new suggestions for starter kit reloader

[Reefinmike]

lee turret press kit did me good when I started, but ya still need a few things like calipers, dies, powder/cases/primers, bullet puller etc.

Right away I took out the auto indexer and use mine as a modified turret. I deprime/size/prime separately from the other steps that way I can always physically feel a fully seated primer as I take out the freshly primed case. Then I alternate between the flare/powder charge die and the seat/crimp die with my thumb on the upstroke. Its all very fast but my eye is always watching what is going on. after sizing and priming, I can load up a box in 5 minutes flat. I feel I have more control and a more careful eye than with a progressive with near the loading speeds. It does wear you out though after a few hours.

 

[socalbeachbum]

getting started

thanks guys! Lost covered all the possibilities pretty well.

Well, I went to the 3 shops carrying reloading stuff within 30 miles of home. Pretty quickly, I found if ever I need parts, all 3 primarily carried RCBS. The one place that cost a bit more had the most inventory. And I scored a pound of Unique too

I went with what I knew from the past, a new Rockchucker Supreme, carbide RCBS .38/.357 dies, RCBS power dispenser, Dillon Digital scale, trickler, primers, hard cast wadcutters, funnel. I had to lead the guy through what to sell me. I forgot extra deprimer pins and a primer tray. I asked for a powder measure stand by they forgot to include it.

So I'm up and running!

I do not care for one item, the digital scale. With no air movement it will drift from 4.9 to 5.0 to 5.1 grains reading. I'm taking it back to get an old school mechanical beam I think. If I choose to weigh every load, I do want to see that it repeats well load to load.

 

[gonoles_1980]

I bought the Lee Challenger Breech Loading Kit when I got started. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/121744/lee-challenger-breech-lock-single-stage-press-kit.

Things it had that I haven't used are are number of the hand primer holders and the large pistol hand primer (I may get around to using that one if I buy a 44mag).

It didn't come with any dies, need to make sure you get your dies, expect all that to come out to around $160 (I got my kit on sale for $108+$40 for the 38 die kit). I started loading on a 38 spl. I'd also buy some scale weights, I bought Layman, but it looks like RCBS has some on sell on Midway right now. The weights will give you some piece of mind you have your scale set correctly.

Since then I've bought the Franklin shell holders (well worth it), a Franklin tumbler, Franklin bullet buller, 9mm die kit, 9mm gauge, calipier washers to put on my 38 die set to load my 357, more trimmers.

 

[Potatohead]

thanks guys! Lost covered all the possibilities pretty well.

Well, I went to the 3 shops carrying reloading stuff within 30 miles of home. Pretty quickly, I found if ever I need parts, all 3 primarily carried RCBS. The one place that cost a bit more had the most inventory. And I scored a pound of Unique too

I went with what I knew from the past, a new Rockchucker Supreme, carbide RCBS .38/.357 dies, RCBS power dispenser, Dillon Digital scale, trickler, primers, hard cast wadcutters, funnel. I had to lead the guy through what to sell me. I forgot extra deprimer pins and a primer tray. I asked for a powder measure stand by they forgot to include it.

So I'm up and running!

I do not care for one item, the digital scale. With no air movement it will drift from 4.9 to 5.0 to 5.1 grains reading. I'm taking it back to get an old school mechanical beam I think. If I choose to weigh every load, I do want to see that it repeats well load to load.

Yea I chunked my electronic. Just couldnt trust it.