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What should I get?
I'm seriously considering starting up reloading my own ammo for 30-06 and .45 ACP. Based on research that I've done, I think I'm going to go with the Hornady Classic Reloading kit. I don't need something that spits out rounds really fast as I really don't shoot as much as I'd like and therefore don't need to make thousands of rounds in a single day. Any thoughts? And also, I'm not sure what else I need to get in order to get my reloading operations underway. I know I'll need a tumbler of some sort but don't know where to go from there. I live in an apartment so noise is an issue. I've heard that certain rock polishers work good and are silent but take a long time to clean the brass. So any help that I can get on where I'm supposed to go after buying the initial kit itself would be appreciated.
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11 Replies
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I rarely use my tumbler. It should not be high on your priority list. Besides, Sinclair sells something called Wonder Cloth (?) or something like that. It really cleans up the brass…you just have to do it by hand. But, it's quiet! ;D
Get a good kit, and reading material or dvd's, and get started. I like both Hornady and RCBS. You can always ask questions once you get started. Good luck.
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Yup… a tumbler isn't really needed unless you like things to sparkle. A good primer pocket cleaning tool, a fine scotch brite pad (to clean the outside of the necks) and a wire barrel cleaning brush of the appropriate diameter (for inside the necks) is all that's really needed for cleaning as far as I'm concerned.
Never heard of the wonder cloth… but I'm sure it's simply a cloth with a polishing compound impregnated in it.
Quite honestly, I looked into getting a tumbler at one time but got drawn to the sonic cleaner. Though,I didn't purchase either as I'm more worried about functionality over looks. Knowing what I know about sonic cleaners, that would be the route I would go (I use one at work for small parts and small carburetors). -
A good set of scales is a must.Get at least 3 good reloading books also.
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I use a dial caliper a lot during my reloading tasks. If the kit doesn't come with one please consider getting one. If you get a good one and take care of it, it'll last a lifetime.
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Thanks guys. What is a caliper used for? And what decides what a good one is?
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Thanks guys. What is a caliper used for? And what decides what a good one is?
The caliper will be your most used tool. You need one. If your kit doesn't come with one, right now Sinclair has their cheap one(digital) on sale for( 29, 36,39??? dollars–or something like that). I just bought it to go along with the one I've used for over 10 years. It's very good quality, and better than the one I have.
You will constantly be measuring empty cases, and loaded cases to check different measurements for sizing, and loading lengths and diameters. Also setting up your dies, and measuring loaded rounds for bullet seating depth. You WILL need one.
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Proper name for it would be a “Vernier Caliper”. You can get them at almost any place that sells reloading supplies/equipment or a good machine shop supply store.
On this note, spend the money and buy a good one. Non digital… metal in construction and with an easy to read dial. Don't worry, it's money well spent as it's a lifetime purchase.
Don't know how to use it, if you have a friend that's either a mechanic or machinist, ask for a demo! Hell… ask them if they have an old one they would be willing to part with! Most machinists replace their vernier calipers every so often. -
I've got an older model that looks like this one:
http://www.starrett.com/metrology/product-detail/Precision-Measuring-Tools/Precision-Hand-Tools/Slide-Calipers/Dial-Calipers/120A-6It's called a Dial Caliper.
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.On this note, spend the money and buy a good one. Non digital… metal in construction and with an easy to read dial. Don't worry, it's money well spent as it's a lifetime purchase.
Sorry n.e., but I gotta disagree with you. I've been handloading for 30 years. I routinely builds loads for my rifles that shoot 1/4″ groups at 100 yards, and 2″ at 400 yards. I load for F-TR 600 yard competition and shoot moa or better every week with my handloads.
All these years with a digital caliper that cost under $50. And, like I said, this new one that cost under $40 is a better caliper.
I see NO need to spend over $100- $150 to get a high quality dial micrometer.
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A dial vernier caliper is what I was recommending. I only say that they are better through experience. Where I reside, the local vehicle authority requires us to use digital verniers for vehicle inspections ( i know… cars and not guns)… but through much use and differing readings, I found the repeat-ability of the digital to be less than that of a dial vernier caliper.
Now, if the OP wants to go with digital, that's fine with me, I was just voicing my opinion and experience. Either way, some form of measuring device is gonna be required. -
Does anyone know of any good deals out there right now? I've come across some Hornady Kits on sale for around $250 but they're out of stock. Just seeing if anyone else knows of anywhere with prices like that right now?
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