Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles RCBS master reloading kit,what else do I need?

I'm going to buy the RCBS master kit that Cabelas has for $219. Other than the obvious (bullets,powder,dies,etc.) what else do I need to buy?

The most important thing I see missing from that kit is a good caliper,after that I think you can load with whats in thw kit plus shell holder and dies. I like the speer reloading manual that comes with the kit but think you should have more than one brand of manual. There are many other things you'll want on your bench but I think you can load your first cartriges with that and add stuff alittle at a time.
Jamie

I'm not seeing anything in that kit to clean your primer pockets? If not, I'd invest in that unless you're starting out with new brass. If you get a chance, buy some Hornady "One Shot" spray lube, that's the only way to fly. Not near the mess and alot easier lubing cases. Like was said, more manuals. Later you'll find you'll like the digital powder measure RCBS has over the manual one in the kit. You'll just keep on adding stuff in this hobby <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />, I bought the Pro-2000 when they came out with it, have all but retired the ole single now. What dies are you gonna be needing?

I'd buy a copy of Sinclair's Precision Reloading & Shooting Handbook.

Immediately: At least one other loading manual
Later: A case cleaner, case trimmer, dial caliper.
As mentioned above, the spray lubes are a lot easier to work with than the lube pads. As for cleaning primer pockets, a small screwdriver to fit the pocket works well, or a Dremel with a brush.

Ditto on the calipers, one shot, an extra manual or three, and eventually a vibratory case cleaner. The only other thing I'd add now since it is cheap is a powder trickler.

There used to be a RCBS Rockchucker accessory kit that had a lot of this extra stuff in it, but I haven't seen it for a while.

Forgot -- I'd add a chrony as soon as you can too. I believe it to be an invaluable tool for reloaders.

For now I'll probably get dies for my .270Win,.300WSM,.338Win,.45ACP,and if I keep my .41mag,dies for it.

Mossy,

I wasn't sure what you were going to be reloading for, if it was one or two cartridges I would recoment the Lee trimmer ... cheap, do decent job (so I have heard) but are only for one cartridge. Since you are going to reload for multiple rifles, perhaps you will be better served with a more expensive case trimmer.

The other guys covered everything pretty well. Manuals, chrony, powder trickler, tumbler, spray lube, etc. Only other thing I can think of is a powder measure stand.

Mine just came in the mail yesterday ... Couldn't get the 4x4 set-up to work properly <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I could save you a little money on the .338 die if you are interested. Store here in town had a couple RCBS .338win left, marked clearance. They were $14.00, plus half off makes them $7.50! I picked up 2 sets of .220 Swift at that price. They had 2 sets of the .338 dies left the last time I was in and one Swift.

So did mine. Along with a lot of other little goodies. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

It comes with the Speer reloading manual,it was mentioned to buy at least one more manual. If I was to by one more for now,which one should it be?

RRW,

Thanks for the offer,but the .338 will probably be the last one I load for,and although thats a great price,I'll use that money for some other accesories I'll need.

Which manual depends on what bullets you plan to shoot. I went ahead and ordered the Hornady manual when I bought my press. Will pick up Nosler, Sierra, and Barnes soon.

Mossy - The one manual no loader should be without is Lyman's. A wealth of info, and a great section on cast bullet loading, in case you decide to venture in that direction some time.

R-WEST

I just ordered the same thing - couldn't pass up the price.

The only things I added were the dial caliper, the powder trickler, and a bullet puller. I hadn't thought about the spray lubricant, so that's an add, also. I'm buying Lapua brass, so the case cleaner, the trimmer, and primer pocket cleaner can wait. They're all on the schedule, though.

Jaywalker