looking for a reloading kit

RichardK

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Kingston Ont.
I have never reloaded before, or even know how it is done to be honest.
Can anybody suggest a good starter kit for reloading long rifle. (mainly 30-06) for now.
I would also like a good site for ordering my powder, primers, and anything else I may need after I get set up.
 
The Lee Breech lock Kit, or 50th anniversary kit and a set of Lee .30-06 dies, and a Lee .30-06 Case length gauge and Lee Manual. Google Factory Sales, or check out some of the sites sponsors. Any gun store and some of this sites Sponsors above should have appropriate primers powder bullets etc.
 
Before you spend a cent, find a local reloader that is willing to show you have to do it safely. They can be found by going to any local gun store that sells reloading supplies.

If you were closer I would show you what little I know. I have been doing it for about 12 years and learn something new each time I talk to other reloaders.

Your first purchase should be a current reloading manual. Read it twice. Then you can make a list of what you need.

Good luck. PM if you have a "silly" question. BTW there are no "silly" questions when it comes to reloading.
 
All majour manufacturers make good kits that will do yeoman service, If you are looking at competition loads or bench rest loads the selection gets narrower. As mentioned get a good manual like Lyman's and read it carefully then make your decision on what you need, I've reloaded for 40 years and I'm still adding to my "needed" stuff. As mentioned if you do a search you will find many threads on this subject and most will be of some help.
 
I think it depends on your budget, if you are on a limited budget, get the Lee kit, If not, the RCBS kit is pretty solid, but if it were me, I would not get a "kit" but cherry pick the best equip...ie: Forster Co-ax Press, Redding or Forster dies, RCBS powder measure and bullet puller die w/collets, Lyman 49th reloading manual, etc. I mention the RCBS powder measure because it does not cost a lot like the Culver or B-M types. You would also need a good scale either balance or electronic. If you are reloading lots of pistol ammo down the road or cast bullets, there are other avenues, either way, enjoy your new hobby.
 
Sorry for the curt answer earlier. I would suggest you do as Ben suggests. If budget is a problem, then cherry pick. However, you can still do admirably well using such a system. I would definitely stick with a Lee press and dies. I would skip the kit because the scale and powder measure suck (and I'm a huge Lee fan) I would get the Lee case trimmer set of choice, a Lee hand primer tool, I have a Lyman and a Redding scale and REALLY suggest you get one of similar quality or even a digital one. RCBS has one for about $60 that is more than serviceable. After years of advocating the Lee dipper system, I have completely changed my mind. While it provided serviceable rounds, groups were unreliable. When I got my digital scale, I started checking the dipper weight. I could never get the same weight twice, so, stay away from them. That, along with a good loading block, powder trickler, storage boxes, appropriate powder, bullets, and proper cases should get you going. You will also need some sort of shooting rest system. Invest in at least a couple of shooting bags. Believe me, you'll need them.
Down the road, you will be looking for an additional press (at least one), powder measure (get a decent one and it will last forever), a bullet remover (for pulling bullets you have not fired when working up a round, and when sh!t happens), and another ten manuals and reference books (you can never have too much info), primer pocket cleaner, primer pocket crimp remover if you reload military brass (I advocate the RCBS Swager since it does not remove material, just squeezes it back into the base). A good record keeping system for your loads is also a basic requirement. It can be as simple as an Excel spreadsheet.
Good luck and have fun. Start carefully and find a mentor, if you can.
 
timberwolf if right on the money...........buy a manual and read it twice.
Then go look for good used reloading equipment.
And dont be afraid to ask questions.......better than blowing up a rifle you are holding on to

I have been loading for 25 years...last year a buddy asks me to show him how...loading 308's...I usually do 270 & 338...NEVER CROSSES MY MIND that buddy is trying to reload miltary brass mixed in with commercail stuff...you can guess what happened...I get about a dozen resized and so now I am comfortable he knows what to do, and I tell him...never force the lever...so 3 shells later he snaps the deprimer pin... I can't figure out why...then I look in the shell with a flashlight and and 'oh ###x' you have some military stuff here that is not boxer primed (like all commercial stuff with one center flash hole) it is berdan primed...lets go buy another deprimer pin meanwhile we can thow all this military #### away.....so you always learn something...
 
I bought the lee breechlock kit a few months ago and I really like it. I dont load alot and had a friend sit down and show me the ropes after a few times through the books and have had no real issues. I only load for two guns .243 and 300wsm and it handles both just fine. The scale is a bit of a pain but once zeroed performs fine. PM me if you have any questions on it.
 
Go to this page for a look.

http://leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1297435347.2313=/html/catalog/rlpress2.html

I use a 3 hole turret for my rifle stuff, and manually turn it.
I can size, then give it a quick spin to flare the case mouth if needed.
It let's you set your dies once,then to change caliber's you pop off the turret and put the next one on.
It's quick, and for the price of a 3 pack of the quick change bushing you could just about get a turret.
 
I have never reloaded before, or even know how it is done to be honest.
Can anybody suggest a good starter kit for reloading long rifle. (mainly 30-06) for now.
I would also like a good site for ordering my powder, primers, and anything else I may need after I get set up.

The Lee kit doesn't come with a loading manual, but you will have to get one and , read, read, read, and read more. Before you start. I'm picking mine up at the PO today. It feels like XMAS.
 
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