Definitely get a Sinclair catalog. SINCLAIR CATALOG | Sinclair Intl I would also recommend their book on "Precision Reloading and Shooting Handbook". It gives you a ground-up look at what it takes to get into precision shooting and loading. It will also give you an idea if you want to pursue the more stringent benchrest practices, or if you want to be a generally good ammunition loader and produce more quantity. Liek everything firearms related, it can be taken to the extreme. The above book does give a good insight to the extreme practices which will give you a better idea of defining what your goals might be.
Andy Cree
Definitely get a Sinclair catalog. SINCLAIR CATALOG | Sinclair Intl I would also recommend their book on "Precision Reloading and Shooting Handbook". It gives you a ground-up look at what it takes to get into precision shooting and loading. It will also give you an idea if you want to pursue the more stringent benchrest practices, or if you want to be a generally good ammunition loader and produce more quantity. Liek everything firearms related, it can be taken to the extreme. The above book does give a good insight to the extreme practices which will give you a better idea of defining what your goals might be.
Andy Cree
It is not so much about the equipment as it is about the procedures and components used. A Rockcucker, a good set of dies, and a good scale are all that is needed to beat most factory ammo.
I would suggest getting a comparator set up so you can determine distance from the ogive to the lands. Most all heavy single stage presses work good, Set of precision dies and lots of spare time. Also it may get expensive finding the right bullets and powder,brass and primers that best suit your needs. {i know from experience}
I use a Lee hand press, Lee dies, and a Harrel's powder measure. I frequently load my 1,000 yard match ammo off the back of my Suburban the morning of the match. If my ammo got loaded more than a day or two before use, it is always loaded .020 to .030 long using a Lee single stage press at home. The morning of use, it is seated to final depth with the hand press. There is almost always a moment of resistance, then a little pop as the bullet breaks free and moves in.
I shoot long range in the Master class with a .308 Palma gun.
This is to eliminate the bullet bonding to the case?
It is called cold welding and is real. And can be felt in the final seating. When you are trying to drop them all into the X-ring at 1,000 yards, consistent neck tension and everything else is absolutely essential. The tools used for the loading of the cartridge are not consequential. IMO.
I have shot LR matches with people who load long, then jam the bullet into the lands to push the bullet back into the case. Then shoot it. I don't have the courage for that.
Cold welding is not a factor or concern for the tactical shooter. It is only a concern for the bullseye or Long Range Highpower shooter. But it is a real phenomenon.