really looking to start reloading

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lefty300

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i have been cheking into presses and kits to get myself started looking to get a more accurate loads and want to do a lot more target shooting. i m gonna be reloading 300wm 30-06 and 308win. would a lee kit be good enough for these calibers. any help or experiences/opinions with this product would be apreciated
 
I can't tell you from experience. (As I'm also just starting to think about reloading).

But from what I read; Lee stuff is cheap for a reason. It's cheap quality. I've read that people have had Lee and loved it and others hated it. Problems like the presses, flexing when reloading or parts breaking. While others have had their presses for 20+ years

RCBS seems to be a winner, not much negative said about them. And Dillon is the king (or as far as I can figure out).

I've decided to go with a Lee, it's a small outlay of cash for the beginning reloader and if I don't enjoy doing it, my losses are small. Also they have a 2 year warranty. I know RCBS and Dillon are better warrantied, but for 2 years, I can make my own decision if it is cheap garbage or not.
 
Most of the reloading gear manufactures have some type of all-in-one kit to get you started, like this from RCBS: http://www.rcbs.com/guide/supreme_reloading_kit.aspx
Something like that and as many reloading books and manuals as you can find and you should be set. If you can't find or afford the kit then start with the books - read as much as you can so you have an idea of how to accomplish the results that you're after. It's not rocket science - if you can follow simple directions and/or a receipe then you can handle reloading. ;) As for the Lee equipment, I've never had and problems with the few Lee items that I have although I do prefer Hornady or RCBS products.
 
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I started out with a Lee Challenger press and it worked, but it's nothing compared to a RCBS Rockchucker. Their customer service, should you ever need it, is also top notch which makes the extra costs well worth it in my opinion.
 
Yep - RCBS is solid. There is more refined stuff for more $$$ but it will get you started with great results.

I started reloading about 7 years ago and purchased the RCBS Rock Chucker kit. It comes with most everything you need to get started.

It has provided great results so far!

You can add other bits as you want/need after that.

Before you do anything - get yourself a reloading manual or two or three and read them cover to cover. Once you understand the theory and the basic steps to reloading, then get yourself a kit.

Good luck. SD
 
get a good press RCBS, or similar. I bought a Lee and later an RCBS. Lee is fine but you do feel the flex in it. Get RCBS dies not Lee. Lee are OK , RCBS is better. As for accessories there are good things made by all the major manufacturers, buy what you think will work for you.
 
Get yourself a good manual. hornady7th.ect.........read it then ask do i want to do i it?Reloading can be as addicting as the shooting .
try to sit in with someone while they are reloading .Then buy your kit if you want to reload .I like RCBS,redding,and hornady equipment .Reloading equipment is like buying a cheap off brand knock off VS.high quallity brand name ....you'll figure it out fairly fast .
Have fun !
 
+1 for RCBS stuff. I've owned 3 Lee presses and if you baby them and have a lot of patience, you'll get by with them. If you want something you don't have to baby that'll last you a lifetime, buy an RCBS Rockchucker. Lee dies are fine, and some of their smaller stuff...case length gauges/trimmers and such, but for the "meat and potatoes" press, spend the extra and get one with a solid backbone.
 
I have the lee challenger kit and bought a few other necessary items to go with it such as digital caliper , lee dies and such. I found that the press is plenty strong and my rounds are plenty accurate. I did find some "flex" on my press, and complained to my gun sensei, his first statement to me was " what surface to you have it bolted to?". I told him a canadian tire bench with pressboard top. He came over and enlightened me to the fact that the bench was flexing , not the press. I moved it to a more solid structure and it is absolutely ROCK SOLID. Bulletproof if I must say so!!
This kit is more than enough to get you started and loading well. It isn't for long range pro competition but neither is the RCBS. I dont think you will need better for a long time.
 
If you want a solid, inexpensive press then go with the Lee Classic Cast. It is a good press and will load everything including 50 BMG.

You will not see much/any measurable difference in terminal accuracy between Lee dies and others. In fact, if you want a great set of dies, get Lee Collet dies for accurate ammo for a bolt action.

Lee dies are not finished as well as others, but that is easily fixed in 30 seconds with Flitz on a bore mop in a cordless drill.
 
There is nothing wrong with Lee. Most of us cut our teeth with Lee.

RCBS, Redding, Lyman et al are all good.

For pistol only though, the consensus is Dillon.
 
 
Why do people think they have to buy all their stuff from one company?

I use stuff from Lee, RCBS, Hornady, CH, Pacific, Lyman and on and on.

The Lee Challenger press has a weak linkage which is prone to fail. Mine failed, so I bought a Rockchucker. On the other hand I've used lots of other Lee products for over 15yrs with no problems at all.




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I use a ponsness warren metallic11. This is a semi progressive press so can do a complete load without changing any dies (has five die stations). I also have purchased additional die heads for different cals. I also have a inexpensive lee for decapping before I clean. I have not had any problems with either press.
:)
 
I use lee 4 hole Turret press, the advantage is i do not have to readjust my dies every time i want to change caliber. If you load for different calibers, you may want to consider a turret press.
i am happy with my press, and never had a problem with it, i use a separate challenger press with generic de-prime die, and hand primer for priming.
 
I use a RCBS Rockchucker for ALL my rifle loads.
From .223 to .300WM (and the 7 calibers inbetween...)

That being said. You need to price out your budget for components for reloading. If you have a couple hundred you are willing to spend, Lee may be the only one in the price range. If closer to a thousand, you could get a full Rockchucker with a Chargemaster dispenser.

Are you loading for 1/4-1/2 MOA for 500+ yard target shooting or plain old hunting loads of 1-2 MOA @ 100 yard iron sights?

Are you going to need FL dies or Neck sizing dies? (Calibre for a single firearm or multiple ones?)
 
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