I'm gonna buy a reloading kit
- Thread starter Lee6113
- Start date
As you might imagine...
Our very active forum here gets MANY threads of this nature. Some variation of "I want to start! Where should I start?!"
We have a LOT of very helpful folks and you will hear a lot of helpful but often conflicting information. While I say that this place is a PHENOMENAL resource, I think you can already see that there is still a heap of work at your end to try and take it in amd make sense of it. That means you have to listen to the arguments made and the folks who make those arguments and then try to determine which sounds like the best info for you.
Not an easy task!
Me, I started handloading on the budget of a high school kid with no mentor and no internet, late 1980's. I purchased on a shoestring budget and made small amounts of terrific ammo. Fast forward to today and I am either "middle aged" or rapidly approaching. My budget for every angle of this hobby is larger than most but like many--getting the most for my money is a top priority. Keeping those facts in mind, I now produce 15k-20k annually over the last 4 years plus this one, I do that across about a dozen calibers regularly but adding a few here and there. And over time, I have upgraded many of my tools but ALL of my presses and 90% of my loading dies are Lee even though I have hands-on experience with every brand on the market.
If I were given free cash to build a setup for someone, my dies would be Lee dies and if going single stage, Lee would also be my press. Surrounded by other fine tools over the full color/brand spectrum.
Our very active forum here gets MANY threads of this nature. Some variation of "I want to start! Where should I start?!"
We have a LOT of very helpful folks and you will hear a lot of helpful but often conflicting information. While I say that this place is a PHENOMENAL resource, I think you can already see that there is still a heap of work at your end to try and take it in amd make sense of it. That means you have to listen to the arguments made and the folks who make those arguments and then try to determine which sounds like the best info for you.
Not an easy task!
Me, I started handloading on the budget of a high school kid with no mentor and no internet, late 1980's. I purchased on a shoestring budget and made small amounts of terrific ammo. Fast forward to today and I am either "middle aged" or rapidly approaching. My budget for every angle of this hobby is larger than most but like many--getting the most for my money is a top priority. Keeping those facts in mind, I now produce 15k-20k annually over the last 4 years plus this one, I do that across about a dozen calibers regularly but adding a few here and there. And over time, I have upgraded many of my tools but ALL of my presses and 90% of my loading dies are Lee even though I have hands-on experience with every brand on the market.
If I were given free cash to build a setup for someone, my dies would be Lee dies and if going single stage, Lee would also be my press. Surrounded by other fine tools over the full color/brand spectrum.
I have the LEE breech lock challenger "anniversary" set. Comes with EVERYTHING you need sans the dies for your caliber. It's a great kit and has loaded me tens of thousands of wonderful bullets. I added a digital scale and a set of calipers, even though the supplied beam scale works fine and I still use it to double check my digital readings. I would like to see you get a "lee turret" to get things moving a lil faster without much added complication. But if you don't want a turret, then the LEE challenger anniversary is great and runs just a hair over 100$ for an entire start up set.Makes the exact same ammo as an RCBS or a Hornady single stage.
OK. First a disclaimer. I'm not an expert and have only been reloading for a few months. I'm mainly posting this because about 6 months ago I was where the OP is at trying to decide what to buy.
I've seen statements like this numerous times, including when I was researching what to buy myself and I'm just left puzzled.
The cheapest RCBS kit out there that I can find is the Rockchucker Supreme Master Reloading kit $289 on Midway, it's on sale right now, normally $329. The only thing it comes with that the $123 (Amazon w/ free shipping) Lee kit doesn't is a manual, a loading block, and a Hex key set.
The Lee kit does come with a manual but it's a pretty abbreviated one. I know it goes against the common advice but I've been reloading w/o one so far, relying on load data from the Hodgdon website.
I confess, I broke down and bought a loading block after I got tired of using the old Styrofoam blocks from factory ammo boxes ($7).
I haven't needed a hex key set with the Lee kit but if I did, I have a toolbox full of them.
It takes me about 30 seconds to change dies. I did buy the Breech Lock Bushings for each die so I don't have to set up each die.
My point with all of this is simply this:
Lee Kit $123
Extra Bushings $8
Loading Block $7
Lee 7MM08 Die set $31 (comes with shell holder)
Quick trim die $10 (probably wouldn't need if I was only doing pistol)
Total $179
RCBS Kit $290 (on sale)
RCBS 7MM08 2 die set $31 (doesn't come with shell holder)
Shellholder $8
Case trimming? Probably not necessary w/pistol only
Total $329 (still need something to case trim with if reloading rifle)
For the $150 difference I'll find my own book(s).
