Looking for my first reloading starter kit

Sloped Roof Specialist said:
We

Tell us a bit about your rifle(s) and intended use(s).

Hunting? 2/3-gun? Precision? Super-typeA-over-the-top precision??

SRS
Click to expand...
So I'm getting a PCC 9mm but I don't think I will be reloading these as you get ammo for $0.35 and I doubt reloading these make sense?

Where I get the interest is I'm planning on buying a Henry 44 mag lever rifle. Fur indoor shooting mainly and maybe hunting. These are $1.25 and I'm thinking it might be worth reloading. I like that kind of hobby, tying flies, tedious work and I'm good with tools (carpenter/jack of all trades).

At my local range, we are limited to pistol calibers hence my choices. I'd like 5.56 and 308 at one point but not in the near future...
 
struff55 said:
buying because of warranty well that's just wrong
straight wall cases are not the easiest to reload and buy a balance beam scale not a digital they fail
single stage press does not really matter on brand
then your basic needed hand tools
1or 2 good manuals read re read and read again know matter what your body tells you about reloading do what the manual says
Click to expand...
Actually that's one thing I wanted to ask. Do you have books to recommend?
 
AfroCowboy said:
There was a recent thread on this.

Dillion isn’t for beginners. I can’t recommend Lee enough.

If you’re not loading more than 500rds of 44 mag a year the Lee breech lock hand press combined with 4 carbide die kit is the way to start.
Click to expand...
Yeah that's about what I'm thinking about, a couple of thousands a year maybe. I'm thinking new Lee or used rcbs at this point!
 
ELEMENT WIND said:
So I'm getting a PCC 9mm but I don't think I will be reloading these as you get ammo for $0.35 and I doubt reloading these make sense?

Where I get the interest is I'm planning on buying a Henry 44 mag lever rifle. Fur indoor shooting mainly and maybe hunting. These are $1.25 and I'm thinking it might be worth reloading. I like that kind of hobby, tying flies, tedious work and I'm good with tools (carpenter/jack of all trades).

At my local range, we are limited to pistol calibers hence my choices. I'd like 5.56 and 308 at one point but not in the near future...
Click to expand...
Ah, I see… the thought of a pistol cartridge in a rifle never even entered my head, even though I know they exist.

So not crazy precision for now, but learning a new skill set, more or less?? I have to freely admit that I learned, and learn, about reloading because it’s cool. It hasn’t saved me a damn cent.

SRS
 
ELEMENT WIND said:
Thank you very much for your comment I appreciate it. At this point, I'm thinking either of a new Lee or a used rcbs. If I can I will upgrade to a rcbs. I can always wait to find a good used one. We'll see what happens
Click to expand...

Buy once, cry once, my friend

Goes for almost anything in the world

Lee is great if it's super casual and you don't know if you'll stick with it

I want to eventually (one day) get into PRS, and using Nosler / Lapua factory ammo prices, especially during covid really made me take reloading seriously

For just out of the rounds I have shot, let alone what is waiting to be shot, I have paid off the press kit already

You won't *save* money, you'll just be able to shoot more for the same money
 
Sloped Roof Specialist said:
Ah, I see… the thought of a pistol cartridge in a rifle never even entered my head, even though I know they exist.

So not crazy precision for now, but learning a new skill set, more or less?? I have to freely admit that I learned, and learn, about reloading because it’s cool. It hasn’t saved me a damn cent.

SRS
Click to expand...
No not crazy precision which I think it's good for a beginner. I don't want to skip steps and think I'm going to make the best ammo out there on my first go. I think it's cool too, I like to learn things and how they're made. If it saves me some money in the long run great but like you said... We'll see! For now I'll tell my wife it will save money ha ha. Cheers man
 
Bil13h said:
Buy once, cry once, my friend

Goes for almost anything in the world

Lee is great if it's super casual and you don't know if you'll stick with it

I want to eventually (one day) get into PRS, and using Nosler / Lapua factory ammo prices, especially during covid really made me take reloading seriously

For just out of the rounds I have shot, let alone what is waiting to be shot, I have paid off the press kit already

You won't *save* money, you'll just be able to shoot more for the same money
Click to expand...
I so agree with you. I only buy the best tool for my profession, I keep them clean and I take care of them. I understand the value and the ease of wirk they provide. But I'm a professional and as reloading goes I'm a total newbie. So ya I do t want to go overboard as I will not know what I have in my hands anyway. I want to learn a new skill and like you said SO well, I won't be saving anylney but I'll shoot more. And I'm happy with that. I was looking for a basic trusted tool to get me going and sounds like Lee is the winner here. I might look at used rcbs too but Lee seems to be perfect for my needs and level. Thank you!
 
ELEMENT WIND said:
I so agree with you. I only buy the best tool for my profession, I keep them clean and I take care of them. I understand the value and the ease of wirk they provide. But I'm a professional and as reloading goes I'm a total newbie. So ya I do t want to go overboard as I will not know what I have in my hands anyway. I want to learn a new skill and like you said SO well, I won't be saving anylney but I'll shoot more. And I'm happy with that. I was looking for a basic trusted tool to get me going and sounds like Lee is the winner here. I might look at used rcbs too but Lee seems to be perfect for my needs and level. Thank you!
Click to expand...
While I fully understand what you are saying, I would think of Lee as definitely entry-tier.

