Starter Kit for Newbie

[OldeBD]

I am wondering if some of you reloading pros could give me some suggestions on a complete starter kit. I'm looking to get into reloading and there is a lot of options out there. Honestly, I don't know which one is better than the other. I'm not afraid to spend some cash for quality because I only want to get setup once. Thanks!

 

[soam]

What caliber(s) are you looking to reload? For typical pistol calibers (9mm, 40, 45, etc) a progressive reloader like a Dillon 550 or 650, or a Hornady Lock n Load Progressive are good choices. You'll find people who prefer one brand or the other.

Whichever press you choose, you'll also need basics like:

• Tumbler and tumbling media to clean brass
• Scale for measuring powder charge weights
• Calipers for measuring cartridge overall length
• A reloading manual or two
• Primer flip tray
• Dies for the caliber you're loading

and so on. For an idea of what you need for a "complete" reloading setup, take a look at the "ez buy" packages on Brian Enos' website: http://brianenos.com/store/dillon.ez.550.html

You could just buy a setup from there, or you can also use it as a guide to see what sort of items you need to get started.

One of the mods here (EddieCoyle) teaches a reloading class that is a great introduction to the basics. If you're just getting started it's a great way to get a leg-up on some crucial knowledge. His website is http://massreloading.com/

 

[ksimons]

/\ what he said /\

 

[OldeBD]

I would like a setup that I can load a variety of pistol and rifle calipers. To start with Ill be looking for 40 sw, 9mm, 357 mag, 38 sp, and 44 mag. I don't shoot my long guns much anymore but some day I would like to be setup for 308, 3006, 3030, and maybe some ar calipers if I ever buy one.

For a tumbler, I believe I can build my own because I have everything kicking around to build one. If it doesn't work out, I'll just buy one. But all of the other stuff you listed I have seen included in some packages like a RCBS. But like I said before I really don't know much about them and which is better to have....

thank you you for the input, I'll check out what you recommended. I have read about his classes on here and will definitely take a class.

 

[mac1911]

There is a lot to be desired in the "kits" seems like its a balance of stuff you need and dont. Then there is a the quality of some of the stuff in the "kits"
I purchased the Hornady Clasic single stage kit.

I bought this kit http://www.hornady.com/store/Lock-N-Load-Classic-Kit I scored it the last few days before Xmas on Ebay few years back for 179$ shipped.
Things I dont like or use much.
Scale: it has a blue back lit screen and I find it very hard to see.
Trickler: seldom use it
I still have the 500 free 45cal bullets it came with. Be sure to check what bullets you have to choose from before ordering a Hornady for 500 free bullets.
Other than that I find it to be a decent package deal if you find it on sale.

This kit has a bit more that you will need. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/149937/hornady-lock-n-load-classic-single-stage-press-deluxe-kit but again is it a value I dont know. it does come with both powder drop cylinders for rifle and pistol. Something I had to buy. also comes with some lock rings and a few other tools.

Friend just picked this up http://www.basspro.com/RCBS-Rock-Chucker-Supreme-Master-Reloading-Kit/product/10200311/ RCBS has a 50$ rebate for any purchase over 300$ plus he had some gift cards.

You will find its hard to get a complete kit with everything. There is not to many progressive "kits" that come with much more than the loader.

 

[OldeBD]

I really just need to attend a class so I get a better hands on understanding of what exactly I need. I've watched a few videos, seems fairly straight forward, but I know there is zero room for errors. Therefore, learning hands on with an expert would be the best choice. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction guys, and throwing out some good options on equipment.

 

[soam]

I really just need to attend a class so I get a better hands on understanding of what exactly I need. I've watched a few videos, seems fairly straight forward, but I know there is zero room for errors. Therefore, learning hands on with an expert would be the best choice. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction guys, and throwing out some good options on equipment.

I felt exactly the same way, which is why I took the class before loading a single round. It really does help to have an expert explain things, be able to ask questions about stuff you don't quite understand, and get some hands-on experience with the equipment.

It really is straightforward once you get the hang of it, but a healthy respect for the risks involved if you screw up is a good thing to have.

 

[OldeBD]

That Dillon products looks to be some fine equipment, the 550 looks like the perfect setup. Tons of info in there too, thanks for linking that. I'm guessing you get top quality for what you pay for?

 

[soam]

I actually have a Hornady setup, but I have heard from many people that Dillon equipment is high quality and they will replace any parts that do break for no cost.

