Which reloader?
- Thread starter dpo2o
- Start date
Stay away from Lee. I just broke one two nights ago. It did last 7 years but after breaking it, i can see how porous the material is that they make their presses out of.
..............I am now stranded without a press till i can get to the city.
..............I am now stranded without a press till i can get to the city.
My experience with Lee is that their multi stage products leave something to be desired. Powder leakage from their measures, primers getting stuck & generally being a pain. When they work they are ok but they can act up.
I have had a Dillon for 5 years & it is great.
I have had a Dillon for 5 years & it is great.
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
Your choice depends on your budget and the type of shooting you prefer to do. The Dillon line of progessives offer the advantage of producing a large number of rounds per hour, but a single stage press will suit most people's needs.
I persoanlly think that RCBS's Rockchucker gives the best value for dollars invested, but you will see that there are other points of view.
While you are making up your mind which tools to buy, get every handloading manual you can get your hands on. Yes they are getting expensive, but you can't do without them.
I persoanlly think that RCBS's Rockchucker gives the best value for dollars invested, but you will see that there are other points of view.
While you are making up your mind which tools to buy, get every handloading manual you can get your hands on. Yes they are getting expensive, but you can't do without them.
Based on your list, you're looking at progressives. Have a look here at a lengthy comparison between the Hornady LNL AP, Dillon 650, and Lee Loadmaster.
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Johnn Peterson
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Chemainus B.C.
X2Good info.Boomer said:
- Location
- Saskatchewan
Lee Loadmaster report
I'm a new reloader, & I just invested in a Lee Loadmaster last month. Did a lot of research all over the web, and read everything I could get my hands on about reloading. I was leery of going with a Lee, cause I had read so many posts on various forum sites that were bashing it, but in the end, the price was right.
I am completely satisfied with it. I took my time and tinkered with it, getting to know all the different parts, what they did, and how they interact. Read all the set up advice I could find, and read through the admittedly lacking instructions quite a few times too.
To date, I've had no major issues. The Pro Auto-Disk powder measure is absolutely dead accurate (with Bullseye powder, at least...) every time I double check it (which is often), & it doesn't leak a grain of powder. The only time I had a couple of tipped primers was when I let the primer feed get empty. I quickly figured out that as long as I had primers visible in the tray, it works flawlessly. Resizing, seating the primer, setting the bullet depth, crimping it in place and every other operation happens just as it should once you've got everything set up to your liking.
I ordered it from the States, and even with the exchange, shipping & tax, it cost me right around $300. Along with a scale, tumbler and a few other goodies, I'm still only into it for a little less than $500 total, which I'll likely recover in 12 to 18 months.
I'm sure every company makes some good quality equipment, but don't believe all the bad stuff you read about Lee. Do a lot of shopping, and let your budget guide you to the equipment that will fulfill your reloading needs.
TFC
I'm a new reloader, & I just invested in a Lee Loadmaster last month. Did a lot of research all over the web, and read everything I could get my hands on about reloading. I was leery of going with a Lee, cause I had read so many posts on various forum sites that were bashing it, but in the end, the price was right.
I am completely satisfied with it. I took my time and tinkered with it, getting to know all the different parts, what they did, and how they interact. Read all the set up advice I could find, and read through the admittedly lacking instructions quite a few times too.
To date, I've had no major issues. The Pro Auto-Disk powder measure is absolutely dead accurate (with Bullseye powder, at least...) every time I double check it (which is often), & it doesn't leak a grain of powder. The only time I had a couple of tipped primers was when I let the primer feed get empty. I quickly figured out that as long as I had primers visible in the tray, it works flawlessly. Resizing, seating the primer, setting the bullet depth, crimping it in place and every other operation happens just as it should once you've got everything set up to your liking.
I ordered it from the States, and even with the exchange, shipping & tax, it cost me right around $300. Along with a scale, tumbler and a few other goodies, I'm still only into it for a little less than $500 total, which I'll likely recover in 12 to 18 months.
I'm sure every company makes some good quality equipment, but don't believe all the bad stuff you read about Lee. Do a lot of shopping, and let your budget guide you to the equipment that will fulfill your reloading needs.
TFC
Ive got a couple Lee 1000s, one set up for .38spl. only, and the other I do 9mm & .40cal. as required. So long as I keep them kleen and a bit of lubrication I have "0" problems with them! If I get lazy...then I get problems. I think a lot of reloading is just getting to no your equipment well, and how to maintain it properly !! IMHO
- Location
- Halifax - NS
X3Boomer said:
As a pistol shooter that makes 40K rounds a year; I suffered through 10 years of pain with the Lee 1000, then Lee Jammaster until I got a clue and went blue.
