Hornady, Lyman or RCBS!?!?!?!

cuto85

cuto85

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Hey guys,

So I'm kind of getting tired of spending $60 on a box of Federal GMM or Nosler Custom 300 win mags. I've been thinking lately that I've bought 10 boxes in the last 3 months for sure, which equates to $600. By all intensive purposes that is a beginner reloading kit right there. So I've decided to take the plunge into the world of reloading.

It seems the only cons are initial startup cost. Other than that I'm wondering how my wife is going to react to me telling her I need a new shorty m14s, marlin 30-30, .223 vz58 all because they'll be so cheap to shoot now!

Anyways..........



Hornady L-N-L Classic Press Kit
[085006]
Price: $389.95
http://reloaders.ca/oscommerce/product_info.php?cPath=152_153&products_id=703

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit
[09357]
Price: $459.95
http://reloaders.ca/oscommerce/product_info.php?cPath=152_153&products_id=230

Lyman Crusher Expert Kit
[7810120]
Price: $405.95
http://reloaders.ca/oscommerce/product_info.php?cPath=152_153&products_id=702

I'm not to concerned with progressive or turret only because I'm just starting out, and I'd also like to be as meticulous as possible to produce some true match ammunition. I've gone out and purchased a set of Deluxe Redding dies, as well as a micrometer. I do believe minus brass, bullets and powder all I need is one of these kits to start. I'd just like your guys input/feedback on which one I should go with. Heck, I'm sure some of you might even tell me to go return my Redding dies and possibly go with someone else. All input is much appreciated.

PS, will I really, truly be able to produce some ammo that is of a higher quality than Federal GMM or Nosler custom? Sorry if I sound stupid asking that but I'm honestly in the dark.

Thanks Nutz.
 
I would not go with any of those choices. Here is what I would suggest

$130 - Lee Classic Cast Press
$75 - Redding Model 2 Balance Beam Scale
$30 - Lee Perfect Powder Measure
$30 - Lee Auto Prime XR Hand Primer
$5 - Lee case trimmer
$5 - Powder trickler (whoever)
$3 - Lee shell holder
$2 - Lee primer pocket cleaner

Total cost $280. And yes, I would not have gone with the Redding dies. Forster have as good or better at a bit lower cost.
 
"...all I need is one of these..." Yep. Buy a copy of The ABC's of Reloading and another manual too. Even though the kits come with a manual. The Lyman manual is the most versatile. Not better, just more versatile. More loads using more powders and bullet weights.
Partial to RCBS myself. However, other than RCBS' life time warrantee either of the other will do nicely.
You'll need a good solid bench and a place to put it too.
 
The Rockchucker is a very high quality starter kit that seems to serve folks for quite some time even a lifetime. You will find that you will gather various different components from various different manufacturers, some you will like, some things you will want to upgrade. The RCBS kit seems to be the most complete , all you will require is some shell holders, trimmers, dies, and your components to get going.

I have never been one for buying he lowest priced start off equipment , if you spend now you will not have to spend as much later.

$600.00 will get you well on your way. Watch the WTS forums you can get some stuff that is even NIB for great prices.
 
+1 on Lee, I use my Lee to build a 223 load that shot .474" on the outside measurment of the bullet. That is more than good enough with my equipment. I am getting an RCBS scale, which is better than the Lee scale in my opinion. Also better dies, help. Lee dies work just fine and that is what I load most of my calibers with, but you can do much better. Hornady and RCBS are comparable in my opinion. Never used Forester or Redding, but want to.

The equipment does alot of the work for ya and as for matching a load, I dont try for that. Load up 10 or so sets of 5 -7 rds for test loads. GET A RELOADING MANUAL!!! actually get more than one. I recommed the hodgdon yearly manual, just as another resource. i also learned alot from the Sierra and the Speer manuals. Hornady just came out with a new manual, which I have not seen yet. Start at the min load with a couple different powder and move up .5gr at a time. Keep everything else consistent and see what your rifle likes. My 223 loves Benchmark powder, does not like Varget. Likes imr4198 in cast, but hates it in jacketed bullets.