If you are confident in the longevity of this added hobby, I would just go straight into Frankford / RCBS / Lyman.

Just my 0.02, it's not like you are buying Forster or Redding or Dillon off the hop, let alone a fully automated setup.

I am just of the immovable opinion that the cost difference between Lee and RCBS / Lyman is not worth the savings vs longevity
 
For pistol go with 550, you don’t want a single press for pistol, it will take forever, as a start you can run the machine like a single stage, one case at time with all dies set up at their respective tool head. Even use my 550 when AR ( 556) are still legal for 3 gun and IPSC rifle matches, Now for rifle precision, Forster CoAx, these are the last presses you want, you are set for life, its a big investment for a start, but will cover all your reloading in the future
 
Bil13h said:
While I fully understand what you are saying, I would think of Lee as definitely entry-tier.

If you are confident in the longevity of this added hobby, I would just go straight into Frankford / RCBS / Lyman.

Just my 0.02, it's not like you are buying Forster or Redding or Dillon off the hop, let alone a fully automated setup.

I am just of the immovable opinion that the cost difference between Lee and RCBS / Lyman is not worth the savings vs longevity
Click to expand...
OK well I really appreciate you bringing this up. I would rather have better than entry level without going overboard. Thing is, I know tools so I'll be able to see the quality and I don't want to be disappointed. Rcbs was recommended by the local guy I trust the most too..

What do you think of this one?

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/complete-reloading-kit-500.2482557/
 
Oh trust me, it will be noticeable! I think that is a great kit, will be a wonderful starting point and very few replacements needed any time soon. That stuff will last for a GOOD long while, especially when you are loading only one caliber for now
 
ffgats said:
For pistol go with 550, you don’t want a single press for pistol, it will take forever, as a start you can run the machine like a single stage, one case at time with all dies set up at their respective tool head. Even use my 550 when AR ( 556) are still legal for 3 gun and IPSC rifle matches, Now for rifle precision, Forster CoAx, these are the last presses you want, you are set for life, its a big investment for a start, but will cover all your reloading in the future
Click to expand...
I guess seeing it this way, using it it as a single press to begin would be good. Thing is tough, they're more expensive and dies too although I was told is this thread that a LEE die per example would work on a 550. I guess I could check EE for a 550 you never know. Thanks!
 
Bil13h said:
Oh trust me, it will be noticeable! I think that is a great kit, will be a wonderful starting point and very few replacements needed any time soon. That stuff will last for a GOOD long while, especially when you are loading only one caliber for now
Click to expand...
OK noted! Alright I'll contact the guy if you're giving me your blessing lol. I'll see if he still has it first. Cheers
 
I bought the Lee Anniversary Kit about 30 years ago. It comes complete with everything you need except dies, calipers, and a few minor bits. It comes with the Lee reloading manual, which is very informative. The kit has been well used, and certainly capable of producing quality ammunition. I've since bought another press, only because of the convenience of bushings, which allow for quick changing dies without disturbing their settings. The Lee Challenger press now includes the bushing feature.
All in all, I would have to say that it has been fit for purpose.
 
ffgats said:
For pistol go with 550, you don’t want a single press for pistol, it will take forever, as a start you can run the machine like a single stage, one case at time with all dies set up at their respective tool head. Even use my 550 when AR ( 556) are still legal for 3 gun and IPSC rifle matches, Now for rifle precision, Forster CoAx, these are the last presses you want, you are set for life, its a big investment for a start, but will cover all your reloading in the future
Click to expand...
There's one decently priced, I think.
So Dillon 550 for $650
Or rcbs for $500
Those are my top 2 choices

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/dillon-550b-very-little-use.2506546/
 
cosmic said:
I bought the Lee Anniversary Kit about 30 years ago. It comes complete with everything you need except dies, calipers, and a few minor bits. It comes with the Lee reloading manual, which is very informative. The kit has been well used, and certainly capable of producing quality ammunition. I've since bought another press, only because of the convenience of bushings, which allow for quick changing dies without disturbing their settings. The Lee Challenger press now includes the bushing feature.
All in all, I would have to say that it has been fit for purpose.
Click to expand...
Well another vote for Lee presses! The price is very attractive too, under $500 new for a kit...
 
My friend is a competitive shooter and is able to get a 2" group at 500 yards with a Lee single stage and Hornady Dies. He's Loading 6.5 Creedmore.
Myself on my Lee Turret with Lee dies I can get a 4" group at 500 yards . My rifle is a 223. The quality of a Lee is more than you will need.
This guy here has an excellent video series on reloading
 
Theres a thread in the reloading section "Has anyone had a primer go off seating". There was a common element in almost every case LEE, thats my contribution. Buy once and cry once, RCBS, Redding, Hornady or higher end Look on the EE and pick out deals that suit your requirements. It doesnt have to all match. Be sure to keep your loading area clean and always wear eye protection.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom