What items do I need to start reloading for 6.5 Grendel 123 grain Hornady Amax?

[IN33DAMM0]

Hello everyone. I recently bought a 6.5 Grendel. I'm looking for a complete list of items I would need to be able to reload it? As it is right now the only item I have is a drill press I can use as the press (obviously not running). Now, I found some items on a site that are at a good price and I know I need a few of them, But what else do I need? Where can I find an inexpensive primer (and tool) and the grain "machine"? I'm very new at reloading and have no idea what all I would need. Here's a list of items I will probably order for now.

6.5 GRENDEL UNPRIMED BRASS 50 PK $33.75

LEE SHELL HOLDER #12 $ 2.49

HO 6.5MM .264 123GR A-MAX 100RD $26.51

SERIES I 2-DIE SET 6.5 GRENDEL $29.99

LEE PRIMER POCKET CLEANER $2.49

Hornady Universal Depriming and Decapping Die $24.32 (It was out of stock)


So what else would I need? Any full list (including those items) would be a massive help. Prices and where to get it would be nice also if possible. I would like to buy everything from (http://www.natchezss.com). HELP ME PLEASE! Thanks a lot!

[Dogue]

My advice would be to pick up the ABC's of Reloading before you order anything else...read it and then start making your shopping list.

A drill press is not a reloading press, brass can be found cheaper, bullets can be found cheaper, the universal decapper is nice but not necessary (and I'd recommend the Lee unit), and you'll also need primers and powder, a scale, micrometer, and a case gauge is also a good idea.

[LR1955]

Hello everyone. I recently bought a 6.5 Grendel. I'm looking for a complete list of items I would need to be able to reload it? As it is right now the only item I have is a drill press I can use as the press (obviously not running). Now, I found some items on a site that are at a good price and I know I need a few of them, But what else do I need? Where can I find an inexpensive primer (and tool) and the grain "machine"? I'm very new at reloading and have no idea what all I would need. Here's a list of items I will probably order for now.

6.5 GRENDEL UNPRIMED BRASS 50 PK $33.75

LEE SHELL HOLDER #12 $ 2.49

HO 6.5MM .264 123GR A-MAX 100RD $26.51

SERIES I 2-DIE SET 6.5 GRENDEL $29.99

LEE PRIMER POCKET CLEANER $2.49

Hornady Universal Depriming and Decapping Die $24.32 (It was out of stock)


So what else would I need? Any full list (including those items) would be a massive help. Prices and where to get it would be nice also if possible. I would like to buy everything from (http://www.natchezss.com). HELP ME PLEASE! Thanks a lot!

IN33:

You are making a serious mistake if you buy the Lee dies. I do not think anyone here will advise you to buy the Lee dies. You can argue their cost all you want.

Run a search on this forum for 'reloading dies' and 'reloading presses'. I believe the last discussion (of many on the same subject) was about four weeks ago.

Go cheap and you will regret it.

LR1955

[Whelenon]

Couple recommendations:
case length gauge http://www.midwayusa.com/product/277...age-65-grendel
Bullet Conparator to measure OAL http://www.midwayusa.com/product/709...omparator-body

[Drifter]

Don't rush into it. Continue thorough research of methods and components before making a purchase. In the meantime, shoot factory A-max ammo and save your spent brass. When you're ready to get started, you will know. I don't think you're quite there yet.

[txgunner00]

For the money it's hard to beat the Hornady new dimension dies. I have a lee set but I only use the factory crimp die.

