questions on a beginner kit

[vet]

Hi guys.
So I am looking to get into reloading. I need to reload
6.5 swede, 6.5 grendel and maybe some .45acp and a few things in between.

I know a dillon or some kind of progressive press is optimal, but I just can't lay out that much cash right now. I have more time than money at this point, so what I need is just something that works and is economical.

This lee challenger breech lock single stage press anniversary kit is on sale for around $80 bucks.

http://www.intlmidway.com/intl/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?SaleItemID=423081

So here's the questions:

Will this kit do what I need?

Is there a better kit for under $150 that I should get instead?

Can I reload both the swede and grendel with the same die?

Is there anything else you recommend I order with the kit to get up and going?

I'm sure you reloading vets will be able to give me some real world advice on this. It's greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys, hope your enjoying the weekend.
vet

[jmlivingston]

Interesting that you're looking at Midways international website. Are you outside the USA? Here's the same thing on their domestic site: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=423081

[pisarski]

yes it will do what you want it to do

[Mikeb]

Looks good to me... get into the game without breaking the bank. You'll never regret having a single stage press even if you go to a progressive later on.
take care
Mike

[XDRoX]

If you can swing it I would suggest a cast press, not that challenger. I don't mind the Lee SS or Turret presses, but that challenger looks pretty cheap.
And the scale it comes with is junk, you'll need to get a new one soon.
Especially because you're loading large rifle rounds, your press is really going to get a workout.
So if you can dish out a little more dough, I think you should get at least a cast press, but yes that one will work.
Good luck.

[vet]

Thanks very much for the help guys. I really appreciate it. Saves me weeks of racking my brain over this!

So just to be clear, you can use a 6.5 swede die to load 6.5 grendel? That will save me a little if so.

Thanks again,
V

[huckberry668]

Thanks very much for the help guys. I really appreciate it. Saves me weeks of racking my brain over this!

So just to be clear, you can use a 6.5 swede die to load 6.5 grendel? That will save me a little if so.

Thanks again,
V

No, you cannot. The only thing common between those 2 cartridges is the bullet diameter. The body of the cases are not the same. You can't even use the same shell holder (6.5 Gredel uses 7.62x39 shell holder).

Here is some reference material for you:

http://www.handloads.com/misc/shellholders.asp

http://www.6mmbr.com/65Grendel.html

http://www.gunsandammo.com/content/the-65x55-swede

[huckberry668]

BTW, I've recommended the Lee Hand Press to some beginner for its low cost, mobility (don't need a bench) and more personal reloading experience during the learning process. Buy the kit ($38), it comes with everything you'll need on a press.

I have 2 bench mount presses (Forster Co-Ax and Dillon 550) but I bring the hand press to the range for load development. Sometimes I use it to resize/deprime when I watch TV. Besides Forster & Redding dies, I also use the Lee Deluxe Die set with the Neck sizing die. Unlike others Lee die sets comes with shell holders.

[vet]

BTW, I've recommended the Lee Hand Press to some beginner for its low cost, mobility (don't need a bench) and more personal reloading experience during the learning process. Buy the kit ($38), it comes with everything you'll need on a press.

I have 2 bench mount presses (Forster Co-Ax and Dillon 550) but I bring the hand press to the range for load development. Sometimes I use it to resize/deprime when I watch TV. Besides Forster & Redding dies, I also use the Lee Deluxe Die set with the Neck sizing die. Unlike others Lee die sets comes with shell holders.

Thank you Sir. I'll check out those dies. have a great evening.
V

[jwc]

I recently purchased a Lee Classic Cast single stage press and am very impressed with it's quality - especially for the price.

Using the Lee Safety Prime system is very easy and allows you to feel how well the primer is seating when you push up on the handle.

The Lee Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measure is very easy to use too and has been amazingly accurate for me. I used them with great results on their Classic Turret Press and Load Master presses too.

I considered the Lee Challenger press you asked about too, but liked the features (priming on the press, powder through expander die vs. charging cases off press) on the Classic Cast press enough to pay a little more.

If you decided to go with the Lee Classic Cast press, you might consider a scale, a bullet puller and following to start loading 45ACP:

90998 Lee Classic Cast Single Stage Press
90997 Lee Safety Prime Small and Large Primer Feeder
90429 Lee Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measure
90968 Lee Deluxe Pistol 4-Die Set, 45ACP

Midway carries all these items and so does www.factorysales.com. Their prices are similar, but Factory Sales takes PayPal and Midway does not. I have used both companies along with www.kempfgunshop.com for Lee equipment and all three have been good vendors for me.

As others have suggested, you can always use a good single stage press even if you buy a progressive press later.

[Cowboy T]

I do boolit resizing and universal decapping on my single stage. I happen to have the cheapie $30 Lee Reloader Press, but the Classic Cast would be a mighty fine choice. I have the Classic Turret, which uses all the same action, and it's just a joy to use.

Also, get yourself a set of calipers, preferably analog (no batteries to wear out). Midway has a decent one on sale for $22.

When you're ready to go progressive (do lots of single-stage FIRST!), consider the Lee Pro 1000. It's inexpensive and makes great ammo. It's primarily a handgun ammo press, but it will also do .223 rifle cartridges or anything else with that OAL or shorter.