Have $300-$400 for first time reloading setup..need recommendations please!

[CPshooter]

Hello,

That's it..I'm finally giving in. I can't find ammo locally or even online anymore. The only place that ever has ammo is my local Gander Mountain, but they are charging like $30 for a 50 round box of 9mm WWB. I used to go to Walmart for my ammo needs, but it's hopeless now.

I've decided I need a reloading bench of my own and asap! I've done some reloading at my girlfriend's grandfather's house, but I need to be able to reload at home on my own time.

I have $300-$400 (maybe more) to spend on my first setup. I have no idea what to spend the money on. I know the Lee Anniversary setup is a good price and can get me started, but I'd rather spend the money and get something better that will make reloading more enjoyable and less time consuming. Something that will keep my reloading needs met for the rest of my life.

I'm open to any suggestions or recommendations on what kind of press, dies, scale, brass tumbler, etc to purchase. I mostly shoot pistol cartridges like .380, 9mm, .40s&w, and .45acp. However, I want to start reloading 9mm first so that will be the only die set I need to purchase for now.

My primary goal is to turn out consistent, and reliable reloads for my pistols (and rifles later on). I know that different die brands yield different results. Is there one particular brand of dies that will work better than the others?

Also, where can I find reloading data manuals? I'm looking for something comprehensive that covers all kinds of powder charge and bullet weight combinations. Like I said, I've reloaded before but this will be my first setup and I need a good starting point!

Thanks in advance! - CP

 

[redneck2]

You should probably read the "stickies" at the top of this forum (assuming you haven't). Should answer most of your questions. Come back with specific questions.

As for manuals, I think the one most guys suggest (and I use most) is the Lyman. Buying and reading that would go a long way to answering your questions.

This same topic pops up about every 2-3 weeks. Typically ends up being a war between brands and owner loyalty.

Before this thread dies, there will be the obligatory "Dillon is best"..

followed by "Yeah, but with Hornady you get 1,000 free bullets"..

followed by "Yeah, but Lee is cheaper"

just go back and search page by page for a few months. You'll see what I mean. That's the reason the stickies are at the top.

 

[CPshooter]

Wow, I totally missed the stickies. I should have known better..duh!

I was still hoping for a good personalized recommendation that fits my criteria and budget to get me started quickly and on the right foot.

 

[Walkalong]

Lee single stage kit, or Lee Turret press kit. A lot of bang for the buck. You can go hog wild buying more goodies and "better" stuff later on, but you may find it is all you need. It will load great ammo, although I would suggest not getting a FCD die for pistol calibers.

 

[rfwobbly]

• Read first. Either ABC's of Relaoding and/or the Lyman Reloading Manual. Try Amazon.Com for good book prices. I once found a used Hornady RLM for $7 !!

• Try to locate a reloader local to you. This is s good forum to do that. (Start by adding your locale to your profile info. See where mine says "Atlanta"? Yours don't say didley.) You'll want a mentor and someone to split orders with to realize your best costs savings.

• Having been mentored and having studied, take a look on Craig's List for a good used system for sale locally. Any name brand system is going to suit your beginning needs, and often you can get a lot of extras thrown in with "the deal". Also check the For Sale on THR and the bulletin boards at local gun clubs.

Hope this helps!

 

[Samgotit]

Start with this. With both upgrades.

https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php...facturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41

Go from there.

 

[pruav]

Fyi bullets and primers are in short supply. Even if you do buy the reloading equipment you still might not be able to reload. I just paid $50 for a 1k box of small pistol primers and I am still looking for large pistol and small rifle ones.

 

[upjeeper]

i just started myself with a single stage press. takes FOREVER to load pistol ammo.
there are differing opinions, but i wish i had gone with a progressive...

 

[lgbloader]

Start with this. With both upgrades.

https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?...mart&Itemid=41

Go from there.

LEE Classic Turret is a good thing, whether to start or keep as your main rig. That and a Lee Classic cast single stage is really all you'll ever need Unless you are shooting alot EVERY Weekend.

I used to shoot 1k's a month and it made sense to buy my Dillons but if I had to do it over again based on what I shoot right now, I would probably have This set up right here:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=5462176&postcount=1010


or this:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=5400757&postcount=942

to the boys who own these benches I posted, you did good.

LGB

P.S. No, My Dillons are not for sale.

 

[jfh]

lgbloader summed it up nicely for you. Start with those pictures--they give you an excellent idea of the range of reloading setups one can have.

Now, for the parts lists: Consider the posts in this thread or in this one.

Sort out a list in your budget range, and come back with it here--we'll be happy to critique it.

Jim H.

 

[CPshooter]

It will load great ammo, although I would suggest not getting a FCD die for pistol calibers.

I read somewhere that with the Lee dies if you don't use the FCD sometimes the bullet might not be held in place very well once seated, especially with thinner brass. Can anyone elaborate on this topic? Heck, I don't even know what a FCD does exactly except leave a ring where it crimps.

I appreciate all the suggestions so far! I feel like I have a better idea of where to start. I definitely want a progressive press, just don't know which one. Are all brands of dies compatible with a different brand of press (ie universal)? Or are certain reloading supplies optimized when used with the same brand (ie Lee dies + Lee press)?

Thanks again! - CP

 

[GotCoffee]

Im partial to RCBS! Weve been using the same press and dies since the mid 70's and RCBS has great customer service. We have a few other brands of dies which work as well as RCBS. As far as reloading manuals Ive seen quite a few mention the Lyman manual. I have the Sierra and would recommend it over most of the others. I havent looked at a Lyman manual as I havent seen one to look at but have looked at quite a few others and just felt they werent as complete as the Sierra. As others have said really check it out before you buy most stores have more than one brand so really pick the salesmans brain and check them out. Good Luck in whatever you decide to go with!

