Are kempf kits a good deal? Looking for opinions.

[why.kyle]

Im looking to get my first reloading rig, going in on something simple with my brothers. Start loading 30-06 for all of us. Ive decided on a turret press, its a good fit for our needs.

https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=630&category_id=190&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41

This seems like a decent deal, but I wanted some opinions. I emailed them to see if they can even do a 30-06 kit, (its not listed) but I would also think about doing it in .40 or 9mm.. and buy the extra bits/dies I need for 30-06.

So whats your opinion.

 

[Sport45]

Order the kit for any cartridge. Then order dies and a turret for each of the other cartridges you wish to reload. I'd opt for the Pro Auto Disk measure.

To check the deal compare the price of the kit to the price of the bits at Graf's, MidwayUSA, Midsouth, etc. Keep in mind that Graf's has flat rate shipping. Another place to check is Factory Sales. They used to have flate rate shipping as well, but it's been a while since I ordered from them and that may have changed.

 

[kutter]

It is the kit I started with. It does not have everything, no kit does. What I liked about it was it didn't inlcude a lot of things I didn't want so I was not paying for things I was not going to use.

Definitley get the Pro Disk measure with the double disk kit.

 

[IlikeSA]

It's not a bad kit, but I would break it down and get the dies I want (carbide), the scale I want (electronic), and keep the rest. A scale is not included in the package, so you'll need to get one. You may want to compare at Natchez as well.

I use a Lee Turret and am very happy with it. Just make sure you lube up the joints of it and it will run easier. I have yet to reload rifle on it but 30-06 is the next die set I will buy. My understanding is that 30-06 can be a bit of a challenge for a beginning reloader.

 

[kingmt]

I believe FS Reloading has the best prices.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have been using a Lee 4 hole turret press for almost 7 years now and I highly recommend it. That kit is a very good price and I also highly recommend upgrading to the Pro Auto-disk for only $12.95 more.

I load 30-06 ammo on that press all the time without issues. I remove the auto-index rod and batch load but it's nice to have all the dies already adjusted and just switch to the die you want.

 

[why.kyle]

I have been using a Lee 4 hole turret press for almost 7 years now and I highly recommend it. That kit is a very good price and I also highly recommend upgrading to the Pro Auto-disk for only $12.95 more.

I load 30-06 ammo on that press all the time without issues. I remove the auto-index rod and batch load but it's nice to have all the dies already adjusted and just switch to the die you want.

Ive been just reading some, and from what I can tell, even with the double disk kit on the powder feeder you cant get the grains you need to load 30-06, is that correct?

 

[splattergun]

Kempf's price is only $2 more than FS Reloading's price. The kit is good a good deal, so just choose your caliber in the pacesetter die set, add the Pro Auto disk as ArchAngel suggests and the Lee reloading manual, then find your best shipping cost. You could be firing your 1st loads next weekend.

 

[Lost Sheep]

It's not a bad kit, but I would break it down and get the dies I want (carbide), the scale I want (electronic), and keep the rest. A scale is not included in the package, so you'll need to get one. You may want to compare at Natchez as well.

I use a Lee Turret and am very happy with it. Just make sure you lube up the joints of it and it will run easier. I have yet to reload rifle on it but 30-06 is the next die set I will buy. My understanding is that 30-06 can be a bit of a challenge for a beginning reloader.

Did you look at the contents list? The Kempf kit comes with carbide dies and does not come with any scale at all (allowing the buyer to select his own preference).

Between IlikeSA's and ArchAngelCD's responses regarding the 30-06, I think they must be using the Deluxe press and the Classic Turret press, respectively. The Classic has a full inch extra vertical space for the cartridge and placing those long spitzer bullets on it. Note: The linkage's bearing points are more durable on the Classic Turret than on the Deluxe Turret.

Factory Sales may have better prices, but Sue Kempf is great to deal with and is more knowledgeable. (I have dealt with both retailers and would do so again.)

Lost Sheep

 

[Lost Sheep]

Ive been just reading some, and from what I can tell, even with the double disk kit on the powder feeder you cant get the grains you need to load 30-06, is that correct?

You could do half a charge and stroke the handle twice. It is easy to do.

Lost Sheep

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Ive been just reading some, and from what I can tell, even with the double disk kit on the powder feeder you cant get the grains you need to load 30-06, is that correct?

