Title: Building My First Reloading Bench with RCBS: Getting Organized and Educated

After ordering my RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit, the subsequent step was setting it up in the fitting atmosphere. Proudly owning the gear is one a part of the method however having a secure and arranged workspace and realizing learn how to use every thing appropriately is simply as essential. As somebody new handy loading, I discovered rapidly that reorganizing my current gun room and constructing out the bench space was simply as essential as understanding the gear itself.

Remodeling the Gun Room for Reloading

My gun room was already constructed contained in the storage. It was safe, local weather managed, and already outfitted with the Lockdown wall group system. As a substitute of ranging from scratch, I targeted on reorganizing the room to create space for a devoted reloading desk. The wall system made this simple since I might relocate instruments, equipment, and storage panels to clear the realm across the new bench.

Reloading requires focus and a clear atmosphere, and the enclosed gun room was already preferrred for that. By shifting a number of storage objects round and positioning the brand new bench the place it had the perfect lighting and workflow, I turned the present room into a way more efficient reloading area.

Mounting the Rock Chucker Supreme Press

The centerpiece of the brand new setup is the Rock Chucker Supreme press. The forged iron body is heavy and designed for stability. I mounted it to the brand new desk utilizing heavy {hardware}. After marking and drilling the holes, I bolted it down tightly to eradicate flex or motion. Any wobble impacts consistency, so securing the press was my high precedence.

As soon as mounted, the brand new desk felt goal constructed. This small change made the whole room really feel like a correct reloading workspace as an alternative of only a gun storage space.

Lighting and Security Concerns

The gun room already had normal lighting, however reloading requires extra precision. I added a vivid, adjustable LED lamp straight over the press. With the ability to clearly see inside circumstances, confirm powder ranges, and browse the dimensions precisely makes an enormous distinction.

I additionally positioned a small fireproof cupboard in an unused nook to retailer powder and primers. RCBS stresses correct storage for temperature and security causes, and having a managed gun room made it easy to maintain elements protected and away from warmth sources.

Utilizing the Lockdown Wall System for Group

The Lockdown wall system grew to become much more useful as soon as the bench was added. I reorganized the panels so case prep instruments, funnels, calipers, deburring instruments, and small equipment have been saved cleanly on the wall as an alternative of taking on bench area. Retaining the floor clear reduces the possibility of contaminating brass or powder and makes the workflow smoother.

Studying the Course of: RCBS Reloading 101

Earlier than working with any brass, I frolicked studying from the Speer Reloading Guide included within the equipment. It walks by way of each step with illustrations and cargo knowledge.

I additionally used the RCBS Reloading 101 assets on-line. They break the whole course of into clear levels case prep, priming, powder charging, bullet seating, and inspection. Studying the guides whereas standing on the freshly organized bench helped every thing make sense.

Beginning Small with One Cartridge

RCBS recommends beginning with one cartridge as an alternative of attempting to reload every thing directly. I selected .308 and put in the matching dies and shell holder within the Rock Chucker press. The resizing die and seating die have been simpler to arrange than anticipated as soon as I adopted the RCBS directions step-by-step.

Case Prep on the Bench

Case prep was my first palms on job. Utilizing the deburring software, I smoothed case mouths. The brushes cleaned residue from contained in the case necks. A small quantity of RCBS case lube made resizing clean and prevented sticking within the die.

This stage takes endurance however helped me construct confidence earlier than shifting to powder and primers.

Powder Measuring and Weighing

I upgraded to the ChargeMaster Hyperlink Digital Powder Dispenser. It measures and dispenses costs routinely, connects by way of Bluetooth, and may be managed from the RCBS Reloading App. Having it on the brand new desk subsequent to the press made the whole workflow environment friendly and correct.

Priming and Bullet Seating

I additionally added the Computerized Priming Device to the setup. It gave me a great really feel for primer seating depth and helped keep away from excessive or crushed primers. As soon as primed, I moved the charged circumstances to the press, arrange the seating die, and slowly labored by way of seating bullets.

Seeing the primary accomplished spherical come out of the press in my reorganized gun room was an excellent second. Every thing got here collectively precisely the best way it ought to.

Constructing Good Habits

RCBS emphasizes consistency and routine. I constructed habits like checking each powder cost with a flashlight, logging each load in a pocket book, and carrying security glasses always. The gun room format helps with these habits as a result of every thing has a spot and distractions are minimal.

Step by Step Guidelines for Setting Up and Beginning Reloading

Bench Setup

• Reorganize the present gun room to clear area for a devoted bench.
• Set up a sturdy desk able to supporting the press.
• Add direct lighting above the press.
• Place a fireproof cupboard for powder and primer storage.
• Rearrange the Lockdown wall panels for optimum software group.

Mounting Tools

• Bolt down the Rock Chucker Supreme Press securely.
• Place the ChargeMaster Hyperlink dispenser inside attain of the press.
• Hold case prep instruments and small equipment mounted on the Lockdown wall.

Organizing Workflow

• Use a loading block for holding and staging brass.
• Use bins for cleaned brass, primed brass, and accomplished rounds.
• Log all load knowledge in a pocket book.

Schooling and Security

• Learn the Speer Reloading Guide earlier than starting.
• Overview RCBS Reloading 101 supplies.
• Put on security glasses always.
• By no means reload when drained or distracted.

Reloading Sequence

• Examine and clear brass.
• Lubricate and resize circumstances.
• Deburr and brush case mouths.
• Prime circumstances with the Computerized Priming Device.
• Dispense costs with the ChargeMaster Hyperlink.
• Test fill ranges visually earlier than seating bullets.
• Seat bullets utilizing the right seating die.
• Examine every completed spherical for constant measurements.

Ultimate Ideas

Reorganizing my gun room and including a devoted reloading desk made the whole RCBS setup really feel pure and environment friendly. By enhancing the format, mounting the press appropriately, and studying by way of RCBS manuals and on-line assets, I felt assured beginning my reloading journey. The room now features as a real workspace, and every new cartridge I load appears like progress. I nonetheless have quite a bit to study, however with RCBS gear and a clear, organized gun room, I really feel like I’m beginning off robust.

Andy Husek

Andy has been a lifelong Outdoorsman and has hunted and fished everywhere in the world however his house state of Michigan is close to and pricey to his coronary heart. He grew up fishing the Nice Lakes and principally hunted waterfowl and small sport till his teenage years when he rapidly grew to become an avid massive sport hunter. He has hunted North America from the northernmost elements of Alaska to the southernmost elements of Florida and in every single place in between. When he isn’t looking or fishing he’s teaching journey softball and watching his two daughters play the sports activities they love.