Need Advise

[2/9 Manchu]

Ok, usually I can find info/answer I'm looking for by doing a search, but in this case, I need some advise from reloaders.

I've recently purchased a new barrel, bolt, & mag for Sig Arms SHR 970 in 280 rem.(thanks to all who referenced CDNN, great prices!). When I got the rifle, it was chambered for 300 win mag, but I'm not a big fan of mag cart unless needed(too good of deal to pass up @ $250). Well, after doing several searches for info on the 280 rem, I've come to the conclusion that my best bet would be reloading.

I have no knowledge of reloading, so getting reloading manuals would be my first step. ABC of Reloading & Lee Reloading manual seems to be the board recommendation for someone new to reloading. Are there any other manuals/how to books for new beginners to read? I know that I'll have to buy several manuals for reference once I start reloading, but I like to get as much info as possible on equipment, procedure, etc. before I put any $$ into reloading.

I will most likely reload for 45acp, 300 win mag, & 280 rem. I've got plenty of brass for the 45 & 300, so I'll reload those & stock up. The 280 will be cart I use next hunting season, so most of my range time will with this round. My plan is to start reloading the 280 first and move on to the others later. My question is about equipment. I want to start out with the least possible $$ investment as possible, but I don't want to go too cheap & have to start over with better equipment later on. In the boards opinion, what brand/manfacturer has equipment that you can expand on without reinvesting in duplicate equipment? I know that RCBS(sp?) has presses that can later be used in a progressive press, but is it worth the initial investment or is a progressive press even worth the $$? I know that the progressive will be a lot faster for reloading the 45, but not sure if any benefits for the rifle carts.

Any advise or recommendations will be appreciated.

Thanks.

KEEP UP THE FIRE!!

 

[Smokey Joe]

New reloader--welcome to the obsession!

2/9Manchu--First off, you've made a very good start, surveying what's already been said to new reloaders. Books: Yes, the Lyman's 48th and ABC's will get you going. Between them they should have all the answers you need for starters. The big advice here is STUDY UP BEFORE YOU BUY!

You're right, if you get into reloading, you'll eventually end up with a pile of manuals. lt comes with the territory. You'll also have a pile of boxes of dies, a variety of partial cans of powder, boxes of bullets you no longer want, and a lot of other miscellaneous bric-a-brac. Never throw a single bit of it out; you just never know.

DON'T start with the cheapest stuff. The good stuff isn't that much more costly, and will outlast you. RCBS presses are built like a brick pizzeria, but so are the Lyman, Hornady, and the other major makers. I'd stay away from a cast aluminum press like the Lee. Lee says it is just as good. Uh-huh, yup. Cast iron is stronger.

You want to start out on a single stage for learning. Less to go wrong all at once, MUCH easier setup. And you'll still need a single stage for load development and short runs, no matter how deeply into progressive loading you eventually go. So the expense of a quality single stage press is never a waste. The consensus among rifle reloaders is to stay single stage (although some don't.) Pistol shooters almost always go to a progressive, because (1) they load such large numbers of rounds, and (2) the need for gnat-whisker-splitting uniformity of cartridges is not as great with a pistol.

RCBS puts out a Rockchucker Kit that includes their classic press, plus just about everything else you need to get started, except the dies which are sold separately, and of course the materials you need. I believe the other majors offer similar kits. As a start-up, if you have nothing, these kits seem to be a deal.

Check on www.AuctionArms.com and www.Gunbroker.com also at gun shows, and at gun shops for used equipment. Saves $$, and unless horribly mistreated--which will show on inspection--the used stuff works just fine. If it's missing a small part use that as a bargaining chip, as the manufacturers normally have excellent customer support. They have to, to compete with Dillon, which makes progressives, and which probably has the best reputation for customer support. All the others have to have xlnt customer support in self-defense.

Yr final question seems to suppose that you'll want to get rid of your single-stage press when/if you go progressive. I submit that that will not be the case.

Finally, welcome to reloading. Enjoy. Learn. Teach. Seek. Find. The journey is part of the destination.

 

[2/9 Manchu]

Thanks!!

Just got a couple of manuals in the mail and will start studing. Again, thanks for the info.