[epijunkie67]

Hey guys. I realize this may be a common question but I didn't get it searching the threads.

I've never reloaded before and thought I'd like to try it out. I'm not a frequent shooter and typically only get to the range about once or twice a month. Sometimes more when the weathers nice. I figure I'll be reloading stuff I can't get mil-surp, like 30-30 and 35 remington. Maybe some pistol stuff also, I haven't decided.

So I'm trying to decide on how much intro equipment I want to get into. I have it broken down into three possibilities.
1- Lee Classic loader. http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=543039

2- Lee Hand press. http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=624416

3- A full sized single stage press.
http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe/browse?TabID=1&Categoryid=8604&categorystring=9315***731***680***

4- Something you all suggest instead.

Cost isn't a factor in buying the equipment. I just want something dependable that allows me to load small volumes of ammo (<100-150 rounds) at a time. I know the classic loader will only do one caliber but for $14 bucks I could buy two or three if I needed them. Or, I could get the hand press and have to buy dies, but if I move up to a single stage press I'll already have dies for it. Or, is there something else I should be looking at?

Suggestions?

[capbuster]

Its your decision, of course, but if you start with a good solid single stage press, made by a reputable company,you will not regret it.

[Infidel]

My choice would be the Lee Anniversary Kit plus a set of dies and maybe some other little stuff. Add to it over time, maybe get fancier stuff, but meantime, it will make some good ammo for you. This appraoach has worked for me twice, with a hiatus of several years in between.

[only1asterisk]

You can forget the Lee Loader unless you are in for the excercise. It only neck sizes (less than ideal for leveraction rifles) and the neighbors will be wondering if you bought a Whack-A-Mole game or are adding a room.

A press, a press, any press!

David

[Kramer Krazy]

I had never reloaded until last month (already up to 800 rounds....loaded and fired). A few years ago, I had an RCBS Rockchucker with a Piggyback II conversion. It was a nice progressive unit, but I was very shy to try to use a progressive reloader to learn on. I sold the whole thing about five yeqars ago (thinking now I should have kept it).

When I decided I needed to start reloading, I picked up an RCBS Rockchucker Supreme reloading kit from Midway for $219 during their sale. I quickly learned the basics on the single-stage press, and if all keeps going as it is, I'll look into a progressive one, just for 45ACP. I figure I'll have to do at least 5000 rounds before I feel comfortable enough to want to move up to a progressive unit. Before then, though, I'm going to get a chronograph, so I can double-check the velocities of what I'm reloaidng. I'm just sticking with the same practice load for now.

So....I'd vote for a good single-stage press to learn the basics with. If you decide that reloading is something you will continute to do, you can always change equipment once you feel comfortable. Right now, I figure 3000-3500 rounds of 45ACP will pay for the reloader set-up compared to Walmart WWB ammo. I'll break even, sooner, when I start reloading 44 mag and 38/357 (after this weekend's gunshow, probably).

[lee n. field]

The Lee Hand Press is good for small handgun rounds but (IMHO, YMMV) doesn't have enough leverage to easily full length size large rifle brass. You can, but it'd help to be a gorilla.

[1911user]

A hand press is a specialized reloading tool. Don't buy one unless you have a specific need for it. A bench-mount single-stage would probably do better.

[BigJakeJ1s]

I started out with a Lee hand press, and I still use it, mostly for depriming. I bought a Huntington Compac hand press that is a lot better (leverage, rigidity, etc.). But, just to check it out, I resized a few 8x57 cases in the Lee, and it was not that bad. I wouldn't want to do more than 200 in a sitting with it.

There are some advantages to hand presses. You can use it while sitting in your favorite easy chair for depriming, resizing, or crimping, if you crimp separately. I use it at the kitchen table for seating the bullets after I've loaded the powder. They continue to be very handy even after you decide to "graduate" to a standard bench mounted press.

To be truthful, unless I get the bug to reload enough to warrant a progressive press, I don't think I'll ever go to a bench mounted press; I like the hand press that much. And I like it that my entire loading setup stores away in a rubbermaid tote when I'm not using it: presses (2), trimmer, scales, PM, dies, and enough brass and consumables to load 500 or so rounds.

The way I do things may not fit with everyone else's needs, but it works for me.

Andy

[JNewell]

I have been reloading since the mid-70s and have used just about everything.

I would stay away from the Lee Loader, the excellent Lee hand press, and anything progressive at this time. They're all either too manual or too automated for happy general purpose reloading by someone starting out.

I would consider the following.

Any good single stage press, with a nod to the Lee cast press (an excellent value) or the RCBS Partner press (smaller but very capable if you don't like Lee products -- I have had excellent luck with various Lee products over the years).

Alternatively, you might consider a good turret press. You can use it as a single stage press and then have the convenience of not having to remove dies as much once they're set up. I like the Redding best, but almost all are good. Again, the Lee turret press is IMO both an excellent product and an excellent value.

[StrikeEagle]

I must agree with those who suggest a single stage press to start with. Lee is fine.

I got an RCBS Jr press years ago and even though I load mostly on a Dillon now, I still use the RCBS sometimes.