looking to start reloading

[lampy]

Hi all so i have been shooting stuff for a few years now and with the rising price of ammo I have decided to setup a reloading system, I have been researching this for a while now I have (what I think) in my mind but I thought it best to ask the people in the know what I should get.

So currently I have a .308 .223 .22

NONE of these are shot for competition, they are used for animals and a bit of fun with the mates only so I don't need professional rounds.

The .308 I try to find 160gr or above (camels are tough) also need it to shoot accurate to about 800 meters, that's about our average shot when we find them.

I go with a licensed culler (to stop arguments) lol

.223 is when I go culling so nothing needed there 200meters MAX

.22 is iron sights for when the roos are REALLY close.


Hopefully this gives you an idea of what I am looking for I have a budget of AROUND $1000, in saying that I can spend a little more (thank you tax man) I am always a supporter of its better to get something more than you need because usually you WILL end up needing it, for example I already have friends that shoot in competition that are bugging me to go out so chances are I will eventually so I would like a kit that gives me great accuracy JUST IN CASE this does happen.
I am starting to reload because I live in such a remote community and the price of bullets have gone through the ROOF got 200 rounds of 140gr for $430 yesterday CHEAPEST IN TOWN, I am all for supporting your community but it really has gone out of control.

So from all my research I have done this is what I have come up with so far:

Breech Lock Challenger Press Kit with Auto Prime Lee Precision Reloading $220
Includes:
Challenger Breech Lock single stage press
1 Breech Lock Die Bushing
Lee Safety Scale
Perfect Powder Measure
Powder Funnel
Lock Stud and Cutter
Lee chamfer tool
Primer Pocket Cleaner
Auto-Prime XR
Set of Auto-Prime Shellholders
Tube of Sizing Lube

22 Hornet Die Set by Lee Lee Precision Reloading $55
223 Rem Die Set by Lee Lee Precision Reloading $55
308 Win FL Die Set by Lee Lee Precision Reloading $55
Tumbler - SR787 Dream Tumbler by Smart Reloader SmartReloader $95
3x Tumbler Media - Tuff Nut (2.75 lb) Lyman Lyman Reloading $48 ($16ea)
Reloading blocks..... $75ish

Then ill get some:
Winchester brass for all guns
Federal primers for all guns
I am not to sure what im going to do for propellant yet will have to either find a dealer online or here in town (unlikely don't even have a gun shop)

So can anyone either improve on this or add some more to it for me?

Thanks for your help in advance people

[SendIt]

You'll get a lot of different opinion on this which is largely based on brand brand preference, not because it's specifically "better".

Lee certainly does fine gear. Lyman media is good.

Dies are mostly all interchangeable - Lee, Redding, RCBS, Hornady and so on...

Nothing in your list there that I could say was terrible.

[Lorgar]

I'd pretty much agree with what SendIT said.

Once area I would look further into though is your die sets.

I've used Hornady, Lee and RCBS and found that of the three, the RCBS left almost no mark at all on the bullet at all, where as the Hornady left a very noticeable ring indented around the mid section of the bullet where it applied pressure when seating.

Obviously not happy with that, so won't be using Hornady dies again. RCBS is the die brand for me.

Winchester brass has worked best for me. Remington's fine also. Whichever way you go just make sure you stick to that brass for consistent results.

For a time I had a mix of Winchester, Federal, Remington and a few other odds and ends of brass and that was causing a little variance in accuracy.

Tossed all the odd ones and stuck to a complete set of Winchester brass and things tightened up a bit.

[Blackened]

Adding a reputable reloading book to that list would be wise too.

[Hercl]

Lock Stud and Cutter

Good trimming system, s**t "handle" on the cutter.

If you can find one, Lee do a handle like this -



Otherwise I'd suggest making one yourself.

Holding the nub of the cutter only while trimming 100 brass gets real old, reeeeeal fast.

[lampy]

thanks guys its good to know there are people here to help

Looks like I will be ordering soon going on the positive feedback I have gotten here.

As for the knob I am SURE I can knock something up in the shed pretty quick "challenge accepted" lol

and thanks for the advice about the dies, I will find a better die to go with

[Rocker]

Looks like I will be ordering soon going on the positive feedback I have gotten here.

Happy reloading

[Lorgar]

As for the knob I am SURE I can knock something up in the shed pretty quick "challenge accepted" lol

All I did for mine was a ball of duct tape around the end of the nub.

Has lasted a few months so far with no problems

[lampy]

I have been looking around, has anyone used or have an opinion on this setup:

22 Cal (.224) 52 grain Hollow Point (100) by Speer --- only hollowpoint I can find
Remington 22 250 REM Brass Cases 100pk
ADI AR2225 Powder 500g Copy

30 Cal (.308) 150 grain Hot Cor SP (100) by Speer --- biggest grain I can find
Remington 308 MAG Brass
ADI AR2225 Powder 500g Copy


the other powders I have access to are:
ADI AR2217 Powder 500g
ADI AR2213SC Powder 500g

I have to use federal primers... that's all they sell here in town and I cant find ANYWHERE on the net that will ship them

[Lorgar]

I use federal primers in my .308 and .243. No problems with them IMO.

Those powders though...

ADI don't offer any load data for the .223 or .308 in any of those powders you've mentioned - That's a problem...

They're all too slow.

For your average .308 load you'd usually be looking at AR2206, AR2206H or AR2208.
Read more here - http://www.adi-powders.com.au/handloade ... 87.62mm%29

For your average .223 load you'd usually be looking at AR2206H, AR2208, AR2207 or maybe AR2219.
Read more here - http://www.adi-powders.com.au/handloade ... mm+x+45%29

The 3 powders you've listed are all very slow burning, large calibre magnum powders. I don't even know where you'd start with them for your calibres...

You can do some reading on the powders here - http://www.adi-powders.com.au/handloade ... powder.asp

Definitely more research on powders required before you start.

[lampy]

ok thanks ill keep looking around and see what i can find

.... Ill get there some day lol

[VICHunter]

That's really the only powder your LGS sells?

For your .308, 2208 is just about the most common powder around, I can't imagine why they wouldn't keep it?

[reddog]

Nick Harveys reloading book shows loads with a lot of different brands of powders mainly the ones that are available in Australia

[Norton]

Adding a reputable reloading book to that list would be wise too.

Nick Harveys reloading book shows loads with a lot of different brands of powders mainly the ones that are available in Australia

Yep. Yep.

Asking questions is good, but definitely get a good book and read it through.