Reloading Kit Question

[sharpshooterassassin]

I know this question has probably been asked and answered before but, with the cost of ammo going up, I'm wanting to start reloading. My question is, which reloading kit would be good for a beginner and which kit has EVERYTHING that I would need included in it besides the dies, primers, casings, and bullets? Thanks!

 

[Smith357]

First you need to determine how far down this road you want to travel. Start buy getting two reloading books from Lymans, Honady, Sierra, et et The front half of these books will explain step by step the basics. Then you must decide how much time and money you can invest in your new hobby.

The best kits come with a beefy single stage press like a Rockchuker, Boss, or LnL , if you want a progressive you may still want the Single Stage kit to get all the corresponding accoutrements. If you need to stay on a budget, Lee Challenger kits will get the job done, like a Hi-Point.

 

[Dragon88]

I started with the RCBS Partner Press kit. Very quickly I replaced everything in the kit, besides the press, with better and more useful alternatives. The scale, loading block, funnel, manual, etc etc. A carefully assembled cart on Midwayusa or your favorite online retailer will get you started on a better path.

I would highly recommend getting The ABCs of Reloading 9th Edition, a good reloading manual, and help from a friend who reloads before you spend any money on equipment. Handloading is a great hobby, but you have to get into it well informed and stay informed for as long as you do it.

Good luck, and post any and all questions you have. Many of us are happy to help a new handloader.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I know this question has probably been asked and answered before but, with the cost of ammo going up, I'm wanting to start reloading. My question is, which reloading kit would be good for a beginner and which kit has EVERYTHING that I would need included in it besides the dies, primers, casings, and bullets? Thanks!

No kit is that complete. I always like to recommend the Lee Classic Turret for a first press. You can find it in kit form but I would just buy the press, the Auto Disk powder measure, and the Safety Prime. I would buy an RCBS 505 scale, a caliper, tumbler with walnut media, kinetic bullet puller (looks like a hammer), and several reloading books.

First you need to determine how far down this road you want to travel. Start buy getting two reloading books from Lymans, Honady, Sierra, et et The front half of these books will explain step by step the basics. Then you must decide how much time and money you can invest in your new hobby.

The best kits come with a beefy single stage press like a Rockchuker, Boss, or LnL , if you want a progressive you may still want the Single Stage kit to get all the corresponding accoutrements. If you need to stay on a budget, Lee Challenger kits will get the job done, like a Hi-Point.

No need to snub the Lee Challenger kit like that. It's far more functional than most Hi Points. Add to that if you buy the newer breach lock version of the Challenger then the dies swap out super easy and the bushings cost far less than anyone else's. And add on top of that again their lock ring eliminator bushings are outstanding and nobody else is doing that same idea right now. I'm just not big on the Lee scale. It works but it's kind of a silly design.

I started with the RCBS Partner Press kit. Very quickly I replaced everything in the kit, besides the press, with better and more useful alternatives. The scale, loading block, funnel, manual, etc etc. A carefully assembled cart on Midwayusa or your favorite online retailer will get you started on a better path.

I would highly recommend getting The ABCs of Reloading 9th Edition, a good reloading manual, and help from a friend who reloads before you spend any money on equipment. Handloading is a great hobby, but you have to get into it well informed and stay informed for as long as you do it.

Good luck, and post any and all questions you have. Many of us are happy to help a new handloader.

A huge +1 to the ABC's of Reloading. That book will teach you all the terminology you will need. The front of the Lyman book and Lee book are also pretty filled with knowledge.

And never be afraid to ask any question no matter how noobish it is. But read the books first so you don't come across like, which is the brake pedal and the gas pedal???

 

[Smith357]

No need to snub the Lee Challenger kit like that.

It was not a snub on the function of the Lee. Every review of the Hi-Point I have seen is positive function wise, they have a reputation of working very well, while not the prettiest girl on the block they work.

I have two 20 year old Lee presses, a single and a 1000, both performed very well but are getting loose and sloppy in their old age. The old used Dillon 550 and RCBS are both still tight and solid albeit the RCBS bit rusty, In my defense it was that way when I bought it used at the gunshow.

 

[jat4]

No kit is that complete. I always like to recommend the Lee Classic Turret for a first press. You can find it in kit form but I would just buy the press, the Auto Disk powder measure, and the Safety Prime. I would buy an RCBS 505 scale, a caliper, tumbler with walnut media, kinetic bullet puller (looks like a hammer), and several reloading books.

Actually, the Lee Turret kit from Kempf's is exactly all this plus a set of dies for the caliber of your choice. Then you just need a scale and possibly some of those other items, including the reloading book(s). Kempf's kit is at : https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=630&category_id=26&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41&vmcchk=1&Itemid=41 If you go this route, do the upgrade on the Pro Disk powder measure.

 

[sharpshooterassassin]

Cool, thanks everyone on the info and the help.

 

[tappedandtagged]

Here is where I began: Read the ABC's of Reloading, then the Lyman's 49th Manual. After that I bought the Lee Challenger Kit. The only other thing you'll need is a set of dies, the components for the caliber you are reloading and a reloading block.

Eventually you will want to upgrade the Lee safety scale to something better (I wish I would've gotten the RCBS 505 scale a long time ago). The powder measure is also something that you will eventually want to upgrade. I'm still using my Lee powder measure, but have been shopping for a new one.

