reloading equipment advice sought by a noob

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the11

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I think that the time has come for me to "bite the bullet" (so to speak) and start reloading. I am a total noob, and own almost no equipment. Dollars are somewhat of an issue, but I want to get myself set up early in the new year. So I am looking for advice. Cadillac type equipment is likely out of the question, so I am hoping for suggestions on some good solid "Chevy" type options. I have looked a a few of those kits (Lee and RCBS) offered at WSS and Cabelas, but don't really have the experience to make a good judgment on them.

Also, I have a couple of sets of RCBS dies that I picked up years ago when I used to get a friend to reload for me. He was of the opinion that RCBS was the only way to go, so I am a bit prejudiced toward them, but as I said, with absolutely no first hand experience to back it up. So waddaya say? How should I start this ball rolling?
 
When loading kits go on sale they're a good buy. I'm prejudiced against Lee. I think RCBS equipment is good, and their service is second to none. The RCBS 10-10 powder scale is one of the best. The case trimmers are garbage. Powder measure is okay, needs baffle to work.
 
I can't comment on the reloading combo kits as all of my equipment has been bought seperatly. A good scale is a must, i have been using a Ohaus 505 for over 40 years and only recently got a RCBS chargemaster that i like but it is pricey. I see a fair bit of reloading stuff at gunshows and most is decently priced. You can prime on most presses so a separate tool isn't necessary to start, a press, scale, case holder, lube pad + lube and funnel would be bare bones tools. Lee trimmers are adaquate and reasonabley priced and a cheap elecronic caliper available at most tool places are also good to have at the start. You don't say what your loading ie pistol or rifle or both or amounts, that will make a difference.
 
My first kit was a Lee Classic Loader kit. For what I reload (.45,.308, .257 and now .270) it is perfect for me...with two caveats. The Lee scale is okay....I have an RCBS balance beam now, and the powder dispenser sucks ass for stick powder (perfect for pistol). I will be getting another dispenser.
 
Mostly I will be doing rifle, at least at first. (I am just getting into the whole handgun thing) I want to be able to reload cast bullets for my SMLE. And I also want to be able to reload (or convert) GP11 ammo into hunting rounds for my K31. Where it goes from there is anybody's guess. I am actually more interested in doing it for the fun of doing it, than for any other reason.
 
I started out many years ago with a used Lyman T-Mag Turret Press. It worked quite well but I found over time that it was too slow. I kept it but upgraded to a progressive press. At that time (mid '90s) I had read good things about - and subsequently purchased - and RCBS 4x4 Progressive press. Seemed to work fine for a while - until RCBS discontinued it and parts dried up. I finally gave up on it about 6 years ago and purchases a Lee Loadmaster. I've been using Lee dies for years - for me the loadmaster works very well, no shortage of parts and there's lots of help online in terms of setting it up and getting more "bang" out of it ...

Best advice is to shop around ask lots of questions and if you know anyone from your club(s) who reloads see if you can scope out their rig in person ... see how it works, how complicated it is to change calibres etc ...
 
What will you be reloading? Pistol or rifle? Will you be looking at churning out mass quantities or limited numbers of low cost, accurate rounds (or maybe a little of each). How these questions are answered will help us in what we recommend.

Good luck with whatever you ultimately choose.
 
In my opinion you can't go wrong with RCBS. (at least their "older stuff") I'm still using the RCBS Jr press I bought in 1979. 25,000 plus rounds put together on it. Have done some case forming on it as well. Mostly rifle. Of approximately 25 calibers I have reloaded most of my dies are RCBS. Have some LEE in less common military calibers like 8x56R, 7.5 MAS and 7.7 Jap. No problems with any of them.
Good used presses show up at gun shows on a regular basis. Switzer's last auction sold both a Jr press and a Rockchucker. Better chance for a bargain at a show.
 
The kits vary slightly. One has a hand primer, the other has a press mounted one. Bought the 252150 for my first set up, worked well. Steady as she goes with a single stage. Paying attention to detail without distractions is a must. Added a Lee turret when I got into 9mm. Good luck
 
the11 said:
Wow! Just checked WSS website. The price on this kit seems too good to be true. Opinions?
http://www.wholesalesports.com/storefront/reloading/presses/breech-lock-challenger-reloading-kit/prod247145.html?skucode=247145

Here is another variation of the same kit.
http://www.wholesalesports.com/storefront/reloading/presses/lee-50th-anniversary-kit/prod252150.html
Click to expand...

So I'm in the market for reloading equipment as well. Been using a friends gear for a couple years but it's time to get my own. Those prices from WSS seemed really low so I searched them out online and that seems to be the going price - i.e they're not on special or anything. I don't know much about the differences between Lee, RCBS or any of the other big names but hopefully someone will shed some light on the strengths and weaknesses of these two kits from WSS.

Good luck with your search and be sure to post an update when you've finally bitten the bullet ; )
 
I started with a lee press then went to a lee loader for awhile. I use the lee loaders for my bolt guns ( helps with case life) and use the press for my semis which don't see a lot of use. I'm not that big on getting the smallest grouping or going for volume on rounds fired or stock piling ammo for a zombie/alien invasion. I enjoy the sport and try to do a good job of it and enjoy myself when I do go shooting but I'm not obsessed with it. Every company has good and bad stuff. I farm and there is no one manufacturer that makes the best line of farm equipment I try to pick the best pieces they have for my operation that fits in. There is no magic bullet kit for everyone out there. No matter what you buy there will be something about the kit you won't like. Pick one and go with it. For a starter kit I would recomend the lee annerversay kit. It's a good starter kit that's affordable. If you don't like something about it sell or trade it and try something new.
 
Buy a good scale. Buy good calipers. Don't cheap out here. Buy multiple reloading manuals and study.

If you are looking at just picking up a new hobby and learn some skills, I'll break the mould and suggest a Lee Hand Press. It's not a permanent setup for starters. At $45, it's a cheap way to get into the hobby without breaking the bank. I assume since you're shooting rifle, you're looking at making affordable accurate rounds vs volume like a pistol shooter.

Learn the basics, then figure out how to scale from there. Even after picking up my Lee cast iron auto indexing turret, I'll still break out the hand press from time to time just to work up a 10 round test load, and it makes it easy to reload on a summer's night by a campfire. I also keep it with my range bag with a recapping die so I can pop primers right away and immediately put my brass into a cleaner. A lot of folks hate doing the entire process on a hand press but it still has its uses even with a bigger setup available.
 
I'm a "noob" to reloading....doing of about a year or so .....if you are looking to just try this reloading thing the lee kits are great way to start. You can spend lots of $ on this hobby. But the lee kits will get you started for an economical price. If you enjoy it you can always sell and upgrade. Or if your sure this hobby is for you and you'd like to spend a little more $ the RBCS kits or hornady
Would be my choice. But so far the lee stuff has worked well for me and I have turned out some hi quality ammo. I have the lee classic turret press kit. Love the fact that I can just get a new plate and one time set up for each caliber. Then just drop in the new plate. I can switch to reloading .223 to .270 in just a few mins.
 
I started with RCBS and still use an RCBS press and "most" dies. but I also like Lee, Forster and Redding dies. I dont think you can go wrong with any of the current mfr's products though. Lyman, Hornady, Redding Forster make nice products but the later tend to be a little more pricey but I think you do get what you pay for and I dont think anyone would be a "bad" choice. I went a little overboard initially and bought an RCBS "Big Max" ... but it is a pleasure to use, will outlast me by several times and above all - loads consistent and concentric ammunition.
 
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