Reloading Setup?

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AechKay

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Albany, NY
What I'm looking for: Price is no object so don't be shy. Look at this like your dream set, I guess you could say.

Progressive Press -
Single Stage Press -
Separate Powder Measure -
Hand Priming Tool -
Reloading Dies - (223, 223 match, 762x51)
Powder Scale (Digital) -
Lube Pad -
Lubricant - (non aerosol)
Loading Block -
Case Trimmer -
Deburring Tool -
Case Neck Brushes -
Case Gauges -
Primer Flipper -
Primer Picket Brushes -
Powder Tricklers -
Powder Funnel -
Bullet Pullers -
Digital Calipers -
Primer Tray -
Chronograph -

Basically, its like this. I'm deployed. I wan't to take up reloading and I want to take it head on. I've ordered the books I need and In another month I'll have someone here to help me out that knows a little bit about it. Price is no issue, I'm going to write it all off anyways. I'd really like your alls recommendations on what to get because I tried pricing this out myself and putting it all together but I started to get confused with the dies and bushings. I want to load 223, 223 match, and 7.62x51. It's going to be a long year and if I don't find something to kill the time, I'm going to loose my mind.
 
Progressive Press – Dillon 650

Single Stage Press – RCBS rockchucker
Separate Powder Measure – A Lyman 55 for the RCBS and two spare Dillon.
Hand Priming Tool - Lee
Reloading Dies - (223, 223 match, 762x51) Dillon carbide for all three

Powder Scale (Digital) - RCBS
Lube Pad - N/O
Lubricant - (non aerosol)N/O
Loading Block - RCBS
Case Trimmer – Girade power trimer
Deburring Tool – Same as above it does both jobs
Case Neck Brushes - midway
Case Gauges - dillon
Primer Flipper - dillon
Primer Picket Brushes -lee
Powder Tricklers – lee hornady
Powder Funnel - lee
Bullet Pullers - rcbs
Digital Calipers - Lyman
Primer Tray -
Chronograph –N/o
 
Are you planning on running a business? I only ask because you said you plan on writing it off. If you are planning on doing so have you filed for your FFL yet? Not trying to be nosy, just want to make sure you have all your bases covered.
 
Here's my .02 cents worth.

Progressive Press – Dillon 550 or 650
Single Stage Press – Redding Big Boss II
Separate Powder Measure – Hornady or Redding
Hand Priming Tool – RCBS Universal
Reloading Dies - (223, 223 match, 762x51) Dillon
Powder Scale (Digital) - RCBS 750
Lube Pad – ????
Lubricant - (non aerosol) ????
Loading Block -????
Case Trimmer – Manual Trimmer = Lyman Powered Trimmer = Dillon
Deburring Tool - ????
Case Neck Brushes -????
Case Gauges - ????
Primer Flipper - Dillon
Primer Picket Brushes - RCBS
Powder Tricklers -????
Powder Funnel -????
Bullet Pullers – Hornady
Digital Calipers - ????
Primer Tray - ????
Chronograph -????

???? = no opinion
 
I checked with a few people, one at H&R bloc and they said because I was in the military it was considered something I could write off. I have to maintain "proficiency".
 
Okay, guess I should write off my reloading gear too. Seriously...I would double check that...unless your MOS, NEC, etc is reloader, which I have never heard of, there is no requirement to be proficient in reloading, nobody that I know of on active duty is required to reload bullets...uncle Sam buys em. Maintaining your pistol and rifle quals maybe...I'm not trying to be a smart butt, I just don't want to see you get burned. I don't think you could even pull that off as an armorer.
 
And after 40 years of reloading and a second time setting up a good bench it might still end up looking like a mess when you are not using it. This one is still getting there. Get all good stuff and it will last you all your life.

reload1007.jpg
 
I checked with a few people, one at H&R bloc and they said because I was in the military it was considered something I could write off. I have to maintain "proficiency".
Click to expand...

