30-06 In Austin (Reload)

[357Texas]

I will be getting a Sav 30-06 Mod. ? in a few weeks I want to get a wooded stock. Bolt action. and some (for right now) some cheap glass for it. My ?? is I want to reload for it. I have never reloaded befor, but I want to start with just this rifle. I do not have alot of $$ to spend but I would like to try. what equ. do I need to start and what Mod should I get? If anyone in the Austin Tx area can help it would be great. Thanks for any help.
John

 

[Onmilo]

Lee Challenger press is a great way to start and learn reloading.
Single stage and come with dies and detailed instructions.
Way less than $100.00.
$125.00 will get you the loading set-up and enough components to have fun.
If you find yourself enjoying reloading, you can upgrade to better more expensive stuff down the road.
Keep the Lee stuff and put it in your hunting cabin, "Just in case."
Word of advice, Don't buy cheap glass, get a decent scope.
Spend more than the cost of the rifle and you will still be using the scope long after you sell that rifle.
If they are still in business, try McBrides Guns downtown for reloading advice.

 

[Dave R]

This may do better in the reloading forum.

So this is your first time reloading? And you're starting from scratch on equipment?

The most economical kit, which has most of what you need, is the Lee Anniversary kit. You can get it at www.midwayusa.com for under $100.

There are better kits from RCBS and some of the other big names in reloading. But the Lee kit is economical and workable.

This subject has been discussed a number of times before, so try doing a search on the reloading forum and read what has been posted in the past.

For a low-cost scope for your rifle, I've heard good things about the Tasco World Class scope.

 

[Lonestar.45]

I can't give advice on re-loading, as I don't practice the art. But when you get ready to buy supplies, you really should check out the new Sportsmen's Warehouse on I-35 up in Round Rock. You will be amazed at the stuff they have in that place. Think of it as an Academy on steroids. Lots of re-loading gear, powder, brass, bullets, primers, you name it. And books too. I'd think you'd want a good high quality re-loading manual to start off with. They've got them there. Good luck.

 

[357Texas]

How do I move it

How Can I move it to the reloading part?

 

[ojibweindian]

The Lee Aniversary reloading package will get you started. Lots of different places have them on sale for around $80.

Also, good glass does not have to be expensive. A Weaver K4 is a good deal for under $130. The Bushnell Legend is also a pretty good buy for the money. Many here think that the Simmons Atec is good, and that's under $200.

 

[swingcatt]

Another vote for the Lee kits. They are cheap and fairly sturdy. This right here looks like a good place to start...

http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/149097

If you wear it out you can upgrade to something better, but I doubt you will wear out a Lee Single Stage press. I started with a kit like this about 10 years ago and it works just fine.

Word to the wise....pick up some manuals also. I suggest speer and lyman and whatever bullet maker you decide to start with. Also most of the powder manufacturers have their manuals online.

Be safe.
SC

 

[dfaugh]

Glass

I disagree (here come the flames!) with people that say inexpensive scopes are a waste of money....I've never used anything but Tasco scopes for 35 years, on many different rifles, and never had any issues at all. Yes, MAYBE you can see a difference with an $800 scope but I can't, for most purposes... I have a pathological resistance to spending more for a scope than I do for a gun... And if you manage to damage a $100 scope, its no big deal....One of the nicest I have (its on one of my .22s) is a Tasco pronghorn (3-9x) which set me back $39.99... I shoot dime sized (10 round) groups with it at 50 yards, which is plenty good enough for me.

 

[Lonestar.45]

dfaugh, no flames here on the scope. I'm in agreement. I bought a Tasco Mag IV 3x12 scope in 1988 for my new Remington BDL in .270. I have had to rezero it exactly twice in all that time, due to changing loads. I have had ZERO problems. It cost a grand total of $79. I keep thinking I'll upgrade to a Leopold or something, because a BDL deserves it, but then, I'm from the school of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". I've shot over 25 deer with it, punched LOTS of paper, shot hogs, turkey, various other varmints, and I have never ever once wished that I had a better scope. The scope has never failed me. Maybe I'm in the minority. But I tell you what, the $250 or so I saved by buying a cheap scope, sure allowed me to put a LOT of rounds through the gun, which in my opinion, is much much more valuable than having the latest coating on my optics, or a snazzy finish.

