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Posted: 1/13/2009 2:07:28 PM EDT
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Hi everyone!!! I am wanting to get into reloading and really don't know where to start. I have read the FAQ's but still have a couple of questions (answers may have been in the FAQ, but missed it). I do plan on reading a couple books first, but would like to know what equipment I should be looking at. I am wanting to get quality equipment (not necesserily top dollar, but definatly not bottom shelf crap) to load as small as 9mm , but up to .308, 7.62x54, .303, 30.06. I still have not decided between a single stage or progressive press.
Also, what should be my first piece of equipment. I was thinking of going kind of in order of the process. First the books, then decapper?, then tumbler?..... Please give me some ideas of what (brand, models) equipment I should be looking at. Thanks for everyones help in advance. |
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IMHO......first press......single station. LEARN.
Then, if your got it down and want more production......branch into a progressive press. Just to give you an idea about prices......... OK.....so, I've been thinking (dangerous).
Assuming, that I'd want more safety than just dipping powder and I'd like to expand someday to more than just one caliber. What would I do IF I had a limited budget? So........the Classic LEE Loader ($23.39). It can only be use with one caliber. It will only neck size cases, it's slow and I'll need to get a scale (for more safety) and I'll need a better way to handle powder. Anyway, I'll pass. Then, the Lee Hand Press Kit #90179 ($34.95).........it's a little better. Though I'd prefer a bench mounted press for ease of use. And, I would still have to buy dies ($22.59), powder handling equipment (scale and measure/hopper), and brass trimming equipment. I had one, once.......what a PIA. IMHO, bench mounted is the way to go. Hmmm........so, maybe the Lee Reloader Press w/ free manual #90700 ($27.79)..........well, it's a bench mounted "C" press and that's OK. But I'll still need dies ($22.59), a scale ($24.99) and powder measure/hopper ($23.39). Then, a primer tool ($10.19) and brass trimming tools ($5.39 cutter/holder & $4.59 length gauge). But, I'm already up to $118.93 and still short some small items. Next up........the Lee Breech Lock Press 50th Anniversary Kit #90050 ($88.99).......it's a standard press and it comes with a scale, powder measure/hopper, primer seater tool, plus a few extras. Sounds like everything except for the dies ($22.59) and brass trimming case length gauge ($4.59). Total $116.17 w/o shipping. Or, the kit that I prefer........the Lee Breech Lock Press Challenger Kit #90030 ($100.79).......it's just like the 50th Anniversary Kit but it has a separate hand primer tool w/ a variety of shell holders. Then, I'll need to add dies ($22.59) and brass trimming case length gauge ($4.59). Total $127.97 w/o shipping. I could add a LEE manual ($12.99) or I could just use the supplied data sheet that comes with the LEE dies. BTW, LEE prices vary, so shop around. And, I'm not mentioning where I saw these prices (as of 12-5-08) because, the seller was "out of stock" on some of the items mentioned. And, there is always USED equipment. HTH. Aloha, Mark PS…….I picked LEE for this example, only because, they make good inexpensive products. It's not meant as an endorsement over any of the other brand(s) out there in the market. As for the "other equipment" ...........well, getting a "kit" will limit you but at the same time free you from having to make the decision. Aloha, Mark PS.......set a budget. Otherwise you may get some "pie in the sky" advice about buying. |
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Quoted:
Hi everyone!!! I am wanting to get into reloading and really don't know where to start. I have read the FAQ's but still have a couple of questions (answers may have been in the FAQ, but missed it). I do plan on reading a couple books first, but would like to know what equipment I should be looking at. I am wanting to get quality equipment (not necesserily top dollar, but definatly not bottom shelf crap) to load as small as 9mm , but up to .308, 7.62x54, .303, 30.06. I still have not decided between a single stage or progressive press. Also, what should be my first piece of equipment. I was thinking of going kind of in order of the process. First the books, then decapper?, then tumbler?..... Please give me some ideas of what (brand, models) equipment I should be looking at. Thanks for everyones help in advance. http://www.ar15.com/content/page.html?id=400 |
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Quoted:
Hi everyone!!! I am wanting to get into reloading and really don't know where to start. I have read the FAQ's but still have a couple of questions (answers may have been in the FAQ, but missed it). I do plan on reading a couple books first, but would like to know what equipment I should be looking at. I am wanting to get quality equipment (not necesserily top dollar, but definatly not bottom shelf crap) to load as small as 9mm , but up to .308, 7.62x54, .303, 30.06. I still have not decided between a single stage or progressive press. You have to know this first. Single stage, RCBS kit with a Rockchucker press. Progressive, Dillon 550 Also, what should be my first piece of equipment. I was thinking of going kind of in order of the process. First is a tumbler and a media seperator. Dillon makes good ones. First the books, then decapper?, then tumbler?..... After tumbler, you will need a press. Rockchucker mentioned above. Please give me some ideas of what (brand, models) equipment I should be looking at. Thanks for everyones help in advance. |
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In my opinion........
First things should be a good reloading manual, a good beam scale, and a set of calipers. I don't necessarily think that everyone should start with a single stage like some people say. I think that buying a progressive right off the bat can save you some $$ down the road because you are going to want a progressive anyway. However, the progressive should allow you to easily remove a case at any stage of the operation, and you should use it as a single stage (or 2-stage) untill you get the whole reloading thing figured out. I have an old Hornady Pro-Jector (predecessor to the LNL) that I have used heavily for over 20 years. Just recently sent it off for a once over by the mfg since some parts were starting to get worn and the timing was starting to get a little off. Only thing I changed on it in all those years was I installed a case-activated powder drop. |
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First off skip the single stage idea and look at a good turret press and I am not talking Lee unless that is all you really want to invest. Depending on how many calibers you re going to load but an extra turret head or two so you can mount the dies and leave them on that turret. Then just run it as a single stage and do one process at a time.
Single stages suck for pistol calibers and any bulk loading and turrets are only a little bit better. Other alternative buy a Hornady LNL, get the free bullets and come out closer to even before you start. A progressive, at least a Hornady, can be run to do a single process at a time with the advantage of only having to load the case and let it eject on its own. I just resized about 1k of .45 acp cases a few days ago in less than 30 minutes this way on mine. Try that on a single stage. |
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I also recommend the single stage press (IE: RCBS Rockchucker or the like) Just because there is so much more to learn with them. start at the bottom and work to the top.
also, a 10-10 scale (or balance beam scale). RCBS, Dillon, or something like that. It will make you truly appreciate every round you shoot, and, make you appreiate the progressive WHEN you move up to it. just my two cents. |
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Another one..........
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=6&f=42&t=263380 Aloha, Mark |
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