optional reloading stuff you wished you didn't get and stuff that made you happy

[roval]

Maybe some people can learn from this or think about a purchase twice after reading this. some of this may be operator error but just didn't work for me.

THINGS I WISH I HADN'T BOUGHT

hornady lock n load oal gauge curved-figured I'd get to use it on both my bolt action and my M1A. I had high hopes for this but I just can't get consistent readings out of it. $47-50

the bullet comparators, body, anvil and inserts , that you end up buying to use with the above. again I can't measure it consistently. I doesn't self center, if the bullet is slightly tilted you get different readings, so can't get consistent readings with the same bullet from mine. $45-50 worth.

RCBS pro trimmer 2- worked ok but for $120 I later realized i'll only be interested in trimming 308 and 223 . I could have bought 2 WFTs and have had an easier time. It's a slow process and thought of getting a carbide cutter but then I might be sinking more money on something that i'll decide is really too slow.

RCBS ultrasonic cleaner- just not as effective as I expected works good if working with small loads only. I've used it for a few batches of 223 last yr and 45 acp and haven't used it much since then. Maybe I'll use it to clean a revolver cylinder one of these days.

redding powder measure and extra handgun insert- bought this for my press but I had soon thereafter bought a progressive, I should just have bought a cheaper first powder measure.... for ball powders my progressive powder measure drop is good enough. for hard to measure powder, I still use the progressive with a lighter charge and then use a trickler for getting the exact charge I need.

I still have all these and no doubt will still use or attempt to use them but they just weren't good buys for me. as previously mentioned it may be operator dependent but they were just not that great for me.


THINGS I'M HAPPY I BOUGHT SOONER RATHER THAN LATER.

lyman case prep center- a real wrist saver.

buying a progressive early(Dillon 550 in my case)- I couldn't stand ending up with 200 rounds only after a night of reloading in the garage. I enjoy seeing and anticipating the fruits of my labor. ...the labor not so much.

chronograph- I know people that reload for yrs without using one but just gives me information I think is really useful.

that's all I could think off for now

 

[roval]

forgot to add my Dillon pocket swager as something I think was worth it. I don't even do the rubber band mod on it and I'm still ok with it.

 

[Candyman87]

I love my RBCS case Trimmer 2. I do a bunch of low volume rifle loads in different caliber a and am always looking to add a new bolt action rifle to my list. The Case Trimmer allows me to adapt to whatever I need at any given time.

Frankford Arsenal Perfect Fit loading blocks have been a blessing too. I prefer them over universals because I always get a great fit. And at $5 apiece I buy two with every new caliber. Yes I have a stack of them but they come in handy for working with batches.

 

[jeeptim]

WFT... The best!!!!
Through the die powder measure. .. No good for me! Hard to see the powder drop.

 

[gojones]

Lived with 1970's RCBS Rockchucker for 40+ years, finally bought a progressive (Hornady LNL AP) and another single stage (Forster Co-Ax). Should have done this many years ago.

Switched the Rockchucker over to the Hornady bushings like the LNL AP. Changing dies are a snap now.

I too cannot get a consistent reading on the head space using the Hornady headspace gauge system. May switch to innovative technology gauge.

Switching to Hornady Sure-Loc Die Lock Rings for all my pistol and revolver dies. Using Forster die lock rings for rifle.

Using inlinefabrication ultra mount systems and docking mounts.

 

[JO JO]

one thing i have noticed for me is if i buy something and don't want it down the road most things are easy to sell off, or trade off

 

[ironworkerwill]

Hornady hand primer- works fine for LRP but allows SRPs to jamb and flip over. Well built and has good mechanical advantage but I can prime SRPs faster on the press.

Lyman primer pocket reamers- become dull too quickly the Hornady brand has lasted WAY longer.

Hornady primer pocket uniformer- Works ok but I should have purchased the KM for use with a power tool as the Hornady only fits the knurled aluminum handle.


If anyone uses the Lee trimmer, get the cutter with the wooden knob(or drill and gorilla glue a bigger handle on the regular one), it keeps the arthritis pains down.

 

[moxie]

Lee Autoprime hand primer. Easy to use, cheap, and you avoid all the primer woes so many report on this and other boards.

 

[Toprudder]

Should have bought sooner:
RCBS Chargemaster 1500. Love it. So far I have used it only for working up ladder loads for pistols. Beats dispensing/trickling by hand. I'm really looking forward to using it when I start loading for rifle (308 mainly).

