Recommendation For My First Reloader
- Thread starter kevyaggs
- Start date
4. How much do you shoot? (Or intend to)
With only the one caliber, you could always just grab this for $45, and see how you like reloading. Then move up from there if you're into it.
http://www.budgetshootersupply.ca/frame.cfm?ItemID=1021&CategoryID=0
With only the one caliber, you could always just grab this for $45, and see how you like reloading. Then move up from there if you're into it.
http://www.budgetshootersupply.ca/frame.cfm?ItemID=1021&CategoryID=0
Dillon 550. Why? Because it's versatile and backed by the best warranty in the business. You'll also eventually want to load more calibres/quantity, trust me, lol. I load handgun calibres so I went with the Dillon 650 for the added speed.
P.S. To get setup you'll need more than $1000. The press is only one component of reloading.
P.S. To get setup you'll need more than $1000. The press is only one component of reloading.
1 caliber may be hard to justify the cost of the equipment needed. Lee loader is the cheapest, then theres a full lee kit with a bench mounted press, then there is the rcbs rock chucker(my choice), then there is dillon(also on my bench).
RCBS would keep you under $1000 even after adding dies and components. I am more than happy with it.
Might want to ask yourself what else you are going to load for in the future. 1 cartridge might not be worth the cost.
RCBS would keep you under $1000 even after adding dies and components. I am more than happy with it.
Might want to ask yourself what else you are going to load for in the future. 1 cartridge might not be worth the cost.
Lonesome Donkey
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Central Alberta
Go with the RCBS package shown in the link, but shop around for a better price if possible.
Why this one? Mainly because everything in it is of excellent quality, unlike the other starter kits.
The scale, powder measure, priming tool, accessories, and the Rock Chucker press in this kit are used by many experienced reloaders by choice.
Dillon owners seem to feel that everyone needs a Dillon progressive press, but whether you need a progressive press at all depends on the volume of reloading that you plan on doing. If you plan on cranking out hundreds of rounds a week for action pistol shooting, then maybe you will find a progressive advantageous.
But, if you want to reload a few boxes of rifle cartridges and a few boxes of pistol cartridge every couple of weeks (or less often) then a single stage press will work fine.
Also, before going whole hog into the game with a progressive, try reloading out first and see if you want to keep on with it.
Most reloaders have a single stage press that they use for smaller runs anyway, even if they do own a progressive.
Avoid aluminum presses. They are cheaper, but cast iron will last forever.
http://www.wholesalesports.com/stor...-Chucker-Supreme-Master-Reloading-Kit/p/30283
Why this one? Mainly because everything in it is of excellent quality, unlike the other starter kits.
The scale, powder measure, priming tool, accessories, and the Rock Chucker press in this kit are used by many experienced reloaders by choice.
Dillon owners seem to feel that everyone needs a Dillon progressive press, but whether you need a progressive press at all depends on the volume of reloading that you plan on doing. If you plan on cranking out hundreds of rounds a week for action pistol shooting, then maybe you will find a progressive advantageous.
But, if you want to reload a few boxes of rifle cartridges and a few boxes of pistol cartridge every couple of weeks (or less often) then a single stage press will work fine.
Also, before going whole hog into the game with a progressive, try reloading out first and see if you want to keep on with it.
Most reloaders have a single stage press that they use for smaller runs anyway, even if they do own a progressive.
Avoid aluminum presses. They are cheaper, but cast iron will last forever.
http://www.wholesalesports.com/stor...-Chucker-Supreme-Master-Reloading-Kit/p/30283
check this deal from Prophet River
RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Single Stage Press Kit
Regular Price:
$549.00
Your Price:
$449.00 (You save $100.00)
SKU:
076683093547
Quantity:
Bookmark and Share
Do you have a question about this product? Click me to ask a question.
Product Description
This Rock Chucker Kit is on Sale.
No Tax.
$25 Shipping Flat Rate.
