help w/rcbs equipment

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kart racer

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I built my reloading bench this week,now I have to get the equipment.I'm only gonna reload pistol calibers,mainly 45 acp,45 long colt,38/357 and maybe 9mm.Will the partner kit be a good starting point or would the rockchucker kit be better or would it be overkill.Right now I'm not really interested in a progressive setup. Thanks Joe
ps I already have a lil dandy powder measure
 
I have been using the partner starter for a few years now and it has worked great and is the best deal for beginners imho. I just switched to a Dillon 550b progressive, but I will continue to use the partner to work up new loads. I used the partner for .45 ACP, 30-06, 6mm Rem, .357, and a few others but you get the picture. Anyway good luck and enjoy.
 
If you can afford the rock chucker kit go for it I started out with a cheap kit and it wasn't long before I moved up to the rock chucker if you are only planing on having one single stage press go with the best.
 
I've got a partner that I picked up used for $30 and it works great. I haven't had a single issue with it. That being said, I wish I had a Rockchucker. :)

Have a good one,
Dave
 
I purchased the Redding Boss because thats what the person who introduced me to reloading had (actually, he had the Redding UltraMag, which is a totally different animal...).

If I was going to do it over, I would have purchased the Redding Big Boss (for the primer catcher) or A turrett.

If you are only going to load w/ a single-stage, I recommend purchasing a good one. I have both a small Lee and the Redding Boss. I often thing "what a great press" when using the Redding; the smaller Lee does what I purhcased it for, but the Redding is in a different league.
 
I started out with a RCBS Partner press, after about a year I moved up to using a RCBS RC Supreme. It's a much nicer press. I will echo what others have said. If you can afford getting the RC Supreme get it, but it's not needed.

I will say though, that the Lee Classic Cast press looks to be a quality peice of equipment. Comming from me that should mean a lot!
 
I started on a RCBS Jr back in the mid `60 that belonged to my dad. (replaced in their line up by the "special" I believe) I`m still useing that press for certain tasks on my bench, and it`s working as well today, 40 years later, as it did the day he bought it. I have up-graded to a Co-Ax and a Lyman Orange Crusher only because of the fact the window in the Jr is a bit short for `06 sized cartridges, and I felt the need for the larger opening the Lyman oftered. (The Co-Ax has the shorter opening also but is a whole `nudder ball game)
The RCBS products are all of first rate quality and none are a bad choice. I wouldn`t hesitate to start loading smaller cased rounds such as the 223, 308, 6.5 Swede most handgun and even `06 case based cartridges on the Partner. Ease of use is the only draw back with the smaller press and large cased rounds, although cases like the Ultra mags won`t fit in the press.:eek: The press will likely out last the user and if you enjoy the hobby and later pick up a rifle that fires larger cartridges where a larger "window" is needed you can always up grade.
I would though, if possible and the little extra money is not a problem, go with the larger press. The cartridges you are loading will be served fine with either, but the larger press will be there when new larger cartridges come into the picture.
 
Joe, this is one case where the Partner makes sense. It is a little shorter, and has a little bigger throat on the press.

For handgun only I think the Partner makes good sense.
 
You can't go wrong with either. If you are loading only pistol the Partner is more economical. I have had mine since 1978 and still use it often for .308, .223 and quite a bit for handgun.
 
If you can afford it, spring for the RockChucker Deluxe or Master kit, whatever it is that comes with everything.

I started with the Special 5 Beginners kit. While the Press and all the other equipment is top-notch and I still use it all today, I should have spent the extra 70 bucks and gotten the extra items that comes with the RockChucker kit, cause I wound up buying them pretty quickly anyways!

But, as long as you get any of the RCBS kits, you won't go wrong or regret it!
 
Thanks for the help,I kinda think the rockchucker kit would be best,my buddy is the one that's wanting 45 long colt loaded,so I'll get him to get the partner press and dies and will have the best of all.:)
 
For only pistol, a cast iron press isn't necessary...it is for full-length resizing rifle cases (or swaging bullets, which few people do anymore). You can often find used presses at gun shows or some gun shops. Any make of press that uses standard dies and shell holders will do for you. Or, consider the Lee Anniversary kit...

But, if there is a chance you will reload rifle cases in the future, a cast iron press makes the best sense. I'm using a Herters cast "C" press over 50 yrs old, and a RCBS Jr press I bought second hand for about $35 about seven years ago...both are veterans of many tens of thousand reloads, and both are in "like new" condition. I occasionally use them both set up side by side to do successive reloading steps...a "Poor Man's Progressive"... But even then I could use a cast press for rifle resizing and an aluminum press for the bullet seating and crimping.

Check out EBAY and gun auction sites for inexpensive presses...or even place a "want" add in your local newspaper or range bulletin boards...
 
Another vote for the Rockchucker Supreme Kit. You get quality equipment and an unbeatable warranty. I doubt you will ever feel like upgrading.

If you already have other equipment, I would recommend the Lee Classic Cast Press. However, if you need a powder measure and other stuff go ahead and get the RCBS kit.
 
RCBS jr, great single stage, and fantastic service from the company! Even though I recieved it as a gift, RCBS has provided some items for minor repairs free, such as missing primer tray and extra primer arm/cup/springs. When I asked them why, the lady said, "Sir, that press says RCBS on the side." I replied, "Ma'am, so will the next one!"
Then again, this one works so well, I may not need another one any time soon!:cool:
 
+1 on RCBS customer service. They have replaced broken parts right away at no cost to me. I broke the parts, by the way. I told them so, and they replaced them anyway. I would be hardPRESSED ;) to buy equipment from anyone else. Pun intended.
 
Stick with the RC and you won't be sorry. In the future you just might want to go progressive and you will be able to add the Piggyback for a fraction of the cost which will load handgun carts and 223's. I did just that and while it was a pain to use at first I got to liking it a lot. Once you have determined a pet load you can crank out a pile of 'em in short order.
Have fun,
Chiz
 
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