Looking for a quality reloading kit to get started

[gryffinwings]

I'm looking at buying a hand loading set once I build my shop behind my shop, I think the kit I want to get is one by RCBS, I'll be loading primarily 8mm Mauser aka 7.92 x 57 Mauser. This one seems to be pretty good.

This is the image on amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T9YKW60/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I3UKDX00GQC4S9&colid=2O6VSTNIZBH1T

[TexasJackKin]

I started with something very similar back in the late '70s. still use most of it, off and on. You will need to get something to trim brass to length, and of course dies, for the caliber(s) you want to reload. I'm sure there will be people that will come along and suggest you buy everything piece meal, but those (mostly) are people that have been reloading for awhile, and have an idea of what they want. That's a good press, powder measure and scale.

Get that and you'll be on your way once you add a trimmer and calipers.

[kcheung2]

Wow, that's exactly what I bought, and yeah my first reloads were 8mm Mauser also.

As TX Jack said, it's cheaper to buy everything piecemeal, but for someone starting out, you likely won't know what random bit you'll need so the kit makes sense. Except for the scale (I went digital) I still use all the pieces in the kit. Is each piece the best option out there? Probably not, but most are pretty good & even the ones that are so-so are still perfectly workable. After you use them for a bit then you'll have a better idea of what you want to replace.

And loading for 8mm is a great idea. Many beginners plan to start loading 9mm or .223 because that's what they shoot the most, but that actually makes the least amount of sense. Commercial ammo is so cheap & plentiful that they'll save maybe a dime per round but spend a lot of time. It makes more sense to load for the less-used rounds. Non-corrosive brass cased 8mm is about 85c, whereas my handloads are about 45c.

[aspenvalley]

RCBS is great stuff. I think it's over built for what you need and you end up paying for it.

For single stage or turret presses you get a ton of press from Lee and their starter kits.

I got a kit and really glad I did. That being said there is a lot in the kit I upgraded to something different or just don't use.

[mshill]

I got the Hornady Lock n' Load starter kit. I got that so I could just set my dies and swap them out with the collars. I also prefer a digital scale as it is much faster for me.

If you are reloading rifle rounds definitely get some trimmers (I use Worlds Finest). If you buy a case prep center, do not buy one with an integrated trimmer. They are too expensive and a real pain to use.

[TexasJackKin]

Except for the scale (I went digital)

Yeah, I went digital too, a couple of years ago, but I still check it against my RCSS 5-10 (Ohaus) I've got some test weights, but nothing traceable to the National Bureau of Standards.....

[Che762x39]

I'm looking at buying a hand loading set once I build my shop behind my shop, I think the kit I want to get is one by RCBS ...

That RCBS set is what I got in 1982 and I am still using most of it. The RCBS Manual is the best of all reloading manuals. JMHO. Have fun its a great hobby.

[gryffinwings]

I got the Hornady Lock n' Load starter kit. I got that so I could just set my dies and swap them out with the collars. I also prefer a digital scale as it is much faster for me.

If you are reloading rifle rounds definitely get some trimmers (I use Worlds Finest). If you buy a case prep center, do not buy one with an integrated trimmer. They are too expensive and a real pain to use.

The idea swapping out using the collars and not have to reset anything sounds really appealing to me.

[Divernhunter]

That is a good kit.
That said I would toss the lube pad and buy the RCBS Spray Lube and a baking pan. Toss the brass in and spray, shake, spray again and start resizing.
A digital scale/dispenser is really nice but the balance beam is always good to have as back-up.
The inflow powder measure is good and with practice you can get very uniform throws. I would pick up the stand for it over the strap that comes with it.
I like the MTM trays better than the RCBS one and have their graphite 3 brush neck lube combo in a unit mounted on my bench. BUT if I spray some case lube in some of the necks I do not need it.
You will want a case cleaner tumbler. I use the standard ones(from Midway) with treated corn media(Lyman brand) Use dryer sheets and it lasts a long time.
In time you may want to get a case prep center and the Lyman one is very good.