Gemini 20 electronic scale. Awesome little scale for the price, with resolution to 0.02gn. I formerly used it for working up ladder loads, but now mostly use it to verify powder drops in my progressive press. I like it better than the Frankford electronic scale.

RCBS case prep center. I have all the bits, including the primer crimp removers.

Frankford Rotary Tumbler. Nothing works better for me than wet tumbling.

Should have saved my money:
Lee Challenger press complete kit. I have hardly used the beam balance or powder measure. If I had it to do over again, I would buy the Classic Turret press by itself. I do leave the Challenger bolted to my bench next to my Dillon 550, I use it for loading 38spl and 357mag ammo. I also use it with my collet bullet puller occasionally.

Frankford vibratory tumbler. I don't use it at all since I got the wet tumbler. I have not had any problems with mine, but there are other vibratory tumblers that are better quality and do a better job.

 

[fguffey]

I too cannot get a consistent reading on the head space using the Hornady headspace gauge system. May switch to innovative technology gauge.

My cases do not have head space, my cases have a length, I measure the length of my cases from the shoulder to the head of the case with a case length gage. The tools I use for measuring the length of the case are rock solid, I do not find it necessary to measure the case length over and over, I do not find it necessary to measure every case.

I use comparators and case gages when measuring cases.

F. Guffey

 

[Clint M]

Some of my best purchases that get used often. RCBS 10-10 scale, Redding trickle charger, makes working up loads easy, and it's fast enough to keep everything moving alone.

A good notebook for recording data, or notebooks one for each gun.

Through the ram primer disposal, I have Lee, Redding and Forster all work great. I should have purchased the Forster co-ax years ago fantastic press to use as well as best priming tool I have owned, love the universal shell holders and have never lost a part. Imperial sizing die wax is good, Royal case&die wax is the best I have used, Hornady unique is second best right in line with imperial. outstanding

Hornady (then stoney point) headspace/bullet comparator with inserts combined with a caliper to set up dies etc. work great.

Some of my that have not worked so well have been powder measure for extruded powder ranging from $30-$300+

 

[WestKentucky]

On my wished I hadn't list are a whole bunch of items geared towards production of ammo in large quantity. I still stick to the original loading technique I was taught, using almost all the same tools. A single stage press, a set of Lee dippers, a scale, and calipers....which leads me to the things I am happy about...a nicer press (green) nicer scale (frankford) and 4 mtm trays loading trays. A harbor freight vibratory tumbler (the entire family calls it the vibrator) and frankford media separator...then the little shop vac.

 

[Gravedigger56]

Very Happy:

Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler
RCBS Universal hand primer
Dillon Super Swager 600
RCBS Chargemaster 1500
RCBS bullet puller
Homemade Case Lube (lanolin, alcohol)

It Works:

RCBS RS-5 (Would have preferred a Rock Chucker, more accessories)
RCBS Uni-Flow Measure (Only needed one. Don't know why I bought 3)
RCBS Vibratory Tumbler (Prefer wet tumbling)

Don't Like:

Tube fed primer system on RCBS Turret Press.
RCBS Pocket Swager


Regrets:

Not getting a Dillon Progressive (Yet)

 

[blarby]

Lee zip trim : fastest circuit to the circular file of almost anything I've ever owned.

Handiest thing I've ever bought : Lee scoops set. Used regularly.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

lyman case prep center- a real wrist saver. by far one of the best addition to the bench

 

[redclay]

By far the best investment was a "Little Crow" case trimmer, set it and you get perfect brass length every time and fast. Next best was hornady dyes with the sliding bullet holder, seats ballistic tipped bullets properly every time and no damaged tips.

Worst was a sonic cleaner with a heater,used it twice and holes started forming in the bottom and cleaning solution ate the electronics.

 

[Clint M]

Gravedigger56

Which RCBS primer pocket swager did you get ? I'm about to purchase one (can't find my dillon either sold or loaned). I have been looking over the RCBS swager that is a close match in appearance to the dillon super swage 600.

 

[Clint M]

A few other items I have enjoyed

-Forster full length dies, the best bullet seater in a standard die set to my knowledge, Hornady is second
-The nice flip top ammo cases with handle (nice ammo cases) they are worth the extra in my use.
-Set of shell holders with case so you can keep up with them.
-Tumbler to clean cases to save dies
-Bore guides plastic with o-ring seals, they are so much better than the metal adjustable bore guides
-Good once piece cleaning rods, easy to research more manufactures are stepping into this area.

