Must have tools

ah141nj · November 15, 2008, 11:33 PM

Ok Guys, here I go again.
Ordered my turet press and basic hardware and of course manuals.
(previous shopping list post). Already have a digital caliber. Besides a primer pocket brush & a trimmer (for future 223 applications) what special tools would I need for 9mm, 45 acp & 223?

Is there any kind of adapters I need for my caliber to measure OAL or headspace and the such?

Thanks in advance for any input & thanks for all the past advice.

winchester243 · November 16, 2008, 12:58 AM

Whenever you trim, you will also need to chamfer & debur.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...181&t=11082005

When you start reloading .223, you will need some sort of case lube for resizing.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=519525

Other than that read the manuals when they show up, I'm sure you'll figure out more stuff you need.

carprivershooter · November 16, 2008, 01:00 AM

Bullet puller, primer pocket cleaner, case trimer with deburrer, assorted ammo boxes, loading block, a ready good bench, good scales, really good lighting, good storage for the power way from heat or open flames(as you know). that from the top of my head. reloading is relaxing, provides a good source of quality ammo. The more I get into it the more I find i don't know. It is and on going learning process. I am reloading 45ACP, 40 cal 38 cal, 357 cal and 9mm. I just ordered taper cramp dies for all calibers. the 45s sometime have a feeding issues I am hoping the cramp dies help. Buy in bulk if you can. I am finding Cabalas is about as cheap as the others.

XD45, Springfield 1911 A1, Tarus PT 1911, Springfield XD 40, XD 9 Taurs 357.

**Unclenick** · November 16, 2008, 01:01 AM

There are a couple of caliper adapters you may want for the .223. Hornady took over the Stoney Point Overall Length Gauge and sell the headspace and seating depth adapters for it. That system would be my choice if I had only one because you can get both headspace and bullet ogive seating depth adapters for it. With that collection you can figure optimal bullet seating depths and set your seating dies for that, as well as setting your sizing dies not to over-resize your cases and wear them out prematurely (pushing the shoulders back only 0.002" is all you need for smooth feeding).

The pistol cases seldom need any kind of special attention unless they are military cases that need crimps removed (that applies to military .223 cases as well). This can be done with a primer pocket reamer or a swaging tool (an unnecessary expense unless you have a lot to do). You may want to get a vibratory case cleaner so your cases don't hold dirt that scratches them or your sizing dies. I would own a powder scale to check whatever powder measure you have coming for the press?

trublu · November 16, 2008, 04:23 AM

kinetic bullet puller was the first thing i needed LOL.

Smaug · November 16, 2008, 04:48 AM

I'm not sure which shopping list thread you're talking about. Is it the sticky thread, or mine from before, in this thread?

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=304284

Reloading necked rifle ammo takes more time & equipment than pistol brass when using carbide dies. In pistol ammo, cleaning the primer pocket is optional most of the time.

ah141nj · November 16, 2008, 08:25 AM

Quote:

I'm not sure which shopping list thread you're talking about. Is it the sticky thread, or mine from before, in this thread?

This is my cart
Lee Classic 4 Hole Turret Press
Lee Deluxe Handgun 4-Die Set 9mm Luger
Lee Pro Auto Disk Powder Measure
Lee Swivel Adapter Auto Disk
Lee Safety Prime Small and Large Primer Feeder
Lee Auto Disk Powder Measure Riser
Winchester WSF powder
Magtech Brass
Winchester 115 gr FMJ Bullets
CCI Primers
Lyman Turbo 1200 Case Tumbler with Auto-Flo
Frankford Arsenal Powder Funnel
RCBS Pow'r Pull Impact Bullet Puller
RCBS Primer Pocket brush
Flitz Brass case polish
Walnut media
Lyman E-ZEE Flo Universal Adjustable Powder Trickler
Hornady Universal Reloading Tray
RCBS RangeMaster 750 Electronic Powder Scale 750 Grain
Lee Improved Powder Measure Kit
Digital Caliber
Speer reloading manual #14
Lyman Reloading handbook - 3rd edition
Lee Modern Reloading 2nd edition

