Reloading kit suggestions
- Thread starter Younggun
- Start date
So are your looking for a somewhat inexpensive starter kit to just get you going or are you willing to purchase bettter equiptment that will get you to your goal without having to purchase additional more precision equiptment soon down the road? What will you be loading and how quickly do you want to be up and running? Do you have a big or small budget?
I would suggest you get a reloading manual and read it to understand the basics then a book on precision reloading and read it. You are new and there are several directions you can go. I started with an RCBS kit many years ago and started loading 30.06, 300WM and 30-30 for hunting. It didn't take me long to want to understand more so I got a few books, The Accurate Rifle and The Complete Book of Practicle Handloading (old but good books). A more recent good book is Handloading for Competition. Taking the time to read a few books before you purchase your equiptment will go a long way in setting your goals. When you are sure of your direction and what level of precision you are looking for, this will dictate what equiptment is required to get you there. There are many folks here that will help you with questions along the way so don't jump in too fast if you don't have to. Another good path is find someone loading for precision that you can sit with and learn. If you are wanting to load for BR as you state, a basic kit won't get you there. This is the best advice I can give you just starting off.
I would suggest you get a reloading manual and read it to understand the basics then a book on precision reloading and read it. You are new and there are several directions you can go. I started with an RCBS kit many years ago and started loading 30.06, 300WM and 30-30 for hunting. It didn't take me long to want to understand more so I got a few books, The Accurate Rifle and The Complete Book of Practicle Handloading (old but good books). A more recent good book is Handloading for Competition. Taking the time to read a few books before you purchase your equiptment will go a long way in setting your goals. When you are sure of your direction and what level of precision you are looking for, this will dictate what equiptment is required to get you there. There are many folks here that will help you with questions along the way so don't jump in too fast if you don't have to. Another good path is find someone loading for precision that you can sit with and learn. If you are wanting to load for BR as you state, a basic kit won't get you there. This is the best advice I can give you just starting off.
Younggun: I personally do not believe in the starter kits, although I understand many do.
To buy a "kit" that contains everything is assuming that the manufacturer of that kit makes the best of each item that is included in their "package".
Not necessarily true. They may make an excellent press, good set of dies, downright piece of junk that they consider to be a powder measure, for example.
You are also sure to get at least some items that you will never use, or need to replace for something better, so the unused items lay in a corner somewhere.
TheSnakes suggestion to first purchase a reloading manual ( the Lyman #49 is one of my favorites), is excellent advice to take before you make any purchases.
There is also a lot of excellent used equipment available, heavy duty items like cast iron presses are built to last a lifetime (or more?), so that's also an option. Buy from a private seller & you can get some really good deals.
To buy a "kit" that contains everything is assuming that the manufacturer of that kit makes the best of each item that is included in their "package".
Not necessarily true. They may make an excellent press, good set of dies, downright piece of junk that they consider to be a powder measure, for example.
You are also sure to get at least some items that you will never use, or need to replace for something better, so the unused items lay in a corner somewhere.
TheSnakes suggestion to first purchase a reloading manual ( the Lyman #49 is one of my favorites), is excellent advice to take before you make any purchases.
There is also a lot of excellent used equipment available, heavy duty items like cast iron presses are built to last a lifetime (or more?), so that's also an option. Buy from a private seller & you can get some really good deals.
I think if I were to buy a kit today, I would go with a redding kit. I also started with a rcbs kit years ago, but sold parts off here and there until I had what I wanted. I now have a redding br powder thrower and love it. I thought I needed a new press and bought the new rcbs rockchucker supreme, and hated it after loving the regular rock chucker for 15yrs. I now have a redding big boss, that has a tube out the bottom of the ram for primer collection. wide opening in it for getting the case in/out without issues. So far I can't find a single complaint about it. as for the new rockchucker supreme, the primer catching attachment gets in the way of your fingers getting the cases in & out. then you have to turn it up at an angle to get it out to empty, which ends up dumping half the primers. I am sure you can see pics online somewhere of it with the primer tray installed, it hugs the backside of the ram. so stay away from it. I do like the rcbs scales, 10-10-10 are great. I honestly have never used redding scales, so they might be great too. redding dies are easier to adjust seating depth, etc also. some other brand dies require wrenches & screw drivers to adjust. just a pain. all of the presses I have owned have all been single stage pressed, never could see the need for a turret press, but maybe someone who has one could chime in with benefits of them.
wheelgun7360
Silver $$ Contributor
another vote for the REDDING. allen
snert
Silver $$ Contributor
Not for nuthin, but Redding makes everything in the USA. Look hard at the Pro-pac or Versa Pac for starter kit, upgrade standard dies with new micrometer seat stem or go whole hog and buy the S type die set. get some Imperial sizing wax, and the powdered neck lube with appllicator. Personally, if I were starting all over, I would never look outside the Redding catalog for the first few years.
Snert
Snert
snert
Silver $$ Contributor
Fryeguy,
A bit off the subject, but regarding a turret press. A Redding T7 set up with an Instant Indicator next to a Competition seat die allows one to short seat a bullet, move to the Indicator, get a reading, dial it into the COMP die, then finish seating. This allows for seating that takes into account INDIVIDUAL bullet differences, resulting in cartridges that are the same from base to full bullet diameter. When you are done, just give the head a spin and start loading on the other dies for another caliber! Can't do that with a single stage!
