low volume reloading question

[hairtumor]

I want to start reloading 45acp, I'm just a normal shooter that goes to the range 2 to 3 times a month. I would like to keep the cost down and be safe. Can anyone recommend something that would work well for me. Thanks ahead of time for any info.

[hung380]

You got a price range in mind?

[bruceflinch]

A single stage is great if you have the time to spend reloading. (reloading is better than sitting in front of the TV, most of the time)
I think you can get a starter kit for about $300?

There could be gun shops in your area that have reloading classes.

[hairtumor]

I would like to start with a single stage. I would like to have everything I need for around $300 which may or may not be possible.

[bumpo628]

The Lee classic turret is a good compromise between single stage and progressive presses and it should satisfy all of your needs.
I would stay away from the Lee safety scale and get a dillon eliminator instead. It is well worth the extra $.
The rest of Lee's pistol equipment should work just fine.

[j.primo]

Redding T-7 turret press

[Divernhunter]

A single stage press will do fine for you. I used one or more since the 1970's and just recently got a Dillon 650. I would look into a RCBS Partner kit or SpecialR kit over the Rockchucker kit for pistol ammo and they will also do fine for rifle ammo. Then there is the Rockchucker kit that is all good also.
Or The Lyman Crusher II kit or the Hornady Lock-N-LOad Classic kit.
You can tell I am not a big Lee fan except for a couple of their products and not their dies.

[Rock6.3]

Get started with a single stage press (I used green (RCBS) but brand honestly does not matter).
Find somebody local to walk you thru the process.
Read a Reloading Manual completely.
When you reload do it without the radio, without any distractions of any kind.
RCBS sells a master reloading kit with most of what you need, or buy your equipment one piece at a time on sales with coupons.

[stand125]

If you are going to reload only 45ACP and plan on using cast lead bullets you could get everything you need for about $35.00 shipped with the LEE classic loader. It is slow ( 1 round per minute easily ) but is alot of fun and is a great way to start so you can get a feel for the hobby before you spend a few hundred on a press and other items.

[Sheldon]

If you are going to reload only 45ACP and plan on using cast lead bullets you could get everything you need for about $35.00 shipped with the LEE classic loader. It is slow ( 1 round per minute easily ) but is alot of fun and is a great way to start so you can get a feel for the hobby before you spend a few hundred on a press and other items.

That is NOT my idea of fun!! 2-3 times a month with a couple hundred rounds for each visit is a lot of ammo. I did that with a Lee Challenger O press kit for years before getting a Dillon 550. It worked but was slow.

The used market for reloading gear is tough nowadays. I used to see a lot more nice stuff cheap, but with Craigslist and Ebay you seem to pay almost full price for anything unless you get lucky and on top of that there is a lot of competition for the stuff.

[Bill Steele]

The Lee classic turret is a good compromise between single stage and progressive presses and it should satisfy all of your needs.
I would stay away from the Lee safety scale and get a dillon eliminator instead. It is well worth the extra $.
The rest of Lee's pistol equipment should work just fine.

I agree.

Lee Classic Turret, Lee Deluxe Dies, Lee Auto Disk Pro Powder drop, Lee 2nd Edition Reloading guide, RCBS 505 Scale or Dillon Eliminator scale, Caliper for measuring OAL, RCBS inertial bullet puller, Harbor Freight tumbler and some walnut or corn cob media.

The Lee stuff is least expensive from this guy: https://factorysales.com/html/company.html

I would probably use Graf and Sons for everything else, except the tumbler.

The whole kit and kaboodle should come in under $300.

You will be able to turn out between 150 and 200 an hour pretty easily with this rig.

[stand125]

That is NOT my idea of fun!! 2-3 times a month with a couple hundred rounds for each visit is a lot of ammo.

I will definately rethink my fun meter as to not induce any offensive opinions. I will hence forth get your idea of fun before any more foolish post made by me

[Divernhunter]

One mans fun is another mans work/drugery. I say to each their own. I started with a lee when I was in grammer school as it was all I could afford. I did move up as fast as I could.

[Clownpuncher]

Lee anniversary kit, lee 4 carbide die set, frankford arsenal digital scale, frankford arsenal calipers and if you're really anal like me, the bulge buster die. You can get all that for less than $200 and f you do your brass in batches you will be able to load 100 an hour easy. Add another $70 or so if you want the frankford arsenal tumbler.

You can save a bit of dough of you go to Harbor Freight and get a small tumbler, calipers and scale (just make sure the scale reads grains)

[socalbowhunter]

I just ordered a RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master kit for $300 and it has a $50 mail in rebate.
It is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow. Seemed like the best bet for me as a new reloader. I think it would be a good choice for you as well.
Good luck.