The shipping charge applies to the Canadian provinces. I cannot limit an item by location so if you're outside of this area, your cost may be different. We will call you in that case to discuss additional shipping charges. Yellowknife and Whitehorse will be included in the $25 flat rate zone. Due to software limits it may charge a different price. We will refund the difference.
Please NOTE.
No Tax and Flat Shipping apply to this item only. Other Items in your cart will have the proper rates applied.
If selecting "Pickup in Store" it will still charge $25. This is due to how the software behaves. "Flat Rate" per item overrides "Flat Rate" per invoice (how pickup in store works). We will Refund the $25 in this case as its not valid.
If you have other items in your cart please note that the normal shipping methods will show the the full cost for shipping the complete order. It will show the cost of shipping the other items plus the $25 for the Rock Chucker combined as one number.
RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Single Stage Press Kit
Regular Price:
$549.00
Your Price:
$449.00 (You save $100.00)
SKU:
076683093547
Quantity:
Bookmark and Share
Do you have a question about this product? Click me to ask a question.
Product Description
This Rock Chucker Kit is on Sale.
No Tax.
$25 Shipping Flat Rate.
The shipping charge applies to the Canadian provinces. I cannot limit an item by location so if you're outside of this area, your cost may be different. We will call you in that case to discuss additional shipping charges. Yellowknife and Whitehorse will be included in the $25 flat rate zone. Due to software limits it may charge a different price. We will refund the difference.
Please NOTE.
No Tax and Flat Shipping apply to this item only. Other Items in your cart will have the proper rates applied.
If selecting "Pickup in Store" it will still charge $25. This is due to how the software behaves. "Flat Rate" per item overrides "Flat Rate" per invoice (how pickup in store works). We will Refund the $25 in this case as its not valid.
If you have other items in your cart please note that the normal shipping methods will show the the full cost for shipping the complete order. It will show the cost of shipping the other items plus the $25 for the Rock Chucker combined as one number.
Start with a manual, or two. Lots of great information beyond reload data to be found, and you can proceed with your own shooting, and budget in mind.
Lots of suggestions here will range from Lee single stage through to progressives...cost vs utility. I used a tiny press mounted to a 2x6 that I could clamp to a bench/table to start.
Basically to reload you "need":
-Data, and info. Get a manual.
-Components (bullet, brass, powder, and primer)
-A means to measure powder (dipper, or scale. Scales being far more flexible)
-A means of putting them all together (dies & press, classic loader, or even "tong" tools)
You will also, in time, require a means of trimming brass, or a means of culling brass that has stretched....I find a good set of calipers indispensable to the bench, but have a mentor who has simple jigs to be sure everything is ok.
You can make your set up as complex, or simple as you want really... Hammer together some rounds with a classic loader, or make a few hundred an hour.
Lots of suggestions here will range from Lee single stage through to progressives...cost vs utility. I used a tiny press mounted to a 2x6 that I could clamp to a bench/table to start.
Basically to reload you "need":
-Data, and info. Get a manual.
-Components (bullet, brass, powder, and primer)
-A means to measure powder (dipper, or scale. Scales being far more flexible)
-A means of putting them all together (dies & press, classic loader, or even "tong" tools)
You will also, in time, require a means of trimming brass, or a means of culling brass that has stretched....I find a good set of calipers indispensable to the bench, but have a mentor who has simple jigs to be sure everything is ok.
You can make your set up as complex, or simple as you want really... Hammer together some rounds with a classic loader, or make a few hundred an hour.
Jonesyatpl
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Nanoose Bay, BC
I'll get poo-pooed, but until you know you like it, get the challenger press kit for 189 from wholesale.
Includes a LOT of what you need. You start to enjoy it, get the Dillon, or the RCBS. Think of it as a "gateway press" for the addiction.
I still use the challenger for decapping and specific rifle recipes. I use the Dillon for volume.
