.50 reloading list

[Lot]

Hello,
I'm trying to make a 'one stop shopping' list of everything needed to load for the .50 ...
I've been surfing around and there's a lot of good info, but it's spread out.
Here's what I've got so far, and if anyone has any additions, changes, suggestions, etc., that would be fantastic!
***************
What is needed:

1. press (RCBS*, Hornady*, Hollywood, Corbin)
2. sizing die (full length* or neck only [Hornady:$135.99])
3. case trimmer (trim die*, trimmer [K&M, CH/4D:$275.95, Giraud:$330.00])
4. crimp remover (chamfering tool:$5.00 or swage kit [CH/4D:$40.00]) (or pocket uniformer may do it just fine)
5. primer pocket uniforming tool (K&M:$35.00)
6. flash hole uniforming tool (K&M:$25.00, CH/4D:$30.48)
7. neck turning tool (K&M:$85.00)
8. priming tool*
9. powder thrower (Hornady:$125.00, Hornady:$76.95, Hodgdon, JDS Quick Measure:$175.00)
10. bullet sizing die (0.5095") (for surplus bullets) (CH/4D:$100)
11. bullet seater* (CH/4D:$210)

Kits:

Kits get you the basic gear in one convenient package. This includes a press, sizing and seating dies, a priming system, shell holder, and trim die. (Items marked with a * in the list above come in a kit, so unless you want to upgrade the component, don't figure that cost in)

* RCBS
* Hornady $356.95, $394.00

Accessories:

Case cleaning -
For cleaning the inside of the case necks, use a 1/2" steel brush, like the kind used to prep copper pipe fittings for soldering ... Oatey's is one brand, has a red handle ... remove the handle and use the brush in a cordless drill.
Case lube -

Loading blocks -

Powder funnel -

cartridge box -


Components: - Brass - Primers (CCI 500pk/$80-$100 + shipping & hazmat) - Powder - Bullets

References:

* http://www.hevanet.com/temple/
* http://www.statearms.com/faq.html#ammunition
* http://www.arizonaammunition.com/50_bmg_prices.htm

[JWP]

scale to set powder measure
calipers
time

[limeyyank]

list is pretty good , if you want to get real accurate you could also add equipment to "CC" your cases as well as weigh each case. Also look into a few different powders for the best load density (V.V.O works best for me) along with hornady A-max 750 gr or 750gr barnes bronze

[Lot]

Ok, thought I'd bump this for more input since I'm back to thinking about it again.
I still haven't actually gotten any .50 reloading gear ... and of course I'm sure prices have gone up a lot since my original post.

RCBS kit is $430 at Natchez: link (https://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=RC88700)

Hornady is $357 (link (http://www14.inetba.com/tandtreloading/item13295.ctlg))or $400 (link (http://www.impactguns.com/store/hornady_50bmg_kit.html))

the Lee kit is only $150?!?!!?!? (link (http://www.fmreloading.com/cgi-bin/miva?Merchant2/merchant.mv+Screen=PROD&Store_Code=FMR&Product_Code=90859&Category_Code=Single+Stage+Presses))
review seems decent enough - http://members.cox.net/rjring/



The dude at the Hevanet link (http://www.hevanet.com/temple/ ) sais he wasn't happy with the "kit" style and ended up getting the components individually. Is this a case of 'buy once, cry once' or is it really only for super hardcore match stuff?

[50 Shooter]

If all you're going to be doing is plinking then the Lee kit is a bargain. If you plan on shooting a match or want to make match ammo, you might want to look into better dies. Then the problem with the Lee set-up becomes apparent, it doesn't accept the larger dies.

Lee uses their own 1 1/4" dia. dies, where everyone else uses 1 1/2".

[Snotty]

Originally posted by JWP
scale to set powder measure
calipers
time

As for the scale, I would highly recommend the Pact digital scale and dispenser combo. It's quite a pain to weigh out 200+ grains of powder for each round. With the digital combo, it does it all for you. No slumping over the scale. And, if the dispenser sends too much or too little, the scale will tell you on the readout. No messing with the scale. I've had very good experience with the Pact combo. I hear there are others out there, but I've also heard from many sources that the Pact is the best. It's the only one I've tried. it's been good to me.

Snotty