THR Reloading Gear Review Thread

I know right, it would help some folks.

Well... I say that with my tongue firmly in my cheek. A thread like that would get locked in about 18 posts....

I admit to not liking Lee stuff as a general rule, as an example, yet other people love their stuff... and that's OK, and shouldn't be a point of contention among gentlemen.
 
I was gifted an RCBS Bench Mounted primer a couple of Christmas' ago. I use it from time to time, but haven't totally warmed up to it yet when compared to my hand primer, also RCBS.

My recollection is that one size primer, either small or large, works flawlessly. The other has a fair amount of stoppages, popping out etc., can't remember which. Do you other guys see the same thing or is it just me?
 
One of the best things I did for metallic reloading was to get the riser stands from Inline Fabrication; the presses - a RCBS Jr and a Hornady LnL - now there is zero torque on the bench edge, and when standing, everything is at a comfortable height

 
I was gifted an RCBS Bench Mounted primer a couple of Christmas' ago. I use it from time to time, but haven't totally warmed up to it yet when compared to my hand primer, also RCBS.

My recollection is that one size primer, either small or large, works flawlessly. The other has a fair amount of stoppages, popping out etc., can't remember which. Do you other guys see the same thing or is it just me?
No problem with large or small.
 
An age old issue, and it was one of mine for most of my reloading journey.
..as it was, and is still is, for many of us. Most of us first got into reloading to save monies. Then for many of us, it developed into not only saving monies, but having better shooting ammo. Then, during the ammo shortages, it was a means to have any ammo at all. Last, but not the least, it has become for many of us, an enjoyable hobby and a pastime. As with most hobbies, the priority of saving money can be lost due to the enjoyment we get from it. But, it still comes down to cost per round, when components and equipment is measured in. Those who loads tens of thousands of rounds a year can justify many higher end items, then those that load a few hundred rounds a year can't. Sometimes those higher end items are needed for the higher number of rounds that need to be reloaded. I started out in my early teens, reloading 16ga Shotgun shells with a Lee whack a mole. Iffin I remember correctly, the whole system cost me like $19.95 back in the mid 60s. They aren't a whole lot more today and they still make quality ammo safely. But for most of us they are too slow and awkward to make more than just a few rounds. Once I went from shooting a few grouse on the weekends to shooting trap, I moved up to a MEC 500 jr, just so I could keep up.

While there are many higher end items I would like to have on my bench, at 71 years of age and the steady decline in number of rounds I shoot(and reload) as every year passes, I have a hard time justifying them as anything but to pass on to the boys when I'm gone. Hopefully, they will continue the tradition and need those things.
 
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I was gifted an RCBS Bench Mounted primer a couple of Christmas' ago. I use it from time to time, but haven't totally warmed up to it yet when compared to my hand primer, also RCBS.

My recollection is that one size primer, either small or large, works flawlessly. The other has a fair amount of stoppages, popping out etc., can't remember which. Do you other guys see the same thing or is it just me?
If you get hangups pull the sleeve back and make sure the base that touches the primer face is tight to the shaft.... it may be for depth adjustment but the only thing I had to figure out.
 
My best and favorite piece of reloading gear is a funnel. This one: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1018660122?pid=348452

I actually bought two, and have not had any static issues since. Powder pours nice as well, even stick powders. I'm thinking of buying another one or two, and at the price they don't break the bank.

chris

I've looked at those before and kind of cringed at the price. Seems like a lot ($28) for a funnel but they sure look nice!
 
Never thought about how simple my setups are. Highest tech is Wilson case guages and matching mic plus redding comp shell holders .
 
I'm rather careful in researching items before I buy them, so most tend to meet expectations. Every now and then something I buy exceeds expectations and I get pleasantly surprised. Two stand out when I give it some thought:

1. KMS (squared) UFO lighting systems. These are the best production lighting systems for presses on the market...especially progressive presses.

They are well designed (doesn't shine into your eyes), easy to install (double sided tape, and not very expensive. They offer the most illumination of any I've seen/tried, with the strips of LEDs either radiating out in spokes (Hornady, Lee) or surrounding the perimeter (Dillon) of toolheads...much better than lights attached to side supports or ones coming down the middle of the tool head. As an added plus, the company is veteran owned.

2. Inline Fabrication (IF) Ultramounts and Ergo handles...think Dillon Strong Mount on steroids. Their Ultramount (9.75" tall) was originally designed for the Hornady LNL AP and the linkage clears to top of my bench by .125" (1/8")...they also offer 7.5" and a 4" models if you want to overhang the edge of the bench or if you have shorter presses. The greatest advantage is that the mounts distribute the downward forces over the span of their base and don't add "twisting" force to the bench edge.

You can take advantage of their Quick Change (QC) system to use the same mount for different presses or tools by using different plates. The QC system also allows use with their flush mount plate to free up space on your bench...their QC Workbase allows a raised work surface to fit your QC plate.