In NO WAY WHATSOEVER am I trying to imply that RCBS doesn't make quality gear and it may be worth the price. They probably also have a great warranty system but for me, I just couldn't justify the initial price.
I've seen statements like this numerous times, including when I was researching what to buy myself and I'm just left puzzled.
The cheapest RCBS kit out there that I can find is the Rockchucker Supreme Master Reloading kit $289 on Midway, it's on sale right now, normally $329. The only thing it comes with that the $123 (Amazon w/ free shipping) Lee kit doesn't is a manual, a loading block, and a Hex key set.
The Lee kit does come with a manual but it's a pretty abbreviated one. I know it goes against the common advice but I've been reloading w/o one so far, relying on load data from the Hodgdon website.
I confess, I broke down and bought a loading block after I got tired of using the old Styrofoam blocks from factory ammo boxes ($7).
I haven't needed a hex key set with the Lee kit but if I did, I have a toolbox full of them.
It takes me about 30 seconds to change dies. I did buy the Breech Lock Bushings for each die so I don't have to set up each die.
My point with all of this is simply this:
Lee Kit $123
Extra Bushings $8
Loading Block $7
Lee 7MM08 Die set $31 (comes with shell holder)
Quick trim die $10 (probably wouldn't need if I was only doing pistol)
Total $179
RCBS Kit $290 (on sale)
RCBS 7MM08 2 die set $31 (doesn't come with shell holder)
Shellholder $8
Case trimming? Probably not necessary w/pistol only
Total $329 (still need something to case trim with if reloading rifle)
For the $150 difference I'll find my own book(s).
In NO WAY WHATSOEVER am I trying to imply that RCBS doesn't make quality gear and it may be worth the price. They probably also have a great warranty system but for me, I just couldn't justify the initial price.
4runnerman
New member
sorefoot--RCBS Partner Press--$79.00. Comes with the manual and scale and all.
IMHO- Digital scale is the oly way to go, so very very much faster and just as accurate as a beam
IMHO- Digital scale is the oly way to go, so very very much faster and just as accurate as a beam
Lost Sheep
New member
Thanks for asking our advice. Welcome to reloading.
The fool does not learn from his mistakes.
The wise man learns from his mistakes.
The truly wise man learns from the mistakes of others.
The end table has been replaced by a folding workbench.
I can pack up and load anywhere in an instant.
A kit will get you started loading quicker, no doubt. But building your own kit will force you to do some research. That knowledge gained from that research will stand you in good stead for the rest of your loading career. The effort you put in up front will yield benefits.
Also note that every kit will have things you don't need or will want to upgrade later on (at a loss it goes without saying) and will also lack things you do want.
Neither is good for you if it doesn't fill your needs, but you should not reject the brand out of hand.
The support you get from Dillon (I am told) is excellent (reflected in the price you pay, but it does seem to be well worth it). RCBS has a lifetime warranty (also reflected in the price). Lee has a two-year warranty which they often extend, but you cannot count on that forever.
My Lee Classic Turret sees a lot more use than my RCBS RockChucker.
All I am saying here is to do your research and find what kind of press you expect to fill your needs and go for it, no matter whose logo is on the box.
Tell us more about your needs and we can target out advice a bit better.
Lost Sheep
You are a truly wise man, then.
The fool does not learn from his mistakes.
The wise man learns from his mistakes.
The truly wise man learns from the mistakes of others.
Note that any turret press IS a single stage press. It just has a moveable head that can hold multiple dies. The operation of a turret is, intrinsically, single stage.
Everything I use to reload except my tumbler (which is actually an optional extra) fits in three toolboxes, the largest of which is 23" x 10" x 10". That one contains my press and a 2x6 board. That 2x5 is the same one I started with in 1975 wedged into an end table drawer. Toolbox 2 contains all my powder handling stuff, scale powder measure, etc and toolbox 3 all the miscellaneous hand tools.
The end table has been replaced by a folding workbench.
I can pack up and load anywhere in an instant.
"To, kit or not to kit", that is the question. (a nod to Shakespeare)
A kit will get you started loading quicker, no doubt. But building your own kit will force you to do some research. That knowledge gained from that research will stand you in good stead for the rest of your loading career. The effort you put in up front will yield benefits.
Also note that every kit will have things you don't need or will want to upgrade later on (at a loss it goes without saying) and will also lack things you do want.
Lee makes several diferent presses. Their cheapest press is of marginal usefulness. Their best press (the Classic Turret) is better than any other 4-station auto-advancing turret press currently available anywhere in the world.
