Getting into reloading

mcp1

mcp1

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So I think I'm going to take the plunge this summer and start reloading. I'm not going to be doing big volumes... probably in the area of a couple thousand rounds a year if I like it. Loading 30-06, 22-250, 300 HH, 22 High Power and 30/30. I know these are all commercially available but I'd like to get into tailoring some loads and not be dependent on consistent availability in stores. I might save money over the next 50 years of doing this but thats not really why I'm doing it.

I'm thinking I'd like to start with the Rock Chucker Kit or a Lyman Crusher kit. Any thoughts on these two? Or should I just stick with a Lee 50th Anniversary pack? I like that the Rock Chucker can have the piggyback put on later if I decide thats necessary.

For the volume I'm doing I think single stage is all that is needed. Or for those of you who have been doing this for a while, is progressive the way to go? I don't think I'd be doing more than a couple thousand rounds a year...

For reloading books I have a lyman, and will likely purchase a sierra. I believe most kits come with one as well. Any other recommended books to get?

Any tips for someone new on this end of things are greatly appreciated!
 
For what you're doing, a progressive press is unnecessary unless you want to produce your years worth of ammo in 2 hours on a Monday evening after you get home from work.

I have a Lee Classic turret press, and even with that I can pump out nearly 200 rounds of pistol rounds an hour when I get into it.
 
I think for the rifle rounds you want a single stage or turret press would be the better choice. Any of the brands you mentioned are great, and the Lee 50th being the best value for starting out.
 
I chose the Rock Chucker kit about 10 years ago. You get a Speer manual with this kit. It's a very good reference and has great instructions - it's a must read. If you go this way, read the manual cover-to-cover and you should understand the principles very well - and it's specific to RCBS equipment which is a big help when you start using your kit.

I'd suggest a single stage press to any new reloader to learn the basics. There's too much going on with a progressive on each pull of the handle - too many things to simultaneously set-up, and too many things to go wrong. The experience you gain using a single stage press will serve you well for future advancement.

I'm still using the same single-stage press (with some upgrades including better powder thrower and other tools etc.) and have loaded 1000's of rifle and pistol cartridges.

Good luck with your decision and safe loading!

SD
 
I don't recommend buying any of the kits. I recommend doing what I did and this is piecing together your own kit from different manufacturers. For example, last year when I put my kit together it included:

- RCBS Rock Chucker Press (single stage)
- Hornady Lock-n-Load Powder dispenser
- RCBS Case Prep Centre
- Redding Case Trimmer
- Hornady Electronic Scale with powder dispenser/trickler
- Redding Dies
- Frankford Arsenal reloading trays
- Lyman Case Tumbler
- Electronic Calipers from Crappy Tire (watch for them to go on sale)
- RCBS Universal Hand Priming tool
- Redding shell holders
- Lee universal decapping die

mcp1 said:
So I think I'm going to take the plunge this summer and start reloading. I'm not going to be doing big volumes... probably in the area of a couple thousand rounds a year if I like it. Loading 30-06, 22-250, 300 HH, 22 High Power and 30/30. I know these are all commercially available but I'd like to get into tailoring some loads and not be dependent on consistent availability in stores. I might save money over the next 50 years of doing this but thats not really why I'm doing it.

I'm thinking I'd like to start with the Rock Chucker Kit or a Lyman Crusher kit. Any thoughts on these two? Or should I just stick with a Lee 50th Anniversary pack? I like that the Rock Chucker can have the piggyback put on later if I decide thats necessary.

For the volume I'm doing I think single stage is all that is needed. Or for those of you who have been doing this for a while, is progressive the way to go? I don't think I'd be doing more than a couple thousand rounds a year...

For reloading books I have a lyman, and will likely purchase a sierra. I believe most kits come with one as well. Any other recommended books to get?

Any tips for someone new on this end of things are greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
 
Well while I look for a good price on one of these kits I'll be picking up the ABC's of Reloading and doing some reading as well.

Kevguy if you don't mind me asking do you know a ballpark figure for your kit that you put together?

And what is the benefit of a Forster or Dillon press? The world seems split on whether the money is worth it or not...
 
it's like model railroading- there's ALWAYS a gadget you NEED- i've been doing it since 1970, and you wouldn't believe the amount of stuff i've accumulated over the years- AND I USE MOST OF IT, IF NOT ALL of it- first, you NEED a MAN-CAVE, or something to get away from the wife and kids- they don't undertand the mySticisms of this stuff- ( it's really like baking a cake- follow a recipe and you're good- same time, EVERY TIME) the skull over the door is taking things TOO far- i've reached pretty much the pinnacle now, and i have 5 progressives and a turret- i started off with a turret, however- before that, a single stage PARTNER from rcbs- not a rockchucker- you might have trouble getting cases for something like the 22 hi-power, but the rest should be good to go, provided you are willing to order and wait-
 
For a progressive reloader, Dillon is prolly your best bet, for single stage the Forster Co-ax is tops.....No shell holders to buy, floating "jaws" make for cases centered as they enter die making for best concentricity, very smooth and powerful.
 
