is Imperial sizing die wax. One little tin will last the rest of your life, and you will never stick a case in the resizing die.

You are about to have a lot of fun, a little frustration, learn quite a lot, and probably have your cheeks ache from grinning so hard when you shoot that first cloverleaf group, with rounds you constructed yourself.

Regards,
Andrew

[biggyin]

thanks for the info so far guys, managed to know $50 or so bucks off my shopping list already.

[BobCat]

Don't worry, you'll spend it on primers, powder, and bullets.

[Jumping Frog]

I didn't see either a scale or calipers -- you definitely need both.

I have a couple of digital scales, but to tell you the truth, for everyday usage I far prefer the old fashioned balance beam scale. I am quite happy with my Redding #2 Master Magnetic Powder Scale 505 Grain Capacity. You can level the scale, and it is quite quick to measure charges.

If you are any good with Excel would can make up your own reloading log for free -- I'd never pay for a book. Similarly, I have used MS Word to print reloading box labels using ordinary mailing labels from Staples.

[biggyin]

calipers. check! thanks guys. I like the idea about setting up my computer for load data, I will need to have a play with that!

[BobCat]

Embarrassed to have forgotten calipers, they get quite a bit of use.

Speaking of things calipers are useful for, later in your reloading career you might load longer-than-magazine length rounds for long-range. These are obviously single load, single fire, and are often loaded to within 0.010" of the lands. To measure them you need a comparator and you'll need a case with the primer hole threaded for a piece of allthread rod (probably 8-32 but you'll figure it out), and a bullet of the type you intend to use, to measure the distance from the boltface to the lands.

None of this is relevant for you now, you'll be loading mag-length rounds and need the caliper to measure cases to be trimmed / after trimming, and cartridge overall length.

The comparator is http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?p ... ber=709931" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; or http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?p ... ber=231904" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - not needed now, just for future reference.

Have fun!

[jason237m]

For .223 I would suggest a case trimmer.

[biggyin]

Andy, I think you check this thread more than me! It's like having a personal secretary!