From one vet to another. . .

I'd keep checking around. Unless the tax laws have (recently) changed, I think you're getting some bad advice--bad as in potential Article 15 advice.

I had one of those jobs when I was in the service many moons ago where I should've been able to write off any and all diving equipment I bought/rented/borrowed, any parachuting excursions, any and all shooting, etc etc.

The last year I was in, I jokingly asked the nice accountant who was helping me to "just write that stuff off--I need to keep in practice." Long story short, she said that there are specific rules and exclusions for active-duty military personnel regarding "profiency." In essence, the tax rules were/are "if you need it, the military will provide enough of it to meet THEIR proficiency expectations."

When I was in federal law enforcement, I tried to write off a lot of things like guns (for backup and personal defense when not on the job), additional ammo, holsters, etc. What I found out was twofold. One was same as when I was in the military--if DoJ thinks you need it for the job, they'll provide enough of it to satisfy THEIR expectations. And two, while I could legitimately write off more than I could in the military, if I ever got audited and had so much as a hiccup regarding those write-offs, I could kiss my career good-bye.

May not be fair, but that's how it was.

I'd get some more advice--starting with your JAG's office. If "money is no object," then I'm guessing you're a young, single officer. Screw up on something like that and they'll hammer on you like a cheap nail. And if you're not an officer, they must be paying NCOs a helluva lot better than when I was in.

Jeff
 
Pay aint as bad as it used to be, my E-6 pay with 11 years....5,500 a month...that is with BAS, BAH, and language proficiency pay though. Tax write off aside...if you are really serious and a good portion of your reloading is going to be 223, and you even think you might be using military surplus cases, in any decent quantity..consider the super 1050 so you can swage on press too...save a hell of a lot of heartache. Get an RCBS lube die, put that is station one, resize die in station 2, trimmer in 3 or 4, wherever it fits...you can crank out processed brass a LOT quicker that way. That is the setup I have on my 650 but I have to use the super swage off press which adds a lot of time...1200 cases in about 2 hours.
 
Glad to see pay has increased. It took me until I hit E4 before I cleared $1000 a month. Guess I'm also showing my age.

If our young military friend is trying not to go crazy during a deployment, something more time consuming like a single-stage press with top-shelf components might be something else to consider.

He could still crank out some ammo, and plenty of it, but it would be a lengthier and more hands-on time consuming process to help take his mind off the boredom/madness of deployment.

Just another thought to this matter.

Jeff
 
I use Dillon, RCBS, Redding, and LEE equipment and see quite a bit of used equipment go through the shop. Here's what I recommend:

If you are loading pistol or rifle for quantity the Dillon 650 works great. If you're loading for competition in excess of 200 yd you'll prefer the Redding T-7.
The Dillion is not a good machine for working up loads or short runs.

Progressive Press - Dillon 650
Single Stage Press - Forget single stage. Get a Redding T-7 Turret
Separate Powder Measure - Redding BRK
Hand Priming Tool - RCBS Universal
Reloading Dies - (223, 223 match, 762x51) Dillion for progressive, Redding Comp
Powder Scale (Digital) - Basic Frankford Arsenal
Lube Pad -
Lubricant - (non aerosol) Redding pump, Imperial paste
Loading Block - RCBS
Case Trimmer - Depends on quantity, Dillon 1200 for quantity, Forster
Deburring Tool - Doesn't matter
Case Neck Brushes - Redding
Case Gauges - Dillon or Wilson
Primer Flipper - Doesn't matter - Dillon
Primer Picket Brushes - Forget the brush, get the Redding carbide reamer
Powder Tricklers - RCBS or Redding
Powder Funnel - RCBS
Bullet Pullers - Dillon Kinetic, Hornady press mount for production
Digital Calipers - Starrett (Made in USA)
Primer Tray - Same as flipper?
Chronograph - Chrony

You're gonna have fun!
 
