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Old 09-10-2018, 01:20 AM
moralem moralem is offline
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Default Can I get started loading for $250......

The following is being offered to me, but since I have never loaded or even researched what it takes to start I have no idea if it is a decent way to get into loading......your thoughts are always appreciated.

RCBS Rock Crusher Supreme
RCBS 505 Scale
RCBS Trim Pro
RCBS Hand Primer
RCBS Primer Tray
Lyman Case Lube Kit
Hornady Kinetic Bullet Puller
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Old 09-10-2018, 01:25 AM
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I would say that is a good deal.
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Old 09-10-2018, 01:35 AM
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That's a good start, I guess you would need some dies in the caliber you plan on reloading, some quality components, one or two of the reloading manuals from Sierra, Hornady or Speer. Try to get a copy of the ABC's of reloading, a great source for the beginner. Another thing would be a tumbler/vibrator for case cleaning, you don't have to go crazy, but a little clean is always a good thing. Good luck with your new hobby.
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Old 09-10-2018, 02:37 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moralem View Post
The following is being offered to me, but since I have never loaded or even researched what it takes to start I have no idea if it is a decent way to get into loading......your thoughts are always appreciated.

RCBS Rock Crusher Supreme
RCBS 505 Scale
RCBS Trim Pro
RCBS Hand Primer
RCBS Primer Tray
Lyman Case Lube Kit
Hornady Kinetic Bullet Puller
I WOULD SAY THAT'S NOT A BAD PRICE FOR THAT PACKAGE....
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Old 09-10-2018, 02:37 AM
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Lee Pro 1000 Progressive Press
Shell Plate 9mm and 223
3 Die Set 9mm Luger
Lee 223 REM Ultimate Die Set
Lee Safety Powder Scale
Hornady Powder Trickler
Bullet Puller
Remington 9mm casing (x500)
Hornady 9mm bullets 115 gr FMJ (x500)
Remington No. 7 ½ Small Rifle primers (x900)
Federal No. 205 Small Rifle primers (x500)
Digital caliper
Rifle Powder: Accurate LT-32 / Winchester 748 ball powder / Hodgdon H380 (with an ammo can for storage)
2 books with Reload dataks for the feedback.......

Or now do I up my price point and consider the above.
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Old 09-10-2018, 03:05 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moralem View Post
Lee Pro 1000 Progressive Press
Shell Plate 9mm and 223
3 Die Set 9mm Luger
Lee 223 REM Ultimate Die Set
Lee Safety Powder Scale
Hornady Powder Trickler
Bullet Puller
Remington 9mm casing (x500)
Hornady 9mm bullets 115 gr FMJ (x500)
Remington No. 7 ½ Small Rifle primers (x900)
Federal No. 205 Small Rifle primers (x500)
Digital caliper
Rifle Powder: Accurate LT-32 / Winchester 748 ball powder / Hodgdon H380 (with an ammo can for storage)
2 books with Reload dataks for the feedback.......

Or now do I up my price point and consider the above.
NOW THAT IS A GREAT DEAL, IMHO ! ! !
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Old 09-10-2018, 03:56 AM
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While not everything you need, the kit offered you is all of top quality and will last over a million rounds with only basic care and maintenance. This group of equipment can produce ammo as good or often better than factory ammo! Rate of production up to 150 rounds per hour and very low frustration level!

You can get loading for a lot less but much of the low end loading end loading equipment will cost you more in the long run. Either more because of upgrade or replacement costs or more in time per round loaded.

You can go buy a used Lee loader for around $20 and use a rock or hammer and be as far as that kit has you. But you will be very limited to how many rounds per hour/which speed/weights of bullets/type of powder/overall consistency of the ammo produced. I keep about 15 of these around for special applications and even started my loading "career" with one in 303 British. Loading rate of 50-60 rounds per hour, also a low frustration level. The Lee progressive set well be a good price and be in the 300 rounds per hour area, but the frustration level will be much (very much) higher. Others will argue this point, but you can find the complaints about this by using the search function in this reloading part of the forum or any non brand based reloading forum.

If you have the money, take the deal!

Ivan
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Old 09-10-2018, 04:19 AM
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Run away from a Lee Pro Progressive 1000 press as fast as you can. You want to reload ammo, not become a 'Lee Master Press Technician' keeping that press operating.

