New to reloading need help with setup

[usnrigger]

Hey guys,
I'm getting ready to start reloading for the first time and wanted to get some insight of what ill be needing. First off ill be using a single stage RCBS reloader from a friend but i need to now what ill be needing to purchase on-top of that. I know ill need dies of course, but what is considered to be the best on the market right now. Ive also been reading some threads on the shell holder, sounds like people are using 40S&W. Is this correct? Im running a 16" WOA 1-11 barrel and using PRI mags. What can my case length be? What Shell trays are you guys using as i cant find one with 6.8, listed i would assume if it takes 35 remington is will work. I guess what im asking is what will i need and what works the best.

Thanks in advance.
Rigger

[paulosantos]

The Hornady and RCBS dies work great. Also check out the LEE FCD Crimp die and the Hornady Heandspace Gauge Kit. With the PRI mags, you can go up to 2.3", but I usually stay at 2.280-2.290".

[Daniel]

I've been reloading for four decades now and have just finished helping my father restart his reloading efforts. Here's what guidance I gave him.

After you've settled on your single stage press, get the following:
All prices are approximate.

R=required for reloading
L=required for loading new brass only

Good set of balance scales for weighing powder charges ($56) (RL)
Primer flip tray ($5) (RL)
Shell holder for 6.8 - RCBS #19 ($21) (RL)
Powder funnel set ($11) (RL)
Shell holder tray ($3) (RL)
Powder dispenser - RCBS ($70) (RL)
Small dispensing spoon (something like the little yellow powder measure spoons from Lee) ($) (RL)
Powder trickler ($12) (RL)
Case lube ($4) (R)
Lube pad ($) (R)
Calipers ($30) (RL)
Case Trimmer ($90) (R)
Deburring/chamfering tool ($4) (RL)
Primer pocket cleaning tool ($9) (R)
Case Gage ($17) (R)
Shell tumbler ($85) (R)
Shell media separator tray ($10) (R)
Shell polishing media ($15) (R)
Polishing compound (liquid) ($8) (R)
Bullet Puller ($13) (RL)
Optional - Hornday L-N-L Die Conversion kit for RCBS press allowing dies to be quickly changed ($16) (RL)
Optional - Hornady L-N-L Bullet Comparator gauge and .277 insert ($25) (RL)

Now in my old age I'm becoming more confident in my incompetence. For those who have seen holes in my list, please for the sake of goodness, chime in and help this fine man.

[borderpatrol]

Don't worry about getting a tray. I've used metal paint pails on hooks under the table for years. Simply have one on your left for empty cases, one on your right for the finished product. You don't have to worry about tipping them over. You could even use coffee cans with wire coat hangers.

If your buddy is already set up and you're going to his house to use his equipment, all you "need" is a 6.8 die set and one shell holder. If he's been reloading he should have everything else you need.

[usnrigger]

Thanks Guys, Is the Lee crimper something that you use with the die set as well? What is this?

[bedlamite]

Thanks Guys, Is the Lee crimper something that you use with the die set as well? What is this?

They are caliber specific. This crimps the brass in a separate operation from seating the bullet. You can load without it, but I've found using it produces more consistent and reliable loads.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=168151

http://www.leeprecision.com/html/HelpVideos/videos/Pistol/carbide%20fc%20die-1.wmv