I'll put my BDL up against anyone with the same gun with a Leopold/Zeiss, etc, and I promise you, your scope won't make your groups any tighter than mine. And as for early morning/late evening shooting....in Texas, we can shoot 30 min before sunup, and 30 min after sundown. I've never, during those times, not been able to see good enough out of my scope to shoot if I needed to.

Now, if I ever run into an extra $400, and I've already bought all the guns and ammo I'll ever want, then I'll probably buy a "better" scope. But I doubt I'll do it before then.

 

[alamo]

you really should check out the new Sportsmen's Warehouse on I-35 up in Round Rock

Where specifically is it? I was driving up 35 the other day and looked for it but didn't see it from the Interstate. I assume it is on the east side. Before or after the 1325/Louis-Henna Rd?

 

[Lonestar.45]

It's on the east side of 35. If you're going North, get off on the Louis Henna/1325 exit. Before you get to 1325 and before you get to the "Joy Mens Club", you'll see a Best Buy on your right. Turn in there, it's in that shopping center, on the other side of Best Buy, kind of hidden.

I live a mile from there, and I never knew it was there until a friend told me about it. You would not believe this place. I don't even go to Academy anymore. Reminds me of Bass Pro Shops in Houston.

 

[alamo]

Thanks, I'll check it out next time I'm up that way.

 

[Art Eatman]

Go to McBride's Guns at 30th and N. Lamr Blvd. Go upstairs to the reloading department and talk to Oliver Buschow. He's forgotten more about reloading than most folks will ever know.

He's worse than I am about the old bit, "Ask him what time it is, and he'll tell you how to build a watch." Regardless, he's a very good person to know.

As far as buying reloading equipment, a lot of mine was bought "good used" at gunshows. I still use one set of Pacific '06 dies that weren't new when I got them in 1950.

As far as inexpensive scopes, I'm happy with my Simmons 44Mag 3x10 on my pet '06. I'm able to shoot inside of one MOA at 100 yards and out at 500 yards. I've run some 200 or so rounds through the rifle since I installed that scope. I have been told that older Simmons scopes like mine (1997) are sturdier than newer ones. I don't know if that's true or not. I have used quite a few "good used" scopes from gunshows, although mostly Weaver K4s.

Art

 

[HankB]

To reload your .30/06, I'd suggest, as a bare minimum:

1. Good reloading manual. (Speer, Sierra, Hornady, Lyman.)

2. Reloading press. Single stage presses are available from many sources, and all will get the job done. If you ever move up to a progressive press, think Dillon.

3. Dies. For full length dies, they're all suitable for "basic" reloading. Eventually you may decide to neck size, at which point Lee's collet dies are nice.

4. Powder scale.

5. Case lube, case lube pad, loading block (you can make your own if you have a drill), powder trickler.

You'll soon find that additonal accessories like a powder measure and case trimmer are needed, and a tumbler (to clean fired brass) comes in handy.

I'd strongly suggest you shop the Internet to see what prices are from the on-line discount merchants, and then visit the Saxet Gun Show later this month in Austin - there are often folks selling components and equipment for decent prices. (And some price gougers, too.)

Be advised that McBride's is among the most expensive places in town to shop.

For a 'scope, Leupold's new "Rifleman" 'scopes are available for around $200 on line. I've had a 3x9 Leupold Vari-X II on my .30/06 for around 30 years now, have used it from Texas summer to Minnesota winter to African bush, and it's never given me any trouble at all.

 

[Art Eatman]

As a sort of followup to what HankB said, don't buy anything, anywhere, until comparing prices on the Internet and in Shotgun News. Get a good idea of who charges how much for what.

I recommended Oliver because he's been at McBride's since before I moved to Terlingua in 1983. Not only does he experiment with handloads for all sorts of cartridges, he gets commentary, feedback, from thousands of people. A sort of one-man reloading forum.

As far as reloading manuals, I like the Sierra book because of the superior appendices, compared to all the others. A heckuva lot of information about exterior ballistics.

There's a series, "One Book/One Caliber" that's commonly available at gunshows. I have the '06 version, and it's good. They've taken almost everybody's data, from various powder- and bullet-makers...

