Is this a good reloading kit for a .223?

[stinnett1981]

Im new to reloading. Looking at a single stage kit I found on midway for around $300. I varmint hunt and target shoot. Not gonna be competition shooting. Info is below and a pic is attached. Just wanna learn to reload!!! Is this what I need? Is everything i need here? Gonna be shooting a 700P .223 1 in 9 twist. The rifle shoots 69 SMK and 60 Vmax under .5. Anything under 60 grain it shoots around 1 inch. Havent tried 70 grain or higher. Wanna reload some 70 Bergers. I hear they shoot awesome. What do you guys think? After I purchase a kit I will have more questions about how to use the equipment, powders, primers and bullets! Thanks!


RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Single Stage Press Kit

Product #: 937051

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

It's a good kit to start with. You will need some dies and a set of calipers. Then a trimmer, and tumbler or some way to clean the cases. It you use once-fired military brass you will need some way to deal with the primer crimp.

You have just started, but you started well.

 

[TheSnake]

This will get your feet wet for sure. As Bayou stated, you need the calipers and a trimmer would help. The entire front section in your book are instructions on reloading. Be sure to read it carefully a few times before you start and come back here with questions on details. Good luck.

 

[jonbearman]

Keep in mind that there is no STUPID QUESTIONS when it comes to reloading. Please ask away as safety is extremely important to all of us on this site. Welcome to this site.

 

[stinnett1981]

Im seeing multiple RCBS reloading kits online. The other one Im looking at is 2X the price ($600). It has a digital scale instead of the 5-0-5 powder scale, a trim pro case trimmer kit and a powder measure stand. The $300 has a powder measure too, but no stand. Is all of that worth the extra $300? I know I need a case trimmer, but do I really need a digital scale? or will the 5-0-5 powder scale do the job that is in the $300 kit. Both kits have the same press, uniflow powder measure, deburring tool, reloading guide book, loading block, lube and hand priming tool. I dont think either one has dies or calipers? What are dies and calipers used for? Dies are for each individual caliber....correct? Also I will need a tumbeler to clean the cases as stated by bayou shooter.

They are both on cabelas website.
The $600 kit is called RCBS® Rock Chucker Supreme Select Reloading Kit
The $300 kit is called RCBS® Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit

Which one should I get?

 

[walker2713]

Nothing wrong with the $600 kit if the $$'s not a problem. My suggestion: go with the basic kit, and add what you need as you go along. You may end up wanting scales, trimmer etc. different from what's in the kit. Get started with the basics, and build from there, through your experience.

Good luck!

 

[TheSnake]

I think with an additional 300 you can do better than the RCBS digital scale in the master kit and have enough to get a trimmer. The powder throw should come with a mounting base you can use on the top of the press under a die so you don't need the stand in the beginning. You will need a die set for each caliber you will reload. There are several die makers and you will need to decide what brand and type ofmdiemset you will need. If you can get your starter kit and read the book before you decide on the dies, that may save you some money in the beginning by making a informed decision on the type of dies.

My advice is to get the starter kit, read, ask questions, get your dies and reload a little before you get a scale.

 

[necchi]

Which one should I get?

I see your asking some basic questions, and that's a good thing, wee all started from square one, many without a local mentor.

Before jumping in with both feet and dropping alot of money on a kit, I would advise going to the local library and checking out a few books on reloading.
Read'm cover to cover, it'll will help you define some goals for yourself,,

 

[RStewart]

The only additional items I would suggest is a headspace gauge and bullet comparator to use on the calipers. One measures the shoulder on the brass and the other I use to check the ogive of the loaded round. For my AR's I use a RCBS Micrometer for the shoulder bump. Very easy to use.

http://www.amazon.com/Hornady-Lock-Load-Headspace-Gauge/dp/B000PD5VN8

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/231904/hornady-lock-n-load-bullet-comparator-basic-set-with-6-inserts

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=RC88300&src=exrbSrch

This is a pretty good tumbler. I've used mine about 3 years now.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/414369/frankford-arsenal-quick-n-ez-case-tumbler-master-kit-with-quick-n-ez-rotary-media-separator-110-volt?cm_vc=S016587176

 

[stinnett1981]

Found the kit im gonna buy. Its $500 on the sinclair.com

Redding Big Boss Pro-Pak Deluxe Reloading Kit

I hear Redding is alot better and made in USA. Some RCBS stuff is from china.

Hear is the link to it http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pid=38410/Product/Redding-Big-Boss-Pro-Pak-Deluxe-Reloading-Kit

What do you guys think?

 

[RStewart]

Found the kit im gonna buy. Its $500 on the sinclair.com

Redding Big Boss Pro-Pak Deluxe Reloading Kit

I hear Redding is alot better and made in USA. Some RCBS stuff is from china.

Hear is the link to it http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pid=38410/Product/Redding-Big-Boss-Pro-Pak-Deluxe-Reloading-Kit

What do you guys think?

A lot of the competitive shooters I shoot with and myself use Redding dies, but use the RCBS Rockchucker Supreme press. It's built like a tank.
Ultimately, you will decide which direction you wish to go.

 

[NCFrank]

Redding is a very good choice. Would like to make three suggestions:
1. Another good reloading manual such as Sierra or Lyman. As previously mentioned, read and ask questions.
2. When considering dies and if you do not plan on going the bushing die route, look at this set from Redding.

223 Remington Deluxe Die Set For Bottleneck Cases
REDDING RELOADING PRODUCTS

Set has Full length sizer, Neck sizer, Seat die.

3. I would recommend the Redding Carbide Expander for the sizing dies as well. I use the carbide expander for all but two calibers I load and those two calibers have not been used for quite some time. I believe Midsouth has the best price on the carbide expander at present.

Be safe and enjoy your new endeavor. It can be fun.

 

[stinnett1981]

I have a book on the way called "the ABC's to reloading". I bought it off of amazon.com. It had ALOT of 5 star reviews. Im gonna order a reload starter kit and read the book I ordered. Then I will have some questions! I dont know the difference between a die and a bushing die???

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

The Redding kit is a great idea. All you need are dies and for starting out, I would not bother with bushing dies, just get regular dies.

Oh, and get Sinclair to add one of these to the order:

http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pid=33078/Product/Imperial-Die-Wax

You can thank me later.

 

[necchi]

I have a book on the way called "the ABC's to reloading".

Good Book,
The Redding kit IS a good choice.

Another source for info is all the kit makers web sites, almost everyone and many bullet makers have short on-line tutorials.
Ammo-Smith on Youtube has allot of good stuff too.

You really can't get enough info, it's a constant learning process, even if you see allot of stuff repeated is good to see how others approach the same issues.

Safety,,SAFETY. There is a Safety protocol that needs to be followed esp while your learning.

 

[Shynloco]

I have a book on the way called "the ABC's to reloading".
[/quote]

The Redding kit IS a good choice.

[/quote]

Great kit for any reloader, new or old and the book is a must. It'll show and tell you whats is what and how to use them. I have both the Redding Big Boss and the RCBS Rockchucker set up on my bench and use them weekly as I reload. With those two, there no bullet or casing (including magnum) you cannot reload. My compliments on your choices as you won't have to buy twice and you are getting better than average equipment from the git go. Enjoy!