Question for the reloaders

[Orlando]

I am finally going to jump into the world of reloading, getting a RCBS master kit.
Going to start with 223 for my Match AR and wondered do you guys full length resize everytime?
Any certain powder you recommend? Seems Varget is popular
Thanks

[buzzy]

I reload .30-06 and .308 mostly, but have loaded .223 in the past.
The rule that I use is this:
If I am loading for any semi-automatic, I always full length size. Also, all of my .308 gets sized with a small base die. Small based dies size further down the case almost to the rim. Full length dies only size down to the case web. I do this because I have several rifles that the ammo may be used in. The chambers will vary from military barrels to some commercial barrels. Before I started using the small based die, I had a slam fire caused by a over sized web sticking in the chamber of a "tight" commercial barrel. Fortunately, no damage, except a little brown in my pants!
If I am sizing for a bolt action, I keep the brass separated by rifle after it is fire formed. Then you can neck size only several times before full length sizing again.
Hope this helps.

[buzzy]

One other thing a neglected to mention.
When firing from a bolt action weapon, the brass forms to the shape of the chamber and retains the head space dimension.
This is not the case with a semi auto. The hot brass actually is still growing after being ejected from the rifle. This means that the brass case does not match the chamber and the head space dimension will always be longer that the chamber.
I have see anywhere from +.003" to +.007 inch growth in the head space dimension depending on how hot the weapon was.

[Orlando]

Thanks for the reply
I will be relaoding .223 and 30.06 for semi auto only.
I'm sure once I get started I will pick your brain some more
Thanks again

[buzzy]

Happy to help. I have been reloading for many years.
I would recommend that you purchase cartridge headspace gauges for the two calibers that you are going to load.
RCBS makes a great gauge for this and they run around $40 each. These are a must in my book for setting up your sizing dies and monitoring your case headspace dimension during your sizing process.
Incidentally, I have never used a small base die for my .30-06 Garand loads. I have never found one with a tight chamber and have not had a problem using standard full length dies. .308 is a different story!

[Orlando]

If I full length resize why do I need the cartridge headspace gauge? I'm not real clear on the benafit of it.

[buzzy]

The cartridge headspace is determined by the die set up. You can control this dimension by using the gage and setting your die to the desired dimension.
I size all of my cases to .000" +-.001" on the headspace dimension. The secret to accuracy is matching your load to your rifle and maintaining a consistant loading process. But you also want to be safe doing it.

[Orlando]

So if I understand correctly ,you use this guage to set your full length sizer to the deminsion of the particular rifles chamber.
As long as I am using the ammo in the same rifle its something I basically use once to set the sizer and maybe everynow and then incase headspace increases with wear?

Besides dies and the headspace gauge what else do I need to get started?

Master Kit Includes:


•Rock Chucker Supreme Single Stage press
•505 scale
•Uniflow Powder Measure
•Speer Reloading Manual
•Hand priming tool with small and large primer plugs
•Folding Hex Key Set with 0.050", 1/16", 5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 9/64" and 5/32" keys
•Universal Case Loading Block, which holds 40 cases in most rifle and pistol calibers
•Case Lube Kit, which includes a 2 oz bottle of Case Lube-2, a case lube pad, 2 case neck brushes for .22 through .30 calibers and an accessory handle
•Powder Funnel for .22 to .45 caliber, including the Winchester Short Magnum calibers
•Chamfer and deburring tool for .17 through .60 caliber


Thanks I appreciate it

[buzzy]

I would strongly urge you to read up a little bit on headspacing before you get started. You have the equipment necessary to get started. Reloading can be a very relaxing and enjoyable experience or it can be very frustrating and dangerous if not done correctly.

Each time you change the dies in your press you should check the cartridge head space on the first case to ensure that you are operating in a safe range. SAMMI specs. If you set your die to deep, you will get a short headspace (dangerous). If you don't set it deep enough you will get a long headspace and the bolt may not close on the round. (very dangerous).
That's about all I can recommend for now.

[Orlando]

Will do
I also have a buddy that reloads and is going to help
Thanks again