looking for a reloading kit.....

orrbull48

orrbull48

New member
whats a good kit for reloading? im getting ready to start loading for the first time and was wondering what to start with? was looking at the rcbs, hornady, and lyman kits but really dont have a clue....any info appreciated! thanks!
 
I'm still using my RCBS Rockchucker Supreme kit I got many moons ago. It was a good starting point, but I replaced about half of the stuff that came with it. I don't use a case prep pad or hand deburring or chamfering tool anymore. I also don't use the priming attachments anymore either. I bought the case prep center, hand primer, a tumbler, trickler, and have been replacing dies one by one with Redding as well as using One Shot lube. I had to run the kit for several years to come to these decisions first though. So I feel the kit wasn't a total waste. I still use the 5-0-5 scale and hand trimmer for my loading as well, but adapted the trimmer to run on an 18V drill.
 
IMO you can't beat RCBS. I bought a kit in th early 70's and am still using most of it.. I do not care for the priming tubes, and thus I use Lee hand primers as well as an RCBS hand primer. Keep in mind you will need to purchase the appropriate dies and shell holders for your calibers.

Here's one on sale at Cabelas for a great price

Cabelas sale
 
RCBS kit is the only way to go. Like zilla said priming tube suck. Get a hand primer. Which some of the kits come with it.
 
Speer manual that comes with the kit is very informative also for getting started and for how to setup dies and the mechanics of reloading. After that, I use the caliber specific load books from Midway to build my recipes. They are a ring bound compilation of all the major bullet and powder manufacturers load pages from their own books for that one particular caliber. If you are loading varmint calibers, you don't need a book full of obsolete deer cartridges and pistol cartridge info. The books are about $6 per caliber. I think there is a guy on Youtube called the ammoman that has indepth videos on reloading as well. Good luck with your upcoming addiction
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Another option is to buy individual pieces & look for good deals on used stuff at auctions, flea markets, etc. That way, you will not get stuff that you want to replace immediately, like the primer, scale, powder measure, etc. I got my co ax press used, & built around that. Lee presses are fine & their kits are inexpensive, but their powder measure, scale, & a few other items in the kit do not get very good reviews. As others have pointed out, some of the items in the RCBS kit are not so great either. If you decide to go this route, get a good manual (used is OK there, too), read it, & maybe The ABCs of Reloading, and talk to a reloading friend or research the forums to get a good idea of what you will need to start, & build from there.
 
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is a digital scale prefered over the traditional balance beam type? i saw hornady's kit had a digital scale where rcbs did not
 
My vote goes to Hornady but I also have used RCBS and got along with both. I have a mixed bag of stuff. Hornady pressed, Hornady powder dump, RCBS and redding dies, Rcbs charge master and case prep center and a dillon beam scale. I use the chargemaster when using the single stage press. When I am working up loads and setting the LNL AP I check the charge with the balance beam. I also use Lyman case trimmer and tumbler. I would not get too hung up on brand unless you are going to go with high $ stuff like a coaxial press. All will give you a great reloading equipment that will last you a long time. Check out the different kits and make a list of what comes in each kit and see if you can't pick them up used and save some money.
 
Originally Posted By: orrbull48is a digital scale prefered over the traditional balance beam type? i saw hornady's kit had a digital scale where rcbs did not

I started with a RCBS rock chucker kit. With the balance beam. It was nice to get started but once I started reloading many different calibers and many rounds I soon purchased the digital scale and dispenser really speed things up. But I thing starting with the balance beam is good for learning. Also got a RCBS prep center later and now I could not go without it. Just really depends on how much $$$$ you want to put in it to get started...Jason
 
My first press was the Hornady LNL single stage kit. Good press with not a minutes problem. But knowing what I know now, I might would have gone with a turret press. Just my .02 cents.
 
I started with a RCBS kit and am very satisfied with it. I have added a lot to it and replaced several things in it, also. I think the best bang for your buck might be a LEE Anniversary kit because once you have been doing it for awhile you will want to taylor things to your own needs or wants.
 
Originally Posted By: Ricky Bobby I think the best bang for your buck might be a LEE Anniversary kit because once you have been doing it for awhile you will want to taylor things to your own needs or wants. I'll second that. I've had very good luck with Lee reloading stuff. It performs very well and I find it a much better value than the other brands.
 
I started with a rockchucker kit in highschool use it now as a progressive for pistol. I use a rcbs jr3 and a lee anniversry kit for my single stage stuff. If a guy is on a budget the lee kit will fit the bill. For dies I have a mix of rcbs, pacific,hornady and lee
Justin
 
Who makes an aluminum reloader? The hornady lock n load classic deluxe seemed to have about all I needed in it? Rcbs looked a little shy of it, not brand Loyal just want a good one to start with and last looking at dropping 500$
 
The lee kit press has a alum frame. I've had mine for 6 or 7 years now and have full length sized a bunch of 7 and 8 mag remington's with it so far so good.
 


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