Scopes? I've killed more deer at 3X than I ever have at 9X. I'm a fan of Mr. Leupold, like many people, but an old Weaver K4 will do just real well. Probably, mid-range (of price) quality coatings on lenses and either a fixed 4X or a 2x7 or 3x9 is all the scope a hunter would really need, at least for most Texas hunting.

I'm sorta down on a 6X scope as being neither fish nor fowl. Short on field of view compared to a 4X; not enough magnification for pinpointing on small critters at a distance, compared to the 9X of a variable.

I started using Weaver rings and mounts in 1950 and while they're not things of beauty, they've yet to fail me. And I'm a cheapskate, anyhow.

Art

 

[duckslayer]

On glass...I have used both. On my Leupolds, I can clearly see the reticle all the time, even in low light. With my Bushnells/Simmons, etc, if it isn't bright, I can focus on the target, or the reticle, but I can't see both at the same time. And I can see much better through the Leupold in low light than with the others (which I should be able to do). I haven't had a problem with the others holding zero, but seeing through them is the biggest difference I have noticed.

On reloading, the Lee press will suffice for you, but if you want a little more extravagant setup, RCBS makes a starter kit with the Rockchucker press fro around $200-$250, which gives you a powder measure, case trimmer, press, and scale.

 

[patentmike]

I agree with the recommendations for the Lee kit.
There is an article at http://www.realguns.com that was written just for you.

 

[357Texas]

Thanks y'all

I am going to look around in the A.M. to check on the cost. and to pick up a book or 2.
John

 

[rbernie]

Presses - the Lee Classic is absolutely the best deal going on a non-progressive press. It's half the price of the comparable single-stage (and unlike the Challenger is truely built to last a lifetime). You can spend more, but you won't get more. I've tried a bunch, and the Lee Classic is my absolute favorite.

Glass - Midway has the Sightron 3x9-42 in matte or silver for $199. That is a HONKING good deal on a really decent scope. I just picked up one, and I'm probably going to get another one ASAP - before Midway raises the price again or runs out of inventory.

 

[ojibweindian]

I, too, have a Lee Classic press. Very well built.

 

[alamo]

you really should check out the new Sportsmen's Warehouse on I-35 up in Round Rock. You will be amazed at the stuff they have in that place. Think of it as an Academy on steroids.

Just went there this afternoon. Quite a place. Think of an Academy with all the leisure wear, sports team jerseys, hats, etc. & other crap all taken out and then double or more the hunting, fishing, gun stuff and other great things. Just wish it was more convient. Handgun prices were pretty good, you can do slightly better but not much. Very big firearm selection, salesman said they were somewhat depleted from Xmas but it sure didn't look like it.
No used or surplus rifles or handguns of course.

 

[Lonestar.45]

Yep, it's quite the place, wish I never found it, because it's so close to my house, I sometimes find myself just driving over there and wandering around.

I have no idea what I'm going to do when Cabela's opens in Buda. It's too far to just swing by, and the wife will get suspicious if I'm gone for 4 hours and I was just supposed to take the movie back to Blockbuster.

 

[357Texas]

Just got back home

I went to the Sportsmans Warehouse about 10:00 am and just got back home in south Austin about 8:30 pm granted I did stop for dinner on the way home. It was great I got the book on reloading I was told to get "One Book/One Caliber I looked at it some seems to be good so far.
Thanks
John

 

[seeker_two]

I'll second Art's suggestion about McBride's and Oliver. That man knows more about firearms, reloading, and life in general than most libraries. And the reloading room is a great way to spend a couple hours just listening...

Is this the same Sportsman's Warehouse that puts out the Sportsman Guide & Shooters cataogs? I didn't think they had a store in Texas. Looks like I'll be making a trip to Round Rock sometime soon...

 

[Art Eatman]

Always happy to help out a South Austin fella...I grew up at what's now 9000 Manchaca Road. Ran cattle there until the 1970s. Killed lotsa deer and a few turkeys. Had a bench rest and a 100-yard backstop.

Castlewood Forest got started, so I had to shift from deer to feral cats. Cars killed more deer than rifles, after about 1975. "Progress", they tell me.

I started hanging out at McBride's back when Jack first started in the old house that used to be on the corner. Back when Joe was just a pup, and still had hair. Jay was still a skinny kid.

Art