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Well, since I finally finished medic school and all the associated testing, I had time yesterday to build and set up my reloading bench. I got a RCBS kit and everything needed except powder from a nice lady on this forum several months back and just got it running yesterday. Loaded my first 50 rounds of 9mm this morning. 115gr Remington FMJ over 4.2 gr of Bullseye and Remington primers in once fired brass. That's the starting load according to Speer manual. I now have a good source for range brass (all the pistol and 5.56 brass I could ever want) but need to find an inexpensive source for bullets, primers and powder as well as .40, .45 and .223/5.56 dies. A couple of questions, does anybody know of a manual that lists loads for 5.56 NATO as opposed to .223 Remington (higher pressures, yes I know the differences in chamber dimensions) and does anybody know if the tumblers sold by Harbor Freight will work worth a flip for cleaning range brass?

My Hornady manual has load data for the 5.56 in 68 and 75 gr bullets using Varget, Win 748, BL-C2, RL15, H4895, VIHT N-135, and a few other powders. If you have not already purchased powder I would recommend using one of the first four in my list.

Win 748 and BL-C2 are the easiest to use because they meter with very little variation. Varget and RL15 are extruded powders and depending on your powder measurer may not meter as accurate, however for target accuracy either of them would be an excellent choice. I do not load the 5.56 but I do load 223 and several other rifle calibers. These 4 powders have served me well in regards to accuracy.
(note: all my experience is with bolt action rifles so an AR reloader may need to chime in on how these powders function in an AR)

Let me know if you want me to post load data on any of the above.

The Harbor Freight tumblers are sold under a different name at http://www.Midwayusa,com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; I've had no problems with either of mine. (about two years) I also picked up a spare bowl, with the media already in it, too.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=94599" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you are going to be in HF, you might as well pick up their Kitty Litter tray. it's a nice large pan with a sieve tray as a liner. Great for separating the media out of the shiny cases. It's about $4.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=98415" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you need calipers these are ok. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=47256" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Varget, RL-15, and 4895 (IMR4895 or H4895 - very similar but not identical) are very well accepted by Highpower competitors that shoot the AR-15. You would be well served by any of them.

Welcome to the insanity. I guess now is the time to warn you that reloading does not save you any money. It merely allows you to shoot ammo at half the cost, but 4 times as much of it!

My dad uses the Lee carbide dies with his RCBS press and is really happy with them.
I like the Lee carbide dies as well; I think they're a great price for the quality.

As far as manuals, most people have more than one.