Disappointments

-Lee anniversary kit challenger aluminum press, using for 300 win mag press flexed I had a hard time with it.
-Redding Ultramag press, it was built outstanding, however my son got his finger caught in ram, and I has also, the handle would fall down from the weight shooting the ram to the top. It's a fine press, but the only one I have seen that problem on.
-

 

[Gravedigger56]

Gravedigger56

Which RCBS primer pocket swager did you get ? I'm about to purchase one (can't find my dillon either sold or loaned). I have been looking over the RCBS swager that is a close match in appearance to the dillon super swage 600.

I got the press mounted version. What a pain, and I mean pain! My hand hurt for a couple days from pounding on the handle trying to get the cases to release from the swager post. I then purchased the Dillon super swager 600 and was amazed at how effortless the whole operation was with it. I can't imagine using anything else.

 

[readyeddy]

I wish I didn't get the collet dies and the powder measure. These were just mistakes on my part. Didn't know/realize that it's ill advised to neck size hunting ammo, and that there's no real way to use a powder measure with a hand press.

What I wish I bought earlier was my .223 WFT. Trimming a pile of .223 brass with a hand trimmer for 3 hours straight and not even putting a dent into the pile is no fun. If I had bought the WFT earlier I wouldn't have wasted my money buying new brass to feed my AR.

 

[Ironicaintit]

The only thing i have that is pretty much pointless is a hornady powder trickler.
Im pretty happy with my "finger tap actuated" 308 case.
$12 down the drain!

 

[Reefinmike]

Kinda wish I didn't buy:

The primer feeding system for the lee load all2. Much faster and easier to feed the primers by hand. No wonder they are discontinued.

Lee deluxe turret press. While it is just fine and has served me great over 25k loads, I wish I spent the extra $20 on the classic for it's spent primer collection. I just ordered a classic so that problem will be solved shortly.

Lee universal decapping die. I don't wet tumble nor do I worry about how pretty my primer pockets are. I haven't yet found a reason to decap and size in two different steps.

Electrostatic gun for powder coating bullets- I have been tumble powder coating for a year and finally decided to pony up the money for an es gun and air compressor. I can coat bullets significantly faster when tumble coating with much much less waste.

Glad I finally bought:

Wft cast trimmer- extremely consistent and I actually enjoy case trimming now.

Lee pro auto disk- it was a fairly early upgrade, but I dealt with the standard auto disk measure for a year. The original would leak powder unless you shaved down the base of the hopper. Then it would bind up with any fine ball powder such as w296 h110 h335 win748 and I'm sure plenty others. The powder shutoff on the pro is great as well.

#2 Phillips head bit- super cheap and effective primer pocket reamer when chucked in a drill and vice. I tend to cut off center and too deep when using the hornady primer pocket reamer in the drill. A #2 bit always cuts centered and it's not easy to remove too much material

 

[bocefus78]

I'm loving this thread! As a newer reloader, I'm still adding equipment as needed and hate wasting $.

What I wish I had sooner:

Progressive press for handgun stuff vs turret - huge time saver!
Lyman case prep center


What I wasted $ on :
Factory crimp dies for 9 and 40
bulge buster - the sizing die is good enough

 

[rdtompki]

Preface - New reloader, 9mm only, ~4K rounds/month, Hornady LNL AP with Case Feeder
Sad Face Items
-- 40 cal die set - switched to 9mm exclusively. I'll never use
-- Hornady New Dimension 9mm die set. Replace with various that work better (for me)
-- Power Cop die(s). RCBS lockout works better for me.
Happy Face Items
-- Hornady Press
-- Case feeder
-- Lee Sizer/Decapper die
-- Lee FCD
-- RCBS Micrometer Seater die
-- Inline Fabrications: ergo handle, lights, bullet and complete round bin mounts

Haven't made too many mistakes and currently have a setup that works very well.

 

[surveyor]

Glad I have these
Chargemaster 1500
Rcbs case prep center
Cts bench mount trimmer
Dillon media separator
Hornady length guage
Headspace guage and bullet comparators
Redding carbide expander balls for 223/308
Redding micrometer seating stems for 223/308

Extra universal decap pins

Things I wished I passed on
Lee rifle dies (replaced with rcbs or redding)
Lee saftey scale ( replaced with 505)
Rcbs trim pro (not used much anymore)
Press mounted primer pocket swagers
Rcbs case lube 2 (use imperial wax)