Thread: Wannabe reloader - gear advice please

Originally Posted by Ftx325

thanks much for the input guys , really appreciate the advice. I think I will do as suggested and try and build up a kit piece by piece as that will also help spread out the cost. There have already been a few bits and pieces mentioned I hadn't factored in such as a chrony for example.
The reason for deciding to finally have a go is I don't appear to be able to purchase the rounds I use in my second favourite rifle anymore .... the 338 lap mag.
(as a side note if anyone knows where I can get a box or two of 338 lap mag in the federal american eagle 250 gr I would be eternally grateful ... i'm down to 7 rounds total left...)
So I would be looking at 338 to reload primarily but I also have but have five other calibres from 357 , 7.62x 39 through to the mighty 45/70
I am guessing should probably look at starting with a smaller less powerful cartridge to 'practice' before stepping up to the big boys toys in the interest of not blowing my face off?
And another possibly silly question , do the dies have a standard thread so different brands work in different presses or do hornady dies require a hornady press and so on ?

Try and remember that there is rarely the chance to 'practice'. Always keep your finger well away from ya ass, as smaller rounds often have more pressure than the larger ones. The resultant explosion is just as damning as with any other. All dies, other than the small Simplex Ozzy ones seem universal in my experience.