 

[jfh]

CPshooter:

1. For purposes of selecting your equipment, don't get caught up in the discussions of whether or not to use the Lee FCD. Go ahead and buy the 4-die set, IOW. One can make perfectly good ammo without a 4th / crimp die using the Lee 3-die setup--but it is a real PITA to set up 3-die configurations properly for a beginning reloader. The use of the 4th die provides for separate seating and crimping--and the Lee FCD can be properly set up to do crimp only.

2. As for "..definitely want(ing) a progressive press:" No, you don't--at least to begin with. At this point in your learning, you will be better off learning the basics on a SS or Turret press. A progressive press has too many procedures going on at once for a novice reloader to learn on.

The Lee Turret Press design has the advantages of both single stage and the auto-indexing of some progressives. Without the indexing rod, it operates like a single stage, and all other brand's turrets. With the indexing rod in place, it provides the automatic indexing of a progressive.

The bottom line is, once one has the routine down with a Lee turret, one can load about 180-200 rounds per hour. But, while you're learning to use it, you can do one step at a time and learn the fundamentals well. Progressives are great for volume, but not for learning on, IOW--and any progressive press you may want at a later date will cost more for the press alone than your current budget allows.

Given the cartridges you want to reload, I suggest following lgbloader's Kempf links and getting set up with .45ACP first. That cartridge is easy to learn to load, and you can also experience some of the (minor) changes to the workflow for straightwall semiauto cartridges. If you shoot the 38/357 round more, then you can start with that.

3. While prices have risen, the Lee / Kemp routine will allow you to purchase a complete Classic Cast Turret "package" for under $400.00--see those links I posted earlier for the items needed.

Jim H.

 

[Walkalong]

and the Lee FCD can be properly set up to do crimp only.

No it can't. It will "post size" as well. You are right though. This is not the place to debate the FCD die. Over and out.

I still recommend Lee stuff as the best bang for the buck. RCBS for "you just can hardly go wrong", and it is worth the extra money. Dillon makes great pistol dies as well. AC

 

[RugerBob]

Hi CP, Just my 2 cents. I think everyone ought to get the ABCs of reloading. One of my personal fears are new reloaders getting there info off the net cuz they do not want to READ how its done. Lots of injuries is just more reasons to have the antis to say its bad. Anyway, I believe all new reloaders should have a single stage press, just to learn what each stage is about. I started myself with the Lee anniversary kit. Still use it for my 30-06 and 45-70. I did end up with a progressive. But I only use it for my 45LC. You should be able to get a kit for less then $100 and it should have a nice loading manual with it. It can never hurt to have a new manual every year or so. Every time I am doing a new caliber , I look at 3-4 differnt loading manuals . Each one may stay with a particular brand. Get a load book for each if you can. They cover alot. Like I said earlier, just my 2 cents. Be safe, Bob

 

[Landric]

I bought a RCBS Rock Chucker kit in 1994 when I first got into handloading. The quality of the kit is fantastic, and I loaded all my ammunition on it from 1994 until 2001 when I got a Dillon for high volume handgun loading.

The Dillon is now at a friend's house and I'm doing my loading on a Lee Classic Turret and the good ole Rock Chucker. I'll probably eventually add another progressive, but I don't need one. I do high volume on the turret and lower volume handgun and rifle on the RC, as well as load development.

Bottom line for me is this: A single stage is an excellent setup to learn on, and there are tasks in handloading that will always be best suited for a single stage. One will never regret having a single stage, even if one eventually adds other presses to the mix. I'd get a single stage kit from one of the big names (Lee, RCBS, Hornady, Lyman, etc.) or perhaps the Classic Turret kit from Kempf's.

 

[RustyFN]

Without going into the FCD debate again also I will recommend the Lee classic turret. I have used one for three years and it meets my needs fine, and yes I do shoot quite a bit. I shoot IDPA, GSSF, Glock style, practice and some rifle matches and haven't needed to upgrade to something faster. It is a very easy press for a beginner to set up and operate. I do use the FCD for pistol loading but it's a personal preference.

I read somewhere that with the Lee dies if you don't use the FCD sometimes the bullet might not be held in place very well once seated, especially with thinner brass. Can anyone elaborate on this topic?

That is not true. Case tension holds the bullet not the crimp. The seating die will crimp fine and you won't need the FCD. I use it because I like to seat and crimp in separate steps.
Rusty

 

[chutchis]

I started out three years ago (approximately) and had big aspirations of having a full on progressive press. Before I bought anything I got a Nosler 4th edition (I think) reloading manual and read post after post on this board about what press to buy.
I eventually decided on the Lee Clasic turret press and am very happy with it. I also bought some Lee Dies but have since moved to RCBS dies (RCBS dies just seem more solid and definitely more polished or refined than the Lee dies).
I'd say you can't go wrong with a Lee turret press for the price. My four year old daughter has been known to hang on the handle once in awhile and the press is still going strong.
From the specs I have seen on the single stage presses, I would go with the Rock Chucker from RCBS...it has more clearance than the Lee single stages incase you decide to load rifle in the future.
Either way, if you buy Lee make sure it is a classic or cast model (they are the beefier ones).

 

[remingtondude58]

I would get the LEE breech lock kit. That's what I started on.