Clark · November 17, 2008, 05:30 PM

This is the stuff I still use for handloading:
1) Forster Co-ax press, two modified jaw sets, screwed to a board, board clamped to a table
2) Forster full length dies, factory honed out necks, no decapping stem
3) RCBS uniflow powder measure
4) RCBS 505 powder scale, on a shelf behind my head at eye level
5) Redding Imperial die wax
6) Wilson case mouth chamfer
7) Forster priming tool, with modified RCBS primer tray, & paper clamp
8) Lee de-priming die
9) Lyman moly vibrator kit, 6,000 Copperhead BBs, & a big Neodymium magnet
10) Berry's Bullets vibrator cleaner
11) Any $20 Chinese 6" dial caliper
12) Any Chinese pin gauge sets .060 to .500"
13) Lyman pocket uniformer [for cleaning]
14) Quickload program on my computer
15) Sinclair concentricity gauge
16) Sinclair bullet comparator
17) Berry's Bullets ammo boxes, labled with post-its, marked with a Sharpie
18) Donegan Opti-visor
19) Luxo magnifier lamp
20) A radio to listen to when reloading while sitting in an office chair
21) I stock 40 powders, but can get along with just:
.a) Power Pistol
. b) Blue Dot
. c) H110
. d) IMR4895
. c) H4350
22) I stock lots of primers, but I could get along with just any brand in:
. a) small pistol
.b) large pistol
.c) magnum small rifle.
. d) large rifle

CortJestir · November 17, 2008, 06:15 PM

I just started reloading myself and found a few other items that didn't make it into my midwayusa.com cart but are nonetheless helpful at the bench. None of these are "must have tools" to some of you, but I have found them very convenient.

A cordless handivac. I like the little Dirt Devil Detailer - small and perfect for all those errant gunpowder flakes
A clock if you are reloading in the basement or garage and don't have one handy (or don't wear a watch)
GOOD and AMPLE overhead lighting
A lead-removal filter mask and nitrile gloves - can never be too safe when tumbling and prepping cases
Gallon-size Ziplock freezer storage bags - handy to keep brass organized and easy to write on the labels with a Sharpie. I keep a box in my range bag

cgaengineer · November 17, 2008, 06:23 PM

What kind of quantities do you plan on reloading...are you feeding a hungry AR-15 and some semi pistols?

If you answer yes to both questions above you need the following:

RCBS electric case prep tool

or

RCBS, Gracey, Giraud, or Dillon power case trimmer. The last 3 trim and chamfer in one step saving you from needing the RCBS electric case prep tool.

Trimming is the worst part of reloading, its the most tedious and time consuming.

If you plan to load match ammo an electric powder drop scale is a nice addition.

November 16, 2008, 01:00 AM	#3
carprivershooter Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2008 Location: Michigan, Upper Pennsula Posts: 396	Tools Bullet puller, primer pocket cleaner, case trimer with deburrer, assorted ammo boxes, loading block, a ready good bench, good scales, really good lighting, good storage for the power way from heat or open flames(as you know). that from the top of my head. reloading is relaxing, provides a good source of quality ammo. The more I get into it the more I find i don't know. It is and on going learning process. I am reloading 45ACP, 40 cal 38 cal, 357 cal and 9mm. I just ordered taper cramp dies for all calibers. the 45s sometime have a feeding issues I am hoping the cramp dies help. Buy in bulk if you can. I am finding Cabalas is about as cheap as the others. XD45, Springfield 1911 A1, Tarus PT 1911, Springfield XD 40, XD 9 Taurs 357. __________________ CarpriverShOOter Finch, I don't like guns. Reese, Me either but if someone has to have guns I'd rather it be me. (Person of Interest). No trees were destroyed in the posting of the this message

November 16, 2008, 01:01 AM	#4
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,061	There are a couple of caliper adapters you may want for the .223. Hornady took over the Stoney Point Overall Length Gauge and sell the headspace and seating depth adapters for it. That system would be my choice if I had only one because you can get both headspace and bullet ogive seating depth adapters for it. With that collection you can figure optimal bullet seating depths and set your seating dies for that, as well as setting your sizing dies not to over-resize your cases and wear them out prematurely (pushing the shoulders back only 0.002" is all you need for smooth feeding). The pistol cases seldom need any kind of special attention unless they are military cases that need crimps removed (that applies to military .223 cases as well). This can be done with a primer pocket reamer or a swaging tool (an unnecessary expense unless you have a lot to do). You may want to get a vibratory case cleaner so your cases don't hold dirt that scratches them or your sizing dies. I would own a powder scale to check whatever powder measure you have coming for the press? __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

November 16, 2008, 04:48 AM	#6
Smaug Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2004 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 3,210	I'm not sure which shopping list thread you're talking about. Is it the sticky thread, or mine from before, in this thread? http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=304284 Reloading necked rifle ammo takes more time & equipment than pistol brass when using carbide dies. In pistol ammo, cleaning the primer pocket is optional most of the time. __________________ -Jeremy "Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength." - Eric Hoffer