 

[weehooker]

If you want good usable and dureable equipment that will pay for itself in the first 500 rounds, then look no further than here: You can spend more but this will make you 150 quality rounds/hr while being very user friendly to set up and operate. The reviews speak for themselves. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/78...-turret-press-deluxe-kit?cm_vc=ProductFinding.

FWIW, I kicked the blue cool-aide habit years ago and have been happy with a pair of these ever since.

 

[99105]

Damn.
I had my heart set on buying a Dillon 550b, you tubing my way through learning the operation, then taking a class...even if it does sound a bit bass ackwards.
i think I'd get more out of a class that way.
Now I'm hearing that I should look toward the Lee ... Or the RCBS...or...
Damn it...

 

[mac1911]

If you want good usable and dureable equipment that will pay for itself in the first 500 rounds, then look no further than here: You can spend more but this will make you 150 quality rounds/hr while being very user friendly to set up and operate. The reviews speak for themselves. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/78...-turret-press-deluxe-kit?cm_vc=ProductFinding.

FWIW, I kicked the blue cool-aide habit years ago and have been happy with a pair of these ever since.

If you go lee make sure its the Classic CAST turret press or the CAST single stage. I wont shoot down Lee I use thier products. Just be aware Lee stuff is a tinkering mans item, just say'n
Also if you go Lee this guy does pretty good at showing use. https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=yO64tPakN8Y
Also this website will come in handy.
http://loadmastervideos.com/ forum section is very helpful

 

[EddieCoyle]

I've reloaded for over 30 years, and either own or have owned presses from Lee, RCBS, Hornady, Pacific, Smart Reloader, Lyman, and Dillon.

I do all of my progressive reloading on a Dillon 650, use either a Rockchucker or L-N-L classic when I need a single stage, and a Redding turret press for large magnum handgun.

 

[peterthefish]

Damn.
I had my heart set on buying a Dillon 550b, you tubing my way through learning the operation, then taking a class...even if it does sound a bit bass ackwards.
i think I'd get more out of a class that way.
Now I'm hearing that I should look toward the Lee ... Or the RCBS...or...
Damn it...

150 Rounds / Hour is slow. If you're retired and you don't shoot much and can dedicate days to reloading, a Lee Turret is fine. I've got two kids and a job that's got me working and traveling a bit, and I shoot > 1,000 rounds / month in the summer time.

I use a Hornady LNL AP and get 600-700 rounds per hour including filling primers, etc. a Dillon 650 can do the same.

It's all about priorities.

 

[timbo]

If you want good usable and dureable equipment that will pay for itself in the first 500 rounds, then look no further than here: You can spend more but this will make you 150 quality rounds/hr while being very user friendly to set up and operate. The reviews speak for themselves. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/78...-turret-press-deluxe-kit?cm_vc=ProductFinding.

FWIW, I kicked the blue cool-aide habit years ago and have been happy with a pair of these ever since.

I started drinking the Blue koolaid a few weeks ago but that was after loading on an RCBS single stage for 25+ years. That being said, my younger brother has this Lee turret press and it is a very nice setup. He uses it mainly for 38sp/357mag and 44mag reloading but he gets out shooting nowhere as much as I do I've used it and it's a nice setup. I went with the Dillon because I can easily blow through hundreds and hundreds of rounds in an afternoon at the range.

I haven't got the time any longer to spend hours and hours in front of my RCBS press to knock out several hundred rounds...plus it's a physical thing too. A few years back I ruptured my right bicep and an afternoon at the RCBS cripples my arm. The Dillon is much less punishing.

 

[Woodstock]

If you plan to load mainly pistol calibers in volume, and a limited amount of rifle, check out the Dillon Square Deal. It's as fast as most other progressives without a case feeder, and caliber changes are cheaper, although limited to Dillon's non-standard setups.
Add a single stage for rifle reloading if you're just going to load a couple of boxes of .30-30 and .30-06 every year. Eventually you'll want a single stage press, anyway, for a lot of tasks that don't require a progressive.

 

[DW357]

150 Rounds / Hour is slow. If you're retired and you don't shoot much and can dedicate days to reloading, a Lee Turret is fine. I've got two kids and a job that's got me working and traveling a bit, and I shoot > 1,000 rounds / month in the summer time.

I use a Hornady LNL AP and get 600-700 rounds per hour including filling primers, etc. a Dillon 650 can do the same.

It's all about priorities.

Same here. I haven't really timed myself but I'm thinking I do around 250-300 9mm per hour and weighing every 30th powder charge. Just curious, are you doing 600-700 rounds per hour with a casefeeder or bullet feeder?