The Rock Chucker is basic, simple to set-up. and will last forever. My 1974 Model is still working just fine. There are 98 complaints about any Lee progressive press to 2 positive comments that it "works".
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Old 09-10-2018, 04:33 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moralem View Post
Lee Pro 1000 Progressive Press
Shell Plate 9mm and 223
3 Die Set 9mm Luger
Lee 223 REM Ultimate Die Set
Lee Safety Powder Scale
Hornady Powder Trickler
Bullet Puller
Remington 9mm casing (x500)
Hornady 9mm bullets 115 gr FMJ (x500)
Remington No. 7 ½ Small Rifle primers (x900)
Federal No. 205 Small Rifle primers (x500)
Digital caliper
Rifle Powder: Accurate LT-32 / Winchester 748 ball powder / Hodgdon H380 (with an ammo can for storage)
2 books with Reload dataks for the feedback.......

Or now do I up my price point and consider the above.
Reading the above it seems that you are gearing up to reload 9mm.

If so go for 124 gn FMJ bullets and small pistol primers! Your ammo will be more accurate in my experience.
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Old 09-10-2018, 07:37 AM
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Default Don't forget a good manual.....

Both load data and how-to info can be had off the web now, but I like having at least one book.

Don't forget shellholders for the dies.

I bought an RCBS reloading tray but made a big one for free.

I have a RockCHUCKER. It's a very fine press.

This sounds like a very good start, though you will find things to make the job easier, you can keep the cost down if you are cheap (and poor) like me.

Many, many moons ago I started reloading with Lee Hand Tools. It was a good introduction and a very cheap way to start, but give me a press any day.

Oh, components. Bullets are the hardest choice, but a very cheap way to go is with polymer coated lead bullets. These days jacketed bullets are expensive. They can be had from outfits like Missouri Bullets and Bayou Bullets.
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Old 09-10-2018, 08:12 AM
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If you browse the interweb you can get a new single stage "kit" from RCBS or Hornady for around $300
You even get a MANUAL!

They even go on SALE for less.



But always spend more money and buy a Dillon
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Old 09-10-2018, 08:15 AM
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"Reloading" is also a sickness! Seems you never have enough gizmos or supplies. I've been reloading since 1968 and started with the Rockcrusher press. And I'm still buying stuff!
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Old 09-10-2018, 08:19 AM
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I started loading 5 years ago with a Hornady single stage they came with everything I needed. I got a beam scale and calipers and other than dies and components I’m all set. The first 2 years, birthday, Christmas, and father’s day presents were reloading based. I don’t need a Dillon. Don’t want one. I check every load and go at a slow pace. Don’t see that changing. RCBS is a very good brand but I don’t see the Hornady as inferior.
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Old 09-10-2018, 08:20 AM
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That is a decent deal on good quality gear that is well suited to getting into the game.
That said, I know you can get into a Lee Classic Turret press with one set of dies and everything else you need ( scale, powder measures, primer feeds, loading book, etc) for under $250 if you shop right. I've helped friends do it on several occasions.

p.s I don't recommend the Pro 1000 for a starter press either. They are very finicky to set up and keep running. They are also a full progressive which is like learning to drive in a NASCAR. Starting with a Turret is a better way to go.

Some searching here will give you allot of info on your options.
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Old 09-10-2018, 09:29 AM
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I'd take the RCBS set up hands down over the Lee. While Lee has its followers--and does have some good products--it is definitely a case of getting what you pay for.

Add shell holder and dies for the caliber of choice and that RCBS is ready to crank them out, although a case rack and powder measure will be a nice addition.
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Old 09-10-2018, 09:43 AM
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I started reloading just about 3 yrs ago. I have two single stage basic presses, one a dedicated de-priming station and the other to finish the entire process of flare, seat and crimp.
I will tell you I am 100% glad that I started this way, you become much more knowledgeable about each step of the process, you develop a 'feel' of each stage of the flaring, seating and crimping and you can recognize when something isn't correct!
I thought by now I might want a progressive press but I don't. I like the whole 'one step at a time' process I do and I can put out plenty of loaded ammo for how I shoot.
No matter what IMO start and learn with a single stage press..............then go from there!
Also get a good digital scale, they are much faster to read so you will find yourself much more often double checking your powder weights. I bought a bit more expensive medical grade scale and am happy I did. Remember 'G' for grams & 'Gr' for grains if you go shopping for one.

