Setting up for reloading, need to figure out what else I am missing.

[sevensixtytwo]

I have an RCBS press, dies, pocket reamer, burring tool, and scale.

I know I need a tumbler and calipers.
I just want to figure out everything and obtain it all before I sit down.

On a different note, I have also acquired loads of powder and primers from probably the 50s, 60s and 70s. The powder is all in metal tins. It's pretty neat and I don't think I should use it though. Opinions?

[19Charlie_84]

Make sure your deburring tool has a chamffering part as well. You will also need a case length cutter lathe. Cartridge trays are almost a must, so cheap and make your life way easier. Powder dispenser unless you have a turret press that has one already mounted. Hand priming tool if you dont have a turret press. Powder, bullets, cases, primers obviously.

[sevensixtytwo]

I have a scale and one of those twisty powder dripper things. And also something that looks like this:
http://www.zimbibooks.com/store/catalog/rcbs%20uniflow%20powder%20measure.jpg
except from 1950 probably. Any recommendations on a case trimmer? I saw some RCBS ones the other day for around $80. And on the hand priming tool?

[sevensixtytwo]

Just looked up those turret presses. That's not what I have but now I want one. :P

[garymac]

I've had a RCBS single stage press for a while now, I think you'll be happy with yours. I also like thier dies; very good quality and competievly priced.

[tump]

you also need a good reloading book. youtube has a lot of videos, and so do manufacturers (lee rcbs ect.).

[sevensixtytwo]

I found trim dies too. Would you recommend a case trimmer over these trim dies?

[rep30cal]

I have a case trimmer and I also have the case trimmers that LEE makes and they work great also. I have motorized the lathe type trimmer and have used the LEE set up in my drill press and neither have let me down.
As tump has said get a couple of different books, two or three won't hurt when you are looking for info.
I have primers that I still use that are from the 60's and some powder that is from the 70's. If there is no sign of moisture or being wet the primers are probably OK. I have picked a couple random from the pack and fired them with no charge to see if they fired, in a safe direction and with ear plugs. As for the powder, if it hasn't started smelling like lacquer thinner or acetone then it is probably still good. I still have some 473AA Winchester powder in the cardboard can that is still good and I am fairly sure they quit making it in the 70's.
It wouldn't hurt a bit to put some static guard spray on your list, a little goes a long way in keeping your powder from sticking to the plastic items and another thing that has a sure spot on the loading bench is a good pair of safety glasses, its hard to reload eyeballs.

[19Charlie_84]

I have a Lee case trimmer hand crank, works very well. I got the drill bit adapter but its more of a pain in the ass to change it out and I ended up trimming way too much. Its not that bad to hand crank it. If you use .mil cases you will need either a swage press, or primer pocket cutter. I have seen RCBS primer swage dies to mount in a press for an extra step, would be way cheaper than getting a bench mounted swagger and save your fingers on the motorized cutter. Any one use one of those?

Start off with a single stage press, much more consistant and you learn the craft before setting up large scale opperations. I have my press and powder measure mounted on an arm with both mounted to an RCBS universal base plate. Very handy to have both on essentially a quick disconnect area. Later, I can add a Piggyback system to transform my single stage into a turret press.

I use the Lee die sets. They are just as good, if not better than RCBS and easier to use adjustment wise. Not to mention way cheaper and they come with decapping/sizer die, bullet seater die, bullet crimper die, info sheet, powder measure cup, shell holder, and case flange die for pistols all in one case. RCBS you dont get all that.

Hand priming tool makes priming super fast instead of using the little arm on the press. You dont finger up the primers hardly at all (oils in your hands can ruin them). Mine is an RCBS, there are several out there, make sure it has all the parts for large and small primers.

A good workspace is essential with good lighting, tool storage, power outlets, and room to see what you are doing. Heres my bench.
27798

[deth502]

i didnt check to see if this was mentioned yet, but, imo, for the most "bang for your buck" ------ ROTARY MEDIA SEPARATOR.

i spent years sifting brass in a pan only to take it out and individually tap and dump every single case. when i got that rotary media seperator, damn, that thing was worth its weight in gold!! best $20 i ever spent for reloading!! i just make 3 turns, reverse 3 turn, then 3 turns the first way, and theres not a drop of media left in my cases.

[sevensixtytwo]

That's a great idea. I'll have to check that out. Better than shaking the ******** out of it with a colander. :P

[sevensixtytwo]

Also: How do yall feel about ordering primer/powder online vs in the store? I know you have to pay a hazardous materials fee, but is it worth it do you think?

[sevensixtytwo]

I also found out my press has a "priming arm". Should I figure out how to use this or is it worth it to get a hand primer device?

[drine]

I also found out my press has a "priming arm". Should I figure out how to use this or is it worth it to get a hand primer device?

YES to both. Learn to use that priming arm in case your hand primer handle breaks...........like mine has done twice. Lee makes good products(All my die sets are LEE except .40 which is Hornady) but their hand primer handle is engineered wrong.

[97th Signalman]

I use RCBS dies in a Lee classic single stage press for rifle calibers and small quantity pistol loads. I use Lee dies in a Lee classic turret press for my higher volume pistol loads. I have a Lyman hand-powered case trimming lathe but I have come to prefer the Lee Zip Trim for trimming most cases. It is quick, simple and cheap and VERY consistent.

You need a case tumbler, and an intertia bullet puller (the handloader's eraser) as well. You will make mistakes and have to pull pullets. When I am using the single stage press, I use the Lee safety primer loading tool. The latest model with the square tray is the safest.

When shopping for manuals, get yourself a copy of The ABC's of Reloading in addition to a manual that lists loads (I prefer the Speer manual).

Plus one on the videos... They can be a great help. Maybe you can find a buddy with experience who can give you invaluable help.

[cem308]

Thats a good measure,got one myself.Throws consistent charges all the way to the very end(when it empties itself).