The IF Ergo Handle (EH) not only adds a roller handle but is also shaped so you never have to bend, at the waist, during your downstroke. The EH really takes the strain off your wrist and lower back

IF also offers case ejection systems for single stage presses and the Lee Classic Cast Turret press
 
I'm rather careful in researching items before I buy them, so most tend to meet expectations. Every now and then something I buy exceeds expectations and I get pleasantly surprised. Two stand out when I give it some thought:

1. KMS (squared) UFO lighting systems. These are the best production lighting systems for presses on the market...especially progressive presses.

They are well designed (doesn't shine into your eyes), easy to install (double sided tape, and not very expensive. They offer the most illumination of any I've seen/tried, with the strips of LEDs either radiating out in spokes (Hornady, Lee) or surrounding the perimeter (Dillon) of toolheads...much better than lights attached to side supports or ones coming down the middle of the tool head. As an added plus, the company is veteran owned.
I saw a few posts on THR regarding these and thought, "Gee, that would be nice for my RCBS Turret". And then after a few seconds of thought; "How the heck would you mount it? The turret rotates!" Maybe not such a good idea.
Back to using what I have been using the last year or two; a magnetic base flexible LED light. Runs off 3 AAA batteries, will stick to any ferrous metal press anywhere you want, and cost like 5 bucks at the local Ace Hardware. I use this in conjunction with a headlamp.

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I've been pleasantly surprised by the Redding Competition Seating die as it really does everything it is advertised as doing.

Not only does it have a micrometer adjustment of seating depth, but the sliding sleeve that guides the bullet into the die holds it in perfect alignment with the case all the way up to contact with the seating ram. The floating ram adjust to and contacts the bullet at it's ogive for consistent seating

Unlike RCBS who did away with the small lead shot in the set screw that locks in their lock rings, Redding lock rings still include the lead shot...I replace their lock ring with Hornady ones because I prefer how they tighten the ring around the die
 
Unlike RCBS who did away with the small lead shot in the set screw that locks in their lock rings, Redding lock rings still include the lead shot...I replace their lock ring with Hornady ones because I prefer how they tighten the ring around the die
I've been trying to find Hornady split lock rings as a stand alone to install on my RCBS dies but so far, no luck. Where do you get yours from?
 
But, it still comes down to cost per round, when components and equipment is measured in
Depends on the person. Me, personally, I could care less about cost per round. I was taught to reload before I got my first center fire and think of it as an enjoyable hobby outside of the shooting. I know, that won’t make sense to a lot of folks, and they will want to argue about it but, I’m not gonna have any of that. I like a bargain. I like bargain shopping. But I don’t keep track of cost per item, just whether or not I want it and the asking price is better than elsewhere for the same thing. That’s enough for me. YMMV.
 
And? Tell us about it!
The link can do it better. It has a micrometer adjustment. when using it I have the heavy frame, leverage, and feel of a Redding T7 to seat the primers. I also have a RCBS automatic bench primer but like this much more. It's a precision piece of equipment and priced accordingly.
 
Depends on the person. Me, personally, I could care less about cost per round. I was taught to reload before I got my first center fire and think of it as an enjoyable hobby outside of the shooting. I know, that won’t make sense to a lot of folks, and they will want to argue about it but, I’m not gonna have any of that. I like a bargain. I like bargain shopping. But I don’t keep track of cost per item, just whether or not I want it and the asking price is better than elsewhere for the same thing. That’s enough for me. YMMV.
If I never bought a stitch of reloading gear or components and only boxed ammo the past 40 years I'd probably be WAY ahead monetarily. But I truly enjoy reloading as an activity and no longer think too much about cost per round.
 
I've been trying to find Hornady split lock rings as a stand alone to install on my RCBS dies but so far, no luck. Where do you get yours from?
Here's one option:


I sometimes pick them up at a large retail location as well, small gun shops generally don't have them. Think Cabela's, Sportsmans, Fin Feather and Fur, and the like. Basically stores that stock Hornady stuff all the time.

chris
 
Here's one option:


I sometimes pick them up at a large retail location as well, small gun shops generally don't have them. Think Cabela's, Sportsmans, Fin Feather and Fur, and the like. Basically stores that stock Hornady stuff all the time.

chris
Thanks! I looked on Midway's site just 2 weeks ago and they didn't even list them. Appreciate the link!
 
I've been trying to find Hornady split lock rings as a stand alone to install on my RCBS dies but so far, no luck. Where do you get yours from?
I usually get mine at Amazon...about $1 more than Midway, when you buy 6...but I have Prime so I have free shipping

If you don't mind buying Canadian, McJ Tools lock rings are an option for quite a bit less if you want to buy 12 rings. I got them for my 10-station Apex-10

I use the same wrench to tighten them as I'm using for the Lee Spine Drive Breech Lock rings on my Lee 6 Pac Po
 
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