Your list of equipment is lacking a powder dispenser, the RCBS one would be a great selection along with your dies needed. You will also need a way to clean your fired rounds, I settled on an Ultrasonic cleaner off of Amazon, didn't pay extra to have a major brand name on it and it works fine. Same on a set of digital calipers, they work fine too.

Once you get started you will likely enjoy it I had been saving my empty primer boxes, looks like I am at least 13k rounds loaded so far!
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Old 09-10-2018, 09:50 AM
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Buy the #1. Take it slow and enjoy!!!!
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Old 09-10-2018, 09:53 AM
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Missing one essential: A good reloading manual (I recommend the Lyman Handbook), providing not only tested load data but also detailed step by step instruction on every part of the process.
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Old 09-10-2018, 09:56 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SMSgt View Post
...[snip]...While Lee has its followers--and does have some good products--it is definitely a case of getting what you pay for.
+10
I started with the Lee Classic Turret and it works for me. I was not interested in speed or how many rounds per hour. I am slowly adding components but slowly. Lee primer and powder equipment is not of the highest quality, so one needs to be careful in how you use them and not break them. That is probably where many of the complaints are coming from, IMO. Although the turret function could be a bit more precise, it works. I am finding out that I am starting to use it as a single stage press, without the indexing rod.

Lee dies are fine, and probably the best part of the Lee product line. Just my 2-cent$...
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Old 09-10-2018, 10:50 AM
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The RCBS R/C Supreme press is around $160
and the #505 scale just under another $100
if bought separately.
There's your $250 already.

I think the Pro-Trimmer(manual op) is another $125 or so plus add the rest of the toys to that as added incentive at the price.

I'd add a good reloading manual or two as well.
A powder measure will probably be on your short list of 'I gotta' have one', but a scale is still a requirement and is included in the deal.

There are lot's of pretty good deals on Fleabay for reloading tools and presses ect.
Some are just ButItNow's at regular internet retail prices. But searching around can bring up some good deals.
Gunshows and shops are also good places to dig up used equip. People going out of the hobby or passing on. The stuff sometimes comes out for sale on one big pile on a table.

You probably want to go with new equip to start with. Then as you get into it and feel more comfortable you can begin accumulating the vast warehouse full of gadgets new & used, that you absolutely must have,,like all the rest of us.

Have fun with your new hobby!

Last edited by 2152hq; 09-10-2018 at 10:53 AM.
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Old 09-10-2018, 10:55 AM
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I shoot on average about 1000 rounds per month. I use a Lee Turret press and have loaded over 30,000 rounds through it over the years. Average speed is about 150 to 180 rounds per hour at a relatively relaxed pace. Press is still in as good a shape as new. My Lee dies have loaded thousands of rounds in 4 different calibers. A lot has to do with how much you shoot. I would go crazy trying to load 250 or 300 rounds a week on a Rockchucker. I've owned Rockchuckers in the past and they are a good press but just god awfully slow. You can get a Lee turret press, a powder dropper, a set of tungsten dies, a primer feeder, and an Ohaus or RCBS scale, and a turret for about the same cost as the Rockchucker package that was offered to you.
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Old 09-10-2018, 10:58 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LoboGunLeather View Post
Missing one essential: A good reloading manual (I recommend the Lyman Handbook), providing not only tested load data but also detailed step by step instruction on every part of the process.
+1000. This is essential. Besides. They are fun to read when you aren't reloading.
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Old 09-10-2018, 11:12 AM
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What all do you shoot and of much do you shoot?

If loading 9mm and .223 I would start with something that has the ability to load quicker than a single stage press. It takes about an hour to load 100 9mm rounds on a RCBS rock chucker press. You can buy 100 9mm rounds for $20. Once you consider that you have to buy components that comes out to savings of $5 per 100 rounds and it took you an hour of work to save that $5...

