so whats the average price on one of them rcbs rock chuckers. i have an empty basement that would be a good place to store all the stuff so i think maybe im going to buy one. how difficult is reloading? and any suggestions for a beginner?
country rebel
There is a lot of good stuff on EBay. Id also check your local gun shops and online stores for new prices. Bargains will be where you find them. The RockChucker Supreme kit has about everything you need except a case trimmer and tumbler. It comes with the Speer manual but I would get additional manuals, too. Used is fine. The Hogdon Annual Manual is about $7 and is worth every penny. Hodgdon, Accurate, Alliant, IMR and Winchester have data online for free, and probably others do, too. The manuals I use most are Hodgdon, Nosler and Barnes and Hornady. As a rule, current manuals are better than old ones components change and load data does as well.
Reloading is not difficult, especially if you have an aptitude for mechanical things and can read and follow directions. When getting started read the instructions in a couple different manuals, find a mentor who can teach you the ropes, get instructional videos, take classes, join a club, do whatever you can to learn what you need to know. I was self-taught using the Speer manuals, although I had spent a day loading shotshells with a friend some years earlier.
Think safety first and always. The goal is to become an old reloader with all body parts still intact. Dont start out by pushing the envelope, start out with the idea that you are learning an art. A chronograph is within everyones reach ($49 for a rebuilt chrony from Shooting Chrony call them), and is a must if you plan to safely develop top end loads. Because velocity and pressure have a fairly direct relationship, velocity is often your most accurate indicator of pressure. Dont guess, get a chronograph.
Heres a link to the process I use:
http://www.marlinowners.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=11665&start=30 Third post from the top.
Some additional suggestions:
1. Never mix reloading and alcohol or other drugs.
2. Dont smoke while reloading.
3. Dont use a vacuum to clean up your reloading area or to pick up spilled powder. Use a broom.
4. Dont reload on carpet. If you must, use anti-static spray to help avoid static. Better yet, just dont do it.
5. Store your powder and primers in a cool, dry area. If it doesnt look and feel fresh, fertilize the garden with it.
6. Never reload when distracted or upset or unable to concentrate for any reason. Do yourself a favor and wait.
7. Never have more than one powder on the reload bench at a time. Never!
8. Left some powder in the dispenser and not ABSOLUTELY, 100% sure what it is? More fertilizer!
You get the idea. Dont do anything to invite Murphy into your life.