getting started

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altitude_19

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Venerable reloading gurus.
I'm deployed and looking to get into reloading when I rotate back to the states in a couple months. What do you recommend for a comprehensive starter kit? I'm looking to keep it simple at first. I just need to be able to crank out 45 ACP and 38 specials. Is there a kit out there that comes with EVERYTHING ready to load upon setup? I don't suppose one can order powder WITH the press? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
 
I personally went with the RCBS rockchucker kit many years ago. Not the cheapest, but it set the standard for the industry.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduc...rce=froogle&utm_medium=free&utm_campaign=9315

Everything you need to get started except case tumbler and micrometer/caliper (and die sets, of course). Adding a powder trickler is a must if you're gonna go for precision.

You can get a small tumbler for $50, digital caliper from $20 on up. RCBS Carbide pistol die sets run $40-$50, depending on caliber. Lee's are a little cheaper, and will work in the RCBS press. I don't like them as much, but for some of the oddball cartridges I load (7.62x25mm, 7.5x54mm MAS, etc.), RCBS sets were $65, $80, $100 or more, and the Lee's were $30-ish.
 
Find somewhere local to buy powder or pay the $20 or $25 extra shipping charge for the hazmat fee.
 
used to be that if you bought enough powder at a good price it would offset the hazmat fee.Some towns powder is impossible to find,so shipping becomes the best way.If you can buy local,do so,it's quick and easy that way.
Is your budget 150.00, or 600.00?
the more you spend,the more ammo you produce in the same amount of time.
No,don't go fast,just steady.Fast will get you hurt in one way or the other.
 
I suppose I should have said so to start with. I was intending to put up to $750 down on this project. If that might get me hurt (I hear it's best to spend the money when it comes to tricklers) I'm prepared to go up to $1000. I usually just fire about 50 rounds per week and a couple hundred rounds on long weekends every couple of months, so I don't need any huge production capacity. I'm checking out all the suggestions so far. Any more would be appreciated! Thanks to all!
 
I will vote for the Rock Chucker. For the volume you are describing I would just get a good scale and hand trickler and weigh each charge. I don't know what comes with the kit.
You will more than likely add to your basic setup many times but the Rock Chucker is a great foundation and the extra cost over other brands divide by the rounds produced will mean little in a few years.
 
This is the best one to start
https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php...facturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41
There is good advice here but I would always suggest going to Midway USA and Cabelas web sites and reading reviews from actual owners of the equipment you are considering. After that you will probably end up with the Lee Precision Classic Turret. Worth every penny. Get Lyman's reloading manual and Modern Reloading by Richard Lee especially if you end up using Lee Precision equipment like most people. All brands are good and work. I use Lee Turret press in single action mode but you can use the auto-index mode as designed and crank out a couple hundred rounds an hour. Point, I would start with the turret press even if you intend to go with a single stage - and if you do start with a single stage you could always get the Lee Precision Classic Cast.
 
I was intending to put up to $750 down on this project
Click to expand...

You don't need to drop that much to get started with just two calibers. With the Rockchuker kit, a tumbler, a micrometer and the two die sets, you can get in for about $450, plus shipping or tax. Then it's just components. You can get a turret press to suppliment the kit for another $200. I would always recommend having a single stage at your disposal, though. You can get a turret press kit, but in the end, it's more economical to buy the single stage kit and add the turret press than the other way around.

I dropped over a grand my first trip to the store, but that included a fair amount of components, and I was buying nearly a dozen die sets.

A turret press will speed up the process, for sure. But if you're like me, they're almost counter-productive. There's a good bit of set-up time, and since I'll sit down and load 100 of one thing, 50 of another, and then 100 of yet another, it's actually faster on a single stage. And I like being able to inspect each cartridge through each step of the process. I've never had a squib or otherwise improperly loaded round.
 