I've shot over 2000 rounds of 9mm reloads so far this year, but can knock out 100 rounds in about 20 minutes and cast my own bullets so those only cost about $.02 each.
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Old 09-10-2018, 11:23 AM
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I use the Rockchucker for my reloading, but I'm usually not a high round count guy. I'll shoot about 4-500 rounds a month and I load .38 Sp and .44 Mag almost exclusively, with a little .357 Mag and .32 Long thrown in. I can clean and load that fairly quickly if I dedicate 5-6 hours to it, but I usually break it down to a couple of days. De-prime, clean, size, and flare one day, then load the next. If you go at it in an assembly line approach so you're not switching dies back and forth a lot, it goes fairly quickly. Certain steps can get monotonous, but I like being able to feel the press do its job on individual cartridges and I still like to weigh about every 10-15 drops out of my RCBS powder dispenser to be safe. I'll powder drop 50 cases, which is what my loading blocks hold, double check with a flashlight, then seat and crimp the bullets on those 50 before moving on. Yeah it's slow, but I'm retired and I enjoy it and find it relaxing.

And that's not a bad price for the setup you describe, but you're probably looking at another $150 or so for a die set and shell holder, powder, primers, and bullets.
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Old 09-10-2018, 01:08 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moralem View Post
RCBS Rock Crusher Supreme
RCBS 505 Scale
RCBS Trim Pro
RCBS Hand Primer
RCBS Primer Tray
Lyman Case Lube Kit
Hornady Kinetic Bullet Puller
Is this a wish list or is this package something you were offered?

Yesterday, a complete RCBS partner package sold on FleaBay for about $120, including shipping! If you are judicious in your shopping, you can get into reloading for under your target price.

Going with a single stage press you will learn how to reload, and make quality reloads. Don't forget a tumbler and media for cleaning your brass. Consider pump spray or aerosol lube over a lube pad. Figure that you will produce 50-100 rounds per hour from resizing to seating rounds. Over time, you WILL upgrade your equipment.

Two VERY strong suggestions:
1) NEVER factor the cost of your equipment into the cost to reload a round or into your savings ... you will get very discouraged!
2) NEVER factor your time into the cost of a reloaded round. You are either reloading because it is:
a) relaxing or "me" time
b) you are trying to get more ammo for your shooting dollar, or
c) you are working to improve the quality (read accuracy) of your ammo!
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Old 09-10-2018, 01:38 PM
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While I agree that you will learn to reload properly with a single stage press you will not learn anything you wouldn't have learned with a turret press. However, I have never loaded rifle rounds on a turret press so I don't know how quickly they will produce rifle cartridges. If you are going to reload 9mm as well I would recommend getting the 4 die set rather than the 3 die set. If you plan on shooting much 9mm it's gonna get spendy using those Hornady bullets for target practice. Hy-tech coated cast bullets will run you about half that price. The coated 9mm bullets I get from SNS run me $32 for 500.
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Old 09-10-2018, 01:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LoboGunLeather View Post
Missing one essential: A good reloading manual (I recommend the Lyman Handbook), providing not only tested load data but also detailed step by step instruction on every part of the process.

And those pesky dies, calipers and other assorted goodies like powder and primers and lets not forget bullets, brass etc.


So no, $250 is not gonna cover it all.


Manuals? We don't need manuals we have the internet!
Back by popular demand is Novaltys great thread.


So you're thinking about getting into reloading...
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Old 09-10-2018, 03:09 PM
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In your original post I didn't see a powder measure. The RCBS Rock Chucker Master kit should have a Uniflow Powder Measure and you need one. I see the Master Kit new on Amazon (RCBS 9354 RC Supreme Master Kit) for $318.99 Prime. Check that out first to compare. It also comes with a Nosler reloading manual. These are great kits. There is no better starting point IMHO. Buy some cheap Lee dies and they come with the shell holder. I don't use mine often as I normally load pistol on my Dillon. Every now and then I load up 200 or so .256 Win Mag for a friend and I can crank them out pretty quickly on the RockChucker. Get the complete Rockchucker supreme master kit, wherever you get it.

My experience with Lee progressive presses has not been good.
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Old 09-10-2018, 04:45 PM
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OP - what is it you expect reloading to do over and above buying/firing factory stuff?

Another poster said (and is correct) - not much, if any, $$$ savings on reloading 9mm. If saving $$ is your objective - not the best caliber for that.

223 - may save some $$ here. How many do you fire?

Another benefit of reloading is the hobby aspect -keeps you "off the streets" and (for me) gives me something I enjoy doing. Saving a few $$ does not hurt, better quality does not hurt and even if you do not materially save $$ but enjoy the activity - it is worth it.