[ChellieWiles]

If you're just starting off, I would go with one of these. I just set one of my friends reloading stations up for him and he's real happy about the quality of these parts for being a first time reloader.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/121744/lee-challenger-breech-lock-single-stage-press-kit

if you don't want the kit, the individual pieces might cost more (or less, but that is a good one for the value). The absolute neccesities you will need are:

1)single stage press - double check to make sure there is a priming feature or a hand priming tool - I would also make sure that it's cast iron and not cast aluminum - you will probably be reloading for the rest of your life and you want that piece to last. a good cast iron press with be between 100-300 bucks.
2)case trimmer - needed to trim cases to uniform length - make sure that collets for your caliber are included - Make sure the trimmer has a stand or something to get it up off the bench.
3)micrometer - even the cheapest work just as well as the most expensive - needed to measure overall length, brass length, other lengths...etc. (no polymer, get a metal one)
4)powder scale - gravity or electric but make note, the cheapest gravity can outperform some 100$ digital scales. if cost is an issue, get a gravity unless you can spend at least 100 bucks on the scale. the cheap digi's have a host of problems from what i've seen after using for only a short amount of time.
5)case lube and pad - to lubricate shells
6)chamfer tool - to deburr and chamfer inside/outside of trimmed case
7)powder dispenser - if you just want to throw charges after reaching a good load. not necessary if you use lee powder measure kit with a gravity or digi scale but good to have on a bench.
8)powder funnel - for pouring accurately measured hunting loads into case
9)Modern Reloading Manual by Richard Lee - no reloaders bench is complete without one

optional accessories, not needed to reload but make things more precise
powder trickler, hornady bullet comparator and anvil base, case loading block (what you put your shells into while reloading-you probably do need at least one of these) and good hex wrench set for tightening/loosening lock rings on dies-guess you do need this too.
good luck and welcome to reloading

[ricsmall]

My advice would be to pick up the ABC's of Reloading before you order anything else...read it and then start making your shopping list.

A drill press is not a reloading press, brass can be found cheaper, bullets can be found cheaper, the universal decapper is nice but not necessary (and I'd recommend the Lee unit), and you'll also need primers and powder, a scale, micrometer, and a case gauge is also a good idea.

I agree with dogue, get the abc's of reloading before you buy anything. also, with what LR1955 said about the lee dies, some people are successful, most are not. Dont rush into it, read ALOT, and when you start reloading, take your time.Even after youve been reloading for 5 years, take your time. while youre shooting factory fodder and reading the how to manuals, you can be browsing for loading equipment on sale, as you can run up a hefty sum in one bite. And while youre learning, ask questions. Now that Im through lecturing(sorry) RCBS makes great presses. Ive been using mine for 25 years,and it still churns out great stuff. Redding dies are the brand I prefer, any good trimmer will usually do, case prep tools are usually equal quality with a few exceptions. I prefer a digital scale/ measure combo unless Im loading large lots, then I use an old Lyman 55 measure for ball and flake powders, as it doesnt do extruded very well. You may also want a gravity scale to double check every now and then. Get yourself a good caliper, and case gauges then all your components and youll be good. The list will get long,trust me! Good luck and keep us informed.

[Smokepole50]

If you can afford to own and shoot a Grendel then you should wait till you can afford this RCBS reloading kit.......

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/646599/rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-single-stage-press-master-kit

Until you can afford a GOOD reloading set-up I would just buy the Hornady 123 AMax ammo from AA or whoever has it the cheapest and save your brass. Once you start reloading you will quickly see how good a deal this ammo is price wise and the brass is only second best to Lapua AA brass which says a lot. By the time you figure in shipping and maybe some tax you will not be able to load your own ammo for $1.10 a pop using AMax bullets or any other premium bullet. Without S/H or tax.......Case= 0.60-0.65 each, bullet 0.25-0.30 each, primer 0.035-0.040 each and powder will cost you 0.12-0.14 per case depending on were you buy it. Your at a dollar without paying tax, shipping or gas money before you even start to pull the press lever.

As well I would not buy the Lee dies. Some Lee stuff is fine for bolt rifles but the Grendel is a fine tuned auto loading weapon and the Redding dies is what I ended up buying after I bought the early Lee dies because they were the only ones being made back then.

I would also reccomend a Sheridan Engineering 6.5 Grendel Ammo gauge from AA, it will help you sleep better once you learn just how easy it is to blow yourself up reloading for a Self Loading rifle.