Neither is good for you if it doesn't fill your needs, but you should not reject the brand out of hand.
The support you get from Dillon (I am told) is excellent (reflected in the price you pay, but it does seem to be well worth it). RCBS has a lifetime warranty (also reflected in the price). Lee has a two-year warranty which they often extend, but you cannot count on that forever.
My Lee Classic Turret sees a lot more use than my RCBS RockChucker.
All I am saying here is to do your research and find what kind of press you expect to fill your needs and go for it, no matter whose logo is on the box.
Tell us more about your needs and we can target out advice a bit better.
Lost Sheep
Lost Sheep
New member
Aside from eye protection and manuals, you only need three things (physically) to load good ammo. (Of course, you would be severely limited in some ways, but capable of producing one round at a time, but safely.)
Press because fingers are not strong enough to form metal
Dies because fingers are not accurate enough to form metal to SAAMI specs
Scale (or calibrated dippers) because eyeballs are not accurate enough to measure out gunpowder.
A set of calipers would be a good idea, too, just to verify dimensions.
Everything else can be done without, substituted for or improvised until you can afford to buy good, quality gear.
But it is more efficient and cost effective to get equipment that fits your needs now and for the near/foreseeable future.
We could target our advice better if you shared some information about yourself: (What I use has no relevance to you if our needs are not similar.)
What gear to choose depends on what its purposes will be. What are yours? So, I have some questions for you before I can be more specific.
What calibers/chamberings will you be reloading?
What quantities will you be reloading for those calibers? (Per month)
How much time will you be willing to devote to those quantities?
How large of production runs before swapping calibers?
What is your budget for the initial purchase? (Not components, just the equipment)
Will you want to get your entire setup at once or, after an initial setup that does all you need, add accessories and conveniences as your experience suggests and finances permit?
Will you be putting your gear away after each session or leave it set up permanently?
How much space will you devote permanently to a loading area, if any?
Do you want it to be portable?
What are your shooting goals? Cheap ammo? Ultimate long-range accuracy? Casual plinking, Serious competition - what kind? Cowboy Action Shooting? Strictly hunting? Personal defense? Skills development?
Lost Sheep
Press because fingers are not strong enough to form metal
Dies because fingers are not accurate enough to form metal to SAAMI specs
Scale (or calibrated dippers) because eyeballs are not accurate enough to measure out gunpowder.
A set of calipers would be a good idea, too, just to verify dimensions.
Everything else can be done without, substituted for or improvised until you can afford to buy good, quality gear.
But it is more efficient and cost effective to get equipment that fits your needs now and for the near/foreseeable future.
We could target our advice better if you shared some information about yourself: (What I use has no relevance to you if our needs are not similar.)
What gear to choose depends on what its purposes will be. What are yours? So, I have some questions for you before I can be more specific.
What calibers/chamberings will you be reloading?
What quantities will you be reloading for those calibers? (Per month)
How much time will you be willing to devote to those quantities?
How large of production runs before swapping calibers?
What is your budget for the initial purchase? (Not components, just the equipment)
Will you want to get your entire setup at once or, after an initial setup that does all you need, add accessories and conveniences as your experience suggests and finances permit?
Will you be putting your gear away after each session or leave it set up permanently?
How much space will you devote permanently to a loading area, if any?
Do you want it to be portable?
What are your shooting goals? Cheap ammo? Ultimate long-range accuracy? Casual plinking, Serious competition - what kind? Cowboy Action Shooting? Strictly hunting? Personal defense? Skills development?
Lost Sheep
jersurf101
New member
I started with a Le Challenger kit and I'm glad I did. That and a copy of Lyman 49 is a good start for making ammunition. I have replaced or upgraded in some areas of the kit as I have progressed but the Lee kit has not disappointed. There is nothing wrong with the beam scales at all. I would think the biggest necessities (other than the manual) would be getting a decent case trimmer and replacing the cheap powder measure over time.
as far as my experience goes, the number 1 frustration I have is with the balance scales. you set them up and start to weight a charge then bump the table messing up the balance on the scales not to mention how long it takes to set it up and weight.(not to say I don't use it for precision loads) I also have a lyman digital scale that seemed to be inconsistent. thats why I use the RCBS charge master. a digital scale that has never done me wrong. and you can buy it in 2 parts (the scale it self and the charge dispenser) if price is an option. now for your press. I have an rcbs rock chucker an lyman turret press an lee single stage press and last a Dillion 1050. all used for different goals. the only one I do not use to reload on is the lee press because I does not allow me any cam-over. I use the lee to pulling bullets, expanding case mouths. For you I would go with either the RCBS or Hornady. I have no experience with hornady presses but I'm sure there good products. And lately I've been very impressed with hornady especially there die sets. also you can buy an microjust seating stem for you bullet seater that just screws on a nice benefit if you get one but not necessary. As far as the kit goes you could not go wrong with either RCBS or Hornady. both kits have pretty much the same stuff in them.