I don't load anything larger than .243 and have found the Lee aluminum breech lock press to be sufficient. If I ever get into loading larger calibers, I will likely get a Rock Chucker.

To start, the Lee kit is great. You will eventually figure out what you like and what you don't and piece together a kit that works for you. Also, the low cost of the Lee kit is great if you are not certain you will keep reloading.

If you can afford it, by all means, go with the RCBS Rockchucker kit. If you are uncertain or lacking funds, the Lee kit will serve you well.

 

[Engineer1911]

The Lyman Reloading Manual has rifle (jacketed and cast bullet) and handgun (jacketed and cast bullet) reloading data along with an excellent how to instructional chapters. If you know what powder brand or what bullet brand you are going to use that determines your second reloading manual. Reloading is like driving a car, stay in the middle of the road and you will be safe.

When you get started use medium weight bullets and a medium powder charge. Don't pick the lightest or the heaviest bullet for the caliber you want to reload. Example is 150 to 165 grain bullets for .308 or .30-06 with a medium (not the lightest or heaviest charge) weight charge with the medium speed powder. Reading the manual will explain powder burn rates for you.

 

[sharpshooterassassin]

Thanks for all the help. I'm mostly just going to reload handgun calibers. Specifically, 9mm, 40 S&W, and 45acp.

 

[rodsvet]

If you can afford it, I would go with a Dillon 550. Get the Lyman reloading book (read it cover to cover several time), a good scale and the size dies you desire and go to town. The Dillon can be used as a single stage to learn all the nuances of reloading and a progressive when you do. You will want a progressive very soon so why not start with a good solid foundation. There are many other toys you will pick up through the years but the press is your foundation. Auto's eat up a lot of ammo fast. My .02, Rod Oh, I almost forgot, do UPS drivers wear shorts in Alaska??

 

[wantmoresmiths]

I'm on the same page as Rodsvet, as far as starting with a progressive press. However since I currently use a Hornady Lock - N -Load, I favor that brand press. I believe caliber changes are a little quicker with the Hornady. Dillon is also a very good progressive press. Either brand will serve you well.

 

[hotrod150]

I'll probably get flamed here but .... you don't give someone an Uzi when they want to learn to shoot, you give them a 22. Handloading should be the same. Start simple, upgrade when ready. Even if you can use a Dillon as a single-stage press, the temptation to crank out a lot of rounds quick is gonna be pretty hard to resist- even if the handloader really isn't ready to do so. Lots of things going on at the same time equals lots of chances for a mistake.
Buy a single-stage press.

 

[Dragon88]

+1 on the single stage press to begin with. I had never worked in tolerances measured in thousandths of an inch until I got into handloading. What an eye opener! To be able to understand, measure, and adjust to within .001" and know the reasons for it! There are so may factors to consider when beginning down the handloading path, and a single stage press makes you consider each die operation and adjustment. Yes it's slower, but slow is good when you start. If you upgrade to a progressive down the road, the single stage will still see use for special operations or experimentation.

 

[sharpshooterassassin]

Thanks for all the help again. And yes "rodsvet", UPS drivers wear shorts in AK. Although not in the summer.

 

[novalty]

In no particular order I'd recommend RCBS Rockchucker Supreme kit (on sale at Cabelas Black Friday $239.99), Hornady Classic Lock-n-Load, Lee Classic Turret.

RCBS has a $50 promotion if you spend $300, so if you get the kit above with a set of their carbide dies, and a shell-holder it should get you the rebate. Hornady has a "Get Loaded" promotion for 500 free bullets with purchase of the kit, small fee for shipping and handling.

 

[blujax01]

Sorry Hotrod I have to disagree...Never shot a .22 handgun, first firearm was a .45 ACP. First and only press is a progressive. Shot an Uzi once - what a blast!

I am not against single stage presses at all. There are quite a few loaders who swear by them and they are cost effective and simple to operate. Turn out some mighty fine ammunition, too. There are several out there to fit your budget and if you decide to sell it later, there is no shortage of buyers. I am looking to add one to my bench.

If the thought of a progressive appeals to you do not be swayed by the "oh-it's too complicated and dangerous for a beginner" crowd. Any sober adult with average intelligence can excel in the operation.
But they are a bit more expensive and take up more space.

Whichever way you choose to begin, you have come to the right place for tips and advice. As a relative newcomer myself I learn something new here every day.

 

[Smith357]

I'm mostly just going to reload handgun calibers. Specifically, 9mm, 40 S&W, and 45acp.

Dillon is the gold standard in progressive presses, you will often read that brand A or B is as good as, or better than the Dillo,n and they very well may be better. Better or worse they compare themselves to Dillon. If you decide that you want to get out of reloading, Dillon maintains a higher margin. While all the major players now have outstanding service, Dillon was a leader for many years with their "No BS Warranty" and stellar Customer Service.

As for progressive or single stage, if you are smart enough to operate a firearm and a computer then you should be able to use a progressive press. It's not rocket science, but it does demand attention to detail.

 

[SMSgt]

Cabelas has a nice RCBS kit with most of the needed goodies for under $300.

 

[all357mag]

Dillon RL550B. Nuff said!