Thinking about getting into reloading...

Bigrounds8mil

Bigrounds8mil

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So, I'm sure you guys get a lot of this, but what do you figure is the best start-up reloading kit value wise? I've played with a couple $50 hammer kits and decided its not for me, gonna need a press for sure. I would be immediatley reloading 8mm Mauser, then in the future 7.62x54R, maybe 7.62x39 if feasible, 9mm Luger and .45 ACP.

Not to sound like an idiot but will one press do rifle and pistol calibres or do I need a seperate press for that as well?
 
One press for both but some presses are better suited for handgun and some better for rifle

Buy a manual and read it... then read it again..... if you are still interested buy a starter kit that your budget will allow and make some ammo.. enjoy the process!!!!!!!

If it's not for you, sell it on the EE
 
Will do, I'll grab a manual next time I'm at wholesale sports. Does it matter which one? I would assume some of the major bullet maker manuals are a bit biased but thats just a guess. In the mean time I've got a ton of brass to de-prime an clean. Lol. Thanks guys

Sorry, didnt know there was a couple other threads already running. Still relativley new here.
 
Bigrounds8mil said:
Will do, I'll grab a manual next time I'm at wholesale sports. Does it matter which one? I would assume some of the major bullet maker manuals are a bit biased but thats just a guess. In the mean time I've got a ton of brass to de-prime an clean. Lol. Thanks guys

Sorry, didnt know there was a couple other threads already running. Still relativley new here.
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Some of the kits come with a manual.RCBS,Hornady,etc.
The kits are a good start,gets you most every thing you need.

I've got the RCBS, loaded tons of rifle and pistol rnds.
 
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Personal preference - two presses; one a single or turret for the rifle cartridges, the other a progressive for the pistol cartridges.

If you're using a semi-auto rifle or range scrap brass, get a single; you need a lot of force for full-length resizing. And you shouldn't have to look too far to find a decent single used, cheap.

For a progressive, get one that's quick 'n easy to change calibres - and remember, when you switch 9mm/45 you'll be switching primer sizes, so get one that that's quick 'n easy too.
 
I'm looking for the exact same as you. So far I have selected the Lee turret press as the most economical option to start then dies for each calibre. Cost wise for all dies and the press kit and accessories plus lead molds I think we're looking in the $1100 range.
What would be nice is if s9me of the retailers packaged their SKU's such that 8x57JS dies, molds,sizers, gauges all can be selected together instead of just piecemeal.
 
philhut said:
I'm looking for the exact same as you. So far I have selected the Lee turret press as the most economical option to start then dies for each calibre. Cost wise for all dies and the press kit and accessories plus lead molds I think we're looking in the $1100 range.
What would be nice is if s9me of the retailers packaged their SKU's such that 8x57JS dies, molds,sizers, gauges all can be selected together instead of just piecemeal.
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You must be looking at quite a few calibers. The bullet casting certainly adds to the initial cost, and of course isn't necessary to get into reloading. But pays off over time.
 
Bigrounds8mil said:
Will do, I'll grab a manual next time I'm at wholesale sports. Does it matter which one? I would assume some of the major bullet maker manuals are a bit biased but thats just a guess. In the mean time I've got a ton of brass to de-prime an clean. Lol. Thanks guys

Sorry, didnt know there was a couple other threads already running. Still relativley new here.
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As far as a manual goes: pick one. Read it, thoroughly. Then get another one if you're still on the fence.

The bullet maker's manuals will only have loads for their bullets.
The powder producers' load data will be specific to their powder.

A manual like the Lyman or Lee will have loads with no preference for one manufacturer or another. Both also have cast bullet load information.
 
My two cents... Don't skimp on the press or dies. Lee Precision has a nice entry level kit called the Challenger. Its Ok. I found though that in a very short time I wanted something better. Picked up the Lee Precision Cast Iron press. Looks almost like the Challenger which is cast aluminum but its much more robust. Its a single press. For the amount of ammo I reload the single press is fine. Easily does 100 rounds in an evening. It is time consuming but for me its a way to relax. Why the Lee? It was all that was available at the time. RCBS, Dillon and Hornady all make great products.
Just beware. Its addictive! I think I'm over 2000$ now... and counting...
 
Lee Classic Turret kit: $350+tx. Everything you need to start except dies and components. No time wasted setting up each die for each step. Cranks out about 100-150 rounds per hour (pistol). Does both rifle and pistol.

Dies: $50-100 per caliber (try the EE).

Quick change turrets: $15-20 per caliber (luxury item, saves setting up your dies every time you change calibers).

That's all the equipment you need to get started. Stop thinking about it and do it, I'm glad I did.
 
reloading/ handloading is an insidious disease, at first the financial expenditure seems rather innocent and gives the user a high when the first group of handloaded cartridges makes a tiny little group on paper. hook set. many years later, the CC is maxxed out and your spare room smells like stale nail polish. have a nice day.
 
I started with a Lee single and quickly upgraded to a Lee turret. The lee current handles pistols and rifles no problem. The quick change turrets makes changing calibre easy and fast. I do have my eye on a Dillion now though lol. Something to consider. Buy once cry once.
 
Kingofalderwood said:
My two cents... Don't skimp on the press or dies. Lee Precision has a nice entry level kit called the Challenger. Its Ok. I found though that in a very short time I wanted something better. Picked up the Lee Precision Cast Iron press. Looks almost like the Challenger which is cast aluminum but its much more robust. Its a single press. For the amount of ammo I reload the single press is fine. Easily does 100 rounds in an evening. It is time consuming but for me its a way to relax. Why the Lee? It was all that was available at the time. RCBS, Dillon and Hornady all make great products.
Just beware. Its addictive! I think I'm over 2000$ now... and counting...
Click to expand...

Thats what I heard when I bought my first surplus rifle, "welcome to an expensive, addicting hobby". And here I was hoping it ended there. Lol. I bought the Lee reloading manual, its definitley a good read, about halfway thru. I was looking at the turret press but I think I'm going to get the breech lock challenger kit for a start, see how she goes with 8x57 and 9mm. Trying to balance finishing up my home reno's and firearms related stuff, but the latter is just so much easier to spend money on. Haha. The forever battle I imagine.
 
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