Hope this helped and glad to see a new reloader in here.
Hope this helped and glad to see a new reloader in here.
Another thought; A conscientious reloader with care can load good, safe, accurate ammo on the cheapest, next to junk equipment sold, but a sloppy, inattentive "reloader" can't get decent ammo outta the most expensive, state of the art equipment (a feller held the 1,000 yard record for smallest groups with ammo he reloaded with a Lee Loader).
Almost any press will work. Almost any scale will work. Most dies will work. Most kits will supply you with all the tools you'll need (and a bunch of stuff you may never use). It's up to you to make safe, accurate ammo...
Almost any press will work. Almost any scale will work. Most dies will work. Most kits will supply you with all the tools you'll need (and a bunch of stuff you may never use). It's up to you to make safe, accurate ammo...
polyphemus
New member
In Modern Reloading,2nd Ed.Right on Pg 28 there's a picture of Robert Frey.
The caption reads:..dramatically demonstrated the excellence of the Lee Collet Dies.In sanctioned competition,he set a record for the smallest group at 1000 yards".
Unlikely that he fit those on a Lee Loader.
I am reloading for 30 + years. Started with the RCBS Rockchucker single stage, still going strong. Never bought kits, RCBS ChargeMaster, Redding Competition seating die, Different Die's & measuring tools. The die that worked best for me is the first die I bought,the RCBS F/L Sizing die, with the Redding Competition shell holders, RCBS Precision Mic & a good caliper. Other needed tools are, a uniformer to clean & size primer pockets, flash hole deburrer, chamfer inside & out, case gage, case trimmer & Imperial sizing wax. Hope I helped in some way.
Space was one thing. It didn't look like I could have a good set up with a progressive right now. Then I also figured it would be easier to learn on a single stage before I got a progressive (most likely I will get this one once my wife and I buy a house). I hadn't considered a turret press though, and I will look into it.
Thanks so much for all the replies and suggestions, everyone!
To recap what I've gleaned from everyone's responses is the following:
- I have to decide if I want to start with beam scales or electronic. Beam take more time but electronics can be finicky.
- harbor freight calipers are good.
- I'll need to pick up some good Manuels. Some for data and some for how-to (like ABCs reloading)
- I might consider getting an inline fabrication stand for our setup.
- I might consider skipping a kit and buying the supplies individually.
And finally, I've gotten recommendations for the following kits:
Lee 50th anniversary kit
RCBS Rock Chucker kit
Hornady kit
Lee Classic Turret Press
Dillon
My next step is to start narrowing that list down. I'm gonna take a good look at the Lee Classic turret because of how many people recommended it.
Again thanks for all the responses!
I Remember you posted this in another thread, Lost Sheep, and it helped me a lot!
What calibers/chamberings will you be reloading? 9mm for the time being. Will add .38/357 and .45 down the road.
What quantities will you be reloading for those calibers? (Per month) ideally 500-800 a month. That would be very ideal.
How much time will you be willing to devote to those quantities? Sunday mornings would be my time, before church. A few hours at a time.
How large of production runs before swapping calibers? Until I master reloading, I'll be sticking to 9mm. I expect there'll be a lengthy period of slow, deliberate, learning...
What is your budget for the initial purchase? (Not components, just the equipment) I imagine somewhere near $300-$400, but I'll get what I need...
Will you want to get your entire setup at once or, after an initial setup that does all you need, add accessories and conveniences as your experience suggests and finances permit? I want to be set up with everything I'd need to start without cutting corners from the get go. If I'm missing some nice to have gear but not mandatory that's ok, but I want to be equipped.
Will you be putting your gear away after each session or leave it set up permanently? Yes, putting it away after each use.
How much space will you devote permanently to a loading area, if any? Storage is ok, but I won't have a dedicated reloading space. We'd be using either my desk, the kitchen table, counter, or maybe the coffee table.
Do you want it to be portable? yes.
What are your shooting goals? Cheap ammo? Ultimate long-range accuracy? Casual plinking, Serious competition - what kind? Cowboy Action Shooting? Strictly hunting? Personal defense? Skills development?