With the proper equipment, reloading can be fun, help save money and improve the accuracy of your rifle. With crappy equipment you'll just be RELOADING, not HAND LOADING or BENCH REST LOADING, there is a difference.

I would also look at Ebay for some used equipment deals, quality equipment like RCBS, Redding, Hornady, and Sinclare are rarely worn out by the average reloader and often sell for good prices on the used market. Check Craigs List as well.

[Smokepole50]

Here is an even better deal..........

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000449361

You will also need one of these because the brass grows in length each time you full length resize the case, which is something you HAVE TO do with a autoloader. I have one of these but Hornady and other also make there own.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/817007/rcbs-trim-pro-2-manual-case-trimmer-kit

You will also need this.........

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/713366/rcbs-case-trimmer-pilot-26-caliber-65mm-264-diameter

and this.....

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/257765/rcbs-trim-pro-case-trimmer-shellholder-32-22-ppc-6mm-ppc-762x39mm

I love spending other peoples money........)

[Michael]

IN33DAMMO - welcome to Grendel land. I just started reloading about 6 months ago. Good advice posted so far. Listen to the folks on this site - I haven't been steered wrong yet. 'ABCs of Reloading' is a MUST. I would also recommend a couple of the manufacturer’s load books. If you want to load the AMAX, pick up the Hornady book. If you are ordering on the net, take a look at Graf and Sons (https://www.grafs.com/retail/). They do free shipping and prices are comparable (usually) with the other big sites. Don't rule out WalMart either. The one near me carries RCBS reloading equipment.

[ricsmall]

IN33DAMMO - welcome to Grendel land. I just started reloading about 6 months ago. Good advice posted so far. Listen to the folks on this site - I haven't been steered wrong yet. 'ABCs of Reloading' is a MUST. I would also recommend a couple of the manufacturer’s load books. If you want to load the AMAX, pick up the Hornady book. If you are ordering on the net, take a look at Graf and Sons (https://www.grafs.com/retail/). They do free shipping and prices are comparable (usually) with the other big sites. Don't rule out WalMart either. The one near me carries RCBS reloading equipment.

It must be nice to go in wal mart and buy reloading equipment! There is one store (about 40 miles away) that has reloading equipment and components. Most of my supplies come off the net. I bet I could make a pile of cash with a good reloading store with competitive prices.

[Michael]

It must be nice to go in wal mart and buy reloading equipment! There is one store (about 40 miles away) that has reloading equipment and components. Most of my supplies come off the net. I bet I could make a pile of cash with a good reloading store with competitive prices.

Yeah - it is handy for the 'oh crap' moments. Mainly .223 stuff, but pretty good selection of powders, primers and little nit-noid stuff like shell holders.

[IN33DAMM0]

Is there a complete kit? I know they make full kits for the .223. Do they do one for the 6.5? Also if anyone knows where to get full kits really cheap please send me a link. I ordered the gun a while ago and am finding it hard to be able to shoot it. But there's no way I'm going to sell it. Any help with a one stop shop from another site that sells everything (and you can give me a list of EVERY item I need) so I can just go from A - Z and type in what I'm looking for and add it to a cart. I would be grateful. Thanks a lot. - Bryan

[COTNTOP]

Sinclair International
(1) Redding Dies, shellholder 32, single stage press, imperial wax (follow instructions that come with dies and this will resize your cases)

(2) Wilson trimmer, 6.5G collet and micrometer (follow instructions and this will trim cases to proper trim length)

(3) Stainless Media kit (STM sells whole kit, follow instructions this will clean cases)

(4) Lee auto-prime (follow instructions this will prime cases)

(5) Scale, comparator (follow instructions this will take to point of complete bullet)

Find someone in your area that is an accomplished reloader, if you have to pay for lesson it will be money well spent. The above items will get job done, as you progress and refine your methods the pile will get bigger.