I am wanting to try and learn about reloading. My question is what would I need to buy to get started. I've found a few kits such as the Hornady lock n load classic press kit. I want to start buying some equipment without breaking the bank right now. Any input would be appreciated thanks.
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I can't tell you what's best and what's worstbut I will say I bought an RCBS Rock Chucker supreme kit. One, because of RCBS's reputation and two because I found it both cheap and BNIB on eBay. I also found a basic instruction dvd also put out by RCBS that I found very helpful. -
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A few months to late there have been some great deals here on reloading setups. Do a lot of research. Buy in pieces not kits to get what you want.
I went with the rock chucker single stag press and rcbs dies.
Check out midway USA supplies. They sully have some good deals.
Look around for used stuff, a lot of guys think they will be into it, and then sell there equipment cheep. I would buget around 1000$ for a solid set up. And don't forget the bench work area. Harbor freights has a great wood work bench that is very stable.
Have fun and work up your own loads starting at mins.Comment
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The only piece in my kit that I haven't used is the powder measure/charge thrower. I can't say if I will in the future.Buy in pieces not kits to get what you want.
I will eventually need a case trimmer and a cleaner. And other stuff...........
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Some folks will bad mouth Lee Precision but the only complaint I have with them is their presses are not going to last as long as others. Their dies and accessories are just as good as anyone else's. Avoid balance beam scales from everyone - they are a pain.Comment
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Buy the rcbs Rock chucker kit. Also buy the hornady reloading manual. Watch lots of YouTube videos, read as much as you can. And still be prepared to mess up. Good luck and have fun.Comment
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Thank y'all for the helpComment
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If you plan to load hunting/precision ammo for a single gun, 50 or so rounds at a time, a press like the rock chucker is probably the best way to go.
If you want to load for multiple calibers, plinking rounds, and pistol ammo as well as your hunting/precision stuff, I like my Lee Classic Turret Press Kit for the price I paid.
It has everything you need to load for pistols except for dies, for rifles you will eventually need a case trimmer and several other things, probably a better powder thrower for precision stuff. I use the balance beam scale only to verify that the automatic powder measure is throwing the correct charge, you don't have to weigh the powder for each round.
It is not a progressive press, but it is much faster than doing the same operation to every case at once, then moving on to the next one. I also like the fact that you can buy extra turrets for it to keep the dies set up, so it is easy to knock out 50-100 rounds for a pistol or .223 before you go shoot.
If you shoot more than 100 rounds a week you probably want a dedicated progressive press for each caliber.
You can also save money at start up by not buying a case tumbler and trimmer if you buy cleaned, once fired brass. 500-1,000 pieces will last you awhile before you run out and actually have to clean and trim them on your second loading.Last edited by gatorgrizz27; 11-14-2015, 09:45 AM.Comment
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I like the RCBS stuff as they are like Leupold--they stand behind their products. Have never used a turret press, but gatorgrizz makes a good case for having one if your situation indicates the need.Comment
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Dillon RL550B Progressive and you can add to it as you want along with life time guarantee.Comment
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Redding, RCBS, Hornady, Lee - they all offer some fantastic kits to get started with.
I am 100% sold on the quality of Redding, I love my Big Boss II. I've added some accessories for it from Inline Fabrication (riser, case ejector and handle) and it is a dream to use.
I am probably going to add a Redding T-7 to my lineup in the near future.
When I was a kid, I used to help my grandpa reload. He taught me a bunch. He had a room full of RCBS stuff, my uncle got that when grandpa died.
I did not start with a kit. I got a second hand Lee press, and bought stuff as I needed it. Lyman balance scale, RCBS trimmer, RCBS prep mate, Redding BR powder thrower, Hornady concentricity gauge, FART stainless media tumbler, Dillon Swager, Dillon media separator, and so forth. I bought my BB II a few years ago now, and still love using it.Comment
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That's the route I went.You can also save money at start up by not buying a case tumbler and trimmer if you buy cleaned, once fired brass. 500-1,000 pieces will last you awhile before you run out and actually have to clean and trim them on your second loading.Comment
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Originally posted by gatorgrizz27 View PostIf you plan to load hunting/precision ammo for a single gun, 50 or so rounds at a time, a press like the rock chucker is probably the best way to go.
If you want to load for multiple calibers, plinking rounds, and pistol ammo as well as your hunting/precision stuff, I like my Lee Classic Turret Press Kit for the price I paid.
It has everything you need to load for pistols except for dies, for rifles you will eventually need a case trimmer and several other things, probably a better powder thrower for precision stuff. I use the balance beam scale only to verify that the automatic powder measure is throwing the correct charge, you don't have to weigh the powder for each round.
It is not a progressive press, but it is much faster than doing the same operation to every case at once, then moving on to the next one. I also like the fact that you can buy extra turrets for it to keep the dies set up, so it is easy to knock out 50-100 rounds for a pistol or .223 before you go shoot.
If you shoot more than 100 rounds a week you probably want a dedicated progressive press for each caliber.
You can also save money at start up by not buying a case tumbler and trimmer if you buy cleaned, once fired brass. 500-1,000 pieces will last you awhile before you run out and actually have to clean and trim them on your second loading.
Thanks for the info I am wanting to reload for a few of my hunting rifles. Another question is what is a good powder to start off with? I'm mostly going to reload for 25/06 and 270win for now.Comment
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