Looking for my first reloading starter kit

ELEMENT WIND

ELEMENT WIND

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So I'm reaching out to the community because I need guidance/help for my first reloading kit. I can picture myself doing it, I'm good with tools and precision but I kinda have no clue what I'm looking at, we'll somewhat...

I'd like to start reloading something easier like a straight wall 44 magnum. I want something of a good value, simple to operate, even used that is somewhat of an entry level price point that I can add to it as I go. I don't need fancy and expensive (just yet). I was recommended to buy a basic press with a good electronic scale as it seems like a good electronic scale is a game changer. That said, I don't know if that is for consistency or rapidity? I'd like consistent but I don't need to make them in a hurry so...

I've been told by a few guys at the range who reload to buy a Dillon 550 for the warranty. One very knowledgeable guy told me RCBS because of the ease to find parts for it. There's been talk about Harnady too. I'm at lost! One thing I've noticed is that it seems like dies for a Dillon are way more expensive than RCBS? when I looked at 44 mag anyways. Or am I wrong?

Can we please have a constructive discussion to help guide me towards what would be best for a guy like me?

Thanks in advance for any inputs. Cheers
 
I started with a Lyman kit and it has served me well for over 30 years and I still use it. Cabelas has a Lyman kit for about $500 for everything you need.

Lyman, Redding, RCBS, are all solid products. Just be sure to get a good solid cast press and you'll never wear it out. Personally I like a single stage without any moving turrets. It takes a bit to keep changing dies but I am in no rush. As for scales I still use the original balance I got with my kit decades ago and it is a precise as any digital.

1) Press ( with primer arm)
2) Balance
3) Case trimmer and brass prep tools
4) Loading block and funnel
5) Caliper or other case gauges etc to check dimensions
6) Accurate reliable load data sources ( Hodgdon site is good )

Just add dies and reloading components ( Lee are a good economical brand for dies and they come with the shell holder too )

Last but not least lots of money because things aint cheap no more lol...

Just hang out with some experienced reloaders and have them show you the ropes. Most guys I know are more than happy to sit down with you share their knowledge over a beer ( You buy )
 
I started nearly 20 years ago with an RCBS rock chucker supreme kit. I have added a few pieces such as a manual case prep center, case trimmer, hand priming tool, tumbler etc. I use everything from that kit every time I reload and it is still working well.
 
budgetshootersupply.ca/product/lee-classic-iron-turret-press-kit/

This would get you started with pretty much everything except dies.
You will probably want to replace the scale at some point but the lee one works. Just a bit fiddly to get setup, and slow to balance
 
Get a Lee classic turret and a couple extra turrets
This way you can set your dies up once and forget about them
The extra turrets allow you to set up other dies for different calibers
 
FLHTCUI said:
Buy RCBS or Hornady kits...
Either or and be done with it or look at what is included in those kits and go window shopping piece by piece.
99% of the dies are interchangeable between the brands.
Rob
Click to expand...
Thanks Rob, that's something I didn't know and it definitely opens options if most dies can be interchanged.
 
I started with a LEE 1000 and now have a Loadmaster, and 4 or 5 single stage units. The load master gave me some problems a few years ago but it turned out that it was something caused by myself.
Yea, I'd go with LEE.
 
powdergun said:
I started with a Lyman kit and it has served me well for over 30 years and I still use it. Cabelas has a Lyman kit for about $500 for everything you need.

Lyman, Redding, RCBS, are all solid products. Just be sure to get a good solid cast press and you'll never wear it out. Personally I like a single stage without any moving turrets. It takes a bit to keep changing dies but I am in no rush. As for scales I still use the original balance I got with my kit decades ago and it is a precise as any digital.

1) Press ( with primer arm)
2) Balance
3) Case trimmer and brass prep tools
4) Loading block and funnel
5) Caliper or other case gauges etc to check dimensions
6) Accurate reliable load data sources ( Hodgdon site is good )

Just add dies and reloading components ( Lee are a good economical brand for dies and they come with the shell holder too )

Last but not least lots of money because things aint cheap no more lol...

Just hang out with some experienced reloaders and have them show you the ropes. Most guys I know are more than happy to sit down with you share their knowledge over a beer ( You buy )
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for that detailed reply. The Lyman is indeed available from Cabelas and its on sale from $1000 to $700 right now for the bigger kit. I see you recommending Lee for dies but not for press? I agree with the single stage good enough for me. I like simpler things that last as well...cheers!
 
calibrecarstairs said:
What else will you be reloading? Do you need a Dillon if you won't be making them in a hurry?
Click to expand...
Nope I won't make them in a hurry, Dillon was recommended to me by 2 local guys that's all. I'm going to stick with 44 mag for a while until I get confident enough. Then I may move to rifle calibers.
 
STR8 Shot said:
There are several options in the EE

The Lyman crusher is a solid unit.
Click to expand...
I didn't looked at the EE. But when you don't know, it's a bit overwhelming and I don't know what is a good deal or not. That's why I decided to post so I'm better educated to make the right decision. Cheers!
 
sammer said:
If you're looking for economy, Lee turret press would be the place to start.
Lee 4 die sets are cheap.
RCBS 505 or similar scale. Not fast but will last a lifetime
Click to expand...
Yes and you're not the only one recommending Lee. I'll be looking at this for sure. Thanks!
 
sammer said:
budgetshootersupply.ca/product/lee-classic-iron-turret-press-kit/

This would get you started with pretty much everything except dies.
You will probably want to replace the scale at some point but the lee one works. Just a bit fiddly to get setup, and slow to balance
Click to expand...
Hey thank you for the link! It's a really good price for a starter kit I have to say it's very tempting. Thank you!
 
Odinson said:
I started with a LEE 1000 and now have a Loadmaster, and 4 or 5 single stage units. The load master gave me some problems a few years ago but it turned out that it was something caused by myself.
Yea, I'd go with LEE.
Click to expand...
So you as well vote for Lee. That's been one of the most recommended brand so far and I'll be looking at more info online on those. Cheers
 
Thanks so much to all who contributed, I'm super pleased. Amazing community! I'll be looking at some recommendations, can't thank you enough! Cheers
 
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