I want to start RELOADING!!

[nmerced]

In before the Kool Aid wars start.

A single stage press would be a great starting point. The Angeles Reloading store has several brands of presses on display. Prices are ok but you can get better prices on the internet as some have mentioned.

[Justintoxicated]

if you get a hornady "kit" you get free bullets, helps justify the cost of the "kit" over something like a lee. You get some better stuff with the Hornady kit, powder dropper, the primer feed is better, better scale if you get the 305 (it like $130 scale alone). etc.

Most kits will come with a reloading book so you might hold off on that.

If I was looking for a used single stage I would be looking for the RCBS rockchucker supreme (very similar to Hornady only it's steel instead of aluminum, so I guess that's a little better?). Whatever single stage you get you will want one with dies that are quick change. Otherwise every time you swap dies you will have to re-adjust and set them up, which is what takes the most time. Since you mentioned 45, I have been using a Hornady carbide die kit + redding taper crimp die. (you also get free bullets with the die sets). I would not cheap out on your die sets, the Lee decapping die is cheap and works great though. But for the other I would get carbide dies. I'm still learning myself but I don't think cheap and reloading goes hand in hand, everything adds up fast when your first starting out.

If you want cheapest new that will be Lee, but make sure you take a close look at the components your getting with it with comparing it with others. The press is fine but the primer feed system on it does not look to nice to me. I'm not familiar with the RCBS primer feed system.

[Divernhunter]

Since you are new to both firearms and want to be reloading I strongly suggest you by the Lyman #49 reloading manual and READ it. Then you can use it for data and reference later.

I have not been a fan of most lee stuff as they have a poor warr and with lee you will probably need it as with certain items of other brands. RCBS/Hornady/Dillon have great warr. I have asked for parts etc and they were always free and I did not have to ship the old one back. Other brands such as Lyman/Redding etc I hear are good also but have not needed to ask about stuff with them yet. Yes I am a big RCBS/Hornady fan but for good reason. However I will admit the lee stuff is cheaper which can be a bonus for a not sure beginner. I look at it as throw away type gear where RCBS/Lyman/Hornady/Dillon/Redding is stuff you will pass on to someone else when you die. My 1960's and 70's RCBS/Lyman/Hornady(called Pacific then)/Redding stuff still is in excellent condition and has been used extensively. I have had to replace(at my expense) much of my lee products and more than once due to breakage/worn out.

[bussda]

Cheapest to start is the Lee Loader, but has some limitations (rubber hammer and powder scale recommended) . Lee Hand Press is cheapest using dies, but can be cumbersome. Then you are into bench mounted presses.
And count on buying several reloading manuals.

[MaHoTex]

I have not been a fan of most lee stuff as they have a poor warr and with lee you will probably need it as with certain items of other brands.

There is not much to break on a SS press. All of the gear you mention is great, no doubt, but a Lee SS press and the equipment in the kit is great for what the OP wants. Warranty on a SS press is about as useless as a ... well, you know, you will never use it. I am guessing I have about 7K rounds reloaded on my Lee SS and everything is fine so far.

- The primer system is ok... not the best I am sure, but it does the job well.
- The scale is .. well.. just ... ehhh.. I got a digital to compliment it. Not that big of deal really as I do not care about precision rounds. I reload for more plinking rounds.
- The press get an A+ ... Solid and flawless...
- Powder thrower is ok... pretty reliable throw and accurate.

[Mr_Dunev]

WOW guys thanks!! so much info i can't even keep up with my reply's

[damndave]

If you are loading pistol ammo, get a Lee Turret Press. You can get reloading one caliber for about $200 + components. Changing calibers is a breeze too.

I punch out about 175-200 an hour.

If interested in this setup, I can tell you what to buy. PM me if interested.

[stand125]

Buy The ABCs of Reloading, and buy at least one reloading manual from Hornady, Speer, Lyman, ect. Read up on the process and safety concerns while shopping for equipment, components, and supplies. Just a couple places to help you find what you're looking for are MidwayUSA.com, Wideners.com, manventureoutpost.com (but sometimes shipping costs suck from there), and many others.

I don't get the whole buying a bunch of manuals that all say something different, which directs people to the internet anyways. I have nothing against manuals, but there is no need in my opinion since the invention of the internet. If you read enough on the internet you will weed out the idiots and get an overall solid concensus.

+1 on the LEE classic turret. I love mine and you can bet the whole kit + dies for under 130.00 shipped.

[Abenaki]

If money is tight.....you don't need a bench to mount your press.
Get a few "c" clamps. And clamp your press to the dinner table!



Take care
Abenaki

[Saigon1965]

OP - Am about to start also - Happy that I picked up a 550B from an old friend over the weekend - Now to start adding the accessories -

[bruce381]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwr0FyJOk-4

cheapest way about $25 at midway all you need is boolits, powder and primers and loads will shoot very well just slow to make but you get the idea if you get the itch you can get a becnsh mount press etc.

[stand125]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwr0FyJOk-4

cheapest way about $25 at midway all you need is boolits, powder and primers and loads will shoot very well just slow to make but you get the idea if you get the itch you can get a becnsh mount press etc.

That is what I started with in 45ACP and 9mm. It took about 45 seconds and I would load in batches. I would deprime 50 cases, then resize/prime the 50 cases, and then charge the 50 cases and then seat the bullets. It was nice because I started the hobby in the dead of winter and did my first few boxes right in front of the fireplace. I even would take the kits out to the range and reload right there on the bench different powder charges and AOL untill I found one that I liked. Make sure to use .452 bullets if you use the 45ACP loader. The .451 bullets seem to fit a little loose sometimes if you have thin walled brass.

I have a LEE classic turret press now and only use my Lee classic loaders if I am at the range. When it gets 40 degrees in my garage this winter, I very well might utilize them once in a while.

[All Nav]

The only piece of advice I'll pass along is beware of those who proclaim that "Brand A is the best and B is crap." See if you can find someone who reloads and ask if you can hang out with them and just watch. When I began, I had everybody and their mother telling me what gear I should use. Took me about six months to figure it out for myself. Have fun and be safe!

[MaHoTex]

See if you can find someone who reloads and ask if you can hang out with them and just watch.

^^^^ This is the absolute best advice ever. ^^^^

It is better than sitting alone reading a book, or combing through the internet. You will learn a lot by doing this for sure. It will not take the place of reading info, but you will have a much better idea of what you are doing.

[Oceanbob]

I don't get the whole buying a bunch of manuals that all say something different, which directs people to the internet anyways. I have nothing against manuals, but there is no need in my opinion since the invention of the internet. If you read enough on the internet you will weed out the idiots and get an overall solid concensus.

+1 on the LEE classic turret. I love mine and you can bet the whole kit + dies for under 130.00 shipped.

I couldn't reload without my collection of Manuals. The advantage of a BOOK is you can reread, check twice, move to other pages quickly.

The Best thing for a new reloader is to READ manuals and READ some more.

Sure...I check the Internet for other loads and different reloading recipes, but a new reloader needs a couple of good manuals. Well worth the money.

I started reloading years ago; love it. After getting hooked and learning the ROPES....I decided to invest in a couple of Dillon Machines. Now I can manufacture 1000 bullets per hour if I want too. Sure beats paying good money for factory ammo..

Start small...get some experience and have some fun.!

My reloading Retreat.