Armory Sponsor
Posted: 4/20/2009 8:46:54 PM EDT
|
Which one do you think is the best beginners kit? I don't want to play with a progressive yet. Thanks, |
|
Quoted:
I think the RCBS Rockchucker Supreme kit is the best out there. You will be using the stuff that comes in that kit as long as you reload, it is built to last and if you do break anything just call RCBS and they will take right care of you at no cost  That's ^^^ what I always recommend to beginners. The stuff in it with always be used, for as long as you reload. And then by your children and grandchildren, and . . . |
|
I started with a RCBS Rock Chucker kit in 1994. Its a great kit, and everything in it is useful to a beginning as well as a more advanced handloader. Even if you eventually get a progressive, you will still find the RC and everything that comes with it useful to have around.
I think the Lee kits are a great bargain, but the overall quality of the RCBS stuff is hard to beat and so is the warranty. |
|
Looking back, if I could do it all over again, I would splurge on a Redding Turret press, and get a "downmarket" powder dispenser and scale. My hornady/pacific scale works just fine and my Lee Perfect Powder Measure throws charges as consistent as my Redding powder measure.
The benefit of the turret press is that it works like a single-stage, but you don't have to move dies all the time. I found constantly adjusting dies was a big bummer when I first started loading. I keep the dies in my turret press adjusted for whatever calibers I am currently shooting in the greatest quantity. Presently, that is 7.62 NATO and .30 carbine. Three months ago, it was .223 and .45 ACP. It's a nice way to set yourself up if you aren't into progressive loading. |
|
My dad uses RCBS equipment. I have the Lee Anniversary set. His stuff is better made/more durable, but the Lee has a better design. Some comparisons:
Handle: RCBS - can drop and smack your leg/knee Lee - balanced handle Depriming: RCBS - small spent primer tray, removing the tray to empty results in spilled primers Lee - spent primers collect in long tube or can be routed directly to trash Priming: RCBS - have to load the primer ram manually Lee - safety prime loads the ram so you don't have to touch the primers at all Changing dies: RCBS - PITA to change dies, have to reset them each time Lee - Breech lock collets remove with 1/4 twist and dies stay in adjustment when replaced |
| If you want to do it on the cheap but still turn out good reliable ammo then the Lee Anniversary kit is hard to beat, especially with the new breech lock press. For a little more the Lyman reloading kit offers a damn lot for $300. Turret press, measure, scale, tools, even a trimmer is included among a bunch of other things. Set of dies and maybe buy a tumbler and you'd be set. |
|
Quoted:
My biggest concern is that I invest into this and only find out later that I'm a moron and can't reload or I have no interest in it. If you can read and follow instructions then you're plenty capable. Reloading is a hobby. Some people stick to their hobbies, others don't. The good thing is that you can recover nearly all of your investment if you later decide that reloading isn't for you. ETA: I thought everybody in Utah reloaded. |
Armory Sponsor