AusVarmint

Hey, I've just purchased my first centerfire and I'm keen to get into reloading my own ammo. Can anyone recommend a kit that is relatively cheap. I'm not aiming to pump out large quantities at a time so a progressive one isn't too important. Any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers
micspa

Probably the best comprehensive kit for around $800 is the Lyman T Mag Expert kit, as you get a case trimmer unlike the equivalent Hornady and RCBS kits which are also around $700. The T-Mag is a turret press and it's a strong one, I've had one for years and it handles my 6.5 Swede with ease and also the .44M. Being a turret press, you can have it set up with dies for a couple of different calibres without changing anything except the shell holder.

Much lower priced for about $300, is the Lee Breech Lock Challenger kit.

Is that this one http://westernfirearms.com.au/reloading ... -1149.html Is it any good? Obviously not as good as the other ones you mentioned but whats the difference? Is it just build quality, or ease/speed of use?

Lee gear is quite simply, cheaper than most other big name reloading gear. It can be a bit rough around the edges in places, but it gets the job done nonetheless. This press is a single stage press that takes just the one die - so you do your reloading in batches. So you deprime and resize, then change dies, putting the bullet seating die in when you are ready. With a turret press you just need to spin the head around to bring the correct die into play.

It's no big deal and I used a single stage O frame press like the Lee for a few years before I changed to a turret press.

For $200 it's a great way to get into reloading IMO - though I guess it won't come with dies so you'd need to spend about $40 to get a set of the Lee dies.

What calibre are you loading?

.223 That sounds like what i want...nice and simple. At this stage i'm just starting off so i'm not really looking for speed. So apart from Dies that kit contains everything i need?

Thanks for the help!

I Use the Lee Breech Lock press and most of my dies are lee, they are great value for money.

My Lee stuff will load ammo capable of shooting minute of rabbit Head or better so its good enough.

I haven't used Lee gear before so I can't comment regarding their presses etc. When starting out, I purchased a RCBS kit - http://www.shooters.com.au/product.asp? ... 6&cID=6041

I remember paying $637.50 for it over 5 or 6 years ago. It has never given me any trouble and at some stage or another I have used every piece of equipment in it. Buy your dies, shell holder, powder, projectiles, primers, brass cases and you are almost ready to go. You will need to buy a pair of Vernier Calipers for measuring OAL etc. I don't know of any kit that includes them with in it.

If your budget can stretch, I would buy the best possible gear you can afford (not to say Lee gear won't last) as it will save you in the long run. Buy Once, Cry Once.

Also maybe post an advert in the wanted section. Nothing wrong with quality second hand gear....

fenring wrote: Much lower priced for about $300, is the Lee Breech Lock Challenger kit.

Check the business section I have them on special for $180 this month or the 50th Anniversary kit for $165

micspa wrote: So apart from Dies that kit contains everything i need?
Thanks for the help!

The only other thing you will need is the appropriate case length gauge & shellholder, part numbers here :

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog ... engthGauge

220 wrote:

fenring wrote: Much lower priced for about $300, is the Lee Breech Lock Challenger kit.

Check the business section I have them on special for $180 this month or the 50th Anniversary kit for $165

That is an awesome price.

Whats a good reloading book to get?

micspa wrote:Whats a good reloading book to get?

Nick Harveys book is probably the choice for a first reloading manual. I'm currently out of stock but normaly $44.25

220 wrote:

micspa wrote:Whats a good reloading book to get?

Nick Harveys book is probably the choice for a first reloading manual. I'm currently out of stock but normaly $44.25

micspa you should get the book first and read until you have a good understanding of what you need. Best thing I ever did prior to going shopping for my reloading gear....

Exactly the thread I was looking for at exactly the right time. I was looking at buying my Dad a reloading kit for his 60th that is coming up next month and was going to ask about ppls opinions of the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press Kit, so its great to hear some opinions.

So if I was looking to give him everything he needs (besides brass, powder, primers etc.) to start reloading I would need the Challenger Kit, a deluxe rifle die set, and case length gauge with shellholder - is that all? What about something to clean the brass with, some sort of tumbler? Book is a great idea also to give him a place to start. I know nothing about reloading btw so any other tips or things that are needed would be a great help.

He has been talking about re-loading for his .22H for the last 15 years at least and I don't think I can bear to hear about it again, so I thought I would give him a swift kick up the pants by getting him all he needs to get into it and stop making excuses.

Cheers.

Hi Miscpa

check out ebay mate. If you search rcbs reloading and search auctions only you might find a good deal with a kit on auction now. It's a mixed selection although the press looks the goods.

good luck mate.