Can you build better ammo - absolutely.
Any other cartridges you fire?
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Old 09-10-2018, 06:48 PM
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Default Cost savings

Money and reloading ammo is TWO basic issues: 1] Do you save money on the cost of two 50 round boxes of ammo per week? YES ! 2] Do you get to shoot more ammo on your weekly ammo budget of $35 per week? YES !

But when you cross line of spending more money per week on reloading "supplies" than you now spend on "loaded ammunition", all, any, or perceived cost savings disappear out the window. You will never buy a McWhopper with your "savings" from reloading. And to be able to afford the Deluxe McWhopper, you must also cast your own bullets.

I have paid for my primers, powder, presses, dies, bullet moulds and sizers back in 1975 and 1980. All the equipment costs are now zero so 9 MM, 38 Spl, 40 S&W, 45 ACP ammo loaded with cast bullets is cheaper than cheap 22 LR ammo. 357 Mag is $4.25 and 44 Mag is under $5.50 per 50 rounds caused by gas checks and heavy powder charge. I cast and reload because I enjoy it -- my time is $0.00 per hour.

And my ammo consumption is off the charts because I can. I am consuming the estate sale inventory and living / loving every minute of it. If I didn't reload and cast, it would just be fishing. We all know how cheap fresh caught fish are for supper!
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Old 09-10-2018, 07:45 PM
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Back by popular demand is Novaltys great thread.


So you're thinking about getting into reloading...
Good call!

If you hadn't, I would have.
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Old 09-10-2018, 08:12 PM
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I started out with a Lee Turret press and if I had started with a single stage press I doubt if I would have kept reloading. The turret press stays set up for each stage rather than set up and take down to reset up for each stage. I also removed the rotation rod and I rotate to each position by hand. Sort of like having a single stage but it is set up for each stage without having to do anything but rotate the plate for each step and pull the handle. I feed the primers by hand into the press and I also use a hand de-primer tool to de-prime and clean cases before going into the press. Three pulls = 1 round.
Lee Turret press kit cost me about $139. The kit came with the powder loader. I bought a digital scale because the manual scale that came with the kit was a slow mo joke, 1 bottle Clays powder, 500 bullets, 1000 small pistol primers, 3 piece 38 spl die set, vibrator case cleaner, and a Lyman reload handbook. Total was around $320 and I was ready to reload.
It takes me around 50 minutes to load 100 rounds and that is with my checking rounds fairly often for length and weight.
Take special care learning how to set up the crimp or you might have quite a few dud rounds. My first bunch of reloads had a few rounds that just barely made it to the target 30' away and I had two squibs. That's when I called Hodgdon Clays and was told the crimp wasn't enough. He said the bullet was leaving the casing before pressure could build. The bullet box said don't crimp and so I didn't. I went back and ran all the other rounds setting the crimp and had no problems after that.

Luckily I knew to quit shooting when it didn't sound right or I could have had a real problem from a squib jammed barrel.

I know some are shaking their heads but all I can say is it was my first try at reloading. For that reason I say get someone that is experienced to help you with your first time reloading.

When I first got interested in re-loading everyone said go with a Dillon and be done with it. I checked into a Dillon 550 with all the bells and it came out to about $750. That was not counting the powder, primers and bullets. I said the heck with that. It wasn't till I found out about the less expensive Lee Turret press that I got into re-loading.

