Hi Ksmirk:
Sometimes it's hard for us "benchrest types" to get out of our mold. You do not need $500 worth of reloading equipment to turn out extremely accurate loads.
Not sure what calibers you load, but most anything from .22 Hornet up to the magnums can be loaded on any of the available reloading equipment. I have won lots of egg shoots with loads done completely on a Lee Anniversary Loading kit. They are excellent. My recommendation would be to keep things small and light and have a set-up that you can use at home and at the range.
A medium-sized tool box from Wal-Mart, etc. will hold just about any press and associated equipment. Your press can be C-clamped to just about any type of bench or table, or mounted on a board which can then be clamped to another surface. I use a Lee Turret Press because I like the exchangeability of turrets with the dies set up for different calibers. A cheap Lee plastic powder measure, when you have practiced with it and learn to be consistent, will throw as accurately as my Redding BR-3 will. Lee Collet Dies are as good a method of neck-sizing brass as has yet been developed. If you don't have custom tight-necked chambers you will not see much benefit from bushing neck-sizing dies.
You can buy a used Lee Turret Press, used Lee Powder Measure, used Lee Priming Tool, etc. on eBay or other classifieds. A complete kit to go to the range and load good, concentric, accurate loads can be had for $100 to $150. The RCBS Partner press is a good value, but doesn't have the convenience of interchangeable turrets.
Mind you, I have most all of the equipment mentioned above. The Harrell's BR Measure, a Redding BR Measure, a Hood press, several sets of Redding neck, body, seating dies, custom-made sizing dies, Wilson dies, etc., etc. They are excellent and most are designed to be used portable. But I can tell you that my old Lee cast white metal press with a $19.95 set of dies will load good, concentric, accurate ammo. Not all the bells and whistles, some of the adjustments are not as concise and easy to change, but the set-up definitely works. Accurate loading is mostly attitude and habits, not expensive equipment.
I go to the range on a regular basis, set up my reloading outfit,which I carry in a large machinist's chest), and load and shoot several calibers for six or seven hours straight. My most favorite press is a custom-built turret press by Fred Moreo of Savage Shooters Supply, which he made under license from Lee, using their turrets and his press design.
Any type of scale, from the way-too-expensive digitals to used beam scales off eBay, is a challenge to use outdoors. I have settled on my RCBS 505 and a three-sided box to check charges with, but have pretty much succumbed to throw-and-load once I get the measure set.
The costly stuff is great and, to me, a luxury but not a necessity. Load, shoot, enjoy!
Thanks again guys. Later,
