Why not piece a reloading kit together....

[Ub3rDorK]

Why not piece a single stage reloading kit together to get stuff you actually might want and use more effectively? Ive been looking at the RCBS rock chucker master kit for $340 on midway....but I pieced everything else together and its cheaper to get the essentials seperately...especially if i dont need the book, want the scale (will be getting a digital one), the rcbs lube, loading blocks for the shells etc?

I currently have the Lyman 49th manual which seems intuitive enough so I dont believe that I need the RCBS branded one.

Am I wrong? I would just hate to see parts from a kit go to waste.

[joelogic]

Piecing always allows for chosing what fits your needs best. The rock chucker kit is for the person brand new to reloading and wants a tried and tested kit.

[gunboat]

Very perceptive of you -- Buy what you need, lots of good used gear in the buy/sell forum.

[Markus]

Piecing always allows for chosing what fits your needs best. The rock chucker kit is for the person brand new to reloading and wants a tried and tested kit.

this +1

I did a lee classic turret setup with all the bells and whistles plus a tumbler and a 505 scale for less than that kit. Not that im starting any RCBS vs LEE or anything like that. I took my time and got me some good deals though.

[BigBronco]

One thing you will most likely stop using is the RCBS case lube and pad. Better ways to lube.

[sniper5]

Most people wind up with a rainbow over the years anyway. Through gifts/trades/purchases I have many colors represented on my bench now.

[coyotebait]

Get a mechanical scale too, digital are faster but can lose calibration, it's good to have a mechanical to compare to and back it up, also, get more than one book. They all say something slightly different.
I bought a rock chucker, Hornady mechanical scale, Hornady powder measure, case trimmer, Lee priming tool, deburring tool, Hornady tumbler with walnut shell media for $300. I also use RCBS and Lee dies, in fact, I have a Lee factory crimp die in with my RCBS 223/556 die kit. (somewhere, there is an RCBS purist with an eye twitching)
Point is, absolutely pick and chose what you want and need, the kits will come with stuff you don't like or need. I have those case holders the kits come with and have never used them.

[bumpo628]

Get a mechanical scale too, digital are faster but can lose calibration, it's good to have a mechanical to compare to and back it up

The best beam scale out there, IMHO, is the Dillon Eliminator. $56 at Grafs.
This is coming from a guy that has nothing but Lee presses, btw.

http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/3018

[alex45auto]

Rockchucker is a nice press, just abit on the slow side especially when making handgun ammo. You'll eventually want to get a progressive machine. I use my rockchucker only for rifle loads and a Dillon 550 for all handgun loads.

[popeye4]

Make sure that the shell holder you use is the same brand as the die set. They aren't necessarily interchangeable, and they don't cost much.

[Bill Steele]

Yep.

The best beam scale out there, IMHO, is the Dillon Eliminator. $56 at Grafs.
This is coming from a guy that has nothing but Lee presses, btw.

http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/3018

I agree.

[XDRoX]

Make sure that the shell holder you use is the same brand as the die set. They aren't necessarily interchangeable, and they don't cost much.

Shell holds are universal as are most dies. The only dies that I know of that aren't interchangeable are Dillon Square Deal dies.

I have all different brands of shell holders and have never noticed a difference between any of the brands.

[Divernhunter]

You will want cartridge blocks. I use 2-3 at a time when loading. Yes buying the pieces can be good to get what you want and need. Problem is most newbies do not know what they need so get the kit. If you know then get pieces.

[LGB Loader]

I have been at it longer than most and my kit still isn't complete.

[Ub3rDorK]

Well i've just started getting into this...with the research ive done with my lyman's book and from here, I think i know what I want. The scale about getting uncalibrated is a good point...

I just would hate to buy the rock chucker kit and replace 40% of it.

Ive been thinking the Lyman crusher 2 for a press to start. At this point in my life I cant drop $300-500 at once, so ill be starting one piece at a time.