I've considered getting a case feeder or bullet feeder but I use any extra money for bullets/powder etc. I don't think I really need it though. I shoot about 200-300 rounds a week.

 

[Chet0729]

I have a Lee Load Master and would not recommend it. you will spend more time adjusting it that you will reloading. When it works it works well but it requires a lot of tinkering to keep it running smooth.

 

[peterthefish]

Same here. I haven't really timed myself but I'm thinking I do around 250-300 9mm per hour and weighing every 30th powder charge. Just curious, are you doing 600-700 rounds per hour with a casefeeder or bullet feeder?

I've considered getting a case feeder or bullet feeder but I use any extra money for bullets/powder etc. I don't think I really need it though. I shoot about 200-300 rounds a week.

Casefeeder. I put it off for a while thinking it wouldn't speed up my loading rate much but it really has. It was a bit of a pain to get it setup and running well (whereas my press has always been flawless).

I also use a VibraPrime to fill my tubes. Also took a bit of work to get it working right but now I can fill three primer tubes in under three minutes.

It really just all comes down to how much you shoot and how much free time you have to reload. I think if you can load a weeks worth of ammo in an hour that's the sweet spot.

 

[DW357]

I bought my Hornady LNL AP ~3 years ago and have no regrets. I watched a s***ton of youtube videos, spent days reading various forums on presses/setting up dies/components etc. and then eventually took EC's reloading class. All of which was well worth the time/money.

Anyway, many people say to start out on a single stage press but I started out on a progressive press. You have the option to load like a single stage - which is what I did when I first started. I would size/deprime then prime a batch of cases before setting up the expander die, powder drop, seater, crimp etc. When I finally understood how everything worked and all the tips/tricks for the different dies, I then started loading progressively.

If I started with a single stage, I would have been kicking myself months later when I became proficient and wanted to start cranking out a decent volume of ammo.

My recommendation, if you have the money available, buy a progressive press either a Hornady LNL or a Dillon 550 or 650.

 

[ToddDubya]

If you plan to load mainly pistol calibers in volume, and a limited amount of rifle, check out the Dillon Square Deal. It's as fast as most other progressives without a case feeder, and caliber changes are cheaper, although limited to Dillon's non-standard setups.
Add a single stage for rifle reloading if you're just going to load a couple of boxes of .30-30 and .30-06 every year. Eventually you'll want a single stage press, anyway, for a lot of tasks that don't require a progressive.

This is the route I went. For about $200/caliber you can completely change over the Square Deal B and not have to adjust anything. For things I don't load much I use a single stage. If you don't mind tinkering when you change calibers, you can do it for much less. There's a good deal on a SDB in the classifieds right now.

For what it's worth, I really think reloading equipment is like Chevy vs Ford vs Mercedes vs Honda vs Hyundai vs Humvee.

 

[IPSC_DRL]

If you plan to load mainly pistol calibers in volume, and a limited amount of rifle, check out the Dillon Square Deal. It's as fast as most other progressives without a case feeder, and caliber changes are cheaper, although limited to Dillon's non-standard setups.
Add a single stage for rifle reloading if you're just going to load a couple of boxes of .30-30 and .30-06 every year. Eventually you'll want a single stage press, anyway, for a lot of tasks that don't require a progressive.

This is essentially what I do. I have 4 metallic cartridge presses and 2 shotshell presses on my bench. I have 2 Dillon Square Deal-B presses and 2 heavy duty single stage. One Dillon is set up in .45 ACP all the time because that is the caliber I shoot most. The other I switch around between about 9 different calibers. It takes me about 10 minutes to change calibers, even swapping large/small priming systems. I have tool-heads for each caliber so I only have to remove 5 bolts to swap the plate and shell holder. I can crank out 500+ rounds per hour verifying powder drop every once in a while. I keep 4 primer tubes on hand for each size primer so I can fill the magazine and load 500 rounds before needing to fill them again. The single stage presses I use to prep/load rifle and 500 Magnum loads.

Find someone near you that has been loading for a while and ask them to show you the process. Seeing it done and being able to ask questions during the process beats the heck out of watching a video. I have done this for many people wanting to get into loading.

If you are near the Southern Worcester area, I'd be glad to show you the ins and outs.


Good luck.

 

[xtry51]

If you want to buy once and cry once, get a Dillon 650.

 

[josh2600]

^^^ This. Or a 550 if you need to save some dough, but just be aware that you'll likely want the 650 down the road.