apache12 Report post Posted June 21, 2015 So some of you may have read my early post about loading for the first time at a buddy's house. Well I got the bug. And using someone's gear is uncomfortable sometimes so.... I bought the hornady Classic kit today for $269 at cabelas. I know it's entry level but $110'off and 500 free bullets seemed to good to pass up So I need a tumbler and some other fixings but what have you guys learned over the years that are next best items I should start looking for? Prep and trim tools? Which calipers work best ? Digital it's or dial? Are their manufactures that are consistently good and others to avoid Thanks for any tips Tables? I think I will most likely just build something to fit my works space Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted June 21, 2015 I really like RCBS stuff and stay away from Frankford arsenal, it's been nothing but crap. I also really like digital calipers. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
5guyshunting Report post Posted June 21, 2015 I bought my tumbler from harbor freight. It works well, but im sure there are better ones. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
5guyshunting Report post Posted June 21, 2015 I bought a wood working bench from harbor freight also. Bolted it to the wall and topped it with di-bond. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nighthawk Report post Posted June 21, 2015 A electronic prep tool is a must if u plan on doing a lot of rounds. I have the Lyman and it works great for my needs! Also the electronic powder dump is well worth the money! But that can come down the road once u get the hang of things. I like the lock and load press by hornady . At first I was skeptical on locking nut being consistent with the 1/4 turn on and off. To my surprise it works great and all my dies have them now. So now switching from sizing to bullet seed is just a 1/4 turn each time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nighthawk Report post Posted June 21, 2015 You will soon find out the majority of reloading is case prep. Therefore anything to speed up that process will save time and your wrist . Lol I went a while with that the hand tools primer pockets in and out the hole 9. I had a bit of pop-eye going on haha.my current set up not the best or cleanest at the moment but effective . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DesertBull Report post Posted June 21, 2015 Digital Calipers Case trimmer You need a sturdy bench that won't flex when resizing cases. I bought a bench from Home Depot then bought a 1" thick plywood and glued / bolted it to the bench top so it is 2" thick altogether. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Siwash Report post Posted June 21, 2015 Get a chamfer and deburring tool like this if your kit didn't come with one: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/465641/rcbs-chamfer-and-deburring-tool-17-to-60-caliber?cm_vc=subv465641 I have found that for an extra $3-5 a set Redding dies are superior to everything else I have tried (RCBS, Hornady, Lee), mostly because of their ease of adjustment. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azslim Report post Posted June 21, 2015 I like hand priming my cases, can feel when the pocket gets too big and the primer goes in too easily, then I'll crush the case. I got the Lee primer when it first came out, there are many other makes now. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wayno945 Report post Posted June 21, 2015 Stainless steel tumbler is the way to go. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
apache12 Report post Posted June 22, 2015 This is going to be fun Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GreeneMachine Report post Posted June 22, 2015 Imperial case sizing wax! Sounds simple and insignificant, but it's the bees knees!! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roninflag Report post Posted June 22, 2015 what caliber? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Havasuhunter Report post Posted June 22, 2015 I really like the Lee case trimmers that use a cordless drill. Saves a lot of time. Just always go slow to not heat up the brass and harden it while trimming. My press, most dies and other accessories are RCBS. I do have a Lyman stainless steel caliper that has worked great for years too. My tumbler is a Cabelas brand and has worked just fine. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
5guyshunting Report post Posted June 22, 2015 I really like the Lee case trimmers that use a cordless drill. Saves a lot of time. Just always go slow to not heat up the brass and harden it while trimming. My press, most dies and other accessories are RCBS. I do have a Lyman stainless steel caliper that has worked great for years too. My tumbler is a Cabelas brand and has worked just fine. I like the lee trimmer too. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
