6mm ARC specific reloading equipment

[Bassfish1952]

If I had everything else but was going to 6mmARC what would I need just to reload 6mm arc. and what would be best to buy ? 

is it all universal to all presses ?

I would like to know before getting talked into things I don't need to produce to load with someone else's reloading equipment or to get so they can do it with me being taught

thanks

[CZ527 Guy]

Press= universal

dies = cartridge specific

shell holder = cartridge specific

case trimmer = you can go universal OR cartridge specific. my newer favorite is cartridge specific https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101285..._rd_page=2

powder thrower = universal

scale = universal

caliper = universal

priming tool = small & large rifle though generally universal need another shell holder

Inside outside chamfer tool = universal

Bullet puller for when things don't go as planed Inexpensive inertia puller universal though not recommended.
Collet system Hornady does a nice offering. Collets are caliber specific.

What would be best depends on your goals

Specifically for 6mm ARC you may need nothing more than dies & shell holder. I am expecting the Hornady dies may do well for your intended volume. Though there are nicer dies out there to be sure for considerably more coin.

May be more than you would wish to spend though on the high end Id recommend the Mighty Armory GOLD MATCH 6mm ARC Sizing Decapping Die https://www.mightyarmory.com/products/mi...apping-die

Whidden seater die
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012683313?pid=549242

If you already had everything you may have the #12 shell holder.
though you would do well to check.

top of the line shell holder choice IMHO would be the Redding Competition Shellholder Set #12

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012496245?pid=422114
Redding Competition Shellholder Set #12

If you really had everything you would not need this collet puller though Ill throw it out there for consideration.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012764862?pid=851547


https://www.midwayusa.com/s?searchTerm=H...let+puller

[Bassfish1952]

Thanks
I am talking with a custom ammo shop and a friend neither has 6mm ARC stuff but both have all the rest . The custom shop says to bring
bullets
brass
power
primers
dies
He will work up a Load pack and after I try them and determine which fits my rifle best he will load the rest of what I have in that load.
and I pay for it. Which is ok first time for me.
My friend says bing same stuff to him, we'll do it together and we'll hit the range and find what works. Then I owe him a fishing trip.
I think the friend will be slower but a lot more fun.
and I get to see if I like reloading

I copied this to my Mac notes so I won't lose it and will look at all those you mentioned .
Since I am putting out just for 6mm ARC specific at first I think getting the better equip. may be the way to go. Then no regrets later.


Again thanks

[CZ527 Guy]

Your friend likely already has a case lube for sizing cases though I suspect he is not using peg 75. I tried the peg 75 & I think I may be converted to this as my case lube. Not the least expensive rout though I like it for greater user friendliness IMHO.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/265736167961?_t...%7Ciid%3A1

You will still need 99% isopropyl alcohol to finish the mix. You will have enough peg 75 to share for sure.

[grayfox]

Add to your list above, 2 shell holders. RCBS has a number, maybe #12? idk, I use the hornady shell holder #6, same as the 6.5 grendel.
Either mfr shell holder will work with any of the other mfr die sets (at least the ones that I know, the ultra-high$$$ ones, no idea!), just make sure to stay consistent on your setup. 1 shell holder for the die, and 1 for the priming tool (I use rcbs, it's manual but I want to feel the primer seating in).
Some Hdy 1-shot or other lube for the depriming/sizing die. Or that brass will stick!!

But yeah. Aside from particular powder (maybe useable for others - depends on you), bullet, brass shell holder and dies, all the rest is common stuff to any reloading.
Make sure the primers are small rifle, cci450, cci#41, fed match/AR 205's, Rem 7 1/2, avoid the thinner SRP's like the plague.

O, and he should have a trimmer, that may need a grendel/6Arc holding plate, depends on the type of trimmer he uses. I use the rcbs trim pro. And a set of calipers that track down to the 1/1000th ".
For inner chamfer get a "VLD" one, it makes for a more harmonious inner seating angle.
To paraphrase Tom Selleck.

[Bassfish1952]

Add to your list above, 2 shell holders.  RCBS has a number, maybe #12? idk, I use the hornady shell holder #6, same as the 6.5 grendel.
Either mfr shell holder will work with any of the other mfr die sets (at least the ones that I know, the ultra-high$$$ ones, no idea!), just make sure to stay consistent on your setup.  1 shell holder for the die, and 1 for the  priming tool (I use rcbs, it's manual but I want to feel the primer seating in). 
Some Hdy 1-shot or other lube for the depriming/sizing die.  Or that brass will stick!!

