New to reloading

[graysonbornhunter]

I'm new to reloading and bought a bunch of gear at a local auction a couple of weeks ago. I'm missing a case trimmer and only got a only got a balance beam type scale, not digital. I will be reloading for my .243, . 30-06, .223 and 6.5. All for deer hunting. Do I need the case trimmer? Should I invest ina digial scale or will the one I got work just fine for very accurate measuring?

 

[Fleet]

No great need for the digital scale other than convenience. The case trimmer is always a good idea.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you're looking for a inexpensive case trimmer that works take a look at the Lee Zip Trim. For under $20 you get a tool that works without breaking the bank.

You will also need a cutter and case length gauges.
Lee Ball Cutter
.223 gauge
30-06 gauge
For not a lot of money you can do well.

 

[Lost Sheep]

No and no. By the way, Welcome.

Welcome to reloading and thanks for asking our advice.

For case trimming, in your situation, I would measure my brass (you have a gauge for that?) and those that need trimming, I would set aside until you have a case trimmer. (Simple solution, ignore the problem.) Just deal with the brass that is the proper size.

I prefer the balance beam scale. Electronic scales (depending on the quality of the shielding) are affected by floursecent lights that are too close. Scary.

While some people swear by their electronic scales, and undoubtedly, some are excellent and dead reliable, I can diagnose malfunctions with my balance beam scale with a strong light and magnifying light. My skills and tools with electronics are not up to the task.

What model balance beam scale do you have?

For that matter, if you post a complete equipment list, I am sure you will get a lot of advice on parts you lack and parts that are excess. Just be sure to give more weight to those who can tell you the reasoning behind their opinions. Remember, verify for yourself everything you learn from casual sources. Believe only half of what you see and one quarter of what you hear. That goes double for everything you find on the internet.

Good luck.

Lost Sheep

 

[chasw44]

G: Yes, you will need a case trimmer for your rifle cases. Pistol rounds normally don't need trimming, but rifle cases usually do. If you don't already have one, get a Lyman reloading manual, which provides maximum and trim-to case lengths for the cartridges you load. Interestingly, if you were to take a cast of the chambers of your rifles with Cerrosafe, you might see that the max case length your rifle will accommodate is much longer than the length published as standard. - CW

Check out the simple Lyman and RCBS models, get the pilots for the calibers you load. Get a chamfer tool with a handle so you can clean up the case mouths after they have been trimmed. I also, chamfer the inside of the mouth of any bottleneck case just before loading flat based bullets. - CW

 

[Hondo 60]

graysonbornhunter:

Yes, you NEED a trimmer. Without trimming you'll get REALLY inconsistent accuracy.
Not a good thing, when hunting!

The scale you have is really all you NEED.
I have a Pact BBK II electric scale & use it all the time.
But as mentioned above they are sensitive to outside influences.
EMI (Electromagnetic interference) from other powered sources can produce inconsistent readings, as can slight breezes.
So keep it away from an open window, fan or heat register.

 

[cfullgraf]

Beam scales are fine, just not as sexy as the electronic ones. Just use some kind of check weight to make sure it is reading correctly. Same applies for a digital scale as well.

You need to be able to trim your cases.

A caliper is fine for measuring case length.

The Lee trimmers are good and economical. To start, you will need the cutter and case stud kit and the case gauge and shell holder kit. For additional cartridges you just need to add the case gauge and shell holder kit appropriate for the new cartridge. You will also need a chamfer/deburring tool to finish the trimming job.

I prefer the cutter with the wood ball on it but they used to not sell it with the case stud. I use a 4" Vice-Grip(r) pliers on the standard cutter to act as a handle. Your hands will get tired holding onto the standard cutter after a while.

Then use a drill motor or battery screwdriver to spin the case for trimming.

Generally, I only trim cases that are too long.

Cases will grow during the resizing process. RCBS X-dies virtually eliminate trimming but the cases have to be trimmed to a particular size to start with, so you still need a trimmer.

 

[mdi]

Did you say you got a manual with all that stuff? Anyway to add to your library, get The ABCs of Reloading, Lyman's 49th Edition Reloading Handbook, a manual from the manufacturer of the bullets you will be using, and a manual from the manufacturer of the powder you'll be using. Read these and you'll know what equipment will suit your reloading needs...

 

[graysonbornhunter]

Thanks for all the help guys. Hope to get up and going very soon.