Need Help Buying a Reloading Kit

[HK Dave]

Hi Everyone!

I'd like to get into reloading. I recently read through the book "ABC's of Reloading Handbook 7th Edition" and feel that I would enjoy reloading. Getting tired of looking for ammo at Walmart and I think it would be great fun to load my own rounds.

I was wondering if anyone had experience with the "Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Single Stage Press Kit".

My primary calibers are .308, .223, 6.8 spc, 40sw.

I probably shoot a couple hundred rounds a month and my ultimate goal is accuracy.

Can anyone tell me their experience with this kit. Do I need to purchase anything else with it?

Would appreciate any advice or tips!

I've read through a lot of this forum and Dillon seems to be the way to go... but seems too much machine for 200 rounds a month.

Is this kit good enough?

Thanks in advance!

[Desert_Rat]

I recently picked up an RCBS rockchucker supreme Kit.
I'm very happy with it.I've loaded maybe 500 rounds and I like it.
Only thing is the 5-0-5 scale that comes with it is sensitave to drafts,in garage.as others are,I'm sure

[jwest]

Go to www.dillonprecision.com - RL 550 is a good choice
www.sugarfreebob.com may have some 'specials'

[smokingloon]

You are still going to need a dial caliper, dies, and a shell holder.
I'm not sure why they include a chamfering and deburring tool but nothing to trim the cases. There are many options on case trimmers so you should look around and decide what would suit your needs. Also, a tumbler is nice to have so that you can have shiny and clean cases. It is not necessary as there are other ways to clean them, but the tumbler makes quit work on cleaning your cases.

[r08ert209cali]

make sure and get a digital scale and good powder measure.

[EBR Works]

I was wondering if anyone had experience with the "Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Single Stage Press Kit".

My primary calibers are .308, .223, 6.8 spc, 40sw.

That kit is a good choice to get started. You also need:

The book ABC's of Reloading. If you have never reloaded, a must read.

Caliper.

Imperial sizing wax. One shot is great but inadequate for sizing .308, in my experience.

A few more reloading blocks.

More Hornady LNL die bushings since the kit only comes with 3. One for each die for each caliber you intend to reload. Can be purchased as a 10 pack.

Trimmer - many choices available but I like Possum Hollow trimmers. Function like a Giraud but much cheaper.

Dies and shell holders. If you want ultimate accuracy, buy competition die sets. Double the price but they will make a difference. For everyday plinking, not necessary. Your choice of brand but really whatever you can currently find available. Opinions vary on brand but I like RCBS, Dillon and Lee.

Tumbler and tumbling media. I have the small Dillon tumbler and it's never let me down. It has rubber seals on the bowl and fittings to contain lead dust and is built like a tank. As for media, I prefer Lyman Treated Corn Cob.

Media separator for after you tumble. I have and like the RCBS unit here:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=176956

A bullet puller. Kinetic is fine for occasional use to resolve inevitable mistakes.

Plastic Akro bins and ZipLoc bags for storing brass and small items.

Plastic boxes for your loaded rounds.

Disposable Nitrile gloves to keep heavy metal contamination off your skin and fingerprints off your shiny loaded rounds.

Safety glasses

Bullets, primers, brass and powder.

[tpuig]

I'm in the same boat. I wanted to get started in loading, but wasn't sure where to begin. I bought and read the "ABC's" book and it's very helpful. I also picked up a Lee Classic loader on eBay for $15. It's super basic, and it includes virtually everthing needed to load except a mallet and the components. But more importantly, it gave me a basic understanding of how the process works. I intend on keeping a kit in my truck whenever I go out to the range or hunting.


After that, I ordered a Hornady Lock n Load kit, which is STILL on backorder. My intentions are to start loading my more uncommon and expensive calibers, like .250 Savage, .30-06 and 7mm Mag. But I have a feeling this will expand to the other calibers as well. ;-)
I'll take Impactco's advice as well, that's a great post.

I have a feeling that Lee, RCBS, Dillon, Hornady all make a very good product. I just chose Hornady because I spoke with Steve Hornady recently for about an hour at a show.
And right now there is a free bullet offer when you buy the press and/or dies. I've sent two forms in already for a couple hundred bullets... Now I just need the darn press to get started.