Reloading noobie .223 .458 socom

[sosa9999 5]

I took the plunge and ordered the Forster CO-ax press and a set of Forster dies for .223 for now. From my research, it's an above average press. I am tiered of getting cheap made product and ending up spend more later on. That is why i went with the Forester press.

 

I'll be getting more reloading equipment  in the next couple of months, odds are 1 piece a month (depending on price).  My question is, What do you guys recommend and if not to much trouble WHY? I would prefer to buy something that has multiple uses. 

 

The main reason of me reloading is my new build, it's a big bore AR15 chambered in .458 socom. I have plans on reloading .223 for plinking and precision shooting. (should I just buy plinking ammo and reload match grade ammo). I also shoot 7.63x39, 9mm and 40 but unsure if I should reload it as well. 

 

1) Powder Handling: Scales, Measures & Dispensers 

 

2) Case Preparation, Prep Kits & Trimmers

 

3) Case Cleaning: Tumblers & Sonic Cleaners

 

4) What more do you believe I need.

[Pizza Bob 1,488]

I'd say that you are off to a fine start. That Forester press used to be the Bonanza Co-Ax press and was/is one of the finest single stage presses made. I have one in storage along with two Dillon RL450B's and a Rockchucker - haven't reloaded since 1991 - but someday.

 

Concentrate on one caliber first and buy the accessories needed to load that caliber. What is the parent case of the .458 Socom? Are there any extraordinary steps in forming the brass? Maybe concentrate on that first. I'd also use a single stage press for your precision long gun rounds. Plinking and handgun rounds are better loaded on a progressive, that may come in due time.

 

Good luck with your new venture.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

[Dan 177]

Congrats on the press. I'm a happy owner of a Co-ax as well. PizzaBob here on the forums recommended and showed me the ropes with it some years ago.

 

Keep in mind, being a single stage press, its not the type of setup that will have you pumping out round after round in volume like a progressive press. For instance, I have a Lock n load progressive for handgun ammo, while I use the Co-ax for rifle , both precision and low-volume stuff. It really comes down to how much time you have on your hands....

 

For .223 plinking... I get lazy and grab up deals on for quality brass plinking ammo like Wolf Gold, Privi, and Aguilla. I save the brass for some day i just MAY want to reload it.

 

Other equipment that i use includes:

 

Forester case trimmer

Lyman digital scale

Lyman 55 adjustable powder measure

Lee powder measure

Lee primer tool

Lee powder measure cups

Cabelas vibratory case cleaner/polisher

Lyman deburring tool

Primer pocket cleaner tool

Bullet puller

Multi caliber case holding trays

Hornady One Shot case lube (stuff is great, you can just wipe them down and load, no need to clean as it won't attack powder)

Digital caliper tool

 

Have fun!

[T Bill 649]

458 SOCOM is its own brass.  Not SAAMI spec'd yet, but pretty much set.  Starline Brass is the only maker at this point. Get yourself on the waiting list as it is only made 3-4 times a year and sells out fast.  I have a RRA Beast in 458 and besides not feeling well, I am having problems with cycling at the moment.  Hope to get back to it more towards spring.  Too many other issues keeping me from the reloading bench this winter.  That sucks as I use wintertime to load for the year.

[sosa9999 5]

I'd say that you are off to a fine start. That Forester press used to be the Bonanza Co-Ax press and was/is one of the finest single stage presses made. I have one in storage along with two Dillon RL450B's and a Rockchucker - haven't reloaded since 1991 - but someday.

 

Concentrate on one caliber first and buy the accessories needed to load that caliber. What is the parent case of the .458 Socom? Are there any extraordinary steps in forming the brass? Maybe concentrate on that first. I'd also use a single stage press for your precision long gun rounds. Plinking and handgun rounds are better loaded on a progressive, that may come in due time.

 

Good luck with your new venture.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

Like T Bill said, I would have to start from a .458 socom case and they ain't cheap. I guess i should concentrate on the .458 first before getting into the .223. Which is OK with me until i run out of ammo. 

[sosa9999 5]

Congrats on the press. I'm a happy owner of a Co-ax as well. PizzaBob here on the forums recommended and showed me the ropes with it some years ago.

 

Keep in mind, being a single stage press, its not the type of setup that will have you pumping out round after round in volume like a progressive press. For instance, I have a Lock n load progressive for handgun ammo, while I use the Co-ax for rifle , both precision and low-volume stuff. It really comes down to how much time you have on your hands....

 

For .223 plinking... I get lazy and grab up deals on for quality brass plinking ammo like Wolf Gold, Privi, and Aguilla. I save the brass for some day i just MAY want to reload it.

 

Other equipment that i use includes:

 

Forester case trimmer

Lyman digital scale

Lyman 55 adjustable powder measure

Lee powder measure

Lee primer tool

Lee powder measure cups

Cabelas vibratory case cleaner/polisher

Lyman deburring tool

Primer pocket cleaner tool

Bullet puller

Multi caliber case holding trays

Hornady One Shot case lube (stuff is great, you can just wipe them down and load, no need to clean as it won't attack powder)

Digital caliper tool

 

Have fun!

Thanks for the info Dan. I will be looking up your recommendations. 

[sosa9999 5]

458 SOCOM is its own brass.  Not SAAMI spec'd yet, but pretty much set.  Starline Brass is the only maker at this point. Get yourself on the waiting list as it is only made 3-4 times a year and sells out fast.  I have a RRA Beast in 458 and besides not feeling well, I am having problems with cycling at the moment.  Hope to get back to it more towards spring.  Too many other issues keeping me from the reloading bench this winter.  That sucks as I use wintertime to load for the year.

Just ordered 250 from them, so now I wait. Thanks for the info.