I'm starting to reload this winter and I'm torn whether I should just use my father in laws old press and just buy a few newer things to complete the set up or just buy a new "kit" that has everything and use his as a back up.
He has a old Lyman single stage press and the cheap scoop type powder measures then the dyes and gauges for 357 Max/mag and 38 special. I would need dies for my .243 and 17rem, new powder measure and trickler, and scale I think.
Or I could just get the Lee kit and be super cheap and use his dies and buy the dies for the rifles I need and all I would need is a scale I think or maybe the Hornady kit.
One: Free stuff is free stuff. Take advantage of it. It also builds good will between you and your Father-in-Law. No substitute for that.
Two: Learning with a Single Stage is far easier than on any other type press. A Turret is not much different, but a Progressive is more complex. Watching one step at a time is the best way to learn.
Three: While you are still getting your "feet wet", you will develop some judgement over what equipment you will ultimately want and will serve your particular needs best. If I knew when I started loading what I know now, I would not have wasted a lot of time and money on purchases that I found less than ideal for me. After you have loaded 6 months or a year you will have gained enough experience and knowledge about your needs to shop around with more confidence and discernment.
As far as additional gear is concerned, the scoops will do as a powder measure, used in conjuction with a scale and trickler. New dies? Perhaps. But if the old ones are in good condition, why?
The speed factor in the quick-change bushings is virtually nil. You don't pull the dies that often. The convenience factor of adjusting the dies in the bushing and not having to adjust for each re-installation is attractive, but installing and adjusting dies is not that hard. Besides, doing it often keeps your skills up and contributes to your understanding of the loading process. Also, your dies will probably need micro-adjusting every once in a while anyway. The bushings are not a big deal, in my opinion.
My advice: Use the equipment as offered, buy only those items that are absolutely essential (Current manuals to match current powders, good scale, whatever dies you don't have or upgraded versions if the old ones are not state-of-the-art) and nothing else. Add items as you find the need (trickler, for example).
Learn from the old man. He will love you for it.
Lost Sheep