I want to begin Reloading. Which is a Good Kit to buy?

I found this looking at gauges
I dont shoot without em !
Submitted 8 months ago

By BubbaonPC

From Creston NC

Verified Buyer

I have 10 of these babies. Takes a little time and effort learning to use it correctly, but you will get a "feel" for it. Each bullet diameter makes a difference...the .204 Ruger doesnt require as much force as the 30-06 or 7mm. Take MULTIPLE readings...at least 10. Dont ram it up in there and dont ginger cake it either. I push hard enough to "just touch" the Lands. After my "AVERAGE", I make up "Dummy Rounds"...use a felt marker to "paint" the bullet...place in the bolt,,and close her up. Remove softly and check for marks in the "paint"...each Gun likes a different jump...and here is where the fun begins ! Takes a while, but it will be worth it. PLEASE REMEMBER !! Changing the OAL of the Cartridge WILL change PRESSURES. If you have been using 40 grains of powder, loading to the BOOK OAL and recommendations...and you increase the OAL..your 40 grain load COULD BE dangerous !! Back off 10-15% and start a New Load. ALSO, you MUST use the exact same bullet, from the same manufacturer, from the same Box...as you intend to use in your reload. A 140gr AMAX and a 140gr Nosler Ballistic Tip ARE NOT THE SAME bullet. Different OGIVES...different bullet lengths. Each time you switch bullets, you must take a new reading. I have my OGIVE reading written on EACH box of bullets...and just because you have a .308 compass and your buddy has a 308 compass..does not mean they will shoot the same OAL bullet you measured for yours. One last thing...your FIRST step is to measure your guns magazine...trust me...a 2.75" cartridge will not fit a magazine that measures 2.60" ! ..unless you want to turn your bolt action into a single shot.... Hope this helps
 
Are dies Universal in size and threading? Meaning if I have dies from different manufacturers, I should still be able to use them on whatever press I get?

Example: I was given some Lee dies for .357/.38 and RCBS dies for .30-30.
 
Ugh... looks like it'll just be easier to go for the RCBS kit for now. Going the handpress way I'd have to hunt for all the other needed piece parts.
 
I'll pass for now on going that 3rd party route. $329 brand new for that RCBS kit at Turners. And gives ability to take it back if something not right.

I've already got brass. Just have to de-prime and clean. Already have UltraSonic cleaner. So need solvent & Maybe need the little tools for cleaning primer area. and the brushes for inside the cases.

Got 2 die sets already to start some stuff with. Would jsut need to add .223 Rem, .308 Win and then one for my lil .380acp.

Then just:
powders, primers, bullets, and probably an additional reloaders manual just to cross-check and verify that recipes seem to jive, no?
 
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If you reload for rifles I would get a single stage RCBS.
Why - When you reload for a rifle it is for accuracy, because you can buy cheap rounds to shoot. But it is very costly to buy accurate rounds.

If you reload for a pistol get a multi-stage press like the Lee.
Why - Reloading for a pistol is not for accuracy since you and that gun will never match the accuracy of purchased ammo, you are just trying to lower the cost.

My advice is to get the press, several powders for your caliber and bullet weight along with several different types of bullet's. The using OCW or the Ladder method, find out what powder & bullet is the best match for your gun. This works for pistol & rifle.

If you can find someone selling a lot of bullet's or brass in your caliber that are different types/styles and weights, it would be good to pick them up. Because in the beginning you are just trying to find out what works.
 
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I used a Lee Hand press for two years before I bought the Classic turret. It' a great way to get started while learning what you really need.
It's an addiction of its own. Have fun and good luck.
 
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rbduffer said:
I used a Lee Hand press for two years before I bought the Classic turret. It' a great way to get started while learning what you really need.
It's an addiction of its own. Have fun and good luck.
Click to expand...
If I go the Hand Press route... what is the COMPLETE list of other tools/items/accesories I would NEED to also order to have the bare minimum I need to be able to reload?
 
PS, seriously thanks you guys for chiming in. It can feel a little overwhelming, especially since there is the added pressure of not knowing the particular ins-and-outs of certain manufacturers products too.
 
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What's a good value case trimmer. The Hornady one looks like an excellent design, but it seems a little spendy.
 
For reloading the two calibers I shoot I found watching the catalogs was a good way to save money. Also for stuff like the scale you can go check out Harbor Freight. I found a cheap digital that has helped dial in loads.

But then I am not going to hang a sign "New Remington/Winchester/etc. Factory". Just load some non-toxic and avoid spending $$$ at Turners or Tiffany's. Probably better accuracy too.
 
TonyS said:
For reloading the two calibers I shoot I found watching the catalogs was a good way to save money. Also for stuff like the scale you can go check out Harbor Freight. I found a cheap digital that has helped dial in loads.

But then I am not going to hang a sign "New Remington/Winchester/etc. Factory". Just load some non-toxic and avoid spending $$$ at Turners or Tiffany's. Probably better accuracy too.
Click to expand...


"Tiffany's" <-- What's this?
 
did you end up getting a kit yet? I got the Lee classic turret kit and it seems pretty legit. Im also just getting started into this stuff. Ive only done 223 and 40sw and it has been a lot easier than I made it out to be. The kit came with everything, only extras I bought was a double disc kit for the powder dispenser and digital scale, kit comes with beam scale. Digital just make it go a little faster. For the rifle stuff I dont even use the powder dispenser or the progressive part of the turret, so I disable that feature. I just do 25-50 rounds a station at a time. But for generic plinking 40sw, its nice to have the ability to ratchet threw rounds a little faster.

Next on the list to play with is 6.5 grendel and 38 special.
 
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What about case trimming tool though? Don't you need to have that one as well? That's the impression I got from what I researched. Because from multiple times of reforming the brass it stretches out a little bit each time, apparently.
 
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