Cheap single stage press?

[Third_Rail]

Okay, I looked around at Kittery for a cheap single stage. It seems I have two choices from brands I trust: Lee or RCBS. The Lee was $20 while the RCBS was $60.

I know RCBS is higher quality, but if I just want to turn out ~100 rounds of 30-06 over a few hours, won't the Lee do just as well?

I have a $100 budget for a press/dies/powder/tumbler/etc. so I need help.

 

[Sisco]

For your needs the Lee should serve very well.
I use one for loading 25.06 & .270.
You might check MidwayUSA for one of the Anniversary kits, everything you need but dies for about $80.
http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe/browse

 

[Third_Rail]

Cheap-o Lee press it is! Lee makes carbide dies, right? Does anyone have a list of what I'll need? I've never bought a complete setup for myself before.

Thanks

 

[Sisco]

You must have posted while I was editing my post! Truthfully, I doubt you'll be able to stay within your budget and get everything you need including bullets, powder & primers but you can stay close.
You'll need everything that comes in the kit. A scale is a definate must. A tumbler is nice but not really necessary to start out.
You'll need a manual or two, the one that comes with the kit is good for newbies pick up freebie manufactures data books from wherever you buy your powder.
Don't believe you'll find carbide dies in 30.06, you'll have to lube the cases. RCBS spray lube is great.
Just realized the link I posted above doesn't work. go to www.midwayusa.com and scan through their reloading section.

 

[Bacchus]

Definitely go with the Lee Anniversary Kit--it will have almost everything you need to get started. I also recommend Midway--they have fast and reasonable shipping.

If you're new to reloading, sometimes there is an option to purchase the anniversary kit with the Modern Reloading hardcover book. I'd recommend that, too.

 

[Third_Rail]

Ugh. No carbide dies = headache.

 

[Third_Rail]

Alright... if I bought the following, would I be all set for hardware?

http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/520790
http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/820810

I have calipers, so no biggie there.

 

[Valkman]

The Lee Challenger is a good press also, and I got mine new on Ebay for $20, along with a new Hornaday L-N-L powder measure for another $20. You might look there for Anniversary Kits also!

 

[Delmar]

Third Rail-if you don't like lubing cases much, get the Lee 3-die set for your 06. The collet neck resizer does not require lubrication. This is assuming you are shooting a bolt action.

 

[Third_Rail]

I am. So the Lee 3-die professional set?

I guess lube wouldn't be too bad as long as it's easy to do. RCBS spray lube works, someone said.

So, the die set and the Lee pack and I'm ready to go pending powder, primers, bullets and case?

 

[cdbeaver]

Sounds to me like you really need to get a reloading manual, or two or three, and get at least a first grade education in reloading before you leap into things.

Several good ones are, of course, Lee, Hornady, Speer, Sierra, Lyman and others that teach the basics of reloading. Any of them will answer a lot of questions that you are now asking.

 

[Third_Rail]

Fine, fine, I'll read the manuals... that I already have... that are collecting dust...

Gee, I guess maybe I should've read them before asking questions. Oops.