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Posted: 2/25/2012 4:07:05 PM EDT
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I want to get into reloading and would like to know what a good starter kit would be. Should I get a turret press or something else. Are the RCBS kits good to start out with or would the lee kits be better? Looking to reload .223, .308, .40 S&W.
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| Reloading rifle cartridges is very labor intensive on the case prep portion so I recommend you use a single stage press not a progressive. Progressive presses are great for loading pistol bullets rapidly. With pistols one can use carbide dies and with rifles one has to use case lube my preference is horniday Unique that comes in the little butter dish. Link |
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I would recommend the RCBS kit, everything in it is good quality and you'll use it for a very long time.
http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=RC09357 |
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Honestly, and this is just my personal opinion... DO NOT GET A KIT!!
Unless you find a place that will give you the items you want as a "kit", there is no end all, be all kit available to get you reloading. There will be items you want to swap out, or something you just don't need. You're better off selecting the pieces and brands that you want, and putting together your own set up. I would suggest starting slow, 1 caliber at a time. The .40 S&W would be a great starting point. Learn the ropes on that and then expand into the rifle calibers. That way, if you decide reloading isn't for you, you won't have spent the extra money on the rifle prep tools needed like trimmers, swagers, more dies, etc... The typical response would be to read the stickies, but I know how they can be. You might feel like you won't know where to start. But I assure you, they'll at the very least give you an idea. Heck, before you even start picking out all this equipment, you would probably benefit from picking up a manual or two. ABC's of reloading is an excellent start. |
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I started on a Lee single stage press. Anniversary Kit. It had just about everything I needed to get started. .45, 9mm, .223 and .308.
The additional items I bought: One powder measure for each of my calibers. Digital Scale Franklin Caliper Extra Case Holders I like Imperial Sizing Wax for case prep on my 308 and 223. Tumbling stuff and getting all the brass clean seems to take more time and money than anything. I am constantly working on ways to do it cheaper and better. 
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Don't be afraid to start with a progressive press or with a rifle cartridge. If you read the manuals like the Lyman 49th and the ABC's of reloading you will have a great knoweldge base to start from.
As far as kits, I would suggest that you start here: http://brianenos.com/store/dillon.ez.550.html If you get to a spot where you aren't exaclty sure how to proceed or follow an instruction (it happens), then you can get on here and get the answer. You can also call the company that makes the part you are trying to setup and get the answer right from the manufacturer. For what it's worth, I started loading .223 on the Dillon 550B. I am happy that I did and have not been disappointed with my choices. |
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