Noob reloader...what press to get?

[Alphahookups]

Hello All,

I know there are many threads on reloading, but none catered to specifically my needs, so I figured I would post a thread.

I have never reloaded in my life, but what to start. I know it's nothing to be taken for granted. I want to get a press, but really don't know where to start.

Below are some things to take into consideration.

I will be reloading 9mm, 45ACP, .223 and .308, but mostly the handgun calibers.
I will probably reload ~300 rounds per month.
I'm looking for a press in the 100-300 range.
I don't need an advanced press, but if one is easier and worth the money (ie if a turret is worth it), I'm willing to spend more to get it.
Do brands matter at this stage of the game? What if I continue reloading for the next 10 years, should I have invested in a better press from the get go.
Is it bad to get a good press (Redding?) and use cheaper dies (RCBS?)


Thanks in advance.

[bohoki]

if you ever go to gunshows you can often find an old lyman or rcbs jr under 50 bucks

any single stage is decent i take my loading slow maybe do 100 a week be it 223 or 9mm its just something to do watching tv

223 and 308 need to be trimmed so you will want to get some type of trimmer i like the possum hollow they are the best bang for the buck as long as you dont mind the little harmless rub marks they make on a case

i like the rcbs jr or spartan as they have the standard priming arm

make sure if you buy a old one that it uses standard dies and shellholders

i also reload for 30 carb and 308 but not as often as those components cost more than 223

i like lee dies the rgb for 223 and 308 is what i use also i use the lee carbide for 9mm i use hornady for 30 carbine they are similar to lee in design
i dislike the lee expanding die it often munches a case due to its floatyness

[Alphahookups]

Generically, I was thinking of getting a turret? Is it worth it or not really?

[Bill Steele]

Given your budget I would recommend the following: http://www.fmreloading.com/Merchant2...oading+Presses

It will do what you desire very well. Read the how to section of the book before proceeding and you will be jake.

[Alphahookups]

Thanks for the recommendation. I will take a look at it. I do like the fact that Lee products are extremely affordable. I was thinking about getting Redding T7, but it's expensive and I don't think I would nearly get the precision out of it (due to my skill or lack thereof) to justify the added price.

[Bill Steele]

Thanks for the recommendation. I will take a look at it. I do like the fact that Lee products are extremely affordable. I was thinking about getting Redding T7, but it's expensive and I don't think I would nearly get the precision out of it (due to my skill or lack thereof) to justify the added price.

The Redding T7 is a wonderful press. The Classic Turret will be better for your handgun loading as it auto indexs, which will speed the process. The Classic Turret with the Auto Disk Pro powder drop will get you comfortably to 150 rounds an hours with handgun calibers. The turret plates are very inexpensive, so setting up multiple calibers is cheap and fast.

For rifle, when you want a little more precision with regard to your seating depth, etc. I would recommend adding a single stage (or the T7 if you still really want one and have the free scratch), but really a very inexpensive single stage will do everything you want and lock rings make dies changes pretty quick when loading in batches.

In any case, it is pretty hard to make a really big mistake when buying this stuff.

[Alphahookups]

Thanks for the help Bill. I'm going to call Monday and see if the Classic kit is in stock.

[Alphahookups]

Thanks for the help Bill. I'm going to call Monday and see if the Classic kit is in stock.

[Jack1939]

I have a Lee Classic Turret press and am very happy with it. I reload rifle and pistol and I like the auto index for pistol loading and I like that I can remove the auto index and use it as a single stage for rifle reloading. I also like that I can get different turrets for different calibers so I never need to adjust my dies, just change out the turret... I have no doubt that Bill knows his stuff, but you might want to double check prices on those kits. When I was buying my classic turret a few years ago Cabelas had a classic turrent kit that was more expensive than purchasing all the same components separately (from other websites).

[Jack1939]

I have a Lee Classic Turret press and am very happy with it. I reload rifle and pistol and I like the auto index for pistol loading and I like that I can remove the auto index and use it as a single stage for rifle reloading. I also like that I can get different turrets for different calibers so I never need to adjust my dies, just change out the turret... I have no doubt that Bill knows his stuff, but you might want to double check prices on those kits. When I was buying my classic turret a few years ago Cabelas had a classic turrent kit that was more expensive than purchasing all the same components separately (from other websites).

[Alphahookups]

Yeah, I'll give them a call to check. I hope they have it in stock. Midway is sold out.

[hermosabeach]

One question is how much time do you have to spend on reloading?

As a kid The winter was reloading season

While it was cold outside, I could listen to the radio and run a single stage press

As I got older and time was more valuable, I went with a Dillon press

It is a more efficient way to load.

[Alphahookups]

I'm not sure really. An hour a night plus a few hours on the weekend.

[atdski07]

Sorry for the thread jack, what are your thoughts on the hornady lock and load classic

[Bill Steele]

...but you might want to double check prices on those kits. When I was buying my classic turret a few years ago Cabelas had a classic turrent kit that was more expensive than purchasing all the same components separately (from other websites).

Good point. In addition, if you do piece together a kit, you may do a little better by upgrading in a few spots, such as an RCBS 505 or Dillon Eliminator scale. You will end up spending a little more up front but some things like scales, presses, etc. you will keep as long as you reload.

Another good source for Lee stuff is Factory Sales. Funky website, but good pricing on most things. I have bought a few things from them, no complaints: https://factorysales.com/html/company.html