i ended up with a lee 4 hole turret press as my starter press for 308 and i loved it and still do its awesome and easy to use. but the lee powder measure was a no go i ended up buying the hornady power measure like kev guy said you are better off building your own kit, most of the time its just cheaper to buy the kits and some of the components your not gonna like
 
You may not be able to find load data for the .22 Hi-Power in the modern loading manuals.
Here's some from my old Ideal Hand Book #38: 21 grs 4198 with a 70 gr jacketed bullet for 2707 fps., 30 grs of 4320 with a 70 gr jacketed bullet for 2930 fps, 26 grs 3031 with a 70 gr jacketed bullet for 2800 fps.

What rifle do you have for the .22 Hi-Power?
 
The .22 hp is my brother in laws. It is a savage and thanks for a starting point on load data in case I don't find any!

Am planning on ordering ABC's after payday and am hoping to get the press after I see how much flesh the tax man leaves on me!

It seems that most issues with the lee are with the powder measure. I might do ok buying their kit and a digital scale and rcbs powder measure?

Not as much info out there on crusher kits as the rest it seems...
 
mcp1 said:
Kevguy if you don't mind me asking do you know a ballpark figure for your kit that you put together?

.
Click to expand...

Honestly, I can't remember the full tally as I picked it all up over about 3-4 months. I waited for things to go on sale before buying, that's why I took a few months to get it all. I wanted to buy quality stuff because with reloading gear, you get what you pay for.
 
I recently got into the reloading game (9 months ago) and it is addicting. I reload 38/357, 44 mag, 45 ACP, 454 Casull and .223. I actually consider it as therapy. I went with the Lee breech lock kit and have added a few things. Here's my set up.

Lee press
Lee hand priming tool
Lee powder dispenser (for flake and stick powder)
Lee kit $180
Lee dies/bushings $50 (3 die set) $5/bushing

RCBS Unflow powder dispenser (for ball powder) $150
RCBS 750 scale $150
generic powder trickle $15
Home made reloading blocks made from 1 x 6 lumber (your choice of wood)
Lyman 1200 case tumbler $80
SharperTEK ultrasonic cleaner $100
Forster case trimmer $85
Lyman case prep kit (deburr/chamfer, primer pocket tools) $60
 
mcp1 said:
So I think I'm going to take the plunge this summer and start reloading. I'm not going to be doing big volumes... probably in the area of a couple thousand rounds a year if I like it. Loading 30-06, 22-250, 300 HH, 22 High Power and 30/30. I know these are all commercially available but I'd like to get into tailoring some loads and not be dependent on consistent availability in stores. I might save money over the next 50 years of doing this but thats not really why I'm doing it.

I'm thinking I'd like to start with the Rock Chucker Kit or a Lyman Crusher kit. Any thoughts on these two? Or should I just stick with a Lee 50th Anniversary pack? I like that the Rock Chucker can have the piggyback put on later if I decide thats necessary.
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IMHO "kits" tend to be more marketing than function. They, with the exception of the Redding kits, seem to include an item or two that is "value added" trash you'll soon replace. Even it you went with Redding, you're gonna buy so many more add ons that the "kit" saving will be inconsequential. Its generally no problem to mix it up brand wise and your best result will come from doing just that. Research each component, not just brands ;).

I don't own a Co-Ax but its reputation is excellent and I see great benefit in its "no shell holder" and "quick die change" features. I've retrofit my Redding SS press with Hornady's L&L bushing system to get the "quick die change" and "one time setup" benefits. This makes things much simpler and quicker and is worth doing if you don't go Co-Ax. The bushings aren't expensive, just make sure the press you buy will accept em.

Or for those of you who have been doing this for a while, is progressive the way to go?
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Nope ! For what you're doing a progressive would be a mistake IMHO. Also, if you later DO decide to acquire a progressive, your SS press will remain very useful in your reloading room. Don't assume its one or the other. MOST Reloaders use both.
 
I just started reloading and my first press was an LNL AP. I tried getting all five stations going at once but it does get quite busy with lots of things going on at one time. What I'm doing to start is just sending one cartridge around at s time. I can do about a round every 8 seconds or so. As I get more comfortable with the process, I can add more to the mix. I have already loaded about 1000 rounds, it's addicting.
 
The Redding Big Boss Pro Pack kit is excellent the press, scales and included tools are of the highest quality.
The lube pad you can use it as a paper weight simply buy the Redding/Imperial sizing wax and you are good to go.
I was asking similar questions as you are a year ago, I did my research reading countless reviews and with incite from experienced reloaders I came to the final decision of the Redding kit plus Redding dies.
This fine equipment performs perfectly which I will happily use for the next twenty plus years.
 
Mix 'n' Match worked for me rather than going all one colour.
Each company seems to make a few excellently featured products, many good products and a few dogs.

Many kits include a tool or two of dubious use or function; it's nice to avoid those.
 
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