Good luck. Matt
 
You guys are awesome, so many replies so quickly. Being somewhat mechanically inclined, flame me if I'm wrong, I think I can say a press is a press. They all appear to be doing the same exact function, some are just much more over engineered than other. Especially when it comes to single stage presses. Is this fair to assume? If I can get away with buying a Lee press that will perform just as well as some of the other more expensive competitors... well shouldn't I?
 
Do it right the first time Forster COAX. No shell holders no screwing dies in and out, total containment of dirt etc with depriming. Nice open face to work with, have had Lyman, RCBS, and even Lee this press is the creme du la creme
 
RCBS is the most expensive set...

and there is a reason for this:























RCBS produces by far the BEST reloading Equipment
 
Being somewhat mechanically inclined, flame me if I'm wrong, I think I can say a press is a press.
Click to expand...

Nope most Lee presses is a steel ram in an aluminum race, also different in the way you access your work. Absolutly has to be true....run out is no good in ammunition.
 
762nato said:
Do it right the first time Forster COAX. No shell holders no screwing dies in and out, total containment of dirt etc with depriming. Nice open face to work with, have had Lyman, RCBS, and even Lee this press is the creme du la creme
Click to expand...
X2! Succumbing to some Co-Ax High Priests' imprecations, I just bought one.
I have to say this is a great piece of equipment!
PP. :D
 
Quite frankly, reloading will not save you money... When you facture in the cost of equipment, supplies, and your time it is way cheaper to just buy ammo...

If you need a new hobby so you can spend less time with your wife, then by all means, reloading is for you.
 
Natchez in the US is fairly cheap, with there dollar below ours the shipping is the only draw back. A little web research would suffice for finding a good price.
 
Quite frankly, reloading will not save you money... When you facture in the cost of equipment, supplies, and your time it is way cheaper to just buy ammo...
Click to expand...
I agree but you can never buy what I can make, for quality, accuracy etc. Loads tailored for each individual rifle....
 
I bought a RCBS rock chucker 25 + years ago and some RCBS dies and have loaded tons of ammo with no problem and it is quite accurate. (As accurate as it gets with the rifles/scope/mounts I have plus my old eyes)

Unless you are into PRECISION shooting and have that type of equipment you are wasting money buying top end dies to shoot holes in deer.....THEY wont know the difference and neither will you.
 
cuto85 said:
Being somewhat mechanically inclined, flame me if I'm wrong, I think I can say a press is a press. They all appear to be doing the same exact function, some are just much more over engineered than other. Especially when it comes to single stage presses. Is this fair to assume? If I can get away with buying a Lee press that will perform just as well as some of the other more expensive competitors... well shouldn't I?
Click to expand...

You are correct, and you do not have to say "get away with buying a Lee press", if you get a Lee Classic Cast version. This one is very heavy duty, and clearly a better press than the RCBS Rockchuker. The Forster Co-Ax has some razzle dazzle features (which can have some issues), but does not load any better ammo than the Classic Cast. You are loading a large case, so I would avoid the Lee Challenger press. Not the same quality as the Classic Cast. You can get it in the breech lock version with the quick change feature, but I would not bother with it. Changing dies is not a big deal.

CLASSIC.jpg
 
I have had good luck withg my RCBS Rockchucker; it was used when it was given to me 15 years ago and it has had nothing done to it other than a little spray of luber every once in a while. That being said; one guy I trust when it comes to accuracy at a cheap price loves his Forster and says it is worth the money.
 
+1 on the Lee again, the press other than bells and whistles is not much different. I have used RCBS when growing up, that was my dad's press. now I use a Lee. No big difference to me. I have the bushing changing classic cast. If you can, just get the standard classic, dont bother with the bushings, not of any use to me and sometimes and inconvenience.

Even Lee dies arnt all that bad to start with, but i like my RCBS now. May try some forester or Redding someday, but really I get groups plenty good enough for my needs with my equip.

I would suggest the Lee primer, not to prime on the press, just my opinion tho.
 
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