Looking for my first reloading starter kit

Electronic powder dispensers can set you back a bunch. But most of us end up there eventually. I did a ton of loads with a manual thrower, scale and trickler before changing to a digi scale. I now use a RCBS Matchmaster dispenser. But you can get two Chargemaster's for the price of one Matchmaster. The matchmaster takes it to another decimal point and runs dual tubes, so it's definitely a step up. Lot's of good options though. Cheers
Guy Miner is often on the Nosler forum and will often provide good advise directly to you.
 
ELEMENT WIND said:
Ok!!!
I just watched that one hour video which is incredibly informative, I've learned so much about the different brand and options. So it's a no brainer, I'm getting the Mark 7 Apex 10. JUST KIDDING!

In all seriousness...

I'm crossing Lee from my wish list. The comments on the video about needing adjustments and tweaks (I'm a newbie and I can't have that because I won't know what to do or what's going on) and the risk of primer explosion was the last nail in the coffin.

When I look at the RCBS, the mechanics of it I understand right away. It's priced right and the dies are not expensive like Dillon's let's say.
There's 2 options: explorer at $520 and pro chucker5 at $725. Everything seems to be the same except for the scale. I was told a good automatic scale is something that I will wish in the future. So I'm thinking Explorer with basic scale, save half of the future automatic scale...

Lastly the Dillon 550 is a close one to the RCBS but it's not as intuitive when I look at it. Plus the dies are super expensive. So in all honesty, I'm not sure if that would be worth it for me?

Conclusion, top contender RCBS

I can't thank you all enough for your inputs and help, I really appreciate this community!
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Just want to reiterate that almost all dies are useable in most presses. I personally mix and match for different purposes and price points. Cheers
 
270WSMXBolt said:
Electronic powder dispensers can set you back a bunch. But most of us end up there eventually. I did a ton of loads with a manual thrower, scale and trickler before changing to a digi scale. I now use a RCBS Matchmaster dispenser. But you can get two Chargemaster's for the price of one Matchmaster. The matchmaster takes it to another decimal point and runs dual tubes, so it's definitely a step up. Lot's of good options though. Cheers
Guy Miner is often on the Nosler forum and will often provide good advise directly to you.
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Yes I saw that, it's like 4/$500. I'll start with a regular type scale and eventually make my way up. I don't need to have everything all at once plus it's fun to appreciate the improvements. Thanks for the links, I'll check them out! Really appreciate it! Cheers
 
I have an RCBS Rock Chucker press that I have been using for 30 years and I bought it used! They are an indestructible machine. I also bought a Dillon a couple of years ago, a very fine press if you want to load large numbers of shells quickly.
 
JP said:
I have an RCBS Rock Chucker press that I have been using for 30 years and I bought it used! They are an indestructible machine. I also bought a Dillon a couple of years ago, a very fine press if you want to load large numbers of shells quickly.
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Thanks for confirming my choice! Ya, I'm going with RCBS for my first ever press. If I need to pick up the pace one day, I'll move on the a Dillon 550. Cheers
 
ELEMENT WIND said:
OK well I'll take your comment with serious consideration on the progressive presses. But I won't be doing many different calibers like you though. Thanks for pitching in!
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Yes, And I used to say I only need 4 guns and I'm good for life:ROFLMAO:.
That was hundreds of guns ago.
I can only recommend that you figure out what you want and go a step or 2 higher. It's better than buying something twice. Or at least by something you can build on.
 
wrangler4867 said:
Yes, And I used to say I only need 4 guns and I'm good for life:ROFLMAO:.
That was hundreds of guns ago.
I can only recommend that you figure out what you want and go a step or 2 higher. It's better than buying something twice. Or at least by something you can build on.
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I so agree with you about the guns 😁
It's true what you said about getting a step or 2 higher, thsts what was recommended to me for the TV ha ha.
 
Well, after lots of thinking I just bought my first reloading press! The deal was too good to pass on at $720 for a brand new RCBS RC Supreme kit, there was only one and I took it. I was hesitant between that one and the Dillon 550 but ya I decided to go with RCBS as it looks to be a great base to start and since I'll be mainly do one caliber, speed is not my priority but learning every steps of the process at the time on a solid unit is.
I had to separate my thoughts of savings versus hobby because it does not make the most budget smart choice money wise. But I'd like to take on the hobby, I see it like tying my own flies for the rewards.
Also I have to say that this community, the amount of replies I got and the enthusiasm also really surprised me and I can see the passion for it. Frankly it weighted in the scale because I'd like to be part of it because of that too. So thank you kindly to all of you who participated in guiding, educating me on the subject. I'm excited to begin this journey. Cheers!
 