Correct... I don't use the Pro Auto-Disk with rifle calibers, I use either a Lyman 55 or Lee Perfect Powder Measure mounted on the bench. (although sometimes I use the Pro Auto-Disk when loading .223 rounds)

 

[IlikeSA]

I am using the deluxe, but as far as I can tell the pacesetter dies are not carbide. What I meant by "challenge" was the necking of the correct angle of the 30-06 round.

 

[Sport45]

There aren't many carbide .30-'06 dies out there and I wouldn't spend the extra money to buy one if I had the chance.

I'm not sure what's meant by, "necking of the correct angle of the 30-06 round". If you use a bolt gun, let the first firing size the case to the chamber then just neck size. For my M1 I full length size with a Lee RGB set and get 4 loadings before I toss the brass "just 'cuz".

 

[dab102999]

There carbide dies in the kit are handgun dies. But I am sure they have a 30-06 on the shelf. I got my set up from them and am close enough that I went down to get it...VERY, VERY happy with the kit and even more pleased with there service. I told him what I had going on, used to be in reloading a long time ago and getting back into it. He not only sold me what I needed he steered me away from some stuff and said, "why don't ya wait till next time you need something" to see if you really want the extra stuff. And by far the most reloading stuff I have seen in a long time if not forever on the shelf at one time. I would recomend them to anyone.

 

[1KPerDay]

I started with the Kempf LCT kit (handgun caliber) and couldn't be happier.

 

[straight-shooter]

I own a turret and single Lee press along with a Dillon 550B. My recommendation is if your going Lee then I would utilize the turret press for handgun calibers only. It works fine for that but i don't feel like the turret press has the "strength and rigidity" need for rifle cases. Thus the reason i use the Lee Classic single press for my .308 and .223 loads. Much sturdier in construction and able to withstand the pressure need to full length size the cases.

 

[kingmt]

You don't think it can handle a 308 or even 223? Are you pulling my leg?

 

[straight-shooter]

You don't think it can handle a 308 or even 223? Are you pulling my leg?

In my own experience my turret press started getting loose in the hinge area of the handle and the tool head started raising up more than normal after repeated use of full length rifle case sizing. Basically over stressing the design of the turret press. The C press on the other hand is stout.

Answer is no, i'm not pulling your leg. I'm not the type to post unsubstantiated claims unless i've personally had it happen.

 

[GT1]

The LCT is a great little press, and the kits are nice if you can use it all or most of it.
I don't think there are any bad deals out there, but it is worth taking the time and shopping around.

 

[Lost Sheep]

In my own experience my turret press started getting loose in the hinge area of the handle and the tool head started raising up more than normal after repeated use of full length rifle case sizing. Basically over stressing the design of the turret press. The C press on the other hand is stout.

Answer is no, i'm not pulling your leg. I'm not the type to post unsubstantiated claims unless i've personally had it happen.

Do you have the Deluxe Turret or the Classic Turret?

The linkage on the Classic Turret is stronger and more wear-resistant (though the Deluxe's wear points are replaceable with stronger metal and wear OK if kept scrupulously clean and lubed). The turret ring (for the 4-station versions) is the same for both presses, but the posts on the Classic Turret are more stout.

How many rounds did it take to get the linkage loose?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Lost Sheep

 

[RustyFN]

I think the Kempf kit is a good deal because it comes with dies and no scale. I am not a fan of the Lee scale so you can buy a decent scale without having to buy the Lee scale. I have had my classic turret six years now and have no complaints.

 

[oldreloader]

I use my LCT for everything I reload, 30-06 included. It handles them with no problem. I still have my old Rockchucker but the LCT does such a great job I seldom use the 'Chucker.

 

[why.kyle]

I use my LCT for everything I reload, 30-06 included. It handles them with no problem. I still have my old Rockchucker but the LCT does such a great job I seldom use the 'Chucker.

Oldreloader, what do you use to measure your powder in your LCT for 30-06? do you do it separate or do use a powder measure on the press?

 

[kingmt]

I have loaded 30-06 on my Pro1000 with 2 stations full so it is hard to believe that the LCT can't handle one.

 

[oldreloader]

kyle I usually drop the charges with a Uniflo then trickle them up for the '06. I've been looking at an adapter that allows the Uniflow to mount directly in the Lee charge die but have not bought it yet.