But yeah. Aside from particular powder (maybe useable for others - depends on you), bullet, brass shell holder and dies, all the rest is common stuff to any reloading.
Make sure the primers are small rifle, cci450, cci#41, fed match/AR 205's, Rem 7 1/2, avoid the thinner SRP's like the plague.

O, and he should have a trimmer, that may need a grendel/6Arc holding plate, depends on the type of trimmer he uses.  I use the rcbs trim pro.  And a set of calipers that track down to the 1/1000th ".
For inner chamfer get a "VLD" one, it makes for a more harmonious inner seating angle.
To paraphrase Tom Selleck.

Thanks 
I'm taking note and will make sure I get it right.

Now off to a weekend of Bass Fishing. You guys have a great weekend

[Bassfish1952]

Press= universal

dies = cartridge specific

shell holder = cartridge specific

case trimmer = you can go universal OR cartridge specific. my newer favorite is cartridge specific https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101285..._rd_page=2

powder thrower = universal

scale = universal

caliper = universal

priming tool = small & large rifle though generally universal  need another shell holder

Inside outside chamfer tool = universal

Bullet puller for when things don't go as planed Inexpensive inertia puller universal though not recommended.
Collet system Hornady does a nice offering. Collets are caliber specific.

What would be best depends on your goals

Specifically for 6mm ARC you may need nothing more than dies & shell holder. I am expecting the Hornady dies may do well for your intended volume. Though there are nicer dies out there to be sure for considerably more coin.

May be more than you would wish to spend though on the high end Id recommend the Mighty Armory GOLD MATCH 6mm ARC Sizing Decapping Die  https://www.mightyarmory.com/products/mi...apping-die

Whidden seater die
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012683313?pid=549242

If you already had everything you may have the #12 shell holder.
though you would do well to check.

top of the line shell holder choice IMHO would be the Redding Competition Shellholder Set #12

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012496245?pid=422114
Redding Competition Shellholder Set #12

If you really had everything you would not need this collet puller though Ill throw it out there for consideration.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012764862?pid=851547


https://www.midwayusa.com/s?searchTerm=H...let+puller

Question 
Whidden seater die and the Mighty Armory Sizing Die preform 2 different functions ? and I have read about just resizing the neck especially if firing thru the same rifle. Do I need a full size and a neck sizer ? 

My 90gr. Hornady GMX bullets are in shipment should be here Tuesday , same for the 6.5 Grendel brass , powder and Primer are being picked up at a gun show today.

I just need the Dies, so once I hear from you guys , not a lot of difference in price since I only have to buy 6ARC specific so I want to go with better or best. 

So would it be Seater, sizing and a neck die or ?



Thanks

[CZ527 Guy]

Press= universal

dies = cartridge specific

shell holder = cartridge specific

case trimmer = you can go universal OR cartridge specific. my newer favorite is cartridge specific https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101285..._rd_page=2

powder thrower = universal

scale = universal

caliper = universal

priming tool = small & large rifle though generally universal  need another shell holder

Inside outside chamfer tool = universal

Bullet puller for when things don't go as planed Inexpensive inertia puller universal though not recommended.
Collet system Hornady does a nice offering. Collets are caliber specific.

What would be best depends on your goals

Specifically for 6mm ARC you may need nothing more than dies & shell holder. I am expecting the Hornady dies may do well for your intended volume. Though there are nicer dies out there to be sure for considerably more coin.

May be more than you would wish to spend though on the high end Id recommend the Mighty Armory GOLD MATCH 6mm ARC Sizing Decapping Die  https://www.mightyarmory.com/products/mi...apping-die

Whidden seater die
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012683313?pid=549242

If you already had everything you may have the #12 shell holder.
though you would do well to check.

top of the line shell holder choice IMHO would be the Redding Competition Shellholder Set #12

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012496245?pid=422114
Redding Competition Shellholder Set #12

If you really had everything you would not need this collet puller though Ill throw it out there for consideration.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012764862?pid=851547


https://www.midwayusa.com/s?searchTerm=H...let+puller

Question 
Whidden seater die and the Mighty Armory Sizing Die preform 2 different functions ? and I have read about just resizing the neck especially if firing thru the same rifle. Do I need a full size and a neck sizer ? 