Includes a LOT of what you need. You start to enjoy it, get the Dillon, or the RCBS. Think of it as a "gateway press" for the addiction.
I still use the challenger for decapping and specific rifle recipes. I use the Dillon for volume.
PitBull1973
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Right Behind You
Get yourself a Redding T7 press . It will be very useful for precision loads
- Location
- Wild West Coast
Thats a fantastic deal.
Hope this isnt a silly question, but would this kit be suitable for primarily various handgun loads, or would a progressive or turret set-up make more sense....aside from the obvious time factor for loading several hundred rounds?
Barnes_270
Regular
- Location
- Langley, BC
A single stage press works fine for handgun ammo, but it is so slow you will not want to use one for long...
I prefer the Lee Cast Turret press - it's a good quality press, and you can crank out handgun or rifle ammo on it at a good rate.
Bluedevil25
CGN Regular
- Location
- Saskatoon, Sask.
Forster Co-Ax press with Forster dies. If you are hunting with 30-06 ammo loaded on a Forster press better keep your field dressing kit close by! 
- Location
- Central AB
There is no perfect press for everyone, because people's needs vary so much.
SINGLE STAGE - if you are only ever going to reload for rifle, and the quantity you shoot is not high, a single stage will do. Any press from the Lee Classic Cast, to the RCBS Rock chucker, or Forster Coax will work fine. For the average hunter, you won't find any difference in the ammo they can produce.
TURRET PRESS- If you can see where you may want to load for pistol at some time, or if the volume of rifle ammo needed rises, or if you have only limited time to reload, a turret press is a big help. Many turret presses can be used as a single stage, or as a Turret. Generally they can cut your reloading time in about half. So can be a smart way to go, rather than buying a single stage, and then reinvesting 6 months later for a Turret if the single can't keep up with your needs. The Lee Classic Turret, Redding T7, or RCBS turret and a number of others all work. One of the main differences between turret presses, is some automatically advance, while others are advanced manually. The Lee Classic Turret can be used both ways.
PROGRESSIVE - Progressive presses can really crank out the ammo, but have a lot of things happening at once. Due to this I don't think they are ideal for a new reloader. They also take the most time to switch between calibers. So unless you need the volume, probably not the best place to start.
OPINION - There can be a lot of snobbery when it comes to presses. Every manufacturer has its fan boys. Fact is that most work just fine. If you watch some videos on various ones you are interested in, you will be able to see some differences in how they work. Especially for the priming systems. Don't buy into the theory that you have to spend a fortune to get a quality press, that can make quality ammo. More expensive presses can sometimes have some theoretical advantages. Up to you to decide what actually gives you the best value in a press that meets your personal requirements.
SINGLE STAGE - if you are only ever going to reload for rifle, and the quantity you shoot is not high, a single stage will do. Any press from the Lee Classic Cast, to the RCBS Rock chucker, or Forster Coax will work fine. For the average hunter, you won't find any difference in the ammo they can produce.
TURRET PRESS- If you can see where you may want to load for pistol at some time, or if the volume of rifle ammo needed rises, or if you have only limited time to reload, a turret press is a big help. Many turret presses can be used as a single stage, or as a Turret. Generally they can cut your reloading time in about half. So can be a smart way to go, rather than buying a single stage, and then reinvesting 6 months later for a Turret if the single can't keep up with your needs. The Lee Classic Turret, Redding T7, or RCBS turret and a number of others all work. One of the main differences between turret presses, is some automatically advance, while others are advanced manually. The Lee Classic Turret can be used both ways.
PROGRESSIVE - Progressive presses can really crank out the ammo, but have a lot of things happening at once. Due to this I don't think they are ideal for a new reloader. They also take the most time to switch between calibers. So unless you need the volume, probably not the best place to start.
