Looking for m first Relaoder, suggestions

freddyfour

freddyfour

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He folks, I need some advise on what type and style of reloader to buy.

Single stage or a progression loader and why?
I do not need anything to high tech, I just want to be able to reload for less expensive ammo.

Any help and direction would be appriciated.

Cheers

Brian
 
If your ammo volume is relatively low, use a single station. An "O" style is stronger than a "C" style, capable of any bullet size (except 50 cal).

RCBS Rockchucker is a popular solid model for +/- $170.00 or Lee has a similar model.

A progressive takes longer to set up but if you only load a few calibres, not much trouble. It is faster than single station if volume is higher.
 
Well I would like it for loading pistol rounds, .40cal so I would probably be making a couple hundred at a time. But I also want it to load rifle ammo as well that I won't go through as fast. But I would only use it for 3 rifle calibers that I have. Does the single stage load better rounds then the progressive, or is it just more money?
 
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If it's just for pistol caliber, I have a couple of lee 1000s in different calibers that have worked great for me. You can load one at a time or progressive, Cabella's has a great deal, my last one me cost $167 shipped, taxes paid.
 
First listen to everyone tell you to buy Dillon.

Go Dillon or go home etc.

Then read Acrash's write up on the various loaders and then buy a Hornady Lock N Load AP>
 
For a Progressive that lasts a lifetime and then some - go Dillon 550. There is a reason why Dillon presses are the most popular progressive presses on the market. The LNL from Hornady is just as good but is not a Dillon.

For a single stage that will last you and your sons lifetime RCBS Rockchuker Supreme. Check out both from US sippliers. I just go the latter from Cabellas for a good price. Cheaper than any price I saw up here.

If you never reloaded before start with a single stage and if you like it and as you move up the learning curve move to a progressive.

Take Care

Bob
 
I think you could safely load on a progressive right off the bat and skip the single stage press. The progressive (any progressive) will be more money initially than a single stage. I highly recommend buying quality compenents at the start. ***If you go with/need a single stage, I would recommend a press body that is made of cast iron.

stormbringer said:
Then read Acrash's write up on the various loaders and then buy a Hornady Lock N Load AP>
Click to expand...

Just be sure to take it for what it is, and don't follow his example of mounting the press:runaway::D


***edited to repair my typing errors.:redface:
 
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I bought a Dillon 550 as my first press (less than a year ago) and have not regretted it one bit. Pricey, but well worth it, IMHO.

My first time reloading for .45, I probably cranked out just over 300 rounds/hour. Now, if I'm trying (and have everything laid out ready to go) I can do about 500/hr.

Dillon no BS warranty might come in handy too - but up till now, no issues at ALL with the press. It's easy to set up, and works like a hot damn.

Now, all I need is some 'quick change' kits with separate powder measures - it sucks using the same one for different calibres!
 
I'm thinking the Lee Classic Cast Turret kit for$150 at Cabella's will get me started....

http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0044122216337a.shtml
 
Can-down

For the same money buy the RCBS Rockchucker supreme. You will have a press that will last you a lifetime. A few more dollars for a balance bean scale and a powder measure and you are good to go with three items that will last forever. Don't like reloading? Well you will get your money back with the RCBS equipment.

When you feel a need for more speed if you load pistol then jump to a quality Progressive. I know guys load on Lee presses and some actually like them. Most don't and end up getting rid of them in the end with a loss.Just my opinion.

Take Care

Bob
 
Bob, thanks for the suggestion.
Have you tried the Lee Classic Turret?
It looks pretty beefy and I like the idea of having the easy to change turrets for different calibers.
Eventually I see a Lock N Load AP but for now I like the smaller size of the Lee Classic and the way it can be run as a single stage or semi progressive.
 
Just a comment on Lee equipment.

I see a lot of comments recommending against them but really, for the beginning reloader, the Lee anniversary kit is a bargain.

That's what I bought and used until I found the items I didn't like. The Lee scale is way too slow especially for handgun rounds. That was upgraded to a RCBS beam scale, much better. The O-frame press works great for me loading .223 and .243. I've just started using the Lee collet dies and really like them. NO LUBE! The Lee powder throw doesn't work so well but I believe that there is no other out there that would work much better.

Hand priming too;s are hard on the fingers when doing lots of rounds. I just bought the Lee on press priming to ($17!) and love it.

In any case. I suggest buying the Lee kit which for $120 provides a ton of equipment. At that price I considered it a disposable learning tool. Upgrade components whenver you need to and use the leftovers for a portable reloading bench.

I initially spent more money on manuals than I did on my reloading kit and found that to be a wise investment.
 
Can-down

If the turret press will meet yuor needs then I would say go for it. That said, Lee equipment seems to be equipment that either just meets your needs or folks get tired of the quirkiness and move on.

If you are satisfied you are in reloading for the long run then I think you would be better off buying a solid single stage press to get started. Learn the nuisances of reloading, decide on the progressive press you want and eventually move on. It doesn't make much sense to me to buy a kit that contains some equipment that will work most of the time and several pieces that just don't meet your requirements. In the mid term buying good equipment right from the start will save you money and move you along the learning curve quicker with more satisfaction.

I gues it depends on your budget and what you want to spend to get started.

Take Care

Bob
 
I hear ya Bob!

I'm all for quality and the long haul...thing is the Classic Turret looks pretty good in the Lee line and I have not heard anything bad about it and feel it will still be usefull as I progress in reloading.


Andrewe, the anniversary kit looks less beefy to me then the Classic Turret...for an extra $20 bucks and duty the Classic Turret seems like a great intro Press.
 
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I've been looking at the classic turret myself. Having all your dies loaded on a spare turret seems like a great idea as does not having to change out dies and lose adjustments. Actually, with the spare hole I could add a second seating die and be able to load the two bullets I use in .243 without making any adjustments.

Where have you found the Classic turret for sale? I didn't see it listed at SIR or Wholesale.
 
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