Getting started

[Herk30]

Gander Mountain has on sale their RCBS Partner Press reloading kit for $130. What else would be required to re-load except dies, powder, primers and bullets? (and brass of course) Does this kit seem like a good deal for the money? Would the instructions and manual walk a person through step by step of what to do? I would more than likely only be reloading .223, .45/70, and maybe some .243, and it wouldn't be but a few hundred rounds a year.

Standard Kit Includes:
• Partner press with primer arm
• RC-130 scale
• Case lube kit
• Powder funnel
• Primer tray
• Case loading block
• Deburring tool
• Speer reloading manual
• Complete instructions

Let me know what you think. Thanks!!

 

[Cortland]

Adding to your list, you'll also need calipers and case trimming equipment, and maybe a tumbler. I'd recommend the following items specifically:

Lee Classic Cast Press
Lee Auto-Prime with shellholder set
Lee Deluxe and/or Pacesetter Die Sets
Hornady Lock-N-Load powder measure w/ micrometers (OR the Frankford Arsenal measure for sale at midway on the cheap).
Lock-N-Load bushings for the Classic Cast

You'll also need case trimming equipment. I like the the Lee case trimming stuff (consisting of the Lee locking stud, cutter, and caselength gauge/shellholder), but a lot of people prefer the traditional lathe-looking trimmers.

 

[Jeeper]

If you are only loading a couple hundred rounds per year then what you have listed will be fine. A powder measure will speed up the process but isnt all that necessary for your limited production. A case trimmer is nice and might be necessary since 223 and 243 expand a lot but this will depend on how many times you reuse the same brass. There is no use going crazy with tools for limited amounts of ammo. You can always buy the other stuff later.

 

[Mal H]

I agree. If you will only be loading a few hundred per year, there's no need to go all out from the beginning. The items I would add would be a dial caliper and a hand primer (RCBS, Lee, etc.). I would add the hand primer even if you only load 20 rounds per year. I have found the priming arm used in the RCBS presses both difficult to use and inconsistent.

The Speer manual is very good and is almost always on everyones short list of reloading manuals. But, it never hurts to have more than one manual. I like the Lyman manual, but all of them from the various powder manufacturers are good.

 

[dodgestdshift]

You will need a bullet puller. I have never set the seater/crimper die without having to adjust the length of the cartridge. If it is too long just adjust the die and reseat, but if it is too short you have to pull the bullet. I recommend the inertial type (looks like a hammer), for this chore.

 

[patentnonsense]

I'm also wanting to get started, but at a higher rate - I'm shooting 500+ rounds a week currently in 9mm, 45 and 44, and that adds up. For that sort of throughput, is it reasonable to jump straight to a fancy progressive loader?

Or should i put in some time with a one-step first?

the stories about double-charging are very scary, so I'm inclined to use one of those automated powder measures - but do they work for high throughput?

Thanks,

 

[Cortland]

I think it's silly to tell someone who needs to load mass quantities of pistol rounds to start off with a single stage press. My first reloading press was a Dillon RL550B and I've still got all the fingers and eyeballs I started with.

I've since sold my Dillon and have moved up to a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP. If you're concerned about powder charges, I'd give the Lock-N-Load (LnL) a good look. Its rotary-type powder measure with removable inserts, micrometer adjustments, and powder drain is FAR nicer than Dillon's Star type sliding bar measure. The LnL also lets you install a "powder cop" die which indicates absent or double charges (the Dillon 650 has something similar).

 

[Ala Dan]

First, here is another vote for the Hornady "Lock-
N-Load" powder measure. Years ago I picked up
an old' Pacific DeLuxe (now Hornady Lock-N-Load)
and I'm here to tell you they are perhaps the best
powder measure on the market!

And on another note, if you are going to be loading
very many rounds for a self-loader (.380 ACP, 9m/m,
.357 SIG, .45 ACP, etc) make certain that you get a
LEE factory crimp die! It makes the handloading life
a lot easier.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member