Re-loading

illuminatus99 · February 15, 2002, 04:19 AM

I'd like to start loading my own 7.62X39, what tools do I need to get just to start out?

Long Path · February 15, 2002, 06:28 AM

A set of dies in that caliber, a press (preferably progressive, though there's nothing wrong with single-stage.), an accurate scale with check-weights, a good reloading manual (from the better bullet companies and powder companies), a case mouth chamfer tool, case lube, an inertial bullet puller, and a bench.

A set of veneer calipers turns out to be almost indispensible, too.

Then you need primers, bullets, powder, and boxer (read: non-Berdan)-primed cases.

And finally, you'll need to hang out at The Firing Line's own Handloading and Reloading Forum, which is where I'm moving this thread to.

Good luck!

Folks, what have I missed that he needs? (and yes, I think EVERY reloader needs an inertial bullet puller!

)

--L.P.

dick w. holliday · February 15, 2002, 10:04 AM

that's one of those rounds that can definitely be bought cheaper than loading it.......but i'm like you --when i had an AR in that caliber i loaded some of mine...........Dick

Steve Smith · February 15, 2002, 10:13 AM

Honesty time...what are you loading this for? Chances are that its for an AK or SKS? If so, surplus will be cheaper and just fine. You won't see enough accuracy improvement to justify the reloading.

Archie · February 16, 2002, 12:28 AM

is a loading manual. Or two. Maybe three.

Read all the preambles first and then start buying hardware.

LONGRIFLE30 · February 18, 2002, 08:03 PM

Might I suggest the Lee Aniversary Kit, with the dies, and Lee Load manual. I started this way years ago and have had no regrets. You will also need the Lee trimmer and loack stud. Except for primers, powder and bullets, this will be all you need and can get it for way under $150 from F&M Reloading or Widener's. I load for my SKS, and amazingly I do see a great increase in accuracy over the Chineese or Russian "junk ammo" and even the UMC stuff. As a complete waste of time, I loaded a batch of them with Hornady 123 grain bullets and hand-weighed each charge. With a csope from a bench, these loads will do under 1.5 MOA all day long, so long as I let the barrel cool. Your results may vary, but I know you will see a difference if you do it right. If you have any reloading questions, feel free to email them to me. Good Luck

ryucasta · February 18, 2002, 08:23 PM

All you really need is money

February 15, 2002, 04:19 AM	#1
illuminatus99 Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2002 Location: Seattle Posts: 353	Re-loading I'd like to start loading my own 7.62X39, what tools do I need to get just to start out?

February 15, 2002, 06:28 AM	#2
Long Path Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 1999 Location: N. Texas Posts: 5,899	A set of dies in that caliber, a press (preferably progressive, though there's nothing wrong with single-stage.), an accurate scale with check-weights, a good reloading manual (from the better bullet companies and powder companies), a case mouth chamfer tool, case lube, an inertial bullet puller, and a bench. A set of veneer calipers turns out to be almost indispensible, too. Then you need primers, bullets, powder, and boxer (read: non-Berdan)-primed cases. And finally, you'll need to hang out at The Firing Line's own Handloading and Reloading Forum, which is where I'm moving this thread to. Good luck! Folks, what have I missed that he needs? (and yes, I think EVERY reloader needs an inertial bullet puller! ) --L.P. __________________ "Welcome to The Firing Line, a virtual community dedicated to the discussion and advancement of responsible firearms ownership."T.F.L. Policy Page Will you, too, be one who stands in the gap? ____________

February 15, 2002, 10:13 AM	#4
Steve Smith Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 1999 Posts: 4,131	Honesty time...what are you loading this for? Chances are that its for an AK or SKS? If so, surplus will be cheaper and just fine. You won't see enough accuracy improvement to justify the reloading. __________________ Favor the X. Steve Smith NRA Life Member

February 16, 2002, 12:28 AM	#5
Archie Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2000 Location: Hastings, Nebrasksa - the Hear Posts: 2,209	Illuminatus.... The Very First Thing is a loading manual. Or two. Maybe three. Read all the preambles first and then start buying hardware. __________________ There ain't no free lunch, except Jesus. Archie Check out updated journal at http://oldmanmontgomery.wordpress.com/

February 15, 2002, 10:04 AM	#3
dick w. holliday Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2001 Location: NC Posts: 589	that's one of those rounds that can definitely be bought cheaper than loading it.......but i'm like you --when i had an AR in that caliber i loaded some of mine...........Dick

February 18, 2002, 08:03 PM	#6
LONGRIFLE30 Member Join Date: February 16, 2002 Location: Wichita Falls,TX. Posts: 49	Might I suggest the Lee Aniversary Kit, with the dies, and Lee Load manual. I started this way years ago and have had no regrets. You will also need the Lee trimmer and loack stud. Except for primers, powder and bullets, this will be all you need and can get it for way under $150 from F&M Reloading or Widener's. I load for my SKS, and amazingly I do see a great increase in accuracy over the Chineese or Russian "junk ammo" and even the UMC stuff. As a complete waste of time, I loaded a batch of them with Hornady 123 grain bullets and hand-weighed each charge. With a csope from a bench, these loads will do under 1.5 MOA all day long, so long as I let the barrel cool. Your results may vary, but I know you will see a difference if you do it right. If you have any reloading questions, feel free to email them to me. Good Luck

February 18, 2002, 08:23 PM	#7
ryucasta Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 431	All you really need is money