Best Midrange Reloading Setup

[damien]

I don't know much about reloading, but I am thinking about giving it a go. The first thing I looked at was Dillon, but their catalog doesn't list .50 calibers. I have a .500 S&W as well as a .50 AE, both of which I would like to reload for. What is a good press setup < $1000 (for the first two or three calibers) that gives the most flexibility in reloading everything from from small pistol and rifle rounds up to .50 handgun rounds and large rifle rounds? Ideally, I would like to be able to reload .50 BMG as I might own one someday.

Thanks for any info. I am sure I am asking very basic question here.

 

[dcloco]

Start with the RCBS Rockchucker Supreme combo....

 

[creekwalker]

The RC combo is very good but you might want to look at the Lee Classic Cast Turret package offered by Cabelas and Kempfs. My preference was the one from Kempfs and I maxed it out. I would then recommend you get one of the combination accessory packs from RCBS, Redding, Lyman or Hornady that contain a good additional power measure, case trimmer etc as well as some loading blocks. Throw in at least two good reloading manuals as well as brass, primers, bullets and primers and get going. All of this should bring you in well under budget which will allow you to spend more money on reloading and shooting. Than if you later decide to purchase a good progressive press, you can retain and continue to use the turret press and accessories you've acquired.
Creekwalker

 

[ClarkEMyers]

I would rethink doing the full range from .25 ACP to .50 Browning with one press. Given the length of stroke necessary to do the .50 Browning imagine moving the ram that far for every single .25 ACP reloaded - there will be great hand clearance to be sure.

For loading the full range I like a Hollywood Universal Turret but I don't actually use it for the full range. For the very best middle of the range press I like a Forster/Bonanza CoAx. For handguns I'd see if the Pro2000 or Hornady LNL AutoProgressive handle the oddball case heads but of course neither will do .50 Browning. The Redding turret is nice and their biggest single stage will go up quite a ways with quality output. Really just about anything will do most things.

 

[RidgwayCO]

For everything other than .50 BMG, get a Lee Classic Cast Turret. It's not as fast as a true progressive, but it's faster than a single stage while still giving you complete control.

For the .50 BMG, get a Lee Classic Cast single stage press. If I remember correctly, the dies will cost more than the press... (I just checked MidwayUSA, and they have a Lee Classic Cast kit for .50 BMG, including dies, for about $175, which is less than the others charge for just the dies...)

 

[ArchAngelCD]

There are many good press setup on there, most are very expensive. If you are just getting into reloading and not totally sure you will continue to reload I suggest you not spend a lot of money in the beginning.

Like said above, the Lee Classic Cast 50 Caliber BMG Press Kit is a good 50 Cal press which will do a good job at a very reasonable price. F&M Reloading has the kit including 50 Cal dies for $164.55 and offers the Factory Crimp Die on the same page for only $31.50. IMO you can't go wrong with this setup for 50 Cal reloading. http://www.fmreloading.com/cgi-bin/...e=90859&Category_Code=Single+Stage+Press+Kits

 

[OAKVILLE SHOOTER]

damien,

The Dillion 550B offers caliber conversions for both the 500 mag and the AE. I have the mag but have not gotten around to use it yet.

After using a friends 550B for awhile, I decided to get into reloading myself. I did a lot of online searching and found the Dillion to be highly recommended (as well as other brands) and since I was familliar with it, that is the path I took. Only been reloading on my own for about 8 months, mostly 38 spcl, but the Dillion is easy to use. If you go that route, I highly recommend buying the set-up video.

Good-luck
Hope this may help

 

[lonewolf5347]

Lee Classic Cast Turret package offered by Cabelas and Kempfs
I started 40 years ago reloading using a RCBS CHUCKER great press.
I just pickup a lee turret with auto index (not the classic) around $130.00
hay: it works great for the money I can turn out 100 rounds of 45 acp in 35 min:
I only load for my 30-06 when it comes to center fire:I just remove the auto index and use the press in single stage, for loading larger cal. rifle shells would go with the lee classic

 

[ArchAngelCD]

lonewolf5347,
I agree with a turret press for smaller calibers but for the 50 cal you need a VERY beefy press. I have the Lee Classic 4 hole turret press and it works great. I load 38/357, 9mm and soon 30-06. I chose the Cast Iron press because rifle resizing is harder on a press than straight case pistol rounds.

damien,
I would suggest a dedicated single stage press for .50 Cal reloading and if you are going to reload handgun rounds buy the Lee Classic Turret Press as a second unit.

Lee Classic Cast 50 Caliber BMG Press Kit - $165
Lee 50 Cal FCD - $32
Lee Auto-Prime II - $12
Lee 4 hole Classic Turret Press (Cast Iron) - $79
Lee Carbide Deluxe Pistol Die Set - $31.50 each
Lee Safety Primer Feed Lg&Sm - $20
Lee Safety Scale - $19.50
Digital Caliper 6" Stainless Steel - $32

All that totals $454 with 3 pistol Die sets, well under your original $1,000 request. You will be much happier with a very heavy press for the 50 Cal reloading and even happier with a auto-index turret press for pistol rounds.

 

[Outlaws]

Ideally, I would like to be able to reload .50 BMG as I might own one someday.

When that day comes, buy a press for. That Dillon will load everything you want until someday comes along.

 

[ranger335v]

"Best" of anything, standing alone, is a pretty subjective term and answers are going to be based on OUR needs, not yours. Other than the full spectrum of cartridges and "mid-range" you leave us dangling for a place to stand.

Tell us, what do you really expect to shoot, handgun and rifle and in what volume? Are you going to look for speed in bulk loading and the least cost or for precision loading for serious competion at any cost? Or just a few hundred rounds a year for plinking and hunting? Do you already have some experience as a reloader? Will you have plenty of space dedicated to the task or will you have to set up and dismount things for each loading session?

All that matters in determining what is "best".