Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Getting started, Kit or individual tools?

Selmer,I do not load in volume. It just seems to me that I would spend more time filling, adjusting, and dumping back out than I do dipping and weighing. My time is of little value, and I have gotten fairly adept with my Lee dippers and my Ohaus 5-0-5 scale. It isn't for everyone, but it works well for me, and I would imagine for some others as well. Best, John

Hmm, I'd never thought about it that way. Not disagreeing with you, just perspective, it takes me about 60 seconds to set my Harrell's measure and then I can just throw powder, no scale, no funnel. The Lyman #55 I used for many years definitely took longer, but once they're set, they're very fast. Now I just use the Lyman to throw pistol charges - currently set to 11 gr. Unique for cast loads in various rifles. I have seen photos of pistol cases carefully filed to dip specific powders with a wire handle soldered on - basically the DIY Lee dippers. For some reason I just don't trust dipping for powder without weighing - it seems to inconsistent to me, and I've run my measures through enough testing to know that they are within .1 gr. of my desired charge when set correctly and used in a consistent technique and rhythm. To each their own - it's always good to know multiple routes to the same destination!

Hello Selmer, I did not see anything in 5dad's post that suggested he did not weigh the powder after using a dipper, I also have a Harrell and whilst it really is the nicest piece of kit since sliced bread I still weigh each and every load it throws as it does not always throw perfect.

But then I enjoy pissing about with loading and case prep.

I have in recent times gone to using a RCBS 304 scale for weighing my powder, not because it is better but because I always wanted one when I was younger...and couldn't help myself.

This is good advice. If you know of someone who reloads or can find someone nearby who is willing to walk you through the steps and show you how it's done in person, you will be doing yourself a big favor.

+2. All my stuff is green too (as another poster stated) and I have absolutely no complaints. How many of you guys using forster or other top dollar dies shoot competition? For a guy looking to turn out excellent ammo for his hunting/plinking and not too serious competition needs, it's hard to beat RCBS. Their CS isn't going to get beat either. Hold the fluff as far as I'm concerned..

+1, sounds weird not to have one??????

+? on the RCBS Rockchucker kit. They weren't available when I started loading, but I have everything they include now, and more. And for sure their customer service is king!

The Forster dies are some of the best I have used, but Redding are also very nice,I have and use both but would rather use Forster, Hard to go wrong with a Rockchucker press, I would look at the Rcbs 1010 for a scale, I like Sinclair for most of my brass prep tools, and a Thumler UV18 brass tumbler, and then just add tools as you have a need!