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Old 09-10-2018, 08:13 PM
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You didn't say what calibers you want to reload ? I started reloading on about $30 . I bought the LEE Handloader Kit for 38 special . I reloaded for years using that little kit . All else I needed was a soft faced mallet and a chunk of 2X4 , about 2 feet long , some powder , primers and bullets and I was in business . Years later I added the LEE single stage press kit for about $129 . I still use that single stage press . So , $250 will get you into reloading . Regards, Paul
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Old 09-10-2018, 10:32 PM
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"Reloading" is also a sickness! Seems you never have enough gizmos or supplies. I've been reloading since 1968 and started with the Rockcrusher press. And I'm still buying stuff!
It is a sickness! I wish I had $1 for everyone including myself that has said, "a single stage press is all I will ever need. Not worried about speed or loading any great quantity" and then I would like to have another $1 for everyone of those people who have upgraded to a progressive press or two! Can you load ammo that I better quality and/or tailored to a specific gun? Yes. No question about it. Does reloading save money. Absolutely Not. When I started back in the late 70s I had a old Lyman turret press and probably shot 50 rounds a week. Fast forward to today. I have a Dillon 650, Lee Classic 1000, A Lee Single Stage "C" Press and the old Lyman Turret. Now I may shoot 200-500 in a long afternoon. But to me, loading is half the fun of owning guns. Every time I get a new gun, I will spend hours finding out which load works the best. Its almost a disappointment when a "old" load works almost perfect when trying out a new gun. Once you sort of master the standard target distances, then you will start shooting at distances. It's a never ending cycle and I love every minute of it. I'm real lucky. I have a place in the country and I can stretch my shooting out to around 80 yards. That's my peace time. All alone with my guns and no phones. Its a sickness and I hope I never get cured.
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Old 09-11-2018, 02:25 AM
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I appreciate all of the feedback and as I suspected, getting into loading has a many different paths as Carters has pills.....only us old guys will get that reference.

The listings are being offered locally for sale and I have always had an itch to load to stay busy and be able to have ammo on demand. Not looking to save money or find the cheapest way to get started, just seeing if I could get started easy enough and if there a kit that one could acquire to lower the learning curve and keep from winding up with an accumulation of things from another failed hobby.

The caliber I get started with is not an issue, and 9mm seemed like a place to start as opposed to any other caliber since I shoot amything from .22 to .500.

As helpful as this has been, I think I will continue to just buy factory ammo for now....I am one of those people that figure if I can do it small why not do it big......and I looked up that Dillon 650. Then I looked at the Dillon 1050 with all the bells and whistles and figure I am on a slippery slope so best to step back from the edge and simply buy my ammo......or, simply go big.

A Dillon 1050 along with a Mr Bullet Feeder and ammo bot rev3 set up in .223 is available in my area for 2600 dollars....what could go wrong by now spending 10 fold to get into loading........
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Old 09-11-2018, 05:13 AM
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It is a sickness! I wish I had $1 for everyone including myself that has said, "a single stage press is all I will ever need. Not worried about speed or loading any great quantity" and then I would like to have another $1 for everyone of those people who have upgraded to a progressive press or two! Can you load ammo that I better quality and/or tailored to a specific gun? Yes. No question about it. Does reloading save money. Absolutely Not. When I started back in the late 70s I had a old Lyman turret press and probably shot 50 rounds a week. Fast forward to today. I have a Dillon 650, Lee Classic 1000, A Lee Single Stage "C" Press and the old Lyman Turret. Now I may shoot 200-500 in a long afternoon. But to me, loading is half the fun of owning guns. Every time I get a new gun, I will spend hours finding out which load works the best. Its almost a disappointment when a "old" load works almost perfect when trying out a new gun. Once you sort of master the standard target distances, then you will start shooting at distances. It's a never ending cycle and I love every minute of it. I'm real lucky. I have a place in the country and I can stretch my shooting out to around 80 yards. That's my peace time. All alone with my guns and no phones. Its a sickness and I hope I never get cured.
5 years into reloading and still using my Hornady single stage press. Still weighing every charge. 10 years from now I’ll be able to say the same. I shoot more now than I used to before I started reloading, but not dramatically more. My equipment cost total was maybe $700, and half of that was Christmas, father’s day, or birthday presents. The equipment is long paid for with my savings from reloading. I load 50 rounds at a time, whenev r I feel like it. Less in warm weather, more in cold.

Anybody who shoots more than a box of ammo or 2 a year is crazy not to consider reloading. After Newtown, if you could even find ammo, 9MM was going for like $18 for 50 target loads. If they stopped producing ammo today I have enough components on hand to load several thousand more, and I’m always picking up components. A box of primers here and there. A pound of powder every now and then. I’m immune to the next shortage. And there will be one.

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Old 09-11-2018, 06:33 AM
TjB101 TjB101 is offline
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I’ll second or third the Lee Turret press. I started with a Lee single stage using loading blocks. Was alright but you are stuck with finishing the 50 or 100 rounds sitting in the block. Wife got me a Turret for Xmas last year. Best upgrade so far. You can walk away after any finished round... come back 2 hours later and pick up where left off.

It’s a great hobby, read a lot, watch a lot of videos, enjoy and take a deep breath when you fire that first reload.

