WEAPONS > Ammo & Reloading
New Reloader
Atkinsmatt:
I am collecting some new equipment to get started reloading for the AR. Eventually probably will expand to .308.
I had some borrowed equipment to let me test the waters and decided that after I got some reloaded I liked doing it and would invest some in my own equipment. The borrowed stuff was Lee hand presses and Lee pace setter dies. There was also some small stuff but I replaced most of that with my own equipment fast. I already had a set of calipers. I have spent time in the reloading manual as well.
My first purchases were a Lee universal decapping die and a Lee Ram prime. I also got a couple tools to process brass, neck chamfer and pocket cleaner, along with a couple trays and a funnel.
A lot of Lee stuff I know. But I am on a budget and have used the equipment before and have been happy with it.
The press that I decided to buy is the Lee breech lock Challenger. I decided to go with the single stage press so that I can concentrate on doing one step at a time.
I also purchased the Lee quick trim and quick trim die and a set of pace setter .223 dies.
I haven't gotten a scale yet or a way to clean the brass. I am leaning towards a wet tumbler from harbor freight but open to suggestions.
So far, on the hand press I have loaded about 95 rounds and made a couple mistakes. The AR likes them.
Any recommendations would be appreciated as I know there are a few on here that have this hobby/affliction as well.
Atkinsmatt:
The powder that I have been using for the AR is the Hodgdon CFE 223, 27.5 grains to start. Winchester small rifle primers and Hornady 55 gr bullets round out the load for now. Just getting up some plinking loads for My son and I.
Sammconn:
Don't knock Lee stuff. Yes it's not Dillon,but you have a single stage.
I used Lee for years, wore it out and replaced with a too good to pass deal on an RCBS unit.
Once you get the swing of things, I've been near 100 per hour, hand measuring match grade.
The biggest thing is take your time and take lots of notes to go back on.
I have a dedicated hard cover notebook for all load data I load.
COL, which primer, breed of brass, etc.
It all is something to fall back to when you can't find primer X or powder Y.
Enjoy your new hobby, it leads so often to gunpowder therapy. 8)
Atkinsmatt:
Not knocking Lee. I have used a hand loader for years. I have one for the British 303 and one for the '06. You know the one you hit with a hammer. It is good for cooking up a few of the favorite hunting loads but not like I and my son can go through the AR ammo.
Great tip on the notebook.
TexasRedNeck:
I separate reloading into two categories. Low volume high precision and high volume and decent precision.
Low Volume High Precision:
Forster CoAx single stage press
RCBS micrometer adjustable dies
Hornady COAL guage (its a modified case with rod that allows you to set the amount of bullet jump to the lands)
A rotary trimmer and hand chamfer
RCBS chargemaster and manual scale to double check
RCBS Hand operated primer press
High volume:
Dillon 650 with case feeder
Dillon RT1200 Trimmer Die
RCBS standard dies
Dillon hand swager for crimped primers on military brass
For cleaning I have a Thumbler Tumber and use walnut media with a dryer sheet in it (cuts down on dust) and polish additive
A RCBS rotary case and media separator.
a set of Brown and Sharpe swiss dial caliper and a 0-1 inch micrometer
That's what I can remember at the moment
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