OPINION - There can be a lot of snobbery when it comes to presses. Every manufacturer has its fan boys. Fact is that most work just fine. If you watch some videos on various ones you are interested in, you will be able to see some differences in how they work. Especially for the priming systems. Don't buy into the theory that you have to spend a fortune to get a quality press, that can make quality ammo. More expensive presses can sometimes have some theoretical advantages. Up to you to decide what actually gives you the best value in a press that meets your personal requirements.
I load rifle rounds via a single stage method using a Hornady progressive turret press. I only put in one die at a time for neck sizing, or bumping shoulders, of full length case sizing, and bullet seating. Ideally a single stage press would work slightly better, but the method is the same.
One operation at a time. I'm not an expert, but for rifle rounds the accuracy comes from consistency in all things including powder charge. My experience is that you need to throw a charge and trickle up to your desired load weight. No powder measure that I know of throws a perfect charge all the time, sometimes a little more, most times a little less, but never really bang on in my experience.
For high volume reloading (9mm pistol), I use a Dillon Square Deal B. It takes proprietary Dillon dies. A Dillon 550 or 650 uses industry standard dies that would fit in RCBS, Forster, Lyman, Lee, etc. presses. Of the three progressive presses I have used, Dillon, Lee, and Hornady. Dillon is by far the best, least troublesome in my opinion.
As has been noted you will need ALL the other stuff to go with your press. Dies, scale, a tray to hold the cases, a funnel to fit over the neck of your case, powder trickler, powder measure (if one does not come in the kit), funnel etc. A very good scale is also important if you're looking for every bit of accuracy, a really good scale can run your several hundreds $$ like the AND Fx120i, and over $1300 for a Sartorius brand scale that is accurate to 3 decimal points.
So, as in all things shooting... What do you want to do? What do you want to spend? There is a solution for every budget, results may vary...
One operation at a time. I'm not an expert, but for rifle rounds the accuracy comes from consistency in all things including powder charge. My experience is that you need to throw a charge and trickle up to your desired load weight. No powder measure that I know of throws a perfect charge all the time, sometimes a little more, most times a little less, but never really bang on in my experience.
For high volume reloading (9mm pistol), I use a Dillon Square Deal B. It takes proprietary Dillon dies. A Dillon 550 or 650 uses industry standard dies that would fit in RCBS, Forster, Lyman, Lee, etc. presses. Of the three progressive presses I have used, Dillon, Lee, and Hornady. Dillon is by far the best, least troublesome in my opinion.
As has been noted you will need ALL the other stuff to go with your press. Dies, scale, a tray to hold the cases, a funnel to fit over the neck of your case, powder trickler, powder measure (if one does not come in the kit), funnel etc. A very good scale is also important if you're looking for every bit of accuracy, a really good scale can run your several hundreds $$ like the AND Fx120i, and over $1300 for a Sartorius brand scale that is accurate to 3 decimal points.
So, as in all things shooting... What do you want to do? What do you want to spend? There is a solution for every budget, results may vary...
- Location
- Wild West Coast
I knew this was the place to get great advice......thanks all.
It's far more economical to buy the equipment that you'll inevitably end up with from the get-go, rather than being penny-wise and pound foolish as you're about to jump into the reloading game. You'll never hear the owner of the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme kit complaining they wish they'd bought cheaper equipment.
For a novice reloader interested in loading for the .30-06, you won't go wrong with the a quality single stage press like the RC. That’s how I got my start some twenty-odd years ago. I was able to learn the mechanics of safe handloading without rushing and possibly allowing youthful impatience or over-confidence to get me into trouble. Mistakes were caught early, and unlike with a progressive press, you won't have potentially hundreds of unsafe or squib loads to pull apart.
Since then I've added a number of additional presses to my bench, including a turret and several progressive presses and now reload for several dozen calibers, but that Rock Chucker is still bolted to my bench and it still gets regular usage. Buy once, cry once!
RCBS has the best warranty on the market, bar none, so buy with confidence. Best of luck with the new hobby!
