rcbs-reloading

If you are new to handloading, you may be overwhelmed by the many things there are to know. You may want to reload your own ammo, but don’t know much about presses, dies, caliber sizes, and powder measures. If this is the case, you may want to check out RCBS reloading equipment. RCBS makes it easy for newcomers to figure out the basics of handloading, while still being advanced enough for the experts. This article will go through the basic components necessary to get started handloading and what RCBS reloading equipment you should use.

Do not confuse this article for an actual handloading manual. If you truly want to begin handloading, there are many manuals to choose from (RCBS sells these as well). This article can lead you in the right direction, but there is a whole lot more to know.

You probably already know that, in order to start loading your own rounds, you will need a reloading press. The press is the tool that makes the whole process possible. It primes the shell, seats the bullet, and applies a crimp to the case. If you are just starting out, a single stage press might be a good way to really see how each step in the loading process works. Although, single stage presses are very slow and are generally used for specialty, high-precision rounds.

Instead of using a single stage, you may want to go straight to a progressive press, which does all of the steps at once. Though this can be overwhelming for a beginner, RCBS reloading equipment is very straightforward and simple. Whether you decide to start out with the single stage or progressive press, the RCBS reloading equipment you get will continue to be valuable to you even after you become a handloading pro.

Once you choose the type of reloading press that best suits you, you will need dies. Dies are used to shape the case in preparation for loading. Dies generally come in twos or threes, depending on the kind of press you have and the type of rounds you are loading. For a progressive press, one die is used to resize the case, the second flares the mouth, and the final die applies a crimp after the bullet is inserted.

Dies can be purchased just about anywhere and most can be used with any type of reloading press, especially if you are just using RCBS reloading equipment. However, you must be sure the dies you get are correct for the types of rounds you plan to make.

The next element to consider is powder. The powder measure is a piece of RCBS reloading equipment that is essential for handloading. Without it, it is extremely difficult to be sure the right amount of powder is going into each round. A powder measure will be included with just about any RCBS reloading press kit.

In addition to the powder measure, you’ll also want a powder scale. The scale is important because you can use it to test the amount of powder inserted from the powder measure. If the amount is off, you can adjust the powder measure so that it is adding the right amount to each round. RCBS has a number of electronic and balance-beam powder scales you can chose from.

Though this is a very basic introduction to RCBS reloading equipment and handloading, you should now know what supplies you will need to start with. For more information, a handloading manual is your best bet and can fill in all the remaining blanks. RCBS reloading equipment is a great start on your way towards expert handloading.

One of the best source for RCBS Reloaders are on ebay, there are a lot of great deals on auction daily.