Best "Kit" for a beginner?

[chad1043]

I'd like to start loading for my .308 and .223... I have searched Amazon and such for starter kits and have discovered that the price range varies. I was wondering if you guys could give me a good head start on what I should look for and what I don't really need. I understand about having several loading manuals.

Thanks.

 

[Hungry1]

The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme kit was expensive, but it got me started, has worked well and I've used it quite a bit.

 

[G11354]

I started with the "Lee Breech Lock Challenger Kit". Great way to get started, I dont make much use of the breech lock system but it can be handy.

The only part of the kit I wasnt a big fan of was the safety powder scale. It works fine and will do what you need but down the road you may want to up grade to another scale. I went with the RCBS 502.

The powder thrower and press are excellent, and get the kit that comes with the Lee hand priming tool.

All in all, an excellent starting kit at a great price.

 

[Magnum Shooter]

This one
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/937051/rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-master-single-stage-press-kit

Yes, it cost more but you will not have to replace anything as long as you live. And any replacement part you might eventually need is free (including shipping).

 

[41wheelgun]

All the major suppliers all make great tools, but in my opion RCBS Rock Chucker kit is the way to go. The only thing that does not come with the kit is a case trimmer. Lyman's Crusher II kit does have all the tools needed to start loading including a case trimmer. BTW RCBS stands by their products.

 

[Mike 27]

Pretty much every manufacturer has a great warranty. The Rock Chuckers are great presses. If you give your budget that would help. Lee, Lyman, RCBS, and Hornady all make reasonably priced kits that will fit your purposes. You may have to pick up a few extra things but they have most everything to get you started. I started years ago with a Lee kit and it has worked well for me. I still use it, along with many additions including a Hornady LnL, but still use the single stage and glad I bought it. I have used several of the others and they are all great quality and all the manufacturers stand behind their products.

 

[chad1043]

I would say below $200 for now...

 

[jwrowland77]

I love my Hornady Single Stage Lock and Load kit I bought almost a year ago.

 

[flhtcuibyhd]

I'll second the Hornady kit. I started with it 4 or so years ago.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/749997/hornady-lock-n-load-classic-single-stage-press-kit

I think you still get 500 free bullets with it as well.

 

[srtolly]

I purchased the Lee Challenger Breech Lock kit to start nut wish I had spent a little more and gotten the Lee Turret kit. I have loaded a couple thousand rounds for pistol and the breechlock has been flawless. The powder measure works great with ball powders AA2 but has some variance with a flake like Unique. The scale is fine for starting but I did upgrade to a digital but still use the Lee scale too.

The turret press kit was at Cabelas for something like $120. Get a set of dies for one caliber and still be under $200. All you need then are consumables. Keep in mind I am also a beginner but this is my opinion only and advice I also received when getting started on a budget.

 

[Mike 27]

If you are looking at a kit for under 200, that would be a Lee kit. I don't think you can get a new kit other than Lee for that. You can add replacement stuff later if you find something that you want to upgrade. Do some research on them, the turrets and single stage kits are good. You can load on it for years. Some of the accessories are a little cheaper than others but they are safe and work fine. I would say for under 300 you can have components, a bullet puller, and a caliper. Make sure to pick up the most important part, A GOOD BOOK, and read it.

Mike

 

[JShirley]

"Contributing" by pontificating and being an ass is NOT the way to influence people- and obviously not the way to win friends, either. If your post was removed because it was off-topic or you were trolling, do the right thing next thing.

John

 

[GLOOB]

I'm still using everything in the Lee Breechlock Anniversary kit except for a couple items. The handprimer and the primer pocket cleaner went in the trash. Everything else in the kit is working great.

But the press is light weight aluminum alloy. So it has a lot of play, it visibly bends when trying to size 308, it doesn't feel as smooth as cast iron, and after 5k rounds, it completely broke in half.




Not!

 

[jcwit]

Any of the manufactures make excellent equipment.

With said IMO Lee gives folks the most value for the money spent.

Personally I'd start with a Lee turrent and use it as a single stage till you have completed your learning experience. Don't forget to get a couple of reloading manuals, they are indispensable.