My 90gr. Hornady GMX bullets are in shipment should be here Tuesday , same for the 6.5 Grendel brass , powder and Primer are being picked up at a gun show today.

I just need the Dies, so once I hear from you guys , not a lot of difference in price since I only have to buy 6ARC specific so I want to go with better or best. 

So would it be Seater, sizing and a neck die or ?



Thanks

Short answer is forget the neck die. While a neck die can and certainly does work. Chambering the round that has been only neck sized presents a number of problems having to do with an interference fit. these problems get worse with each reload. Bench rest crowd along with the rest of us did try neck sizing with some degree of success. For a number of reasons Neck sizing is something we broke away from.

Today The bench rest crowd has grown to favor minimal resizing over neck sizing. Ill make an argument that the Mighty armory full length sizing die does a fine job of minimal resizing in a simple straightforward fashion. I have owned a fairly good assortment of dies that all work well at something I suppose. With simplicity in mind I currently feel the M.A. die is doing no more than needed & doing this very smoothly due to the ultra smooth polish.

Wasn't long ago I purchased a Whidden Click adjustable Bushing FL Die Set in 6mm ARC & while I really like this. Though there are minor tradeoffs, for the beginner as well as the advanced reloader the Mighty Armory sizing die is nicer to work with IMHO. Since purchasing the M. A. die. I have inadvertently  grabbed the Whidden FL sizing die & while the Whidden works very well The mighty armory is so much smoother. So I switch back to the MA die for smoother resizing experience. Though to be honest I do miss the lock ring & click adjustable feature when switching back to the MA

The bushing die set I feel is simply a bit much to take on for most beginners. 

As a non reloader I am sure this may be a bit difficult to grasp.

With the buy once & cry once approach Id recommend going with the Mighty armory sizing die. As for seating dies there a lot of good options & I happen to prefer the Whidden Micrometer Seater. To be honest I am fairly new to both the Whidden & the mighty armory. Though I have used the Hornady, Redding RCBS & others. Currently these are my favorites for this 6mm ARC task.

[CZ527 Guy]

   

While perhaps more than needed this amounts to the tools I rely on less the priming tool, powder thrower, scale & press

The far right is the 6.5 grendel trimmer that is easy to set for the 6mm ARC as well.

Just to the left of the trimmer is a RCBS competition seater that is good though not my preferred bullet seater.

To the right of the cartridge is the Mighty armory die that ill whole heartedly recommend.

The cartridge up front with the split neck Can be real usefull for determining bullet seating depth.

Collet neck die behind that I rarely use

Next left or To the left of the cartridge is the Whidden full length bushing click adjustable die.While this works very well I quickly grew to prefer the Mighty Armory die.

To the far left is the Whidden Seater that I am quite fond of.

Back right is the Hornady bullet puller for when things do not go quit as planned

next to the left is the Lyman case prep tool generally used for inside & outside case mouth deburr / chamfer.

Below is the Redding #12 competition shell holder set that can be helpful in setting up the head space when sizing.

On top of the redding shell holder set is a Whidden Head space measuring tool that I really like for verifying & comparing resized case to a fired case. I generally aim for .002" Head space clearance & with out this head space gauge, that .002" clearance would be difficult to accurately verify.

[Bassfish1952]

Press= universal

dies = cartridge specific

shell holder = cartridge specific

case trimmer = you can go universal OR cartridge specific. my newer favorite is cartridge specific https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101285..._rd_page=2

powder thrower = universal

scale = universal

caliper = universal

priming tool = small & large rifle though generally universal  need another shell holder

Inside outside chamfer tool = universal

Bullet puller for when things don't go as planed Inexpensive inertia puller universal though not recommended.
Collet system Hornady does a nice offering. Collets are caliber specific.

What would be best depends on your goals

Specifically for 6mm ARC you may need nothing more than dies & shell holder. I am expecting the Hornady dies may do well for your intended volume. Though there are nicer dies out there to be sure for considerably more coin.

May be more than you would wish to spend though on the high end Id recommend the Mighty Armory GOLD MATCH 6mm ARC Sizing Decapping Die  https://www.mightyarmory.com/products/mi...apping-die

Whidden seater die
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012683313?pid=549242

If you already had everything you may have the #12 shell holder.
though you would do well to check.

top of the line shell holder choice IMHO would be the Redding Competition Shellholder Set #12

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012496245?pid=422114
Redding Competition Shellholder Set #12

If you really had everything you would not need this collet puller though Ill throw it out there for consideration.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012764862?pid=851547


https://www.midwayusa.com/s?searchTerm=H...let+puller

Question 
Whidden seater die and the Mighty Armory Sizing Die preform 2 different functions ? and I have read about just resizing the neck especially if firing thru the same rifle. Do I need a full size and a neck sizer ? 