I would add to the killing the time thing...and I know a lot of people might call it a myth but a lot of people swear by single stage presses for match stuff too. Get a decent beginners kit with a single stage and start with that, wait a few months, see what you think and then if you still want to go hog wild get what you want. You can always find a use for a single stage...decapping random brass, sizing small lots, load development, put a Dillon trimmer on it, mount it to a portable like in the other thread and take it to the range for real time load development, tons of stuff really...just a thought.

For dies...I really like the Hornady New Dimension dies. I like the bullet seater sleeve, the hole in the sizing die that lets excess lube die goop out instead of dimpling brass, and you can get a micrometer attachment to top off the seating die...oh yeah..the free bullets don't hurt either.
 
Your first step is buying the best reference book or what I call Reloading for Dummies or The ABC's of Reloading from Krause Publications. Read it cover to cover, and then read it again while taking notes! Look for a mentor at your local club, range, or purveyor of supplies! Another more technical book, is Handloading for Competition by Glen Zediker.

There are several great reloading manuals of the real kind not the freebee ones! Freebee manuals are good for cross referencing data, at times. For meaty manuals a person can not go wrong with the Lyman48th, Hornady, and Sierra. One must always look up loads when you compare/cross-reference data. Especially in larger calibers as some data might be using different brass from yours. Case in point before the Hodgdon website upgrade they Hodgdon used WW brass to work up loads with, whereas Sierra used Fed cases in their 308 Winchester loading information. Now, Hodgdon does not list what brass the loads were worked up in.

Press - Single Stage or Turret presses are the best way to learn before advancing to any kind of progressive press. You will always have need for a single stage press. Redding and RCBS are good sources of all kinds of presses. RCBS Rockchucker Supreme for a single stage and Redding T7 for a turret press are basically the gold standard for the two different types.

Dies - I like Redding Dies, and I would get the carbide expander ball upgrade for bottle neck rifle cases. Dillon makes carbide rifle sizer dies, but you still need to use case lube and make sure you lube the inside of the case neck, too. I would just stick with regular dies for rifle cartridges. Dillon makes die sets specifically for their press so to speak, meaning that it does not come with a case mouth belling die; Redding makes a set of dies for progressive presses, too. I like Forster competition seaters, and they can be had as an individual item. Dies are pretty much threaded universally, except for Lyman 310 dies, and Dillon dies for the Square Deal B. Accuracy nuts will use hand dies, and they require an arbor press be used.

Shell holders (if the die set doesn't have them like Lee) or the appropriate shell plate for the progressive press. Remember that many shell holders work for more then one cartridge. I would do some home work, especially if you get a Dillon. Some cartridge conversions might only require you to get powder funnel for the new cartridge.

A tumbler will be a good investment, as clean cases will not harm you dies. There are vibratory and rotary tumblers out there. I like corn cob media treated with some Iosso case polish. You can get walnut in bulk at Petco or Pet Smart. Bulk corn cob grit is a great way to reduce the cost of commercially supplied media, because you pay through the nose for the treated media from other vendors.

MTM makes great loading block tray that handles most cartridges.

Case Lube is great for both conventional dies, and to treat your brass used in a progressive press even with carbide dies. That extra lubricity makes the cycling of the press a tad slicker! Dillon spray lube works well for shake and bake application. I like Imperial Die Wax for rifle cartridges when FL sizing.

Case Neck Brush to clean bottleneck rifle cases

Dial Calipers

Case Trimmer (Lee works, but Possum Hollow is better, Wilson makes the best hand powered Lathe trimmer, and Giraud is the best powered Trimmer)

Deburring/Chamfering Tool

Primer Pocket Cleaner and uniformer

Primer Flip Tray is needed for loading pick up tubes for some primer systems like the Dillon.

Priming Tool (I like the RCBS (now even better with universal shell holder, but Sinclair makes the best)

Powder Scale - remember that is always better to have a mechanical scale as a back up to any electronic scale.

