Equipment Feedback

ldg397 · Feb 27, 2011

I haven't been reloading all that long about 4 or 5 years. Recently someone suggested a Lee neck sizing die to me and this thing is amazing. I have been trying to neck size with a full length die this whole time. Got me thinking what else I have been missing.

Dies: I currently use a redding .260 and rcbs 30-06, 300 win and 45-70. I think I prefer the redding but have been wondering about the Hornady's what is everyone's preference for dies?

I now use Lee for all neck sizing dies, factory crimp dies and case trimmers.

I also have the RCBS scale and recently added the powder dispenser don't know how I got along without it??

I have an RCBS tumbler with standard corn cob media and have got very mediocre results.

What are the pieces of reloading equipment you could not do without?

DrMike · Feb 27, 2011

Each make of die works, and one can make very accurate ammunition with any of the dies that are currently available (Redding, RCBS, Lyman, Lee, Hornady, Forster). I have used each of them in various cartridges. For my personal loading, I prefer Forster dies. If they are not available, I am quite content to have either RCBS or Redding. I do own several sets of Lyman dies and Lee dies in various configurations. I have found most scales do the job if you ensure that they are properly tared and learn to use them. I have powder dispensers, but for quick loading, I use a silver spoon and a bowl. I have Lyman tumblers and a Hornady ultrasonic cleaner. Each does a credible job. RCBS makes a very good tumbler, as does Hornady or Thumler. I appreciate the convenience of the RCBS Case Prep Center and the Charge Master. I'm not certain that I make any more accurate ammunition than I did years ago with minimal equipment and I was compelled to pay attention to details.

Guest · Feb 28, 2011

I've been using Hornady dies for a number of years. They have become my preferred rifle die, and I've used RCBS, Lyman, Lee, Redding, and Hornady. I have a friend who swears by Forster, but the price of admission simply isn't in my range. I can get very accurate ammo out of my Hornady dies, and so I keep using them.

As for tumblers and other items, to me a tumbler is a tumbler. They all work reasonably the same. I've been using a Midway brand tumbler for almost 20yrs now, and it does what I expect it to do. One tip - if you're not recharging your corncob pretty frequently, you're missing out on some of the results side of the equation. Polish is cheap, and keeping your media charged and separated (dirty from moderate use from new) is a key element to getting the most from your tumbler. I tried the Iosso liquid cleaner a couple of times, but I was not impressed. It cleaned well, but left the brass chalky feeling, and the red residue from my walnut media turned a couple of pieces of brass pink! That's a tough one to explain at the range. A few runs through the tumbler and it came off, thankfully.

Other tools I consider indispensible? Well, I love my set of stainless measuring spoons (and like Dr. Mike, I think they're fast for rifle charging), and I really like the Hornady Cam Lock bullet puller. Also, a universal decapping die is a high use tool on my bench. And my bullet comparator (formerly Stoney Point, now Hornady). I'm sure there are other goodies I'm forgetting, but we could go all year about how the little tools make handloading easier or less monotonous. Oh - I love my RCBS hand priming tool, too!

ldg397 · Feb 28, 2011

I have the Lee plastic scoop set, where did you get the stainless spoons, what brand?

1. I have always used the inertia hammer style pullers, do you prefer the die type and what brand seems to work the best? The operation of the hornady seems like it would work better?

2. I am glad I wrote this I did not know they had a decapping die only. That makes a lot of sense rather than running through the sizing before and after the tumbler. Like I said I just found the Lee neck sizers and love them. Any brand you would recommend for the decapping die?

3. I put the powder in that came with the corn cob media but don't like how it seems to clean ok but they are covered in a fine white dust so they aren't really that clean??

4. I have been wanting to change all my die nuts to the sinclair crossbolts instead of the set screw type. I don't feel like they lock in place all that well and I need the die wrench they have also, the nuts on a couple of my high use dies are all chewed up from pliers. Anybody use the crossbolt types??

5. I would like to have a nice stainless funnel with a long drop tube. I have a plastic with about a 4" drop and seems like the more drop the easier it is to set the bullets on a full case. Any suggestions?

Also would be lost without my sinclair hexagon comparators and Lee hand priming tool.

Guest · Feb 28, 2011

I'll try to answer your questions in order.

My stainless spoons are just a set of stainless measuring spoons from any kitchen supply aisle or store. They work great, but the Lee dippers are supposed to be good as well.

I much prefer the die type bullet puller, and I use the Hornady because it seemed to be the easiest to operate. I don't have to worry over spilled powder if I want to reclaim loads now.

I have a Lee decap die, but any brand will do. All are about $12-17, I think.

Spend a few dollars on some liquid media recharger. Any of the citrus based ones will likely work fine. I'm not familiar with the powder.

As for lock rings, again I like Hornady's design. It's a split ring, but with wrench flats milled on the sides. Best of both worlds.