im just starting out reloading i did it a couple of times with my buddy but im still having troubles on what to use for a kit, i've seen a lee 40th anniversery kit for 200$, a starter Hormandy kit for 500$, and a RCBS kit for 400$ used. So i was just wondering which is the best to start off with and also if i got a lee press can i use RCBS dies in it to. Thanks Mattcarl
Need to know what is the best for reloading
- Thread starter mattcarl
- Start date
saskgunowner101
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- near Prince Albert
I've only used Lee equipment so far, and it seems fine for my purposes...I wouldn't try to get abusive with some of it though.
RCBS dies will work fine in Lee equipment.
Won't be long until the "anything but Lee" crowd shows up!
RCBS dies will work fine in Lee equipment.Won't be long until the "anything but Lee" crowd shows up!
canucklehead
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, AB
Yes, you can use Lee dies with RCBS presses and vice versa!
If you're going to be doing any kind of volume, I'd go to progressive. Time is precious to me, and I want to maximize output in minimal time (after a load is developed). I started loading on my Dillon 550, and have never regretted the purchase.
You can snag deals in the EE - I got my 550 with a bunch of stuff (scales, conversion kits, dies, spare parts) for about $500.
Hornady makes a good progressive too. Lock-N-load is very popular.
If you're going to be doing any kind of volume, I'd go to progressive. Time is precious to me, and I want to maximize output in minimal time (after a load is developed). I started loading on my Dillon 550, and have never regretted the purchase.
You can snag deals in the EE - I got my 550 with a bunch of stuff (scales, conversion kits, dies, spare parts) for about $500.
Hornady makes a good progressive too. Lock-N-load is very popular.
A good first couple of questions that you should ask yourself are:
What are you going to be reloading for? Handgun, rifle
How much volume of ammo are you going to need?
What is your budget?
Answer these and let us know, then we will be able to steer you in the right direction.
What are you going to be reloading for? Handgun, rifle
How much volume of ammo are you going to need?
What is your budget?
Answer these and let us know, then we will be able to steer you in the right direction.
You might as well ask what the best caliber is... I reload pistol and 223 with Lee Pro 1000's. I have a Dillon Square Deal B with 9 and 45 setups but the dillon sits on a shelf. The Lee Pro's are awesome for their price, once you get them tuned up. I have several single stage press's for other rifle and some cast boolit resizing.
I like the Lee stuff. I don't do anything in production volume, generally 2000 pistol a month and a few hundred rifle reloads per year.
I like the Lee stuff. I don't do anything in production volume, generally 2000 pistol a month and a few hundred rifle reloads per year.
the things that ill be using it for is for more of the rifle shells 30cal 500 a year around, and then for a hand gun ill use a 9mm and 45. 1000 rounds at most per year. and then i was planning on spending around $500 +/-$200 in that price range and also i was thinking of a single stage press just cause i want to see how i like it and cheeper it would be, but ill even take a progresive press too.
- Location
- Niagara Region, Ontario. For now
if you are just starting I'd go with the lee turret, with the 4 turret setup. I have been reloading 9mm, .45 acp, for almost a year. I can load more than 100 rounds an hour without trying to hard. I take my time and make sure things are done right, but could go faster, maby even 150 an hour, but really I never time myself.
