I'm new to reloading... do I have everything I need?

[<SLV>]

I finally made the plunge last night and picked up some equipment. After I got home I went to Midway's site to order the things I couldn't find in the stores.

Here is a list of the equipment that I have or am ordering. I want to reload three calibers: .30-06, 9mm, and 7.62 Tokarev. Have I thought of everything? Am I getting the right stuff? I'd like to make sure I've got what I need before placing the order with Midway.

STUFF I HAVE
Lyman's 48th edition reloading handbook
Lee Classic Cast single stage press
Lee .30-06 die set
Lee 9mm die set
Barry's brass tumbler
Turbo Tumbler tufnut
Lyman Acculine case trimmer
Hornady "balance beam" powder scale
Frankford Arsenal impact bullet puller
MTM Case-guard loading trays
RCBS Ram-Prime

STUFF I'M ORDERING
Lee Factory Crimp die 9mm
Lee 7.62 Tok. die set
Lee Factory Crimp die 7.62 Tok.
RCBS Chamfer/Deburring tool
Lee .30-06 neck sizer die
Redding #5 powder trickler
Frankford Arsenal powder funnel set
Frankford Arsenal digital caliper
Hornady Lock-n-load press and die conversion kit
Hornady Lock-n-load bushing pack (10)
Lee 38 Super carbide sizer (for no lube resizing on 7.62 Tok.)
Lee Improved Powder Measure Kit (2 - one that I can grind to custom volumes)

So... do I have what it takes to load my cartridges? I'm only going to do neck sizing on the .30-06, so I don't need any lubrication.

Thanks for your time an opinions!

 

[presspuller]

I think you have it covered. Its your money but I would go with dial calipers. I have seen the cheaper one give trouble that can cause real head aches down the line. But I have been a tool maker for over 20 years so I may be stuck in my ways.
Even with neck sizing a little lube never hurt anything, you will need it on the inside of the neck.

 

[<SLV>]

Someone had told me that lubricant can cause the neck to collapse... is this only when used with a full-size die, or only when used on the outside of the case?

 

[SASS#23149]

were the 30-06 cases fired in YOUR rifel,and is it the only rifle they will go in?That is the general guideline for neck sizinig only.If for a semi-auto,neck sizing can work,may not.Load a few dummies and cycle them in your rifle to know for sure.

Your lube question is confusing to me...not enought coffee yet,lol
Lube must be applied lightly and evenly,or it can dent the case when the brass is sized.

 

[Shoney]

When neck sizing, you will still need to FL resize every 3-5 times. Get some Imperial Sizing Die Wax as the lube.

A stuck case remover will eventually be needed.

 

[strat81]

Case lube and eye protection.

 

[<SLV>]

Let me clarify... I was told that if I only neck size, then I don't have to lube the cases. The .30-06 will only be fired in a single bolt-action rifle. I was also told that I would get better results if I left the case alone as it was "formed" to my chamber.

Yup... don't want to forget the safety glasses!

Thanks for the tip on the stuck case remover. Do you want to recommend a specific one?

 

[lordgroom]

I would suggest 2 reloading manuals. Lyman is good, metallic case reloading, speer, any most others are acceptable. You will get reloading date from the Lee Dies, which is quite helpful. I also like to have a can of compressed air, funnel to return powder from the powder measure to the powder container. A note book to record your loads and performance information and the powder and primers themselves.

Good Luck... It's habit forming.

 

[Powderfinger61]

Primer Pocket Cleaner Tool $2.09
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=467111
Sorry if I missed it in your list somewhere

 

[<SLV>]

Aaaahhh... primer pocket cleaner. Good catch! I'll also get a good log book to keep track of everything.

 

[earplug]

I didn't see any shell holders on your list.
They come in differant sizes to fit the base/rim of the cartridge your reloading. They attach to the ram of your press.

 

[<SLV>]

Thanks! The shell-holders are included with the Lee die sets.

I'm just about to place my order with Midway. I added a Lyman 3-ring binder log book, and I switched calipers from the FA digital to the Lyman dial. So far my entire system is manual (except for the electric tumbler). I kind of like the earthy connection of mechanical tools (rather than digital).

I'm sure this is a stupid question, but why can't I find a carbide neck sizer die for .30-06?

 

[presspuller]

Because I don't think anybody makes one.

You will do just fine with what you got.
To make a bottle neck carbide die would cost A LOT. I think I may have heard that Dillon makes some but I don't know for sure.