beginners kit

[redtab78]

Do any of you have recommendations for a good beginners kit for re-loading? perferably one with the press, scale, and perhaps a load book?

I looked at the Hornady kit, but its a little more than I want to spend, and since I will mainly stick to 5.56/.223, and .45ACP I dont need all the extra die's.

 

[cfullgraf]

Most, if not all the major reloading companies offer starter kits. Each has most of the stuff needed to get started in reloading but there is always more to buy for a variety of reasons.

Each kit has its advantages and disadvantages and the opinions to go with them.

Go to the Sticky, "Reloaders Library of Wisdom" at the top of this sub forum and there is a subsection on equipment needed for one to get started in reloading.

If cared for, reloading equipment will last a lifetime so the unit cost is extremely small over the life of the equipment.

Hope this helps.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

In the Library off wisdom at the top of this forum there is a thread dedicated to this very question. You should read it first then come back and ask questions on what you're not sure of.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=238214

Welcome to reloading!

 

[trigga]

i recently bought my lee challenger anniversary kit from midway for $99 on sale. Came pretty much with everything "to assemble the bullet" besides the dies. I did have to get other things like brass tumbler, bullet extractor, caliper and manual. keep an eye on it as they often do sales and give discounts. just google coupons. they also have one of the best prices.

i got this kit mainly because of price and my cousin highly recommended it. so far so good.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/42...reech-lock-single-stage-press-anniversary-kit

 

[sexybeast]

Spend a little more and get a cast iron single stage. I think all of them will last you a lifetime. Lee makes one that does not cost much more than the aluminum one.
Get a better scale than the Lee, mine is only for backup or to check my other scale. Get a good scale!
Get a good powder drop. I don't like the perfect powder measure. Consistent and accurate powder drops may save your butt.
I would not buy that Lee Challenger kit. Too many/most of those things you won't be using very long if you really get into reloading.
If you get some things really wrong the cost will be much more than the equipment you use.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

i always recommend the RCBS rock chucker supreme master kit. i started with it, and although i've added a lot of equipment, i still use everything that was included in the kit.

 

[Jlr2267]

The Lee Breech Lock Hand Press Kit is actually a very good starter set for under $50. It forces you to go slow enough that you'll understand each step and catch errors before you've cranked out 100 rounds. The good thing is that everything you buy to supplement it (dies, measures, etc) can be used with an upgrade press you might buy later on. That is the route I took and am glad I did.

 

[witchhunter]

All of my boys started with a Rockchucker, just like I did way back before electricity. The latest one just got his kit and it will pay for itself this year as he has an AR that he can now afford to shoot! he has loaded almost a thousand rounds in the last two weeks.

 

[Dudedog]

I really like my Lee turrent press. Not to expensive. You can remove the auto index and use it like a single stage or just rotate the turrent by hand.
You can put the auto index back on later if you want.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/622290/lee-4-hole-turret-press-with-auto-index-value-kit
$120
(Midway discount code NRA5013 was good for a single use as of a couple of days ago)
The 4th hole allows you to use a Lee factory crimp die (I like these) without removing one of the other dies. The plates for the dies are about $10, I buy one for each set of dies I use. I am happy with my Lee dies as well.
I bought just the press (not a kit) so I have not used the Lee scale. I have a RCBS 5-0-5 and a Frankford Arsnel DS750 digital scale. ($30 for the FA scale) Some people don't like the DS750 but mine seems fine as long as I have fresh batteries in it.
I like the Lee hand priming tool so I can feel the primers seat. I can wear my safety glasses watch TV and prime. Just be aware that it uses different shell holders than the press.

As a side note a friend of mine swears by his RCBS Rockchucker.