I would like cheap ammo, yes please. Haha. Mostly so I can put more rounds down range at a time. I wouldn't mind getting into competition later but for now I just want to practice with my weapon.
What calibers/chamberings will you be reloading? 9mm for the time being. Will add .38/357 and .45 down the road.
What quantities will you be reloading for those calibers? (Per month) ideally 500-800 a month. That would be very ideal.
How much time will you be willing to devote to those quantities? Sunday mornings would be my time, before church. A few hours at a time.
How large of production runs before swapping calibers? Until I master reloading, I'll be sticking to 9mm. I expect there'll be a lengthy period of slow, deliberate, learning...
What is your budget for the initial purchase? (Not components, just the equipment) I imagine somewhere near $300-$400, but I'll get what I need...
Will you want to get your entire setup at once or, after an initial setup that does all you need, add accessories and conveniences as your experience suggests and finances permit? I want to be set up with everything I'd need to start without cutting corners from the get go. If I'm missing some nice to have gear but not mandatory that's ok, but I want to be equipped.
Will you be putting your gear away after each session or leave it set up permanently? Yes, putting it away after each use.
How much space will you devote permanently to a loading area, if any? Storage is ok, but I won't have a dedicated reloading space. We'd be using either my desk, the kitchen table, counter, or maybe the coffee table.
Do you want it to be portable? yes.
What are your shooting goals? Cheap ammo? Ultimate long-range accuracy? Casual plinking, Serious competition - what kind? Cowboy Action Shooting? Strictly hunting? Personal defense? Skills development?
I would like cheap ammo, yes please. Haha. Mostly so I can put more rounds down range at a time. I wouldn't mind getting into competition later but for now I just want to practice with my weapon.
I would get a Lee Turret Press from Kempfgunshop. $214.
https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php...n=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41&vmcchk=1&Itemid=41
Add to that the Lee Reloading stand $99. This would allow you to leave the press setup and just store it in a closet vs having to break it down and reset it up each week. $100 is not cheap but its small footprint would be worth it if space is tight. IMHO
https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php...roduct_id=739&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41
Pick up a bullet puller, digital scale, calipers, Lynman manual, and tumber. these would cost another $100-$150.
With shipping and a few other things I have missed you will come in under $400 shipped without the stand. If you need the stand you are closer to $450. I use a setup like this and can load 150 to 200 rounds an hour with this one. You then just need to add a extra turret and an extra set of dies to add 45 ACP and then 38SPl. So for basically for another $100 you can be loading all 3 calibers you are looking to load.
This will easily do what you are looking to do in terms of reloading. It will be faster than a single stage press and basically functions like a single stage vs a progressive. If you were going to double your numbers down the road you can always upgrade to a progressive.
https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php...n=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41&vmcchk=1&Itemid=41
Add to that the Lee Reloading stand $99. This would allow you to leave the press setup and just store it in a closet vs having to break it down and reset it up each week. $100 is not cheap but its small footprint would be worth it if space is tight. IMHO
https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php...roduct_id=739&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41
Pick up a bullet puller, digital scale, calipers, Lynman manual, and tumber. these would cost another $100-$150.
With shipping and a few other things I have missed you will come in under $400 shipped without the stand. If you need the stand you are closer to $450. I use a setup like this and can load 150 to 200 rounds an hour with this one. You then just need to add a extra turret and an extra set of dies to add 45 ACP and then 38SPl. So for basically for another $100 you can be loading all 3 calibers you are looking to load.
This will easily do what you are looking to do in terms of reloading. It will be faster than a single stage press and basically functions like a single stage vs a progressive. If you were going to double your numbers down the road you can always upgrade to a progressive.
I'd go with:
Redding Big Boss Press and Redding Dies:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/856890/redding-big-boss-single-stage-press?cm_vc=ProductFinding
It also comes in a kit:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/89...-stage-press-pro-pak-kit?cm_vc=ProductFinding
Redding is of highest quality and precision. It will outlast you. Read the reviews and compare.
Redding Big Boss Press and Redding Dies:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/856890/redding-big-boss-single-stage-press?cm_vc=ProductFinding
It also comes in a kit:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/89...-stage-press-pro-pak-kit?cm_vc=ProductFinding
Redding is of highest quality and precision. It will outlast you. Read the reviews and compare.
leadcounsel
Moderator
Congrats on reloading. A lot of people love the hobby and viciously defend it. And kudos to those that have such a passion! Decades of experience on this forum.