Reloading kit question. SOS old please delete

[PAV]

Any suggestions on reloading kit for the 1st timer. There is so much out there from $89.00 Lee 50th univ. kit and up to over a $1000.00. I am lost and need some help.

Thanks

[Mikeb]

WHat do you expect to do?

[cjskalka]

I've got the Lee Breech Lock Challenger load kit and I'm very happy with it. I think it only cost me around $90 before shipping. Only thing you need with this kit is dies and a pilot for the case trimmer for what whatever calibers you plan to load.

[Crownless]

I recommend starting on a single stage press. I started with a Lee Challenger Anniversary Kit and I've been happy with it. I was on a budget and couldn't afford the RCBS kit. The lee kit pretty much includes everything but the dies. You will also need to get a caliper for measuring OAL. The scale is kinda flimsy but it works. Over the last year I've loaded over 7000 rounds on mine. I haven't had an issue with the quality of lee. I have not loaded on a RCBS rock chucker but have handled one. They are extremely stout presses. If you are going to be loading a lot of rifle ammo or just have the money to spend on it I would recommend the rock chucker kit.

[tango5]

I just got started hand loading, and i got the Lee Breech Lock kit and extremely happy with it. The press is strong, they didn't skimp on its quality. You will need dies, case gauge for what ever caliber you are reloading, a micrometer, and shell holders for what ever caliber you are reloading. Dont forget about a tumbler too.

[M1884]

Don't forget Ebay and Gunbroker. People trade up and put the old gear up for auction.

[popeye4]

I've never used Lee reloading equpment (other than a lead melting pot), so I can't comment on their stuff pro or con. It is very affordable (and does inspire strong feelings both ways) so if it is your only way into the hobby, go get it. But I have used RCBS, Redding, Sinclair, Dillon, and other higher end manufacturers' items and would recommend the Redding kit if you can afford it. Redding gear seems to be a step above RCBS these days (though I have a 30 year old Rock Chucker).

You may want to look at Randall's thread on "Match ammo is too expensive". He's got a pretty good list of specific gear to look for. You might even get the individual parts for cheaper than a kit, and then you'll have just what you want.

[dexter9659]

<< Big fan of the RCBS Rock Chucker, and I will never again touch Lee... not even with gloves.

[PAV]

Thanks for the info. I am strongly considering LEE BREECH LOCK CHALLENGER PRESS KIT or LEE 50th Anniversary Kit

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1249001732.2643=/html/catalog/rlpress2.html#breech

I like the price and I am not planing to load a lot so it should last for a while. It should be good for most calibers. Is it made in USA? I am willing to pay more but get USA product.

Thanks

[Nessal]

I just started loading myself and I went with the LEE kit. I got the one with the autoprimers because it comes with shellholders for pretty much every caliber out there. It's better than the safety primer 50th anniversary one IMO. I think I paid less than $90 because I had a birthday discount from Midway. The only thing else you need are dies for whatever caliber you are shooting. Then when the time comes, you need a caliper to measure OAL and a case trimmer. Both are relatively cheap. Then later on when you get tired of the scale that came with the LEE kit, you can invest in a digital one. Midway has a sale on digital scale for $20 I think.

[Desert_Rat]

+1 on the RCBS Rockchucker I have the Rockchucker supreme starter kit. And it's a great starter set you only need to add calipers....tumbler.....media seperator....brass trimmer......all dies.......OH Crap I did say it's a STARTER set didn't I?

[LGB Loader]

recommend the Redding kit if you can afford it. Redding gear seems to be a step above RCBS these days

I second this. Redding has the Big Boss II Deluxe pro kit with poweder throw and case trimmer, scale, and a bunch of other stuff.

If you have less of a budget but still want a good press, Kempfs & Sons has a good kit for the Lee Classic turret. This is a cool press that can be used as a single stage or auto indexing turret (kinda inbetween progressive and single stage).

LGB