There's tons of stuff you can get to reload rifle cases, like 308 and others. In addition to the die set you have, suggest use of a headspace gauge to assure your sizing die is set properly to properly set the shoulder (headspace), trim tools of your choice, and calipers to check the trim...
I shoot a lot of 38 SPL in 357 mag framed wheel guns. So, I also like the stoutest 38 SPL loads. These tend to be the "+P" loads. They are listed on the Hagdgon website for the various powders and weight bullets:
http://www.hodgdonreloading.com
Since I have a lot of 700-X powder, I load...
Yes, handloading is not only addictive, it is therapeutic. A little time at the bench does wonders for the outlook/disposition.
And yes, I use a case gauge for each necked rifle bullet and each auto-loading pistol bullet as a final quality control ammo check.
My personal preference is brass with a "jewelry" finish. Recipe: Thumlers high speed, SS pins, auto wash and wax, 1/4 TSP of Lemi-Shine.
Pics of brass:
I have a Forster hand crank trimmer. Works fine. But I also use the Lee hand held cutter and simply chuck the case in a drill. Also works fine, and a bit quicker than the hand crankers.
Just curious - what is the make and model number of the motor on that Ballistic Bill's tumbler? Is the motor the same as that used on the Thumlers model B high-speed?
That is my personal experience as well.....But I don't find the larger pins to be any slower than the smaller pins. About the same tumbling time in my experience.
To cut tumbling time, I pre-soak the brasses overnight in detergent and water. This cuts my tumbling time in about half. My...