Need Help Deciding ~ Reloader

[huntercf]

I need some help deciding which reloader to buy. I have been looking at getting the RCBS rockchukar set or the lee classic or anniversary set. I am leaning towards lee because of price (don't want to spend too much up front). However, the calibers I am looking to load vary quite a bit: .223, .416 Barrett, 9mm, .45acp, .300WSM and a maybe a few others.
My problem is when I look up the reloaders they don't seem to say up to what size they will reload. The Barrett cartridges are $5 and I'm looking to cut down on that a bit, also I would love to start reloading my own .223.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[stand125]

I have had both LEE Anniversary kit and an old RCBS kit. If you prime onthe press then the Lee Auto prime is a dream come true. LEE will load great ammo, but I will admit that the Cast iron RCBS was built like a tank and felt extremely solid. If I had to choose I would get the LEE and use the money ssaved for components. If money is no issue then get the RCBS Cast iron press or get a LEE cast iron single stage press.

[NapaCountyShooter]

I have the Rockchucker and am very happy with it. A little lube on the ram every once in a while (YES!) and she's a happy girl.

[problemchild]

If you want a single press I would look at the Redding T-7. Its the single stage top gun. You can buy extra turrets and keep all your dies setup just right.

[bandook]

The Redding is the best of the turret presses out there and it does cost a pretty penny.
But a lee classic turret should do the job pretty well.

[Whiterabbit]

if I bought then, knowing what I know now, I do know one thing. My press would have a hollow ram for primers. Period.

[Dark Mod]

Im a big fan of the Lee anniversary set. In my opinion its perfect for someone whos new to reloading, mostly because of the cost. It is capable of making some fine ammo.

either of these presses should be capable of loading all the calibers you listed with the exception of .416 Barrett, i have no idea if it can load that one. Just a shot in the dark, but thats a huge round and you may need to use a .50 press

[ahren111]

I just ordered a Lee classic turret yesterday I fellow Calgunner let me try his out & it was nice. $260 got me everything I need to get started with one caliber except a scale & calipers. I was going to just get the Lee kit. FS Reloading has it for $200, but I didn't want the beam scale I want a digital. I should be reloading by next week.

[drkphibr]

I just ordered a Lee classic turret yesterday I fellow Calgunner let me try his out & it was nice. $260 got me everything I need to get started with one caliber except a scale & calipers. I was going to just get the Lee kit. FS Reloading has it for $200, but I didn't want the beam scale I want a digital. I should be reloading by next week.

I like the LCT. Simple to use, inexpensive but not cheap (in terms of quality/materials) and extremely well built/solid. Lee lets you enjoy reloading without having to go broke doing it.

[X231]

I just got a Lee classic turret too. Still in the box waiting to be mounted. For the $ I don't think you can beat it. As for loading artillery rounds (.416 ) I don't know. I think I'd get the Lee for all your other stuff and a stout single stage for the .416. I don't know if you knew this, but Lee also makes a base mount so you can use other Lee presses just by swapping them out. Only takes a minute. Might save some bench space by going that way.

http://leeprecision.com/bench-plate.html

I've seen these for $23 other places

[ocabj]

I own an RCBS Rockchucker and a Redding T-7. I prefer to use the Rockchucker because I have Hornady Lock-n-Load conversion on it to quick change dies. The T-7 is nice, but I use so many dies, it's just easier to use the Rockchucker with quick change.

[huntercf]

Thanks for the info, I looked at the lee classic turret and the price seems great as well as the dies. I am just waiting for an email response to see if it will accomodate the 416 barrett dies. But for $200 I will probably get it anyway for the 223 and handgun loads.

[Bill Steele]

Thanks for the info, I looked at the lee classic turret and the price seems great as well as the dies. I am just waiting for an email response to see if it will accomodate the 416 barrett dies. But for $200 I will probably get it anyway for the 223 and handgun loads.

I loved my Lee Classic Turret and for your handgun and maybe even some of the lighter weight plinking rifle stuff, it will likely be fine. For heavy weight rifle brass, I think you would be better served with a stout single stage press, your Rock Chucker idea sounded perfect for such an application.

Just my $.02

Good luck, have fun.

[pisarski]

the .416 is to big to fit in the press but lee makes a press for the .50 round for a good price take a look at there web site

[huntercf]

the .416 is to big to fit in the press but lee makes a press for the .50 round for a good price take a look at there web site

I received a reply to my inquiry and they said the lee classic single stage handles the .416. It looks like I can get both presses for about the price of the RCBS, plus the dies are much cheaper. I think I will start with the lee turret. Thanks for all the info!