Equipment choice

[adrumm]

I am a beginner reloader looking to make my first equipment purchase. I think I have it narrowed down to two choices. I would like to get some input from some of you more experienced reloaders so I don't make a bad choice.

I am looking at either the Hornady Lock N Load Classic Kit or the RCBS Supreme master kit.

I will be reloading .357, 8mm Mauser and .45 to start. I plan on also reloading the .45 in black powder as well.

Any advice? Any additional equipment needed beyond what comes in the kit to start out?

 

[redneck2]

Did you read the "sticky" above in the header to the forum??

 

[adrumm]

I did read the sticky, and from that info was able to narrow down my choices. I just wanted to get some advice, to make sure that what I think are the right presses for what I want to use them for will work.

I am just looking to expand on that info not trying to be redundant. Thanks

 

[strat81]

Either kit is a fine choice to start with. Pick up an extra reloading manual and some safety glasses.

 

[jfh]

Since you list two pistol calibers, look carefully the "press-type" question. Some good choices made now will save you money in the short run (under one year).

In short, a single-stage press is NOT conducive to enjoyable pistol caliber reloading once you have mastered the basic process--unless you are extremely anal, I suppose, or doing handgun shooting that calls for precisely-crafted rounds (e.g., silhouette).

To get additional insight for some of the issues (as opposed to equipment / hardware selection) you need to consider, do a search here (use Google to search the site / this forum). What you want to consider closely are the factors in press-type selection--e.g., single-stage, manual turret (Lyman, for example), auto turret (Lee), manual progression (Dillon 550) or auto-indexing progressive (some Lees, Dillon.)

If you have done that sort of analysis, then your choices are good ones. If you haven't, and come up with questions in that area, you can get some good feedback.

Jim H.

 

[Bear2000]

I am a new reloader myself and have a Lee Classic Turret Press. It pushes out about 150-200 rounds of 9mm an hour. I think it's a greater starter set-up. I expect I'll get a full progressive in a couple of years and use the Turret Press to reload 223 and 308, but for now, it accomplishes all I need at a reasonable price.

You should definitely consider buying your set-up from Kempfs Gun Shop. Sue there will take care of you and help you get set up. They offer good prices and great customer service.

Bear

 

[Otto]

Hornady Lock N Load Classic Kit cost $295
RCBS Supreme master kit cost $229
I would pick the RCBS between the two.

However, if you have any inclination of loading high quantities of pistol ammo (>800 rounds per month) I'd would suggest the Hornady LNL AP. It isn't a kit but you would be better served. Cost $319

 

[adrumm]

I wish I had the need to load that much ammo per month, that would mean I am actually shooting on a regular basis!

My biggest concern is the 8mm Mauser. The rounds are expensive, so I definetly want to make that my priority. If the same kit will allow me to reload my .357 and eventually black powder .45 for CAS, then I will be happy with the single stage Hornady or RCBS.

The only reason I am leaning towards the Hornady is the bushing set up. I know that you can convert the RCBS with them as well. How much time do they really save when changing dies?

 

[jfh]

Somewhere I have read that people have tried putting the Hornady QD "socket" into the Lee Classic Cast single stage, and that it worked like a charm. (Sorry, I am not up to speed on good SS features, except in principle.) If so, then the Lee Classic Cast is a viable alternative, I think--here's a link to the LEE product info page:

People seem pleased with this press--and God knows, it will be cheaper, if cost is a factor. Kempf's Gun Shop might have a way to put together a complete kit for you...see this link .

If you look over the "Classic Cast Turret" kit, you will see that you could put together a comprehensive order of 'everything' and probably significantly save on shipping costs.

I see that the "new" Lee Challenger (the smaller one) has the QD feature, but I am talking about the Classic Cast SS that was converted.

Based on the comments to date, I think the question comes back to caliber / type / quantities. If I were doing this, I would probably plan to buy two presses--a SS for the rifle calibers, and a turret for the pistol calibers. And, since I am a Lee afficiando, if I were cost conscious I would start with the Classic Cast turret and see how that does reloading the 8mm Mauser.

If I were not so cost conscious, I'd probably go towards the Hornady LnL.

Jim H.

 

[rjohnson4405]

Hornady LNL

I have/share both the LNL AP and the single stage. Both are very well designed and have run %100 with top customer service even when we break the parts. The .357 Mag in the AP is the dream setup for us. The AP for handgun cartridges, in general, is wonderful. We use the single-stage for precision .308 cartridges. We are Hornady all the way, of course these were our first two presses.

We usually shoot handgun once a week and about 100 rounds a session, so that's 400 a month, each. So 800 total if we only shoot reloads. This is where the AP shines, a large quantity of preferably straight walled brass. We use it for .223 too and now have .357 Sig to try, but haven't yet.

If you shoot once a month, a hundred pistol rounds, and some rifle rounds, a single stage would probably be fine assuming you have time to load them. The AP took a while to put together/get functioning where as the single stage took ~ 1 hour.

Hope this helps and welcome to reloading, it saves you money!

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

If I were buying single stage, I'd go with a Lee Classic Cast press, add the Hornady LNL conversion kit, LNL bushings and pick out my own components for my own kit.

While most kits are "ok" there's generally something in there that isn't what you would choose if you had your choices. For that reason I don't recommend kits. Go to the manufacturer's sites, look over all their wares, ask questions, do the research and pick your stuff yourself. May or may not be cheaper, but you'll be better satisfied with your equipment in the long run.

Just my .02,

Dave

 

[adrumm]

Thanks to everyone for the great info. I ended up with the Hornady LNL kit, not the Ap. but the single stage. I got a great deal from Cabelas, on sale with a coupn to boot. I think this is a great starter set for me, and something I can build on when I start shooting more, which I hope the lower cost of reloading will allow me to do.

Now for some load tips and hints for the 8mm Mauser, Any secret recipes out there?