Lastly, be careful. Saw a post on FB yesterday of some jackwad who double charged a case with Titegroup... basically blew his pistol apart.
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Old 09-11-2018, 09:57 AM
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I use titegroup in 9mm , but in such a small case a double charge would be easily seen , that is if using a reloading block and a single stage press . In the 38spl case , " where did the powder charge go ?" . It's such a small charge in such a big case it simply disappears . A double charge would be very very hard to notice . I view reloading as a hobby , so time spent on the reloading bench is not a consideration . If I was shooting competition on weekends , different story . I knew a guy that went through over 50K rounds a yr . He has 3 dillions , 2-550 and 1-650 . Today , they sit idle as he quit shooting , completely . I have seen this happen before , " burn out " .
With my single stage press , I don't make ammo any faster than I did with my Lee Loader Kit . I enjoy it as a hobby and I like to keep things simple . Regards, Paul

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Old 09-11-2018, 10:26 AM
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I started with a 45 ACP Lee Loader in 1976 and moved into an RCBS single stage press in 1977 and am still using that press for precision rifle ammo and magnum handgun ammo. About 1987 I added a Dillon Square Deal B for 38s, and after buying 2 conversion kits, moved to a 550B with the intention of loading all of my rifle and pistol ammo on it, but quickly found that I could not throw stick powder accurately enough for my rifle ammo.

I am fighting temptation on getting another Dillon Square Deal B set up exclusively for 38 Special wadcutters. Once you find the right combination for you, you are in hog heaven!
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Old 09-11-2018, 11:13 AM
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Originally Posted by moralem View Post
I appreciate all of the feedback and as I suspected, getting into loading has a many different paths as Carters has pills.....only us old guys will get that reference.

The listings are being offered locally for sale and I have always had an itch to load to stay busy and be able to have ammo on demand. Not looking to save money or find the cheapest way to get started, just seeing if I could get started easy enough and if there a kit that one could acquire to lower the learning curve and keep from winding up with an accumulation of things from another failed hobby.

The caliber I get started with is not an issue, and 9mm seemed like a place to start as opposed to any other caliber since I shoot amything from .22 to .500.

As helpful as this has been, I think I will continue to just buy factory ammo for now....I am one of those people that figure if I can do it small why not do it big......and I looked up that Dillon 650. Then I looked at the Dillon 1050 with all the bells and whistles and figure I am on a slippery slope so best to step back from the edge and simply buy my ammo......or, simply go big.

A Dillon 1050 along with a Mr Bullet Feeder and ammo bot rev3 set up in .223 is available in my area for 2600 dollars....what could go wrong by now spending 10 fold to get into loading........

Never understood why folks feel they need to go BIG or expensive or fast? The price of just a simple press is insignificant to the overall scheme of things. One can always use a simple single stage or turret press. So you have a $150 invested in it, but then want to spend over $800 on some elaborate set up and do not even know if reloading is "right for you" The buy once, cry once cliche is not a valid statement.

9mm is not a good caliber to start with. It is relatively cheap right now so not worth it.

Start with a more expensive caliber like 45 ACP or 357, 44 Mag or whatever you shoot.
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Old 09-11-2018, 04:18 PM
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#1) just seeing if I could get started easy enough and if there a kit that one could acquire to lower the learning curve and keep from winding up with an accumulation of things from another failed hobby.

#2) anything from .22 to .500.

#3) ....I am one of those people that figure if I can do it small why not do it big......

#4) A Dillon 1050 along with a Mr Bullet Feeder and ammo bot rev3 set up in .223 is available in my area for 2600 dollars....what could go wrong by now spending 10 fold to get into loading........
#1) Again, the Rockchucker Master Kit is the ticket for that. Not a whole bunch of stuff but everything in the kit is something you will have a use for as long as you're reloading.

#2)S&W 500! Talk about paying for itself quickly, you'll get their real fast with the 500.

#3) Well, space for one! The Rockchucker kit can all be quickly stuffed in a cabinet clearing your bench for other stuff. Try that with some of the others you mentioned.

#4) See #3, space!
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Old 09-11-2018, 05:05 PM
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I am not a reloader.

But, I was at an auction last weekend where thousands and thousands of reloaded rounds went for essentially scrap value.

My guess: Not enough buyers were willing to risk using someone else's reloads.

