Thread: Keeping it Simple for New Handloaders

Just to reinforce the GPM's KISS principle. For my first 15 years of handloading (308 and treble 2) I used a Lyman 310 handtool. (Google it)
I had a second hand first model Redding beam balance with oil dash pot dampening. The oil constantly meniscused out over the sides then dust stuck to that.
I had no way of FLSing, I had to go to a mate for that.

Now I read about case cleaning devices, crappy electronic scales etc etc being top of newbie's purchase lists.
Reloaders concerned about the time taken winding in and out of dies into single stage presses and so on.

Through out my Lyman 310 years I successfully shot fullbore so my ammo wasn't too damn bad..

Don't get me wrong, I've now got all the bells and whistles, mainly because i reached a stage in life when i could afford it plus I enjoyed the hobby, but you certainly don't need it starting out and as already pointed out, depending where you head and your ammo needs may never need it.

Originally Posted by zimmer

Just to reinforce the GPM's KISS principle. For my first 15 years of handloading (308 and treble 2) I used a Lyman 310 handtool. (Google it)
I had a second hand first model Redding beam balance with oil dash pot dampening. The oil constantly meniscused out over the sides then dust stuck to that.
I had no way of FLSing, I had to go to a mate for that.

Now I read about case cleaning devices, crappy electronic scales etc etc being top of newbie's purchase lists.
Reloaders concerned about the time taken winding in and out of dies into single stage presses and so on.

Through out my Lyman 310 years I successfully shot fullbore so my ammo wasn't too damn bad..

Don't get me wrong, I've now got all the bells and whistles, mainly because i reached a stage in life when i could afford it plus I enjoyed the hobby, but you certainly don't need it starting out and as already pointed out, depending where you head and your ammo needs may never need it.

Certainly helps to have quality gear from the start.Get a Lee universal depriming die. Fantastic tool. Then add T7 and R dies and CM1500. Yeah Sinclair uniformer. Also Lyman flashhole uniformer on your 18v and anneal every time. Got lotsa other tools I no longer use including K&M etc etc.LOL.