MachIVshooter I love your tag line - but wanted to point out that the beauty of the Lee Classic Turret are the turrets- they are pre-set wih your dies so you just pop them in and out as you know. As stated, I use mine as a single action with the auto-index deactivated and it is a really handy set-up. I also use powder dippers because I hate scales and hand prime. I love KISS and that method is a simple as it gets. So back to the set-up time, it is really non-existent as a practical matter with the turrets.
 
It's all coming together...

Wow...you guys are helping me put this plan together A LOT faster than I had hoped! So I'm a military man with little spare time. I believe I'll grab up the "RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Single Stage Press Master Kit" and add in an RCBS pro2000 progressive press (should be able to do my weekly reloading in 30 minutes each week with that setup). One question (there will probably be more): The pro2000 progressive comes in a manually indexing OR auto-indexing configuration. What are the advantages/disadvantages of the auto and manually indexing presses?
 
I reload for 20 plus calibers and it's pretty hard to beat the Lee classic cast 4 hole turret. I do have reloading stuff by RCBS and Dillon with a little Forrester mixed in, but I usually always grab the Lee. With the classic cast turret you can have it auto index and they include a powder through expanding die that allows the auto disk podwder measure to screw onto the top. No need to weigh every charge with a handgun.. That'd take all day for a box!

I do actually use Lee stuff and do have other manufacturer's items, so I am not just winging it. As far as dies... I have yet to have a problem with Lee dies. In fact, I would like to know what the issue is with them?

In the end, you'll buy what you like, and will use it and get used to it and end up with good ammo, and chances are it really won't matter what color the equipment is. Good luck and welcome tothe reloading "club".
 
alt19, thanks for your service and its good to hear your soon to be home. Is the 19 a MOS ref?
You will not be disappointed with the RC Supreme but I would look close at the reviews on the RCBS progressive. I have heard some sad stories but can't recall the specific model or models.
There are definitely strong opinions on what is best but if you are on the progressive path be sure to give the Dillon's a look as well, I have been very happy with mine.
 
No, I was just 19 when I picked the screen name. WOW, that was a long time ago. Anyway, I've read about a couple hicups with the RCBS. Mostly that they don't like fast action. If you're too aggressive with the lever, it throws the trickler off in a hurry. But what about the auto-indexing setups? Upsides? Downsides?
 
altitude_19
I have an early RCBS piggyback but would recommend the Hornady LNL (AP).
That is what I would get if I was buying new today.
Watch the vids at the link in my other post ^^^.

Tilos
 
I have a Rockchucker Supreme and love it...But I am not in a big hurry, I like to check every round I make whether it is rifle or pistol so I dont mind the single stage press. I reload most of my ammo in the winter when I have nothing else to do. Although the first thing I did was get a Charge Master 1500 combo, what a sweet tool that thing is.
 
Ok...I am DEFINITELY bookmarking that page. Thanks Tilo! Checking out the Hornady LNL as well.
 
So it looks like a Hornady LNL would have been great few years ago, but they've been having serious quality control issues lately. RCBS is back as the lead candidate.
 
So it looks like a Hornady LNL would have been great few years ago, but they've been having serious quality control issues lately. RCBS is back as the lead candidate.
Click to expand...

Where did you get that?
 
altitude_19:

If Walkalong uses a LNL AP, that's enough endorsement for me!!!

Tilos
 
If Walkalong uses a LNL AP, that's enough endorsement for me!!!
Click to expand...
If RCBS had made the Pro-2000 back 20+ years ago when I got my Projector, I may have gone with them. I still considered one when I wanted to upgrade, despite the need for all new shell plates. I have no doubt the Pro-2000 and the Dillon 550/650 are all fine machines. I liked the ergonomics of the Projector, so I went with the LNL. The Pro-2000 is very similar. You just reverse where the brass and bullet go.

But yea, I would recommend the LNL. I think it is a very good machine. AC
 
An RCBS PIGGY-BACK costs as much as a LnL AP.
And you still need a PRESS to bolt it to... and a powder measure!!:what:

Price wise between a Hornady or RCBS is a no brainer.

Just my opinion,

Tilos
 
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