ELEMENT WIND said:
Well, after lots of thinking I just bought my first reloading press! The deal was too good to pass on at $720 for a brand new RCBS RC Supreme kit, there was only one and I took it. I was hesitant between that one and the Dillon 550 but ya I decided to go with RCBS as it looks to be a great base to start and since I'll be mainly do one caliber, speed is not my priority but learning every steps of the process at the time on a solid unit is.
I had to separate my thoughts of savings versus hobby because it does not make the most budget smart choice money wise. But I'd like to take on the hobby, I see it like tying my own flies for the rewards.
Also I have to say that this community, the amount of replies I got and the enthusiasm also really surprised me and I can see the passion for it. Frankly it weighted in the scale because I'd like to be part of it because of that too. So thank you kindly to all of you who participated in guiding, educating me on the subject. I'm excited to begin this journey. Cheers!
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Have fun! You’ve purchased the cheapest part of your adventure haha! All seriousness enjoy, get yourself a brick of primers and some powder and send it!!!
 
I started with a Lee hand press. Then bought a second one. I have a couple of bench presses now (pun not intended :)) but I still use the hand press quite a bit. Handy for deprimeing and sizing while watching TV in the living room. An inexpensive way to start and remains useful as you grow and get more complex stuff.

Edit: Nevermind. :)
 
Pocisk said:
I started with a Lee hand press. Then bought a second one. I have a couple of bench presses now (pun not intended :)) but I still use the hand press quite a bit. Handy for deprimeing and sizing while watching TV in the living room. An inexpensive way to start and remains useful as you grow and get more complex stuff.

Edit: Nevermind. :)
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Yes that's kind of what I though. Starting with simple and if I move into progressive then like you said, there's always a job this one can do. Thanks!
 
ELEMENT WIND said:
Yes that's kind of what I though. Starting with simple and if I move into progressive then like you said, there's always a job this one can do. Thanks!
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I went through this same thought, I ended up getting a turret press as my next setup. Cost for volume a turret fit my need more than a progressive did, I’m not competing in ipsc etc so I don’t load that volume. If I did a progressive would be the way to go, or if a screaming deal on one pops up.
 
Butcherbill said:
I went through this same thought, I ended up getting a turret press as my next setup. Cost for volume a turret fit my need more than a progressive did, I’m not competing in ipsc etc so I don’t load that volume. If I did a progressive would be the way to go, or if a screaming deal on one pops up.
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Agreed, I LOVE my Lee classic, simple, the priming set up is super easy. But I hate having to individually do the dies. So the turret will be my next purchase as well. Move the single out to the garage with a universal de capper, right beside the tumbler. Voila.
 
ELEMENT WIND said:
So I'm reaching out to the community because I need guidance/help for my first reloading kit. I can picture myself doing it, I'm good with tools and precision but I kinda have no clue what I'm looking at, we'll somewhat...

I'd like to start reloading something easier like a straight wall 44 magnum. I want something of a good value, simple to operate, even used that is somewhat of an entry level price point that I can add to it as I go. I don't need fancy and expensive (just yet). I was recommended to buy a basic press with a good electronic scale as it seems like a good electronic scale is a game changer. That said, I don't know if that is for consistency or rapidity? I'd like consistent but I don't need to make them in a hurry so...

I've been told by a few guys at the range who reload to buy a Dillon 550 for the warranty. One very knowledgeable guy told me RCBS because of the ease to find parts for it. There's been talk about Harnady too. I'm at lost! One thing I've noticed is that it seems like dies for a Dillon are way more expensive than RCBS? when I looked at 44 mag anyways. Or am I wrong?

Can we please have a constructive discussion to help guide me towards what would be best for a guy like me?

Thanks in advance for any inputs. Cheers
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I'll probably get a lot of hate, but a good place to start is one something like a Lee Anniversary kit. I started out on that and I learned a lot. It comes with a press, scale, powder measure and everything you need except the dies for your specific calibre. The best part is it comes with a Lee manual with lots of very good info and recipes for each calibre. I used it initially and learned a lot. I sold it and upgraded to a Hornady progressive press, but eventually got an RBCS single stage press for all my rifle calibres. I only use the Hornady for pistol/high volume reloading for 45acp. Was always thinking I should have got a Dillon, but don't know.

I think a good balance scale is as good as you need for reloading unless you need high volume.

If you want to learn, I would suggest the 100th Anniversary from Lee (or whichever comes with the manual) and then upgrade to a progressive once you need its of volume.
 
Hmatt said:
Agreed, I LOVE my Lee classic, simple, the priming set up is super easy. But I hate having to individually do the dies. So the turret will be my next purchase as well. Move the single out to the garage with a universal de capper, right beside the tumbler. Voila.
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What I love about the quick change bushings Hornady and Lee have, set them up and forget about them unless you change something in your seating or crimping die.

I have a smaller single stage, rcbs Partner that I use for stuff like that. Collet puller, universal decapper, lead hardness tester. It’s super handy to have a separate press for those types of things.
 
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