My 90gr. Hornady GMX bullets are in shipment should be here Tuesday , same for the 6.5 Grendel brass , powder and Primer are being picked up at a gun show today.

I just need the Dies, so once I hear from you guys , not a lot of difference in price since I only have to buy 6ARC specific so I want to go with better or best. 

So would it be Seater, sizing and a neck die or ?



Thanks

Short answer is forget the neck die. While a neck die can and certainly does work. Chambering the round that has been only neck sized presents a number of problems having to do with an interference fit. these problems get worse with each reload. Bench rest crowd along with the rest of us did try neck sizing with some degree of success. For a number of reasons Neck sizing is something we broke away from.

Today The bench rest crowd has grown to favor minimal resizing over neck sizing. Ill make an argument that the Mighty armory full length sizing die does a fine job of minimal resizing in a simple straightforward fashion. I have owned a fairly good assortment of dies that all work well at something I suppose. With simplicity in mind I currently feel the M.A. die is doing no more than needed & doing this very smoothly due to the ultra smooth polish.

Wasn't long ago I purchased a Whidden Click adjustable Bushing FL Die Set in 6mm ARC & while I really like this. Though there are minor tradeoffs, for the beginner as well as the advanced reloader the Mighty Armory sizing die is nicer to work with IMHO. Since purchasing the M. A. die. I have inadvertently  grabbed the Whidden FL sizing die & while the Whidden works very well The mighty armory is so much smoother. So I switch back to the MA die for smoother resizing experience. Though to be honest I do miss the lock ring & click adjustable feature when switching back to the MA

The bushing die set I feel is simply a bit much to take on for most beginners. 

As a non reloader I am sure this may be a bit difficult to grasp.

With the buy once & cry once approach Id recommend going with the Mighty armory sizing die. As for seating dies there a lot of good options & I happen to prefer the Whidden Micrometer Seater. To be honest I am fairly new to both the Whidden & the mighty armory. Though I have used the Hornady, Redding RCBS & others. Currently these are my favorites for this 6mm ARC task.

One last question and I'm good to order. I have 6.5 Grendel brass coming 
In buying Whidden & Mighty Armory will I need anything else to do the resize ?


Thanks

[pavementends]

While perhaps more than needed this amounts to the tools I rely on less the priming tool, powder thrower, scale & press

The far right is the 6.5 grendel trimmer that is easy to set for the 6mm ARC as well.

Just to the left of the trimmer is a RCBS competition seater that is good though not my preferred bullet seater.

To the right of the cartridge is the Mighty armory die that ill whole heartedly recommend.

The cartridge up front with the split neck Can be real usefull for determining bullet seating depth.

Collet neck die behind that I rarely use

Next left or To the left of the cartridge is the Whidden full length bushing click adjustable die.While this works very well I quickly grew to prefer the Mighty Armory die.

To the far left is the Whidden Seater that I am quite fond of.

Back right is the Hornady bullet puller for when things do not go quit as planned

next to the left is the Lyman case prep tool generally used for inside & outside case mouth deburr / chamfer.

Below is the Redding #12 competition shell holder set that can be helpful in setting up the head space when sizing.

On top of the redding shell holder set is a Whidden Head space measuring tool that I really like for verifying & comparing resized case to a fired case. I generally aim for .002" Head space clearance & with out this head space gauge, that .002" clearance would be difficult to accurately verify.

I received a Whidden Head Space measuring tool for Christmas for .308.  Just started loading for .308 again as I had been working with 6mm ARC for several months.  Wow, this thing is as handy as pockets on overall.  It is so much more convenient than my calipers. I recommend it highly.  

[CZ527 Guy]

Lubrication. https://www.ebay.com/itm/265736167961. Tried to spot a lanolin based option on midway & never recognized anything.

May wish to give this Frankfort Arsenal option a try. Based on reviews it seems this is lanolin based. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101271...60#reviews

& have you considered case triming? Your cases will be roughly .030 long when converting the 6.5 Grendel brass. expect you have a cordless drill. Use caution easy to remove too much if you are not double checking each step of the way.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101285306?pid=741578

[Bassfish1952]

Lubrication. https://www.ebay.com/itm/265736167961. Tried to spot a lanolin based option on midway & never recognized anything.

