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Here's a good start. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/121744/lee-challenger-breech-lock-single-stage-press-kit
I just got this kit a month or 2 ago, it works great. Even has a few extras I don't use. Like the hand primer, I just prime on the press. I would recommend getting a better chamfer and deburing tool. Don't forget to get a caliber specific case length gauge for the trimmer (~$4) and I would recommend a 2pk. of the lock rings for the dies The kit comes w/ one. If you get a 2pk then you'll have one for each of the 3 basic dies so you won't have to swap one ring around. Dies CAN NOT be installed in the press w/o a ring.
I paid just under $200 (w/ a $45 coupon) I ordered:
The kit-$116 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/121744/lee-challenger-breech-lock-single-stage-press-kit
Dies- $32 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/434975/lee-pacesetter-3-die-set-223-remington
Case length gauge- $5 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/107333/lee-case-length-gage-and-shellholder-223-remington
Tumbler-$35 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/587176/frankford-arsenal-quick-n-ez-case-tumbler-110-volt
Quick change bushings 2pk-$7 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/971565/lee-breech-lock-quick-change-bushings-package-of-2
Case lube pad-$10 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/274234/lyman-case-lube-pad
Backup Expander-decapping rod. Just in case-$4 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/39...3-remington-22-250-remington-replacement-part
Other than components a reloading manual and media for the tumbler (if using fired cases), that is all you'll need to get started loading live ammo.
I disagree with the advice not to learn on a progressive.
The dillon 550 is so so so forgiving, its fine to learn on. Without a case feeder, a new reloader can run one round at a time until he gets the feel for it. With a manual index it doesn't do anything unless you tell it to.
My first press was a Dillon 650. This was possible without any frustration or drama because a friend showed me the basics on his 550, with one round traversing the stations at a time. Then we went full progressive.
Once I moved to the 650, I only had to worry about the auto case feeder.
Don
Whatever you do, don't buy a Lee progressive press.
I disagree with the advice not to learn on a progressive.
The dillon 550 is so so so forgiving, its fine to learn on. Without a case feeder, a new reloader can run one round at a time until he gets the feel for it. With a manual index it doesn't do anything unless you tell it to.
My first press was a Dillon 650. This was possible without any frustration or drama because a friend showed me the basics on his 550, with one round traversing the stations at a time. Then we went full progressive.
Once I moved to the 650, I only had to worry about the auto case feeder.
Don
This. My first press was a Lee 1000. I learned a lot about patience and controlling my temper while using this thing. It would work fine for a long time and them go all to hell for no apparent reason.
I disagree with the advice not to learn on a progressive.
The dillon 550 is so so so forgiving, its fine to learn on. Without a case feeder, a new reloader can run one round at a time until he gets the feel for it. With a manual index it doesn't do anything unless you tell it to.
My first press was a Dillon 650. This was possible without any frustration or drama because a friend showed me the basics on his 550, with one round traversing the stations at a time. Then we went full progressive.
Once I moved to the 650, I only had to worry about the auto case feeder.
Don
This is exactly why I went with the Lee turret. I don't have the money or the space for a progressive yet.One of the great things about the lee turrets is that if you are on a budget or want something that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to set up for a new caliber, its a great compromise.
A single stage is cheap. But very slow.
A dillon 650 is fast, but each additional caliber will cost you $160ish + dies.
A lee turret (classic cast is the one I have) can get you fast enough (about 120 rounds/hr) for about $180 complete. And each new caliber will only cost you $10 for a new turret head + dies.
I have two dillon 650s. One is set up for large primer, the other for small. I basically reload 9mm and 45 on the dillon.
The Lee turret is for all my low volume reloads. .38/.357, .44 mag, .460 S&W Mag are all run with the auto index in place. I can make 120 rounds per hour.
I also use the turret for my precision reloading of .308 and .223. For this I batch the ammo just like on a single stage, except I don't have to remove the die to go to the next step. I just turn the head. I've had great results with this system on the turret. My .223 and .308 loads are comparable to $1.50 per round commercial loads (Federal GMM, Black Hills), butI'm spending only a fraction of that to make the ammo. I really like my Lee turret. Its a perfect compliment to the 650.