OT... kinda: Reloading accessories

alnitak · Post by **alnitak** » Thu May 22, 2008 12:01 pm

Got to looking at the reloading setups featured in this thread:

http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewt ... 9470#89470

and was looking at the accessories on the benches. Not the reloading equipment, per se, but the other things -- 3-in-1 oil, screwdrivers, goggles, dust pan and whisk, etc.

So I got to thinking...beyond the standard reloading tools and equipment (case trimmer, bullet puller, caliper, scale, etc.) what accessories do you find yourself needing from time to time, and for what purpose? For example:
- dust pan and whisk to clean up powder spills
- head magnifying glass to inspect bullet seating depth and crimp
- ??

As a relative newcomer to reloading, I'd like to see what your experience has deemed "essential."

jnyork · Post by **jnyork** » Thu May 22, 2008 2:34 pm

GOOD dial calipers. A must

2" micrometer comes in handy.

Reloading die lock ring wrench.

Small Maglite.

Red rags from Wallyworld auto dept.

2" masking tape, makes great ammo box labels.

I keep a small shopvac under the bench, and use it frequently.

Post by **Hobie** » Thu May 22, 2008 2:46 pm

Earplugs so I can't hear my wife calling me for chores...

2ndovc · Post by **2ndovc** » Thu May 22, 2008 2:54 pm

Couple small funnels for getting unused powder from the measure back into the can.

Three ring binder for notes. I've noticed that I have to write everthing down these days

I use a small paint brush for a wisk broom.
I found a 6" copper plate on one of our jobs that I found works great as a primer flip tray.

Calipers are a must. Also a good set of Allen wrenches.

victor · Post by **victor** » Thu May 22, 2008 5:07 pm

some other items I use not mentioned would be:
a tumbler for lubed rifle brass.
dental picks for clearing media from flash holes.
50 or 100rd. plastic ammo cases.
case loading blocks.
small can of oil for press linkage and such.
and a small radio.

Andrew · Post by **Andrew** » Thu May 22, 2008 5:32 pm

Hobie wrote:Earplugs so I can't hear my wife calling me for chores...

My old boss got his hearing test back that said he had worse hearing in the upper ranges. He told his wife that's why he couldn't hear her telling him to do stuff.

Yes, this is a good thread. I am getting very close to taking the plunge and like all the advice these guys so willingly divulge.

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Thu May 22, 2008 6:22 pm

Dip your plastic "stuff", like powder funnels, into some dish detergent & let them air dry - then you'll get no "static cling" & gun powder sticking to them.

Install a good shop light over your reloading area - even if it's in a closet.

Good lighting's a "must", for double-checking powder levels before seating bullets.

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Thu May 22, 2008 7:19 pm

Pete44ru wrote:Good lighting's a "must", for double-checking powder levels before seating bullets.

+1,000!

That's why I also have a flashlight on the bench (plus if the house loses power while I'm reloading). A set of screwdrivers, needlenose pliers, pliers and allen wrenches (any tool you may need to adjust your reloading requipment). Calipers are a must. Reloading block, rag, wisk broom - all mentioned. Don't forget the coaster for your soda!

envisaged · Post by **envisaged** » Thu May 22, 2008 7:25 pm

jnyork wrote:2" masking tape, makes great ammo box labels.

I use the blue painters tape so it comes off easily. Mark all the load data and date on it.