looking for some advice

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PNW

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Hey looking for some advice on starting out reloading.
I currently don't have any reloading equipment except for a few dies I've picked up over the years with used guns.
I want to buy a new press, am I best off buying a starter kit or piece out scales, primer, tumbler etc separate?
Best brands? Want good quality reliable equipment that will last a long time so not concerned about price.
Any suggestion??
Thanks
 
You’ll get 50/50 of opinions on kit vs individual pieces, there’s lots of value in the kits and there’s pro’s in buying pieces. The kit will get you going right away for the most part, I’ve bought Hornady single stage kits and Lee turret press kits. There isn’t much I don’t use in each kit, but I’ve always added extra pieces afterwards as needed.
 
If you buy a kit you will replace half of what is in it eventually. That said, they can be a good price for starting up.

RCBS is my go to for single stage presses. A hunting buddy uses Hornady. Both will last forever. He likes the lock and load feature Hornady has, I don't like buying extra stuff to add to my dies.

As per Butcherbill, buy a few reloading manuals, you'll find used ones a couple years or older at gun shows cheaper than the newest versions (unless you are reloading new cartridges the older manuals are fine). Hodgdon data is available online as well.
 
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What are you looking to load? How many rounds per year? This will somewhat determine what type of equipment you should get. Since you say price isn't a concern here's what I would buy. Mostly pistol rounds? Get a progressive press - Dillon 750. Pistol and decent rifle rounds? Manually indexed Dillon 550. Super duper accurate rifle rounds only? RCBS single stage.

I don't like kits. Sure you get a bit of everything, but usually you can do much better buying the required tools individually.

Finally, don't bother with a reloading book at all. Many of us can provide you with a bunch in PDF format. Also, most data is available online.
 
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Any press will work. However, the Forster Co-ax is pretty hard to beat. Has several features that make it heads and shoulders ahead of the typical single stage “O” type pressses like Lee, RCBS, Lyman etc. the “priming” feature is not the best but many guys use a hand primer save wear and tear on the press.
 
PNW: Some good advice, so far. Any of the good quality starter kits, ie: Lee 40th Anniversary, RCBS Rockchucker Supreme, or Hornady Lock & Load, to name just three top choices, will have everything you need, to get started.

As time goes on, you will likely add other pieces to your reloading set up, which will reflect your personal choices. For now though, any of the basic kits will get you on your way.

Note: Right from the start, you should purchase a good quality caliper. Either digital, or dial-type.

One of these will be essential in creating good reloads. For cartridge overall length measurements, etc. There will be other little bits and pieces, ie: inside/outside chamfer tool(Lee makes a good one). Case length gages (Lee), and so on. These can be added, as time goes on.

Then, there are reloading manuals. There is nothing like having a handy loading book....or several, close to hand. For quick reference at the bench. Any of those listed, will have all the information you will need, to get started.
As mentioned, there is plenty of online loading data available, too. One of the best: Hodgdon Reloading Data Center.

If I can add one more reloading data source to the list, it would be the Lyman 51st Edition Reloading Handbook. I just purchased one of these to update my library, and was impressed by the material it contained. Including complete and detailed instructions on every aspect of the reloading process. All of which will be of great help to you, in getting started. I highly recommend it.

A lot of the advice here may seem overwhelming, at first. But, we were all new at the game too, at one time. Take your time. Research all the possible choices thoroughly. Ask plenty of questions. There are many highly experienced reloaders on this forum, that can deliver the answers.

Al

ps: If there is any advice I'd offer to a beginning reloader, it's this: KISS Principle. Keep every step as simple and easy to understand as possible, as you familiarize yourself with the process.
 
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By reading the reloading manuals any vintage, mine are all old now you will learn a lot. The risks and common problems including common mistakes that are extremely dangerous to make
As well the process for loading for accuracy will be laid out in a straightforward way.
The more you read from published sources, safer you'll be. I've loaded many 1 hole 5shot 100 yd loads, and have family and friends who should be locked out of the reloading room.
I started reloading in the pre internet era and learned what I needed from bullet manufacturers manuals and old copies of outdoor life and field and stream. There's no substitute for real knowledge in reloading.
 
Got the little Lee hand press.
I like it because it is compact and stowes away easy and out of sight when the nieces come over.
Everything stores in a little box that I can fit in the safe.

I only reload in small quantities, for more expensive rounds; 4570, 6.5 creedmore.
Used to reload 9mm but found it's not worth my time. Even if I would save some bux.

I got 223 dies but never tried reloading for it, same story as 9mm.

Good starter press if you want to dip your toes.
 
4n2t0 said:
Finally, don't bother with a reloading book at all. Many of us can provide you with a bunch in PDF format. Also, most data is available online.
Click to expand...
Getting a reloading book is important for several reasons beyond just reloading data. Here are a few key benefits:

  1. Safety Guidelines: Reloading books provide essential safety protocols, tips, and precautions. They ensure that you're following best practices, minimizing the risk of accidents, and keeping your reloading sessions as safe as possible.
  2. Step-by-Step Instructions: Reloading can be a complex process, especially for beginners. A reloading book offers clear, structured instructions, helping you avoid mistakes and understand each step in the process, from case preparation to loading the final round.
  3. Understanding Components: Reloading books often explain the function and differences between various components (like primers, powders, bullets, and cases), helping you make informed decisions about which components to use based on your needs.
  4. Load Development and Customization: A reloading manual can provide guidance on load development, helping you fine-tune the loads for your specific firearm. This can improve accuracy, velocity, and reliability in your ammunition.
  5. Legal Considerations: Reloading books may offer insights into local laws, regulations, and other legal factors regarding reloading ammunition. It's important to understand the legalities involved to ensure compliance.
  6. Expert Advice and Troubleshooting: Many reloading books feature expert tips, common mistakes, and troubleshooting advice to help you solve issues you might encounter during the reloading process, such as inconsistent powder charges or improperly seated primers.
 
Paul_T said:
If you buy a kit you will replace half of what is in it eventually. That said, they can be a good price for starting up.
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I don’t know, there’s really nothing in the Hornady LnL classic kit I would replace. It’s all good usable gear, if I had to replace one thing it might be the electronic scale with a better one or a beam scale. That said it always checks out with the check weight as well as when I double check a load or known weight on one of my beam scales.

You for sure will add extra things that don’t come with the kit, case trimmer, bullet puller, different presses etc. but to each their own I guess. The LnL powder measure was nice enough I bought a second one at a gun show one year.
 
franktank said:
Getting a reloading book is important for several reasons beyond just reloading data. Here are a few key benefits:
Click to expand...

Re-read what I said carefully!

4n2t0 said:
Finally, don't bother with a reloading book at all. Many of us can provide you with a bunch in PDF format. Also, most data is available online.
Click to expand...

With that said, while frank(the)tank was going all chicken little I was busy uploading a bunch of manuals to my drop box:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/uboy...ey=jj5qcmlioyb3d28con3w24dvb&st=ce258q2w&dl=0
 
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