RCBS dies and shell holders are good as are Hornady and Lyman. A step up would be Redding. Lee makes dies but the so called locking rings are pure garbage and they do not stand behind their product like the other companies.

I have been reloading since the 1960's and reload for about 35 different cartridges. I have 4 single stage presses and a Dillon 650. PM me if you have any questions as I have helped many people get into reloading.

I would also suggest getting the Lyman #49 or 50 reloading manual as it has good data and even better information on how to reload. Read it and it will answers 90%+ question you will have.

[Socalman]

The RCBS is what I have had for a few years now. I think any of the "name" brands will be great. RCBS, Hornaday, Lee and those blue ones Dillon) all have good customer service if something breaks. One of the people with whom I worked has an old RCBS that he had bought second hand about 15 years prior. When something broke, I don't recall what it was, it was several years ago, he contacted RCBS and they supplied the part without charge.

The most important thing is to read the manual, get help early on, read the manuals, make notes, read the manual, talk to others and did I mention, read the manual.

Also, start your loads at the bottom and work up!

[gryffinwings]

The RCBS is what I have had for a few years now. I think any of the "name" brands will be great. RCBS, Hornaday, Lee and those blue ones Dillon) all have good customer service if something breaks. One of the people with whom I worked has an old RCBS that he had bought second hand about 15 years prior. When something broke, I don't recall what it was, it was several years ago, he contacted RCBS and they supplied the part without charge.

The most important thing is to read the manual, get help early on, read the manuals, make notes, read the manual, talk to others and did I mention, read the manual.

Also, start your loads at the bottom and work up!

Seems like the going advice is read the manual and ask questions. I've got the Lyman Manual on order so I can start reading up on loading.

So far thanks everyone for the advice, seems like the RCBS that I chose is a good starting point, just need a couple of other things.

By the way, should I get a digital or analog dial calipers to start out with? I know at the moment I don't want to afford expensive ones like Mitutoyo digital calipers for now.

[kcstott]

Seems like the going advice is read the manual and ask questions. I've got the Lyman Manual on order so I can start reading up on loading.

So far thanks everyone for the advice, seems like the RCBS that I chose is a good starting point, just need a couple of other things.

By the way, should I get a digital or analog dial calipers to start out with? I know at the moment I don't want to afford expensive ones like Mitutoyo digital calipers for now.

The Lyman manual has about the best beginners guide to reloading, first third of the book is the how to section, very in-depth and what I recommend to all new reloaders.

[RiskyBusiness]

I suggest a turret press. It's only $90, you can remove the turret rod so that it can be used as a single stage but still have the choice of going faster once you get comfortable. Digital scale is $20 and just as accurate and way faster. When developing loads you'll find yourself weighing every charge and it'll get old real fast on the manual scale.

Dry or wet tumbler, both get the job done the only difference is shiny brass for a premium cost in wet tumbling. By the way there's a free Lyman manual pdf on the internet.any cheap digital calipers is fine too >$20

[Divernhunter]

It takes 30 seconds to change dies and batch processing brass with hand priming is the smart way to load. No need for a turret. I have tried a high quality one and found it to be of little use except to mount a bullet puller collet and a universal decapper(if you use one). Then again I can screw in my collet bullet puller quickly and rarely use the universal decapper.

The turret has more chance to get loose and mess up die setting.

When I want speed and larger volume I use my Dillon 650 with case feeder. I only use it for 9mm Luger and 45ACP

Just my take on it.

[gryffinwings]

It takes 30 seconds to change dies and batch processing brass with hand priming is the smart way to load. No need for a turret. I have tried a high quality one and found it to be of little use except to mount a bullet puller collet and a universal decapper(if you use one). Then again I can screw in my collet bullet puller quickly and rarely use the universal decapper.

The turret has more chance to get loose and mess up die setting.

When I want speed and larger volume I use my Dillon 650 with case feeder. I only use it for 9mm Luger and 45ACP

Just my take on it.

Even faster than that if you use a Hornady Lock'n'Load conversion kit.