Reloading kit

mackillan

mackillan

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Is there a high quality reasonable kit out there for reloading that is all inclusive. I would be reloading 45/70 black powder, 257 wmag, 300 win mag, .204 and 7mm mag.
 
I personally like RCBS stuff and would go with a Rockchucker kit. It has just about everything that you need to get started except for the dies and shellholders for the cartridges that you want to load. The kit can be found for about $350 - $400. A die set is roughly $40 per cartridge for RCBS.

If you're on more of a budget, look at the Lee stuff. It's a bit less money but will still produce good quality handloads.
 
Thank you. I will go for the rockchucker. Any recommened books?
Scott_N said:
I personally like RCBS stuff and would go with a Rockchucker kit. It has just about everything that you need to get started except for the dies and shellholders for the cartridges that you want to load. The kit can be found for about $350 - $400. A die set is roughly $40 per cartridge for RCBS.

If you're on more of a budget, look at the Lee stuff. It's a bit less money but will still produce good quality handloads.
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I'd second the rockchucker kit. As far as books go the kit will come with the current Speer manual which has good instructions, I'd then also get the manuals for another brand of bullet or two that you want to load. I'm not sure whether or not the kit includes a trimmer or not but I wouldn't be without one myself.
 
I'll recommend the Lee Anniversary kit just because you mentioned "reasonable". I've been using one for 15 years and I am very happy with it. I think it runs about $150 and IIRC it includes a manual.
That said, the RCBS Rockchucker is a MUCH more robust press, but the Lee has served me well. I don't handload a lot, though, maybe 500 rounds per year. I also use Lee dies.
The $250 you save can go a long way towards buying dies and components.
 
"...Any recommended books?..." The ABC's of Reloading and your manual. These guys put out a BP cartridge book. It's not quite like loading smokeless. Same kit though. Add the W's. .blackpowderspg.com/mlvbooks.html#3
 
Get the Hornady manual the Speer one is NFG IMO.A free website is reloadersnest.com I have at least 10 assorted manuals and the Hornady is my pick.........................Harold
 
If your're going to load black you will need a different powder measure. The Lyman 55 Classic is the way to go. Brass innards and aluminum construction keeps you safe from a kaboom of a 1 lb hopper of black going up in yoru loading room. Static and sparks are your enemy with black which is an explosive, versus smokleless which is a solid combustible.
 
"...the Speer one is NFG IMO..." Any bullet maker or powder maker's book only gives data for their products. Lyman's manual is actually the best. It has more loads using more bullets and powders than any manufacturer's book.
RCBS' Beginner's Kit gives you everything you need less dies and shell holder. You'll need 5 sets of dies. Your .257, 7mm and .300 magnums use the same #4 RCBS shell holder. You'll need a #10 RCBS shell holder for the .204 and a #14 for the .45-70. So three shell holders for 5 cartridges. Shell holders run just under $10 each.
 
I bought the RCBS Rockchucker kit and love it. Most of the basics are there. I would recommend it for you in this situation because you mention 5 different cartridges, sounds like you will be doing a fair amount of reloading. The lee is okay and services many guys well, but the RCBS will stand up to more.

When I bought, I asked myself a few questions, "How long do I plan on reloading for?" "Will this kit make it that long" "what is service like from the different companies", because I only want to purchase this stuff once.

I have never had to make use of RCBS service, but I have heard lots of guys on this site mention how good RCBS has been for any repair or replacement part, not matter how small or insignificant. Not saying that Lee will not provide the same, but I have not heard it as much.
 
The new Lee cast classic turret press is a nice press and very solid and for around a $100.00. It also has the least expensive change out die plates for all of your calibers.
 
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