reloading equipment basics

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macsdaddy

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I've been shooting at the range more frequently lately as my son now has his hunting license and is more comfortable with handling my pistols and our hunting/ target rifles.
Next step is to start reloading and test and enjoy our handywork.
What is a good set up to start with for reloading pistol calibres (45acp and colt) and .30 and magnum calibres?
please be brand specific based on your experience and a link to retailers in BC would be appreciated.

thanks in advance
 
Hornady, dillion, or lee. All great brands.

Though I would head to the reloading section for better results on your questions.
 
Decide whether you want a progressive machine or single stage, for progressive; Dillon or Hornady, for single stage my fav. is Forster Co-ax followed by Redding. Progressive is more for speed of reloading and single stage is meant to be more for precision and depends on the amount of ammo you use/need.
 
I have several RCBS presses, they all work well for what they are designed to do. In the term of Basics, if you plan to load rifle or hunting loads, make sure you get a press that can handle full size dies for rifle. If not, a much smaller press will suffice for handgun loads only.
 
For an inexpensive starter kit look at the Lee 1000. It is a progressive and great if you are reloading more than 300 rounds at a time
A little finicky to set up but works well
 
I used an inexpensive Lee single stage press for years for rifle loads, I now shoot alot more pistol so i purchased a Lee 4 hole turret press. its inexpensive and the beauty is you just have to get a few of the quick change removable 4 hole die mounts again fairly inexpensive, and you can load all different calibres rifle and pistol. I love it, I reload 9mm, 40 s&w, 45 acp, 45 lc, 30-06, 7.62X39, 8mm mauser, all with only popping off the top plate and changing the primer tray its great! I thought i wanted a progressive press but they are quite pricey for a decent one! my .02
cheers,
 
... My Vote goes for an RCBS Single Stage Press to start with. Unless you shoot an awful lot, the time spent reloading is not really an issue. Also, RCBS produce a full line of equipment and Accessories. Their warranty is Legendary, as is the "Help Line" should you need it. ... Long established Manufacturer, and should it it necessary, being recognized, makes Re-Sale a little easier. Bottom Line, Good quality, Good warranty, and parts etc. readily obtained. .... Shop around for used, and also, LOOK FOR USED (Older ) RELOADING MANUALS ! .... David K:)
 
Lee 50th Anniversary Kit and dies and shellholders for the calibres you want. This is a single stage press that is great to start out on. Add case length gauges for trimming the rifle rounds, you won't need them for pistol. Also a manual, Lee 2nd Edition or Lyman 49th.

Lee Factory Sales in Wisconsin (google) has this kit for about $82 and dies are $14-$34 a set. As you gain experience you can buy any other gear or progressive press but the $100 or so dollars in the Lee will still be well spent.

Lee 50th kit $82
Lee Manual $12.50
Lee .45ACP and .45Colt dies $33.30 each (shellholders included)
Lee RGB .300 Win Mag Dies $13.50 Shellholder #5 $3
Lee .300 Win Mag case length gauge $3.80
Lee .300 WSM dies $25 (shellholder included)
Lee .300 WSM case length gauge $3.80

The Lee zip trim for $17 and Ball grip cutter for $4.50 are great for trimming, but you can just use a drill with the trimmer included in the kit

The Lee scale works but isn't the best and a replacement like a used Ohaus/RCBS 5-0-5 scale or an electric is a lot nicer.

Also I would add a second manual at a minimum like the Lyman 49th ed. for$20-30 and some Imperial sizing die wax for a better case lube at $10 or so.

Don't be afraid to mix and match tools from different brands, you don't have to buy one type and I have all the colours of presses and gear on my bench. Most dies and shellholders will work in any brand press save some really old stuff and some of the high end progressives. Lee dies work in Hornady or RCBS in Lyman etc...
 
nothing wrong with lee it's dollar value stuff, except for the scale. start with a single stage, you'll aways need one , a good balance beam scale, & your away. once your hooked you can get as carried away as the rest of us.
 
If you're just getting into it, then I would recommend the Lee Classic Turret press.
Inexpensive, great to learn on and you have the option of semi-progressive, or single stage all in one press.
Pumped out many thousands of pistol, and hundreds of rifle on mine.
 
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