A bit off the subject, but regarding a turret press. A Redding T7 set up with an Instant Indicator next to a Competition seat die allows one to short seat a bullet, move to the Indicator, get a reading, dial it into the COMP die, then finish seating. This allows for seating that takes into account INDIVIDUAL bullet differences, resulting in cartridges that are the same from base to full bullet diameter. When you are done, just give the head a spin and start loading on the other dies for another caliber! Can't do that with a single stage!
TheBlueEyedBear
'The Nut Behind The Trigger'
I agree with Frank, and I don't believe a starter kit is the way to go. If you have jumped in with a purchase of a gun or guns, then you have somewhat of a commitment to you reloading. There is an old saying out there, "BUY THE BEST, AND CRY ONCE!". For a PRESS, I like the Harrell's turret press for small BR and 308 type loading. This is a great product. For larger cartridges the FORSTER Co-Ax press is awesome. They're not cheap, but remember that old saying above. I know!!
For factory dies the choice would be either REDDING or FORSTER. You may want to go with custom dies later in which case I would suggest NEIL JONES.
SINCLAIR International makes a great case trimmer. One of the best I have ever used! There are other new devices out there that I have not tried yet.
For turning necks (something that is highly recommended) there are numerous products. Remember that statement above! The PMA neck turner is my favorite. Easy to use and comfortable. Other good products are 21st CENTURY and K&M, and, SINCLAIR. All good products. If you don't want to or are just to busy, RON HOEHN offers a neck turning service at a reasonable price.
For buying my reloading equipment and supplies I use RUSS HAYDON, MIDWAY USA and SINCLAIR. There are numerous others out there but I find good prices here and good service. At SINCLAIR you can always call and get good knowledgeable service for questions and special needs you may have.
For the reloading components (POWDER, BULLETS, PRIMERS, and BRASS) there are several good places to shop. My favorites are POWDER VALLEY, GRAF & SONS, MIDWAY USA, and SINCLAIR.
Again, these are just a few of my favorites and doesn't mean they are the best (other than in my humble opinion).
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions and I will try my best to provide an answer.
For factory dies the choice would be either REDDING or FORSTER. You may want to go with custom dies later in which case I would suggest NEIL JONES.
SINCLAIR International makes a great case trimmer. One of the best I have ever used! There are other new devices out there that I have not tried yet.
For turning necks (something that is highly recommended) there are numerous products. Remember that statement above! The PMA neck turner is my favorite. Easy to use and comfortable. Other good products are 21st CENTURY and K&M, and, SINCLAIR. All good products. If you don't want to or are just to busy, RON HOEHN offers a neck turning service at a reasonable price.
For buying my reloading equipment and supplies I use RUSS HAYDON, MIDWAY USA and SINCLAIR. There are numerous others out there but I find good prices here and good service. At SINCLAIR you can always call and get good knowledgeable service for questions and special needs you may have.
For the reloading components (POWDER, BULLETS, PRIMERS, and BRASS) there are several good places to shop. My favorites are POWDER VALLEY, GRAF & SONS, MIDWAY USA, and SINCLAIR.
Again, these are just a few of my favorites and doesn't mean they are the best (other than in my humble opinion).
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions and I will try my best to provide an answer.
nosualc
Silver $$ Contributor
Let me ask you a question. Are you the kind of guy who really gets into his hobbies, or are you a dabbler? Nothing wrong with either.
A dabbler would be best served by a kit. One stop shopping, probably save a few bucks, and it'll be plenty good enough. If you tend to go 100% on your hobbies, I would say skip the kit and just buy each piece individually.
I fall into the latter category, and bought a kit a few years back. Since then I've either sold or relegated to the junk drawer almost everything from that original kit. I'd have been money ahead if I had just bought things piecemeal.
If you're wanting to do benchrest (or load to that level), I don't think you'll find a kit satisfactory in the long run.
-nosualc
A dabbler would be best served by a kit. One stop shopping, probably save a few bucks, and it'll be plenty good enough. If you tend to go 100% on your hobbies, I would say skip the kit and just buy each piece individually.
I fall into the latter category, and bought a kit a few years back. Since then I've either sold or relegated to the junk drawer almost everything from that original kit. I'd have been money ahead if I had just bought things piecemeal.
If you're wanting to do benchrest (or load to that level), I don't think you'll find a kit satisfactory in the long run.
-nosualc
Guys, thanks for all the feedback it's all greatly appreciated. I would say I was going to be a dappler in the reloading but like I said I recently got my first gun and I was already in the process of building a house so I added on a 10 x 30 safe room which is now my gun room. So my wife told me I am balls deep at this point so I am shooting and reloading. On that note all the guys I shoot with and my buddy who is teaching me how to reload all use rcbs. But I was interested in other peoples views. I was looking at the kits to save a little up front. But what I gather everyone is up for redding equipment.
Thanks again guys
Thanks again guys
DennisH
Life Time NRA member
I started off with the RCBS kit! Then I added from there! First thing I added was the RCBS electronic powder dispenser! Get a good caliper, and Hornady COAL kit, and I bought a few more presses! Good dies are a must!
Lots of options out there, a starter kit is good, but like with anything else, you will want to tune it!
DennisH
Life Time NRA member
When learning it's tough.
If I had it to do over again, with the knowledge I have now, I would piece a kit together. I have items from the starter kit that I have never used! But a starter kit on sales is still a good buy.
I perfer Forester and Redding dies!
I use a Forester trimmer.
If I had it to do over again, with the knowledge I have now, I would piece a kit together. I have items from the starter kit that I have never used! But a starter kit on sales is still a good buy.
I perfer Forester and Redding dies!
I use a Forester trimmer.
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