November 17, 2008, 06:15 PM	#9
CortJestir Senior Member Join Date: July 7, 2008 Location: Southern CT Posts: 1,406	I just started reloading myself and found a few other items that didn't make it into my midwayusa.com cart but are nonetheless helpful at the bench. None of these are "must have tools" to some of you, but I have found them very convenient. A cordless handivac. I like the little Dirt Devil Detailer - small and perfect for all those errant gunpowder flakes A clock if you are reloading in the basement or garage and don't have one handy (or don't wear a watch) GOOD and AMPLE overhead lighting A lead-removal filter mask and nitrile gloves - can never be too safe when tumbling and prepping cases Gallon-size Ziplock freezer storage bags - handy to keep brass organized and easy to write on the labels with a Sharpie. I keep a box in my range bag __________________ "They have men amongst them who know very well what they are about..." - Lord Hugh Percy, on the events of April 19, 1775 Do you know what you're about? Find out at an Appleseed near you.

November 15, 2008, 11:33 PM	#1
ah141nj Member Join Date: November 6, 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 76	Must have tools Ok Guys, here I go again. Ordered my turet press and basic hardware and of course manuals. (previous shopping list post). Already have a digital caliber. Besides a primer pocket brush & a trimmer (for future 223 applications) what special tools would I need for 9mm, 45 acp & 223? Is there any kind of adapters I need for my caliber to measure OAL or headspace and the such? Thanks in advance for any input & thanks for all the past advice. __________________ There's no such thing as a good gun. There's no such thing as a bad gun. A gun in the hands of a bad man is a very dangerous thing. A gun in the hands of a good person is no danger to anyone except the bad guys." -- Charlton Heston, 15 Sep 1997

November 16, 2008, 12:58 AM	#2
winchester243 Member Join Date: January 10, 2008 Location: MT Posts: 69	Whenever you trim, you will also need to chamfer & debur. http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...181&t=11082005 When you start reloading .223, you will need some sort of case lube for resizing. http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=519525 Other than that read the manuals when they show up, I'm sure you'll figure out more stuff you need.

November 16, 2008, 04:23 AM	#5
trublu Member Join Date: November 5, 2008 Posts: 97	kinetic bullet puller was the first thing i needed LOL.

November 17, 2008, 05:30 PM	#8
Clark Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 1999 Location: WA, the ever blue state Posts: 4,678	This is the stuff I still use for handloading: 1) Forster Co-ax press, two modified jaw sets, screwed to a board, board clamped to a table 2) Forster full length dies, factory honed out necks, no decapping stem 3) RCBS uniflow powder measure 4) RCBS 505 powder scale, on a shelf behind my head at eye level 5) Redding Imperial die wax 6) Wilson case mouth chamfer 7) Forster priming tool, with modified RCBS primer tray, & paper clamp 8) Lee de-priming die 9) Lyman moly vibrator kit, 6,000 Copperhead BBs, & a big Neodymium magnet 10) Berry's Bullets vibrator cleaner 11) Any $20 Chinese 6" dial caliper 12) Any Chinese pin gauge sets .060 to .500" 13) Lyman pocket uniformer [for cleaning] 14) Quickload program on my computer 15) Sinclair concentricity gauge 16) Sinclair bullet comparator 17) Berry's Bullets ammo boxes, labled with post-its, marked with a Sharpie 18) Donegan Opti-visor 19) Luxo magnifier lamp 20) A radio to listen to when reloading while sitting in an office chair 21) I stock 40 powders, but can get along with just: .a) Power Pistol . b) Blue Dot . c) H110 . d) IMR4895 . c) H4350 22) I stock lots of primers, but I could get along with just any brand in: . a) small pistol .b) large pistol .c) magnum small rifle. . d) large rifle

November 17, 2008, 06:23 PM	#10
cgaengineer Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2008 Posts: 264	What kind of quantities do you plan on reloading...are you feeding a hungry AR-15 and some semi pistols? If you answer yes to both questions above you need the following: RCBS electric case prep tool or RCBS, Gracey, Giraud, or Dillon power case trimmer. The last 3 trim and chamfer in one step saving you from needing the RCBS electric case prep tool. Trimming is the worst part of reloading, its the most tedious and time consuming. If you plan to load match ammo an electric powder drop scale is a nice addition.