What else will I need? Newb reloader.

[eng23ine]

I've just gotten into the whole reloading thing and bought a box full of used stuff to get me started.

Here's what I have so far:

RCBS JR3 press
RCBS 10-10 scale
RCBS Uniflow powder measure
RCBS .243 dies
Lyman .38/.357 carbide dies
1k Winchester small pistol magnum primers
100 CCI small pistol magnum primers
1k Hornaday 160 gr. .38/.357 lead bullets
1.5k Speer 125 gr. .38/.357 JSP bullets
~1k .357 brass
~500 .38 brass
~100 .243 brass
3 boxes 8mm brass
1lb hercules 2400 powder
speer reloading manual #9
bag of misc. brass- alot of .22 hornet
dial calipers

All for $250...did I get a good deal?
I've reloaded about a dozen .38 rounds so far, Its alot easier than I thought it would be.

What else do/will I need?

 

[Smokey Joe]

What you need...

Engine 23--There's a sticky @ the top of this forum dealing with equipment basics for the beginning reloader. You might try that.

The other thing you (and every reloader) needs IMHO is knowledge. The Standard Text on the subject of reloading is The ABC's of Reloading put out by Krause Publishing. www.krause.com

Get it @ yr local sptg gds sto, gun sho, the I'net, or order from the publisher. They are in their 7th edition--must be doing something right.

The ABC's covers ALL the basics of every form of reloading, plus it goes on to as far advanced as you want. Has something for everybody. Belongs on every reloader's bookshelf, well thumbed.

You have one loading manual--you might consider getting at least one more. Cross-checking when developing a new load is never a bad thing, and since it is impossible for one manual to cover all possible combinations of case, primer, powder, and bullet, more than one manual helps avoid information gaps. My go-to manual is the Lyman's 48th Edition, but there are several good ones out there.

But first, get, and read, The ABC's.

Oh, and welcome to The Magnificent Obsession--Reloading!

 

[jfh]

since this is used gear--

I would consider the following mandatory purchases:

1. oil, rags, a probe or two, and whatever else you need to completely clean the gear. You may have already done this. I'll assume you have basic hand tools to assist you.

2. A weight-check kit to verify the scale operates correctly. Lyman has one.

3. A max-cartridge gauge to check your loaded rounds.

4. Various tools--wrenches--'dedicated' to your reloading kit.

5. Case-cleaning gear--a tumbler, media, etc., etc.


And, Smokey Joe made excellent suggestions. In addition to the ABCs book, I would suggest Lyman's current edition of Pistols and Revolvers. Their load data is exhaustive.

Jim H.

 

[NavyLCDR]

Yes, you got a good deal. You are severely lacking on powder and primers

A digital caliper will be easier to read than the dial caliper, but you got enough to start! READ THE MANUAL!

 

[ADKWOODSMAN]

For. 38/.357 you will find unique and AA # 9 powder very helpful. I also have used more bullseye than any other for midrange .38 loads.

 

[kellyj00]

why RCBS and not Lee?

I'm new to reloading as well, but I've heard a lot of really good things about Lee for the price.

 

[Mal H]

kellyj00 - I think you missed the first sentence. The RCBS equipment was in a box of reloading goodies that he bought all for one price. It really wasn't a matter of one over the other.


eng23ine - $250 isn't bad for all that. I got to about the 8th line item when I hit $250 in my guesstimate of value for the used items.

 

[RustyFN]

eng23ine, looks like you got a good deal to me. From what I hear the 10-10 scale is one of the best you can buy. Just make sure you read and understand before you start. Welcome to reloading and load safe.
Rusty

 

[eng23ine]

Thanks for all the input folks.
So far I've got the following on my want list:
Case tumbler
Primer pocket cleaner
Deburring tool
Another reloading manual

Any suggestions about the above?

 

[Hunter0924]

Sounds like a great deal. RCBS makes excellent equipment.
For tumblers I try to stay away from the cheaper models. I am partial to Hornady myself.
I will agree The ABCs of Reloading is a great reference manual. Sierra, Lyman, and Hornady manuals are also a good investment.
There was a locksmith outside Raleigh I know who had the same set up for sale a while back.

 

[Sunray]

"...why RCBS and not Lee?..." Six of this, half dozen of the other, really. However, RCBS' warrantee is better. If you have any problems, they'll fix it, no questions asked. Even if you buy used equipment or you caused the damage.
"...Another reloading manual..." Lyman. It has more loads with more powders than a bullet or powder maker's book. Not that those are bad. The Lyman book is just more versatile.
IMR4350 is a good powder for the .243. There are varmint bullets and larger game bullets for the .243. You'll need to know what the rifling twist is in your barrel to determine which your rifle will prefer. A fast twist, like 1 in 9 or 9.5, will prefer heavier bullets than a 1 in 10 or 12. Heavy bullets start at 85 grains.
There's no reason to be concerned if your barrel likes heavy bullets when loading for varmints though. A ground hog won't care if it gets killed by a 105 or a 75 grain bullet.

 

[Outlaws]

You need a book.

I would also suggest case lube before you resize those rifles cases. Then once you fire them out of a bolt action, pickup a .243 neck sizing only die. The case will be matched to the chamber and you can skip the lubing part on subsequent reloads.

 

[eng23ine]

I dont even own a .243(or an 8mm mauser, or a .22 hornet)...just the reloading stuff for it.:banghead:

 

[RustyFN]

I dont even own a .243(or an 8mm mauser, or a .22 hornet)...just the reloading stuff for it.:banghead:

Thats a good thing. That gives you an excuse to buy more guns. Thats the same reason I pick up brass for calibers I don't own. Once I get enough then I have to buy a gun for it.
Rusty

 

[JP1954]

You might be a gun nut if:

- You have reloading equipment for a cartridge you don't shoot.

- You scrounge brass for a gun you don't own.

 

[Brian Williams]

Read as much as you can.

 

[eng23ine]

I picked up "The ABC's of Reloading" last week and have been reading it...good info in there.

This morning I went to the gun show and picked up a pound of bullseye, 1k win primers, and an Alliant loading data book.

This afternoon I loaded and shot 150 .38spl using 158gr wadcutters with 3.5gr of bullseye.

This is addictive!

Thanks for all the great info guys!

 

[lee n. field]

All for $250...did I get a good deal?

I think so. I'd have to add it all up. It's good stuff, and RCBS will take care of you.

What else do/will I need?

A newer reloading manual. Speer is on the 13th edition (I think) right now, and I read somewhere that the 14th is in the works.

A couple reloading trays.

case lube for the rifle cartridges. Won't need it for .38/.357 with the carbide dies.