Powder Funnel kit with drop tubes especially if you intend to use powders like Varget.

Powder Trickler (used to tweak powder charges)

Powder Measure (nice for faster powder charges it does require a bit of learning curve to get consistent powder charges sort of rhythm thing) standard with progressive presses, but the RCBS Uniflow is nice! Redding makes a better one, and Harrell is the gold standard!

Hammer Type Bullet Puller (for taking down the boo boo's)

Ammo boxes and labels

A notebook for recording your results! Saves covering the same ground twice!

A chronograph is great when working up loads, but is more a luxury in the beginning.
 
Progressive Press - Dillon 650 or Hornady LNL

Single Stage Press -Redding Big Boss II or Forster Co-ax

Separate Powder Measure -RCBS Chargemaster, Harrell dispenser

Hand Priming Tool -RCBS Or Lee

Reloading Dies - (223, 223 match, 762x51) Redding pro comp w/carbide kit, Lee Collet neck die, Lee FCD, All with Hornady lock rings and Hornady die boxes

Powder Scale (Digital) -AccuLab Scale and a RCBS 10-10 beam

Lube Pad -

Lubricant - (non aerosol)Imperial sizing wax, RCBS Lube die

Loading Block -MTM

Case Trimmer - Wilson/Sinclair with micrometer

Flash hole deburring tool-Redding

Case prep-RCBS trim mate

Swag tool- Dillon Super Swag

Deburring Tool -Wilson uniform deburring tool used on the trimmer, Dillon 1200 for large amounts

Case Neck Brushes - Forster case neck graphiter, neck brushes with graphite lube

Case Gauges -Wilson or Dillon

Primer Flipper - Any

Primer Picket Brushes -ANY

Powder Tricklers - Redding

Powder Funnel - Satern aluminum Powder funnel

Bullet Pullers -Hornady Cam-lock and a Kinetic type The kinetic type isn't the best for the smaller 22cal bullets. Some people have problems getting the energy need to knock the bullet out. Once you figure it out they work.

Digital Calipers -Starrett 6in or Mitutoyo 6in

Primer Tray -Any

Chronograph - Gamma Master w/ carry bags or CED M2 w/carry case, infrared screen set and battery pack

This would be close to my wish list some I have, some I dream of. And a lot more I coud add

Neck turning tool, Case neck Micrometer, Stuck case remover, Redding shellholders, OAL gauge, Comparator, Concentricity gauge, Case tumbler, Check weights for scales, Every reloading manual I could get my hands on (Hornady, Lyman, Swift, Barnes, VihtaVuori, Hodgdon, Norma, nosler, Lee, and Sierra. to name a few)

Some will look at this list and say you don't need to spend that much on this or that but you said money was no object so this was the best of thing that I could think of.
 
Since you said money is no object, I've indicated where having two of some tools would be advantageous.

Progressive Press - Dillon 1050 (two, set up for large and small primers) w/Hornady or RCBS case activated linkage & PM

Single Stage Press - Forster Co-ax (two, set up for 223, 308 jaws)

Separate Powder Measure - RCBS Chargemaster

Hand Priming Tool -RCBS Universal hand primer (two, set up for small, large primers)

Reloading Dies - (223, 223 match, 762x51) Forster bench rest ultra die sets, Lee Collet neck dies, Redding body dies, Lee FCDs, all with Hornady or Forster lock rings

Powder Scale (Digital) - Comes with the Chargemaster

Lube Pad -

Lubricant - (non aerosol)Imperial sizing wax, RCBS Lube die

Loading Block -Cabela's covered reloading trays

Case Trimmer - Wilson with Sinclair micrometer, Kinneman's mount/clamp (two, one set up for each caliber), power adapters

