The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - About to take the plunge - what do you think of this set up for a starter kit?

rwilson452 · June 5, 2008, 12:17 AM

one big difference with metallic reloading is you don't start with a max load you start with the start load and work your way up to more powerful loads watching for signs of too much pressure. Yes your 38 cases can handle the pressures of 38 +P loads but again approach these loads with caution. depending on how much you shoot you may wish to start with a turret press but begin your learning curve using it as a single stage. another factor that is different than shotgun is you may want to vary the overall length of the assembled cartridge to improve accuracy. for safety sake you may wish to start your metallic reloading fun with a powder like trailboss as it will give you definite indications if you accidentally double charge a case.

oh I use W231

So I'm not completely new to reloading - have reloaded Shotgun Shells with my MEC 600, and enjoyed it a ton. So now I want to reload for my pistols.

I figure I'll start with one caliber, and work my way up from there. I shoot mostly in .38 special, so that's where I'll start. I'm probably going to be reloading to the tune of 200 cartridges a week max. Here's what I'm thinking:

For a press: RCBS Rock Chucker Kit, which has pretty much everything I'll need, save for dies and shell holders. Now, in one of the stickies about reloading basics, the author wrote: "For reloading pistol, you’d want to consider a turret or progressive press" - this confused me some, as I thought the venerable Rock Chucker would be a great choice for a first press for reloading revolver calibers. Am I wrong?

I'm going to be buying die sets with Titanium nitride coated sizing rings, so I won't have to lube the brass. I'll need a shell holder in .38 special too.

Figure I can't go wrong with Bullseye powder, and use the standard 2.8 gr Bullseye with a 148 LWC bullet.

Question: will my .38 Special casings work with .38+P loads?

I think I'm gonna also need a "realoading tray" to hold the cartridges while they are primed and charged and waiting for bullets.

Anything else you can think of? What do you think of my setup?
Thanks!
Brian

June 5, 2008, 12:17 AM	#3
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	one big difference with metallic reloading is you don't start with a max load you start with the start load and work your way up to more powerful loads watching for signs of too much pressure. Yes your 38 cases can handle the pressures of 38 +P loads but again approach these loads with caution. depending on how much you shoot you may wish to start with a turret press but begin your learning curve using it as a single stage. another factor that is different than shotgun is you may want to vary the overall length of the assembled cartridge to improve accuracy. for safety sake you may wish to start your metallic reloading fun with a powder like trailboss as it will give you definite indications if you accidentally double charge a case. oh I use W231 So I'm not completely new to reloading - have reloaded Shotgun Shells with my MEC 600, and enjoyed it a ton. So now I want to reload for my pistols. I figure I'll start with one caliber, and work my way up from there. I shoot mostly in .38 special, so that's where I'll start. I'm probably going to be reloading to the tune of 200 cartridges a week max. Here's what I'm thinking: For a press: RCBS Rock Chucker Kit, which has pretty much everything I'll need, save for dies and shell holders. Now, in one of the stickies about reloading basics, the author wrote: "For reloading pistol, you’d want to consider a turret or progressive press" - this confused me some, as I thought the venerable Rock Chucker would be a great choice for a first press for reloading revolver calibers. Am I wrong? I'm going to be buying die sets with Titanium nitride coated sizing rings, so I won't have to lube the brass. I'll need a shell holder in .38 special too. Figure I can't go wrong with Bullseye powder, and use the standard 2.8 gr Bullseye with a 148 LWC bullet. Question: will my .38 Special casings work with .38+P loads? I think I'm gonna also need a "realoading tray" to hold the cartridges while they are primed and charged and waiting for bullets. Anything else you can think of? What do you think of my setup? Thanks! Brian