I'm just getting into reloading i will mainly be reloading 7.62 size ammo, I'm just wondering what set would be a good one to start with that is reasonably priced and works well. My friend has a Lee Turret and it seems to work good we have only loaded 7.62x51 ammo through it so far. Any advice would be good since i don't know much about reloading yet.
New to reloading Advice Needed
- Thread starter satyr
- Start date
I would strongly suggest a single stage press for your first press. That said a press that will last you a lifetime is the RCBS Rockchucker. It may be a little more expensive then some of the single stage presses you will run across - Lee for example but you really can't go wrong with the Rockchucker.
Take Care
Bob
Take Care
Bob
How much are you shooting? Are you loading for volume, accuracy, $$$ saving? What rifle are you loading for (m14, bolt action, etc)? You could spend under $200, and be in business with Lee equipment, or you could spend over $1000, with all Forster or Wilson equipment. You could even get a Progressive, if you are just blasting a lot of ammo.
+1 on the Rockchucker, a good solid unit, good warranty, it'll outlast a lot of things.
+1 on the Rockchucker, a good solid unit, good warranty, it'll outlast a lot of things.
Your Lee turret suggestion is an excellent choice for starting out if you get the one in the kit form. Then all you need is dies and primer thingies. That way, when you are ready to do handgun calibers, you can just put in the indexing rod. For .308 you are also going to need the Double Disk kit because of the volume of powder needed.
The turret press is basically a "quick change" single stage press with the indexing rod removed. You have to remove it for rifle calibers because the case is too long and will bind up on the dies when it is trying to turn. Just turn the turret to the next station manually for each round.
Lyman and RCBS also make turret style presses. Those I do not know if you can do things manually like with the Lee so you will have to check.
As mentioned in another thread, if you get a progressive press, they tend to spill powder if the case is almost full. Not all progressives will function well with longer rifle cases so check that before spending money on a progressive.
No matter what, don't forget you need a good set of calipers, a half decent scale (the Lee will do in a pinch or as a backup in case your batteries die), a tumbler and media, for rifle rounds you need some form of case length sizer, a half decent bench (or block of wood with HD C clamps and good solid table/desk to clamp it to) and other small tools and supplies.
The turret press is basically a "quick change" single stage press with the indexing rod removed. You have to remove it for rifle calibers because the case is too long and will bind up on the dies when it is trying to turn. Just turn the turret to the next station manually for each round.
Lyman and RCBS also make turret style presses. Those I do not know if you can do things manually like with the Lee so you will have to check.
As mentioned in another thread, if you get a progressive press, they tend to spill powder if the case is almost full. Not all progressives will function well with longer rifle cases so check that before spending money on a progressive.
No matter what, don't forget you need a good set of calipers, a half decent scale (the Lee will do in a pinch or as a backup in case your batteries die), a tumbler and media, for rifle rounds you need some form of case length sizer, a half decent bench (or block of wood with HD C clamps and good solid table/desk to clamp it to) and other small tools and supplies.
Well mainly i will be reloading 308 for a converted Mauser, and eventually some 303 and 30-06. If 7.62x39 ammo prices start to go up i may reload for my SKS also. Lately i have been going through about 40 to 60 rounds per week but with the winter coming that will be less. I am reloading for price reasons and for experimenting with different velocities for hunting.
