Other then Brass and Powder am I missing anything?

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

So since once my brass and powder orders come in I think I'll have everything I figured I'd post and ask if I am missing anything ....

Lee Challenger Press
Lee 308 Die Set w/Factory Crimp Die
Lee Magnetically dampened Scale.
Lee Ram Prime*
Lee Funnel*
Lyman Powder Dribbler*

* = Just bought today with my GST Sales Tax rebate that will be coming in the mail per my book keeper doing my taxes yesterday. Not counting my income tax credits. Very Happy

Also ended up buying a brick (1000) CCI Bench Rest Large Rifle Primers and a box of 100 Sierra 168gr Match Kings.

Since the brass wont come till late May, and I need to go back to the gun store far away from where I am (who has a huge selection) to pick up my rifle. Anything I forgot let me know and I'll be able to pick it up then before the brass gets here. Very Happy

Doing quick math, for the bullets, primers, and all, each round is going to be about 1.09$ assuming the brass lasts me 6 reloads a piece and I get the powder and more bullets for about same costs I'm getting it now. Smile

That comes out to about 22$ a box of 20, or about 23 dollars cheaper per box then the GMM I bought. Shocked

Dimitri

hunterjoe21

Some system to make chamber and headspace measurements. Dont rely strictly on OAL measurements.

Pumpkinslinger

You'll eventually need a case trimmer. I like RCBS's but the Lee Zip trim is kinda neat.

You'll probably want one of these comparators too:

www.sinclairintl.com/p...omparators

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

hunterjoe21 wrote:

Some system to make chamber and headspace measurements. Dont rely strictly on OAL measurements.

I was going to take a round of the GMM that I got and use it as a gauge to set up my seating die. Confused

Unless you mean I should be looking to do the bench rest method of dictating how much jump or lack there of there is in the rifle?

Mike,

Interesting comparator. The 2nd model looks like a winner. Smile

Dimitri

chambered221

Is that the same bullet you'll be loading ???

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

Yup the Federal Gold Medal Match ammunition I bought is the same 168gr Sierra Match Kings I bought to load. Smile

Dimitri

Dawgdad

Comparator will only help if you are single loading. Since you are using a magazine fed system that length will be your OAL determinating factor. Use the GM as your dummy to set up the seating die.

in the nce to have list is a chamber gauge to make sure you hav ethe sizer die set right. Drop the sized brass into the guage and know if you have it within tolerances and if it need to be trimmed!

English Mike

Calipers
Get the Lee case length gauge/cutter because it WORKS.
Get a hand primer - Lee or RCBS instead of the ram prime.
Powder dispenser - using the scoop/scale/dribbler will take too long.

fnuser

This probably falls under optional eqpt but I usually prime w\ a hand primer I have a rcbs and a lee, the lee takes special case holders but I find it quicker to prime @ 100 while watching t.v. also they can be hung in broom holders behind your press when not in use. Learned the broomholder trick from a rod & gun club I used to belong to that loaned reloading stuff to members. Love your bullet choice. These work great in my f.n.

fnuser

Yeah the powder dropper should be at the top of your list. English mike was composing his the same time I was.

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

I was going to get a hand primer but they didn't have any in stock that didn't take the stripped versions of primers. Confused

Powder measures/droppers is a good idea. Very Happy

And you guys are right about case length. I didn't even think about that as the brass I'm ordering supposed to be all the same and pre-prepped. Smile

Dimitri

K.W.

I have very cheap LEE universal case neck expander die, because I use some times cast bullets for sub sonic loads.
Maybe you never need die like this. Laughing

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

I've thought about loading cast bullets, but I'd need a lead melter and molds and a whole lot more then just a single die. Laughing

Dimitri

kentucky hareraiser

good luck finding molds right now. i looked several places and just like ammo ,gettin' harded to find all the time

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

To be honest other then my supplier telling me I was late for his Early May shipment of Norma Brass I found everything I needed.

From 1,000 CCI BR-2 Primers, to the availability of 500 round boxes of 168gr SMKs, to 3 pounds of Varget that will be shipped to me next week once the supplier moves into his new building.

Remember shortages are happening on the US side due to Obama, here on the other hand suppliers getting product from the states need to order it in advance from the companies so they can acquire import/export paperwork first then when they do order they order more then needed due to the possibility of delays cause of the paper work. Wink

Dimitri