Reloading: What kind of kit to buy?
- Thread starter NRG37
- Start date
If you get one of the RCBS kits you have everything you need to get at it for rifle. For shotgun the Lee load all will handle your ammo. Get at least two reloading books and study up before starting. Get some assistance from someone who's been at it a while to get you started.
Metallic cartridge (rifle), and shot shell each require different setups. Select which one best suits your current priorities and start with that. I wouldn't suggest you go at it all at once.
You're correct about it being fun, and interesting too. These are good reasons to get into reloading. Leave the penny pinching to the deluded.
Everyone is going to suggest you start with manuals, and you should. Its not just a matter of acquiring some hands off technical competence, "boring!", an introductory book like "ABC's of Reloading" will pay for itself by answering your current questions and helping you select the gear you'll need to start. Recommendations you get here will be pretty good but subject to some fairly biased brand cheer leading which just confuses things until you at least have some idea of what you want.
All the various manufacturers offer a starter kit. You should check em all and post specific questions about quality and features. "Someone" will quickly answer.
Have Fun !!
You're correct about it being fun, and interesting too. These are good reasons to get into reloading. Leave the penny pinching to the deluded.
Everyone is going to suggest you start with manuals, and you should. Its not just a matter of acquiring some hands off technical competence, "boring!", an introductory book like "ABC's of Reloading" will pay for itself by answering your current questions and helping you select the gear you'll need to start. Recommendations you get here will be pretty good but subject to some fairly biased brand cheer leading which just confuses things until you at least have some idea of what you want.
All the various manufacturers offer a starter kit. You should check em all and post specific questions about quality and features. "Someone" will quickly answer.
Have Fun !!
You have been told. Lee Load All 2 for the shotgun, Lee Anniversary kit, Lee Deluxe 3-die set for each cartridge.
That will start you off. Get the ABC's of reloading, I prefer the older editions, but the newest one (2010) is still informative. However, I found that he assumed things were known, not like Dean Grennel, who explained it in detail.
That will start you off. Get the ABC's of reloading, I prefer the older editions, but the newest one (2010) is still informative. However, I found that he assumed things were known, not like Dean Grennel, who explained it in detail.
- Location
- Yellowknife, NWT
X2. I bought this kit in 1992, and I still use it after 19 years. The press is not super robust compared to the RCBS Rockchucker, but it does very well indeed. The scale is a bit different from others, but it is accurate and dead easy to use; I love it! I also enjoy using the AutoPrime hand tool.
I like Lee dies and lube and their case trimmers, the dies are easy to set and adjust. Their included instructions are great, plus there are support videos on the Lee Precision website.
I've been thinking about getting a Classic Cast press but don't NEED it. I think I added a powder trickler to the setup; I don't recall if one was included.
Not that it matters, but I don't handload a lot, maybe a couple-three hundred rounds a year lately. I have used this kit to load .30-30 Winchester, .30-30 Ack Imp, .250 Savage, .257 Roberts, .280 Remington, and plan to start soon on the .44 WCF. It works flawlessly, period.
Well, almost "period". I once damaged the link system on my press. I sent an e-mail to Lee Precision's customer service, and got a reply within an hour stating that a new part would be sent to me free of charge, and would I please provide an address? This for a 14-year-old press. Not too shabby.
HKMark has the right idea, pick up a reloading manual or two. If you are interested in both shotshell and metallic, you will need different manuals for each.
Once you've done that, and have an idea from reading the loading manuals, then consider how much shooting, and of what type you do, that can change what is likely to be the right choice for you.
For example a Lee Load All will get you started making shotshells, but do you want to load for multiple gauges/lengths, and what volume. The Lee Load All is the cheapest, but may not be appropriate if your a trap or skeet shooter who fires 5000+ rounds a year.
When you are looking for advice after reading the manuals, things like Calibers/Gauges you want to reload for, how many rounds you shoot now a year from them, and if you hope to drastically change that. Also how many gauges/calibers you expect to load for someday can have an effect on what may be the best choice in reloading equipment.
Once you've done that, and have an idea from reading the loading manuals, then consider how much shooting, and of what type you do, that can change what is likely to be the right choice for you.
For example a Lee Load All will get you started making shotshells, but do you want to load for multiple gauges/lengths, and what volume. The Lee Load All is the cheapest, but may not be appropriate if your a trap or skeet shooter who fires 5000+ rounds a year.
When you are looking for advice after reading the manuals, things like Calibers/Gauges you want to reload for, how many rounds you shoot now a year from them, and if you hope to drastically change that. Also how many gauges/calibers you expect to load for someday can have an effect on what may be the best choice in reloading equipment.
I have a Lee Load All for shotgun. It works surprisingly well for limited quantities of shells - hunting, occasional trap/skeet. If you are into high production, it is not suitable. I believe MEC is a common brand for higher production equipment.
Hotwheels81
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- South of GP
My .02
Lee aniversary kit (comes with a load manual, for backup use hornadys online info)
GOOD QUALITY DIGITAL CALIPER!!! Don't load a round without one!
RCBS Collet puller... Because mistakes happen.
Take the money saved from the Lee and invest in a solid bench.
Lee aniversary kit (comes with a load manual, for backup use hornadys online info)
GOOD QUALITY DIGITAL CALIPER!!! Don't load a round without one!
RCBS Collet puller... Because mistakes happen.
Take the money saved from the Lee and invest in a solid bench.