My RCBS rockchucker works great for my rifle loads; especially compared to the Lee single stage that had a frame break a few years back.
Busta Capp
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Town of the Blue Mountains (ON)
Boomer said:
X4, just ordered a Rockchucker Master Reloading Kit;
w ww.rcbs.com/guide/master_reloading_kit.aspx
Heard good and bad reviews about most presses. What clinched it for me was talking to the people at their 1 800 number, very helpful and provided great service.
Judging by your post this will be your first time reloading?
I would stick with single-stage reloading when your just starting out... step by painful slow step until you have a firm grasp of the whole reloading process before you go progressive and start speeding things up.
I have been single-staging for 4 years now and this year I decided to go progressive...mostly because I got into handgunning and single stage reloading for semi-autos is just to darn time consuming.
Like others have said here I highly reccomend the RCBS Rockchucker Supreme reloading kit. The press will last you a lifetime and never miss a beat.
If you want later you can upgrade your Rockchucker with Piggyback conversion unit which will make it a progressive..just stay away from the early piggybacks ...models III and IV are apparently the ones to get.
This is what comes with the kit...
1. Model 5-0-5 Reloading Scale
The accurate measurement of powder charges is vital to handloading. The 5-0-5 Scale is built specifically for this delicate job. It has a capacity of 511 grains and can be used with the Uniflow Powder Measure.
2. Speer Reloading Manual #13
This manual is the complete, step-by-step, top rated reference for everything you want to know about handloading. It contains over 600 pages of information, data and illustrations.
3. Trim Pro Manual Case Trimmer Kit
Every time you fire and reload a case it tends to stretch. The quick, accurate way to trim cases back to size is with the Trim Pro Case Trimmer. It works like a miniature lathe and comes with a hardened steel holders and pilots for most popular calibers.
4. Hex Key Wrench
This wrench features 8 heat-treated hex keys in one compact unit. It fits most hex-type setscrews on RCBS equipment.
5. Deburring Tool
Although small, this important item removes the burrs left on the case after trimming and slightly bevels the inside edge of the case mouth.
6. Powder Funnel
A funnel is handy for pouring the correct powder charge into the case. It is specially designed to avoid powder spills around the case mouth.
7. Case Lube Kit
One of the first steps in the handloading is to carefully clean and lubricate the fired cases. This kit contains a bottle of our Case Lube-2, a case lube pad and two case neck brushes with an accessory handle.
8. Primer Tray-2
This tray is a clever little device that quickly orients primers into the correct position for faster reloading.
9. Case Loading Block
A convenient holding platform for up to 40 cases. It's perfect for holding cases during the powder charging process.
10. Rock Chucker Reloading Press
This press is by far the single biggest piece of equipment involved. The press is used to resize the brass cases, replace the fired primers and seat the bullet.
11. Uniflow Powder Measure
The Uniflow can greatly speed up the powder charging step. A predetermined charge of powder can be dispensed quickly and easily with each crank of the handle. This eliminates the need to weigh every single load.
12. Automatic Primer Feed
With this tool, primers will drop one at a time into the primer plug and sleeve on the reloading press. Includes tubes for large and small primers.
This stuff does not come with but you should add it too your list as well...
13. Caliper to measure cases and OAL. MUST HAVE!!
14. Powder trickler
15. Bullet puller (for when you make a bo-bo)
16. The Speer Manual is a good start but I would add a couple more depending on the bullets you use Nosler, Barnes, and Hornady cover just about everyting else.(theses can be added later)
17. Brass tumbler.(this can be added later if need be)
I would stick with single-stage reloading when your just starting out... step by painful slow step until you have a firm grasp of the whole reloading process before you go progressive and start speeding things up.
I have been single-staging for 4 years now and this year I decided to go progressive...mostly because I got into handgunning and single stage reloading for semi-autos is just to darn time consuming.
Like others have said here I highly reccomend the RCBS Rockchucker Supreme reloading kit. The press will last you a lifetime and never miss a beat.
If you want later you can upgrade your Rockchucker with Piggyback conversion unit which will make it a progressive..just stay away from the early piggybacks ...models III and IV are apparently the ones to get.
This is what comes with the kit...