Flash hole deburring tool-Redding

Case prep- K&M or RW Hart neck turning tool

Swage tool- included on the 1050

Deburring Tool -Wilson uniform deburring tool used on the trimmer

Case Neck Brushes - Forster case neck graphiter, neck brushes with graphite lube

Case Gauges -Wilson

Primer Flipper - Dillon primer tube filler

Primer Pocket Brushes -ANY

Powder Tricklers - comes with Chargemaster

Powder Funnel - Satern aluminum Powder funnels

Bullet Pullers - Hornady Cam-lock and collets

Digital Calipers - Starrett, plus Neco concentricity gauge

Primer Tray - Comes with the RCBS universal

Chronograph - PACT Mark 4 XP or CED M2 with infrared screens

Andy
 
If money wasn't an object I would go to Sinclair and buy one of everything.

BTW, writing it off only means you don't have to pay taxes on the money spent. So if you spent 5 grand on reloading equipment it doesn't mean you can pay 5 thousand less in taxes; it means you don't have to pay income tax on the five grand you spent. Which at an NCO pay or butter bar Lieutenant pay is 25% or a write off of $1,250. If you can write it off (highly unlikely) you could, because it is a "business" asset, also depreciate the equipment (possibly on a 7 year schedule.) Be sure to have your accountant show you in the tax code where you can write off personal ammo. I am guessing it is personal since you are provided your work ammo by your employer.
 
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I would recommend a single stage press. If later you decided you want to go faster, there is always a place on the bench for a single stage. I like and use mostely RCBS but own something from all the colors.

I load match 223, 308 and once in awhile '06. I do shoot mostly 223 now however. I am an active High Power shooter and have shot as many as 16 matches in a season. People like to spout off about a progressive but there seems to be some thought stick powders shoot long range better than ball powders. Progressives and powder throws don't do well with stick powders.

I load my ammo on a single stage press which I bought over 20 years ago. I got tired of weighing and trickling powder charges so I bought a Lyman DPS 1200. I throw a charge out of my uniflow and have the Lyman finsh it off. It goes quickly and I end up with elec weighed powder charges. If I were to buy a elec throw today I believe I would go for the RCBS charge master.

If you are going to shoot GI brass, you will need a primer pocket swage. There is only one worth a hoot and that is the Dillon Super Swage.

The best money I've spent I've found to date which will tighten up groups is a primer pocket uniforming tool.

You will need some way to trim. To keep it simple I use a Forester with a hand crank. It only takes a few turns and you brass is trimmed.

Dies: I use Hornaday match bushing dies. These allow a person to change how tight the neck of the case holds the bullet. I've bought only one bushing to date. For '06 I use a plain old set of RCBS dies and for what I'm doing with a none tuned Garand they work well.

For seating dies, there is only one which stands head and shoulders above the others and this is the Forster Ultra match. This seating die is built like a tank and will stand up to loading 223 with 69 to 80 gr SMK's with Varget and Re-15 as these are compressed loads.
 
become a NRA pistol instructor

everythimg you need to teach you can write off. you kinda need to be realistice with expenses vrs income from teaching classes.
 
TexasSkyhawk got it right (post 9).

I checked with a few people, one at H&R bloc and they said because I was in the military it was considered something I could write off.
Click to expand...

No offense, but taxes are what i do for a living. How to say this without casting undue aspersions? Hmm?

H&R Block is a good choice for some people.

In your particular situation, if you really want to try to write off reloading equipment, I would suggest you contact a Certified Public Accountant who does taxes full time, rather than someone who may only work in the field from February to mid-April each year. Based only on what you have shared, I personally would refuse to sign a return were a client to even attempt such a write-off.

___________

Claude Clay said
become a NRA pistol instructor. Everything you need to teach you can write off.
Click to expand...

Emphasis on the word need. NRA pistol instructors do not need to reload their own ammo. They can buy it. NRA pistol instructors do not need to provide ammo to their students. And they are taking on unneeded risk if they do. NRA pistol instructors do not even need to shoot. I know of at least one who never shoots off anything other than his mouth. They only need to be able to teach. And for that, they don't need to be actually shooting their own reloads.
 
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