All set up for $340

[oerllikon]

Hey guys, Im a pretty new reloader, and pretty new to the sport in general, though I practice regularly
My local gander is moving stores, so everything in the store except guns and ammo are 20% off. I figured now would be a perfect time to get all set up for reloading.
I got a lyman crusher II press, RCBS uniflow powder measure, a cheap-o lyman scale, a stainless 6" lyman caliper, and a lyman accutrimmer. I just need some shell holders, some dies, case lube, and a couple other case prep accessories. How do you guys think I did? Also, I am looking for pointers for a new reloader.
Thanks for the great forum!

 

[Josh45]

While im looking to get into reloading, The only thing I can suggest to you is the carbide dies. There will be no need to lube the cases before starting the process.

I dont have personal experience in it, It seems like a good way to go...Other than that I think you pretty good.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I highly recommend Imperial Sizing Wax as a rifle case lube, there's nothing better.

Looks like you are well on your way to reloading, welcome aboard!

 

[Sport45]

Look at Lee dies. They're good, inexpensive, and you don't have to buy the shell holder separately.

What are you reloading, rifle or handgun?

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

you're lucky. i wish the gander mtn closest to me carried a decent reloading selection like that. they're actually selling off all their reloading stuff now. went in the other day and every single set of dies was gone except a set of Lee dies for 250 savage on clearance. i have to get pretty much all my stuff online.

 

[rfwobbly]

Oerllikon -

Congrats! That's some good equipment that will last you for years. Suggestions follow...

• You need a good manual. You didn't say what you were shooting (pistol or rifle) but the Lyman #49 is generally considered the best manual. Get one. Read it.

• Rifle reloading will require the trimmer (which you got) and the suggested case lube.

• About the "scale", is it a beam/balance scale or electronic? If electronic, then you need a full set of check weights to check over the weight range. Beam scales don't have that issue.

• You should look at Lee dies. They are highly cost effective. They are basic, meaning they don't have lots of frills, but they do the job and are well made. AND they come with the shell holder.

If you want feature-rich dies, look at Hornady. These are excellent dies and they send you 100 free bullets with each set, which offsets some of the price difference. They do not come with shell holders.

• Shell holders are interchangeable, but different makers assign them different numbers. So a Lee #5 may not be the same as an RCBS #5. This chart will help....
http://www.handloads.com/misc/shellholders.asp

• You'll need a sturdy bench. Do some research here and see how people solve this issue. There are literally thousands of ways to have a substantial bench for very few dollars. Higher is better than lower; heavy is better than light.

Read, read, read!

All the best

 

[oerllikon]

Thanks for the replies guys

I was planning on reloading for 9mm, 30-30, and 7.62x54r. Mainly 9mm since I will be shooting that excessively this summer.

The scale is a lyman balance beam, I dont really know how to zero it, so ill probably replace that pretty soon. I had a job last summer dealing a lot with electronic scales with zeros, tare, etc.

My bench still needs to be made, so I was planning on making one out of 2x4s. It doesnt need to be pretty, but its still sturdy and inexpensive.

Any other tips? Im pretty excited to work up some loads for my mosin, and some light recoil loads for my CZ 75. The 30-30 is already set up for 30 grs of 3031. Any other pointers are appreciated, thanks!