Help me with a Reloading Setup

I put this together a couple years ago, just something I copy and paste into forum threads like this when people ask "what do I need to get started"...

This would give you a bare bones minimum kit for minimum price (not buying used). Since you're interested in the Hornady set, change out what I have listed for the Lee Kit for the Hornady kit components, then cross those off of the list or add to the list whatever is different between the kits. This gets you all in for around $500-550 to load your first 100 rounds - ammo cost included.

Case Prep:

[*]Case length gauge Lee gauge = $7, but these SUCK if you're doing much volume (need parts from Lee Anniversary kit below)[*]Chamfer & deburr tool: Take your pick = $10[*]Primer pocket cleaner: Take your pick = $5-10[*]Tumbler & Media: Lyman 1200 = $60, media = $15-30[*]Case Neck Brush: Take your pick = ~$10 in with brush and handle[*]Case Lube Pad: Take your pick = $10[/list]

Reloading:

[*]Press Kit: Lee Anniversary kit = $130, has a press, a safety scale, a press mount primer, a and a hand case trimmer and lock stud. The powder thrower in the kit sucks, but will work to throw ~80-90% of your charge, then trickle in the rest. The scale/balance is super slow, but keeps you safe.[*]Set of dies: Lee Pace-Setter 3 die set = $30 for standard cartridges like 30-06[*]Trickler: Take your pick = $15-20[/list]

Miscellaneous tools:
[*]Calipers: Cheap yet functional set = $20[*]Cartridge trays: Want at least two, take your pick $5-10 each = $20[*]Bullet Puller: Hammer style or press mounted = ~$15-20[/list]

Components:

[*]Bullets[*]Brass[*]Primers[*]Powder[/list]
 
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Originally Posted By: ninehorsesRCBS® Kit Rock Chucker Supreme Basic 101

This is where I would start. A set of dies and a shell holder and a cheap caliper will start you. You will never need to up grade, and it won't wear out. Big enough for the belted magnums. Mail in rebate going on now. Comes with a manual. Nothing you'll outgrow.

Some Ford-Chevy here, but RCBS sets the bar for customer service bar none.

+1
 
Originally Posted By: DEFCONYou can get a few low cost presses to setup for different stages.
Cost less than a High quality progressive press.
DEF

I know a few guys that did that. The issue is moving from one to another takes time and more space unless you play the quick change mounting plate trick.

I'd rather have one QUALITY single stage than a passel of cheap ones with varying tolerances. Pre-set dies don't take that long to spin in and out.

Also some of the cheaper single stages are little light in the britches for some things that I do like case forming/swaging. I have an RCBS Big Max for that and they aren't cheap.

Greg
 
I agree with GL, Most of Us have reloaded for years with a good single stage press, it teaches you how be methodical, organized and efficient. By going slower you have a better a appreciation of the product you are putting out...And you will be safer for it..
 
Originally Posted By: BAYSTATE YOTEI agree with GL, Most of Us have reloaded for years with a good single stage press, it teaches you how be methodical, organized and efficient. By going slower you have a better a appreciation of the product you are putting out...And you will be safer for it..

I use two AA Turrets for single stage like work. I have a Rock Chucker in my closet in the box that has been waiting for four years that will be coming out soon.

I have five Dillons, the two AA's and a STAR and have won a lot of GOLD using all of them and have killed a lot of PD's with the output but I will agree slow is good and when I absolutely must make the shot the onesye twosey approach wins out. I'll even drag out an arbor press if I want to go uber-whole hog on it all but that is a different AO..LOL

Greg
 
I am barely started reloading, picked up a few things in the classifieds on this site.

I bought a lee Classic Turret press because it had pretty good reviews everywhere I looked and I like the turret system. I'm only reloading two calibers so far but i like that I can set up my dies, and change out turrets. The dies stay put once they are set and a new turret is only $12. I can also use it to prime, and while some like a hand primer better, I've never done that so I can't tell that I'm doing an inferior job and I didn't have to buy another tool.

I don't have any close friends that reload, so other than a manual, this site is my go-to for information. Lots and lots of things to learn. It took me a while to get off the fence but that was probably a good thing because i read a lot trying to learn the terminology and processes before I bought anything.
 
I agree with the RCBS sets the bar for Customer Service. Only had to call them once, lost the small rifle priming rod for my priming tool (I think my 2 year old boy had something to do with it) couldn't find any in town thought what the heck I will call RCBS, shipped it the next day no charge.
 
I have had a the same RCBS reloading set for over 32 years. Added lots of dies etc. over the years. If I had to do it again, I would go the same way. Set up a nice, comfortable bench to your likings and read the manual a couple of times. Find someone that has reloaded for a few years and get after it. Shoot what you reload and do it again, you will get hooked. Stay FOCUSED! and have fun.. Rudy
 


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