I am looking to buy everything I need to start reloading. I want to buy good quality gear but also not get carried away and spend excessive amounts. I would like to just go and order everything I will need with the exception of expendables.

There is so much stuff out there when I look online I'm not sure what I do and don't need. I am looking to reload for a .308 first and then a .284 once I convert my 7mm08. (I understand I will need something to convert 6.5-284 brass into 284 brass?)

I am currently looking at the following:

- RCBS Rockchucker Supreme Kit
- Caldwell Chronograph
- Calipers (What brand?)
- Redding dies (Do I need the two die set for or three die set?)
- Bullet puller (Which one?)

Also where do you recommend buying from? A mate put me onto workshop innovation which seems to be priced well.

Appreciate the help,
Cheers 

Regarding bullet puller: My friend, who introduced me to reloading gave me a bullet puller, he had started using another method. I suspected that "the method" was superior to the puller and prompted him to show me....

Remove the die from the press.,
place the cartridge in the shell holder
push the handle until the bullet protrudes over the press
grip the bullet with leather-clad pliers, hold tight
pull handle = finished

I sold the bullet puller to another reloader......

Gerry Atric

Decide on your budget then what you want/need in the way of a kit, but not necessarily a kit . Check all the shops which sell what you want and either buy the cheapest, or send out a tender form to each shop .
Dont forget to put shipping costs into the equation 
I always found kits hard to sell and they tended to sit on the shelf for a while so you may be able to wheedle a discount .
When it comes to reloading, no one ever regrets buying quality .

A lee perfect powder measure (which will measure to within 0.1 or 0.2 grains}, and then a powder trickler, is a fairly quick way to load the cases reasonably accurately

stagstalker wrote on May 15^th, 2018 at 9:23am:


My take on it.

Like others i started out with a Lee anniversary kit and over time I slowly converted to other bits n pieces as gear wore out. I was happy with the press as it did a good job so don't think you need to go to the expensive RCBS route first.

If i was starting out again especially for the calibres your saying i'd go:

PRESS: Lyman (Brass Smith), MEC (Marksman), Lee (Challenger), RCBS (Partner) or other "O" or "C" frame presses.

I have a RCBS Rockchucker press which is heavy and over kill for reloading mostly .222 .223 .243 .308 7mm-08 .284 Win .300 WSM 7mm Rem Mag where I'm looking at going down to a lighter press as mentioned above. It's a solid press, well built and will last a life time.

- Redding case lube or spray on lube... you can make your own or buy Dillon or any other brand spray on.
- Primer pocket cleaning tool, Lyman make the best ones
- Lee case length gauge (specific to your caliber) and cutter.
- Case mouth deburring tool, Lyman again
- Lee auto prime XR hand tool or similar from other brands such as Lyman as it makes it easier to prime cases rather than one case at a time through the press.
- Electronic scales.
- Powder trickler. (Don't worry about a powder thrower as most die sets especially Lee come with a powder dipper).
- Dies.... I've used Lee, RGB, Redding, Hornady so any of those will do. Even the cheaper RGB .308 dies I have give me great accuracy.
- Bullet pullet, used one when i used to pull FMJ and reseat other prokectiles in ex-military ammo... you don't need one!
- Calipers, not a must have but eventually you'll need a set.
- Reloading manuals, i have one from over 20 years ago, they get so out dated quickly and all powder companies have reloading data on their websites for their powders so its easy to refer to.

You may later on get a case tumbler for cleaning brass, i used to use "Auto Sole" which is a car polisher and some elbow grease before i got a case tumbler, the best case cleaner by far is a stainless steel wet media tumbler which you can make your own as youtube will show.

As for powders for reloading, typically I have always used ADI powders as its always been easier to get your hands on ADI however I have been playing with Alliant Powder as of late and also been impressed by their powders and results.

RE17 is great for the .284 but failing that I've been using AR2209 which I've also been using for .308

stagstalker wrote on May 15^th, 2018 at 9:23am:


No, Just lube the case as you would when reloading, run the case through the sizing die and job done... you now have a .284 Win case as that's how i do it when resizing Lapua 6.5/284 into .284 Winchester.

stagstalker wrote on May 15^th, 2018 at 9:23am:


Workshop Innovations have good deals... I've also always been a fan of Reloader Supplies for dealing with aswell as they have sharp prices too.

Canterbury Gunworks have also been a good place for sourcing projectiles.

Some great info there guys thank you

Wanderer wrote on May 21^st, 2018 at 12:22am:

+1