May wish to give this Frankfort Arsenal option a try. Based on reviews it seems this is lanolin based. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101271...60#reviews

& have you considered case triming? Your cases will be roughly .030 long when converting the 6.5 Grendel brass. expect you have a cordless drill. Use caution easy to remove too much if you are not double checking each step of the way.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101285306?pid=741578

Thanks 

Got them on order .

Everything else is covered .    Now it's just a waiting game.

[gorillamotors]

I would say before investing in any reloading equipment that you should buy powder, primers, brass, and bullets. You should make sure you have an ample supply of them before investing in any reloading equipment. I am not talking 1# of powder, 100 primers, 100 bullets but a considerable amount that will allow to shoot on a regular basis. Then you can buy the reloading equipment.

[CZ527 Guy]

One persons shooting a lot is another, life time of shooting. The op has suggested that he was looking to acquire 300 primers I believe. 1lb of powder should be good for over 200 rounds in this cartridge. Suppose The op wishes to try CFE 223 As well as LVR. Should that be the case then we may be looking at 2 lbs of powder to last 400 plus rounds.

Should appropriate factory loaded ammo become avaiable (higher BC lead free hunting load), there is a chance the op may decide reloading is not there cup of tea.

Defiantly not a good time to become a hoarder IMHO.

The OP is just testing the waters from my perspective. Nothing wrong with proceeding with caution IMHO.

[Bassfish1952]

I would say before investing in any reloading equipment that you should buy powder, primers, brass, and bullets. You should make sure you have an ample supply of them. I am not talking 1# of powder, 100 primers, 100 bullets but a considerable amount that will allow to shoot on a regular basis. Then you can buy the reloading equipment.

Right now I am just wanting to try a 90gr.CX or 90gr GMX bullet . I have family in California and may hunt there. with what I have I can work up a load and hunt 5 years at what I shoot each year AND I have 10 boxes of Hornady 103gr ELD-X Precision Hunter that I need to shoot to hunt and for the brass for reloading.
So for me I feel I am right where I need to be.
Who knows in the future Hornady may start producing a factory load with the 90gr CX or come out with a new offering in 6 ARC

This is what I have now. 

10 boxes of 103 ELD-X   so 200 brass for reloading after I shoot it
100 6.5 Grendel Brass to resize
150 90gr 6mm GMX Bullets.   50 to work up a load and 100 at 20 rounds a year for hunting so 5 years and there is no more to be had , That I can find
50 90gr 6mm  CX bullets.  There are some in the UK but reimporting them is a pain and I found some in New Zealand (maybe) Right now that's it for bullets, will wait for more
Powder is easy to get and right now I run my search for it (Leverevolution) couple times a day, I can get it when ever , price is stable at this time
Same with Primers I search CCI 450 and Federal 205's plenty out there and price is stable
I ordered dies yesterday and have talked with my friend and a custom loader. They both have everything else to load for what I want. Will wait to see where this takes me before I get to much deeper into this

As it stands now I will have some brass and bullets plus a set of dies that I can put to good use or give away or sell depending on where I go from here.

Thanks for all the advice now we'll wait for the new barrel and see what happens


Also what is the shelf life of powder and primers can I go ahead and buy ?

Thanks

[grayfox]

If you keep it in a cool dry place, o... 10-15 yrs or so... heat and humidity are the enemies of powder, primers too I reckon.
Moral of the story is, don't keep it in your garage or attic. On a shelf in the basement is good, if it's a dry basement, if not then suggest you get a dehumidifier.
My bsmt is nice and cool and dry, pretty stable environment.

[Bassfish1952]

If you keep it in a cool dry place, o... 10-15 yrs or so... heat and humidity are the enemies of powder, primers too I reckon.
Moral of the story is, don't keep it in your garage or attic.  On a shelf in the basement is good, if it's a dry basement, if not then suggest you get a dehumidifier.
My bsmt is nice and cool and dry, pretty stable environment.

I store my ammo in my Florida room next to my office desk in a gun cabinet A/C on all the time (This is Florida  ) not more than 1,000 primers and 1 pound of powder at a time so that should be safe. 
I'll go ahead and buy my powder and primers then 


Thanks