1. Model 5-0-5 Reloading Scale
The accurate measurement of powder charges is vital to handloading. The 5-0-5 Scale is built specifically for this delicate job. It has a capacity of 511 grains and can be used with the Uniflow Powder Measure.
2. Speer Reloading Manual #13
This manual is the complete, step-by-step, top rated reference for everything you want to know about handloading. It contains over 600 pages of information, data and illustrations.
3. Trim Pro Manual Case Trimmer Kit
Every time you fire and reload a case it tends to stretch. The quick, accurate way to trim cases back to size is with the Trim Pro Case Trimmer. It works like a miniature lathe and comes with a hardened steel holders and pilots for most popular calibers.
4. Hex Key Wrench
This wrench features 8 heat-treated hex keys in one compact unit. It fits most hex-type setscrews on RCBS equipment.
5. Deburring Tool
Although small, this important item removes the burrs left on the case after trimming and slightly bevels the inside edge of the case mouth.
6. Powder Funnel
A funnel is handy for pouring the correct powder charge into the case. It is specially designed to avoid powder spills around the case mouth.
7. Case Lube Kit
One of the first steps in the handloading is to carefully clean and lubricate the fired cases. This kit contains a bottle of our Case Lube-2, a case lube pad and two case neck brushes with an accessory handle.
8. Primer Tray-2
This tray is a clever little device that quickly orients primers into the correct position for faster reloading.
9. Case Loading Block
A convenient holding platform for up to 40 cases. It's perfect for holding cases during the powder charging process.
10. Rock Chucker Reloading Press
This press is by far the single biggest piece of equipment involved. The press is used to resize the brass cases, replace the fired primers and seat the bullet.
11. Uniflow Powder Measure
The Uniflow can greatly speed up the powder charging step. A predetermined charge of powder can be dispensed quickly and easily with each crank of the handle. This eliminates the need to weigh every single load.
12. Automatic Primer Feed
With this tool, primers will drop one at a time into the primer plug and sleeve on the reloading press. Includes tubes for large and small primers.
This stuff does not come with but you should add it too your list as well...
13. Caliper to measure cases and OAL. MUST HAVE!!
14. Powder trickler
15. Bullet puller (for when you make a bo-bo)
16. The Speer Manual is a good start but I would add a couple more depending on the bullets you use Nosler, Barnes, and Hornady cover just about everyting else.(theses can be added later)
17. Brass tumbler.(this can be added later if need be)
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beretta boy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Orillia, Ontario
Satisfied RCBS customer for 40 years
... early experiance with Lyman, Lee & others ... forget it.
The Rockchucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit "package" is good value and so is their Reloading Accessory Kit ... both will save you a few bucks.
350 Mag's list is a very good start, but I'd spend a little extra dough on
a RCBS 10-10 scale, a set of Scale Check Weights (so you never have to guess) as well as a Hand Priming Tool ... more user friendly. RCBS dies are very good, as are Redding. Everything Green
For a progressive handgun ammo set-up ... Dillon. Everything Blue
For Shotgun, MEC Jr. to start out with, or for less frequently shot smaller gauges. (Everything Red) ... for the high volume Trap, Skeet or Sporting shooter: Ponsness-Warren ( Hammer tone Grey ) .
Lots of colur on a long bench !
... early experiance with Lyman, Lee & others ... forget it.
The Rockchucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit "package" is good value and so is their Reloading Accessory Kit ... both will save you a few bucks.
350 Mag's list is a very good start, but I'd spend a little extra dough on
a RCBS 10-10 scale, a set of Scale Check Weights (so you never have to guess) as well as a Hand Priming Tool ... more user friendly. RCBS dies are very good, as are Redding. Everything Green
For a progressive handgun ammo set-up ... Dillon. Everything Blue
For Shotgun, MEC Jr. to start out with, or for less frequently shot smaller gauges. (Everything Red) ... for the high volume Trap, Skeet or Sporting shooter: Ponsness-Warren ( Hammer tone Grey ) .
Lots of colur on a long bench !
I did very little research, went with a few people's opinion only. Seemed unanimous....Dillon. I have the SDB, bought it used (doesn't matter as there is a lifetime warranty on it anyway). I use it for .45ACP, 9MM, 38 spl/357MAG....I find it easy, safe, fast and even fun! It takes a mere 5-10 minutes to convert from 1 caliber to the other and there seems to always be used conversion kits around. I'm not even interested in any other products on the market at this time. I did however buy a Lyman tumbler at a gun show...a definate "must have".
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