So, while no one wants to face up to shuffling off of this mortal coil, don't do so with a serious stockpile of reloaded ammo.

Your heirs will thank you.

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Old 09-11-2018, 05:26 PM
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I imagine you are going to load pistol. When you get dies, for straight wall cases, get carbide dies so you do not have to lube them. If you are going to reload military brass, get a separate depriming tool for the crimped primers on rounds like the 45 acp, and anything military. oh, and I thing the deal is good
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Old 09-12-2018, 07:09 PM
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I am not a reloader.

But, I was at an auction last weekend where thousands and thousands of reloaded rounds went for essentially scrap value.

My guess: Not enough buyers were willing to risk using someone else's reloads.

So, while no one wants to face up to shuffling off of this mortal coil, don't do so with a serious stockpile of reloaded ammo.

Your heirs will thank you.
This I agree with. I’m not shooting anybody else’s reloads. If I know my time is short, I either stop reloading and shoot off what I have, or I give it to one of my children who know my meticulous reloading practices.
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Old 09-12-2018, 07:37 PM
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If you are to start reloading. Get a single stage reloading kit is best and then you can up grade later.Of what make is up to the OP. Also for what is stated about getting ammo that is from unknow reload to you.
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Old 09-12-2018, 08:55 PM
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Originally Posted by moralem View Post
. . . I shoot anything from .22 to .500.

As helpful as this has been, I think I will continue to just buy factory ammo for now....I am one of those people that figure if I can do it small why not do it big......and I looked up that Dillon 650. *** Then I looked at the Dillon 1050 with all the bells and whistles *** and figure I am on a slippery slope so best to step back from the edge and simply buy my ammo......or, simply go big.

A Dillon 1050 along with a Mr Bullet Feeder and ammo bot rev3 set up in .223 is available in my area for 2600 dollars....what could go wrong by now spending 10 fold to get into loading........
Since you now are sounding a lot like me, I thought my advice might actually be useful lol.

Someone who shoots several calibers in volumes less than 10 or 15 THOUSAND a year are wasting time, space, and money on a 1050. They take much longer than the other progressives to change calibers and are much more expensive per caliber. So it will save neither time nor money while trying your patience.

A 650, 550, or Hornady AP is not necessarily an "overboard" place to start. With the 650 get a case feeder from the gitgo because it operates much smoother with one. With the Hornady just get the press; add case and bullet feeders once you've driven it a few miles. If you are not a machinist, mechanic, etc . . . starting with all the bells and whistles will require so many adjustments you will not be sure what's wrong when something is wrong.

Your original question was can you get started for $250 and listed some kit. You can put a down payment on a new Mercedes for $250, so yes you can get started lol.

The kit? It is great because all of its parts will have use even if you add a progressive later like many many of us do. If you do precision rifle, you will find the single stage press more functional and giving better results than a progressive can ever give.

And you've saved over $2,000 if and when this hobby also goes south.

GLHF and stay safe.
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Old 09-13-2018, 07:16 AM
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That rcbs package is an excellent place to start. There's a lot of items in that package that you'll use/need even if you pick up 2 or 3 different dillons.

A good single stage press is the foundation for any reloader. Things like test loads and precision ammo for target pistols/rifles are best done on a single stage press. Anything to do with bullet manipulation needs a single stage press, doesn't matter if it's swaging bullets, bump dies for bullets, push thru sizing dies for bullets, bullet pullers, etc.
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Old 09-13-2018, 08:43 AM
cowboy4evr cowboy4evr is offline
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I always hate to see someone start off reloading " going big " . They don't even know if they will like to reload , so why spend a lot of $$ till you have answered that question . regards, Paul
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Old 09-13-2018, 09:56 AM
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You can get started for less than $30 Lee Classic Loader This is about as basic as it gets.
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Old 09-13-2018, 10:45 AM
Marshal Kane Marshal Kane is offline
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Your budget for reloading equipment will go even farther if you're willing to settle for used equipment found on eBay. Most name brand reloading equipment is built to last for decades and there are good prices on eBay from reloaders who found out that reloading is not for them. Look for equipment that is lightly used and close to new. Research current retail prices so you'll know how much to bid. Suggest you NOT buy used die sets as they may contain scratches. About 30% of my reloading equipment came from eBay and is all in use today.
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