Ready to buy my reloading setup

[punkur67]

Ok, so I am ready to buy my reloading setup. I want advice on some good stuff to get and some things I may be missing. I will be reloading 9mm, .45acp, .223, and .308 for now.

So I narrowed my press kit down to the Hornady Lock-N-Load kit or the RCBS starter kit. I a leaning more towards the Hornady.

I need input on my:

Case Trimmer

Tumbler

Reamer

Dies

Measuring tools (already have some custom machined blocks for case length)

Bullet pullers?

And anything else I might be missing. This is my first setup but I dont want to buy something I will just need to replace once I get started cause its junk. I am looking to spend around $750 for everything.

[Divernhunter]

Dies.---For straight walled brass(9mm & 45ACP) Be sure to get Carbide type dies. "I PERSONALLY" do not like Lee dies. The so called locking rings do not LOCK. By the time you buy real locking rings you have the cost of a set of RCBS/Hornady/etc dies. I think you will be well served with RCBS/Hornady/lyman/redding or other major brand dies. See what you can get new ones for then compare that to Ebay(do not forget shipping) I have bought many used or new dies off ebay. Only had 2 problems and a call to RCBS and hornady got new parts(and one new die) for free. Lee will not do that.
Case trimmers-Manual or powered? Lyman/Hornady/RCBS are all good. Again compare to ebay. I have a RCBS electric and a manual. My buddy has a lyman with Universal Chuck which I like better than the manual one I have. manual ones can be converted easy for a powder drill. I also like the case prep stations idea but do not have one yet.

Reamer??? I have lee and RCBS Chamfer tools and prefer the RCBS. If you are talking about primer pocket reamers/swagers. I have lee and lyman hand reamers-Prefer the Lyman. Have Dillon and RCBS swagers---Dillon is the very best. Get a cheap hand reamer and when you can afford it get the Dillon.

Measuring tools.--Go to harbor frieght and get an electronic caliper or to a auto parts store. Cost less than $30 and work well.

Bullet puller- Get a hammer type RCBS works others also AND a Collet style one. I have an RCBS and it works. Be sure to get collets for it and parts for the trimmer as well.

Tumbler. I have a midway brand and it has given me excellent service. My friend has a Lyman and same for him. Be sure to get the brass/media seperator kit and you will save alot of time/fustration. I use treated walnut media but if you really want shineier(sp) brass use corn cob media. The walnut works well and lasts longer. My brass are clean and shiny. Get an bottle of additive for when it starts to not work as well.

The RCBS or Hornady kits are very good. Also get a lyman reloading manual. IF you plan to use Barnes bullets you will need their manual. I suggest the Nosler manual if you plan to use their bullets. Speer manual comes with the RCBS kit and Hornady comes with the Hornady kit as I remember

[Low-Pressure]

These are my reloading tools:
press: Hornady 007 single stage
case trimmer: Lee
tumbler: Frankford Arsenal
reamer? L.E. Wilson Chamfer and Deburring Tool
dies: Lee (carbide)
caliper: Frankford Arsenal
bullet puller: Frankford Arsenal
primer pocket cleaner: Lee
powder dispenser: Hornady Powder Measure
scale: RCBS RangeMaster 750 Electronic Powder Scale
reloading tray: Frankford Arsenal
lube: Hornady
Lyman's 49th Edition Reloading Manual

[Super Spy]

I'm in the research phase on reloading equipment....I really likes the Hornady Lock-n-load compared to the Dillon 650 as it was somewhat cheaper and seemed pretty good. I found out with a C&R License (Cost $30) I can get a Dillon for $100 less @ Graf's, and if you skip the case feeder it's about a wash with the Lock-N-Load price wise, and I get overwhelmingly positive feedback about Dillons.

Happy Hunting!

[killshot44]

Case Trimmer : Hornady or Forster

Tumbler : Midway has on sale for $63, the Frankford Arsenal Quick N EZ case tumbler kit. Gives you everything; nice tumbler, bag o' media, rotary seperator and even a matching bucket....Usually 100 bucks.

Reamer : If you have to use military crimped-brass, consider a swager. Hand or Die operated.

Dies : Redding makes fantastic dies. A little more $ but they're very precise and will last forever.

Check out the Stickys on top of the reloading page. I pretty much followed along with a few changes and it all came in at about $720, not counting powder, primers and pills. One caliber.