What says you

johnnyreb65

johnnyreb65

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I'm still considering whether to start reloading or not and am in the process of deciding on presses. My local gunstore suggested starting off with the

LEE 50th Anniversary Kit

Includes the new Breech Lock Challenger Press and three Breech Lock quick-change bushings and everything else you need to reload..all you need to buy are dies power, primers and bullets.

What do you think of this as a starter press.
 
That's the way I started, it's not the worts on the market, a good starting point.

First question to ask yourself.
Are you methodical?
Will you have the time to go shoot? because you will have a lot of testing to do.
Do you want to get into reloading to save money???? if your answer is yes forget reloading.
 
The more I read about reloading and other peoples experiences, I strongly believe a single stage press for newbies like myself is the way to go. I'm starting out with a RCBS partner.
 
old owl said:
That's the way I started, it's not the worts on the market, a good starting point.

First question to ask yourself.
Are you methodical?
Will you have the time to go shoot? because you will have a lot of testing to do.
Do you want to get into reloading to save money???? if your answer is yes forget reloading.
Click to expand...


Methodical, I'm border line obsessive compulsive, does that count?
Yes I have lot's of time to shoot, live about 3 km from the club I belong to.

One of the reason I want to reload is Yes to save money, I've costed out 1000 rds of .40 cal to about $140 as opposed to $280 store bought.

Another reason is that ammo is getting harder to find in the stores, Le Baron can't keep the stuff in the stores long enough.

Perhaps the main reason I want to reload is because in Ontario we have a thing called the Baylis law,,which requires that stores record your drivers licence number and COMPLETE ADDRESS and the quantity and calibre of ammo purchases. I for one don't like leaving this info in books around the province. Most stores like Walmart or Crappy tire just leave the books lying around..a shopping list for criminals.
 
ricciardelli said:
I generally suggest the RCBS Rockchucker kit and the RCBS accessory kit.
Click to expand...


That was my original choice, LeBaron has it for $340...The Lee kit though is $189....they both have everything to start but the lee comes with a case trimmer and other goodies the RCBS doesn't.
 
I've owned 3 Lee presses and one RCBS Rockchucker. The Rockchucker is more press than the 3 lee's combined. Lee is fine if you take it easy on it. If you're the kind of guy (like I am) that sometimes uses tools a little beyone their recommened tollerances, then stop looking at the Lee stuff right now. The Rockchucker will hold it's value a lot better than the Lee stuff if you do decide that reloading isn't for you. If you do take off and run with the whole reloading game, the Rockchucker will be with you and working fine 20 years from now.

My 2 cents.
 
I have used just about every type and make of press on the market in the last 30 yrs. My current setup is a Forester coax, by far the best single stage unit i have ever used. The other piece of kit IMO thats well worth it is a digital powder dispenser. Do some research and pick the best products for you. I have stuff from every major manufacturer and a few from specialty outfits. My experince has been don't cheap out, it'll cost you in the long run.
 
If you will be loading for pistol, get a progressive press. Never mind wasting your time with single stage presses. I started out with a turret press, making 100 rounds an hour. That lasted six months, then I picked up a Dillon progressive press. I am very happy with it, and get much better results, with less effort, and less time. You may even find you will be happy with the Lee Classic turret press. You can load rifle, and pistol on it as well. Cheers
 
Here's another vote for the RCBS Rockchucker, for rifle at least. You won't be able to find better customer service (in the rare event that you need it) than you will with RCBS.
 
johnnyreb65 said:
That was my original choice, LeBaron has it for $340...The Lee kit though is $189....they both have everything to start but the lee comes with a case trimmer and other goodies the RCBS doesn't.
Click to expand...

You are being ripped-off...the Rockchucker Supreme Kit can be had for around $241 and it includes:

Rock Chucker Master Reloading Kit
This kit contains everything you need to get started reloading like a pro. A simple, complete solution for beginner and expert alike.

1. Model 5-0-5 Reloading Scale
The accurate measurement of powder charges is vital to handloading. The 5-0-5 Scale is built specifically for this delicate job. It has a capacity of 511 grains and can be used with the Uniflow Powder Measure.

2. Speer Reloading Manual #13
This manual is the complete, step-by-step, top rated reference for everything you want to know about handloading. It contains over 600 pages of information, data and illustrations.

3. Hex Key Wrench
This wrench features 8 heat-treated hex keys in one compact unit. It fits most hex-type setscrews on RCBS equipment.

4. Deburring Tool
Although small, this important item removes the burrs left on the case after trimming and slightly bevels the inside edge of the case mouth.

5. Powder Funnel
A funnel is handy for pouring the correct powder charge into the case. It is specially designed to avoid powder spills around the case mouth.

6. Case Lube Kit
One of the first steps in the handloading is to carefully clean and lubricate the fired cases. This kit contains a bottle of our Case Lube-2, a case lube pad and two case neck brushes with an accessory handle.

7. Primer Tray-2
This tray is a clever little device that quickly orients primers into the correct position for faster reloading.

8. Case Loading Block
A convenient holding platform for up to 40 cases. It's perfect for holding cases during the powder charging process.

9. Rock Chucker Reloading Press
This press is by far the single biggest piece of equipment involved. The press is used to resize the brass cases, replace the fired primers and seat the bullet.

10. Uniflow Powder Measure
The Uniflow can greatly speed up the powder charging step. A predetermined charge of powder can be dispensed quickly and easily with each crank of the handle. This eliminates the need to weigh every single load.

The RCBS accessory kit runs around $82 and includes:
Powder Measure/Piggyback Stand
Powder Trickler
Primer Pocket Brush Combo
Case Loading Block
Stainless Steel Dial Caliper
Small & Medium Size Case Neck Brushes

Dollar values are US.
 
If you're loading pistol ammo and have even half a brain you'll soon get bored and/or frustrated working with a single stage press...

Don't sell yourself short... If you think you're able to read an instruction manual then don't be afraid to start off with a progressive press.
If you believe or have been lead to believe that progressive machines and how they work are somehow beyond the grasp of mortals then really... You lack the confidence to reload anything.

I think the people you advocate that beginners should start with single stage equipment are the same syncophants who also think everyone who statrs shooting should first do so with a .22
 
I likely have most of the stuff you need - a nearly new Rockchucker and a Hornady powder measure ( for handgun size loads), primer pocket reamer, chamfer tool - um - I guess I can sell you my scales too and a funnel - maybe you want my Lee Hand primer tools too - with shell holders - doing primers on a Rockchucker is too slow. You mention .40 cal, I guess you can get your own dies and a book on reloading. I have extra loading blocks for you and you are in business for maybe 160 plus shipping. What other calibers are you going to reload ? Maybe I can find some other stuff.
 
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