RELOADING Equipment

[qwert]

Originally Posted by CritterCommander

There were no loaded rounds (that I have found) as yet. The rounds I refer to are for reloads.

???? "Most advise NOT shooting other peoples reloads" or hand-loads.

Originally Posted by CritterCommander

Loading primers is a bit of a challenge, found out why he had a long pair of tweezers in there.

Most of us use a hand held priming tool, partly for speed and convenience (while watching TV) but mostly for the better feel for insertion force and pocket fit as a gauge for head & pocket expansion resulting from pressure.

Originally Posted by CritterCommander

Question on cleaning - what do you use? Lube - 3 in 1 oil?

IMHO, 3in1 is just expensive 10w motor oil, I prefer Dexron ATF, it is a 'migrating' oil and will work into pins and areas that are difficult to lube directly, thin the ATF 50/50 with kerosene for a very good gun and light general purpose tool oil. If you do not want the lube to 'migrate' (like on bolt lugs and cocking ramps) use a good moly grease.

Originally Posted by CritterCommander

He gave me a lot of tools, screwdrivers, allen keys, picks, etc. LOTS of odds and ends.

This may be where your best values are, especially if there is a good set of gunsmith screwdrivers and punches.

Good Luck, YMMV

[Red_Ram3500]

Just keep in mind that for a few hundred rounds a year, it's going to take a lot of years to make your money back on the reloading supplies if that is why you are starting to reload. I just bought my set up last year, and it cost me more than I really needed to spend because I was overly ambitious and maybe bought some things that I don't "need", but makes the process a bit easier (such as a digital scale and ultrasonic cleaner). Even if all in you spend, let's say $400 - $500, it will still take a while to get that back in savings on ammo. I started not just for long term savings, but to perfect a load for my rifles to get the most accuracy I can, and it's going to be a good time burner and a neat hobby. I haven't even had time to build up my first bunch of rounds, but one day when I do, I'll have the tools to do it right. I settled on a Rock Chucker Supreme after doing a LOT of research. It has different things to add on as well, like the primer feed for example, that helps with the process. I chose a Hornady digital scale, but like I said that wasn't necessarily a need, I'm sure a good beam scale would work fine. I've pressed the primers and sized a few rounds so far, and I've found that the Lee caliber specific tools that attach to a drill work really good for length trimming. This forum is great with lots of knowledgeable people to help you find stuff that works really well. Lots of people on here helped me, and I'm sure you'll get the same treatment.

[32-40win]

Red, don't waste your loot on the press mounted primer feed. Loading the tubes is a pain in the butt. The Rcbs handprimer doesn't need shellholders, the Lee is cheaper, but needs the Lee shellholders, so it works out the same or a bit more depending on how many shellholders you need.
You'll get far better feel on seating primers that way, and trays are far less pesky to load than tubes, no tools or hand contact with primers req'd, either..