Recommendations for a reloading 'kit' to start with

[The Raven]

The topic says it all.

Basically, I'm starting to consider reloading for my 308Win. I'm not a benchrest shooter, I'm just your average suburban guy who goes hunting when he can, with the odd trip to the range. So, I'm not necessarily going to reload vast quantities of rounds or develop the perfect handload...

My questions revolve around 'complete' reloading kits.

What's the best value reloading kit out there?
Are there different specific 'types' of kits available? I'm thinking basic single stage press?
What other bits and pieces do you need, noting that every kit will need some extras?
What items do you consider 'must haves' to make the task easier/better?
What's it likely to cost to setup? Is there a point where it's simply not worth it (beyond the challenge etc)?


PS. Keith, any chance of a few product reviews on reloading kits on H&S?

[trevort]

If you want to visit to see my stuff or get any advice on how to my number is 0400594084.

I loaded some good ammo on the cheap lee kit before I broke the press and mate broke the hand primer. But it works.

Consider the cost an investment in something that can become a hobby in itself. Lee stuff is a good entry point and will do for a long time if you don't want to get right into all the little nuances

[bimbo]

I bought the rcbs rockchucker kit a few years ago and it has been fantastic. pretty much comes with everything you need bar the dies and shellholder for whatever case you are loading for. they sell for around the 500 dollar mark. if you are new ro reloading I reckon the best way to go would be to find someone local rhat can show you the ropes. far bettr than fumbling through it on your own but hacing said that there are some great tutorials on YouTube etc

[stinkitup]

Dad, my brother and myself all use lee stuff, Started out with the anniversary kit, if you want to get a better press get the lee classic cast its a top press. The kit is simple, but you can make accurate ammo with it, use most standard dies etc.

The good thing is it comes with things like a whole pack of shell holders for the primer tool, I haven't had to purchase any extra for priming and just the gauges for the cutter for different cartridges. And they have excellent warranty!

It's a good starting point. Even competitive in ammo can be made.

Ryan

[kjd]

RCBS Rock chucker kit for sure, I have one here mate. I think they are $589 I can do it for $575.00 + Post (Around $20).

I have other kits but the RCBS is good stuff IMO.

[curan]

Dad, my brother and myself all use lee stuff, Started out with the anniversary kit, if you want to get a better press get the lee classic cast its a top press. The kit is simple, but you can make accurate ammo with it, use most standard dies etc.

The good thing is it comes with things like a whole pack of shell holders for the primer tool, I haven't had to purchase any extra for priming and just the gauges for the cutter for different cartridges. And they have excellent warranty!

It's a good starting point. Even competitive in ammo can be made.

Ryan

I'm with Ryan. +1. The Lee kit is a good starting point for most of the basic stuff.

The better gear is nice, but comes at a higher price as well. Which means it takes longer to repay itself if you're only shooting a hundred rounds a year.

I have a Lee kit. I wish I had got the version that allows priming with the press rather than by hand, but now have a second press that allows that.

As far as a cost comparison goes, here's a starting point.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Lee-Breech-L ... 524wt_1399

Remember that you will also need dies (they'll set you back about $70) and components. A reloading tray is also good (under $10 for a cheap one).
I don't shoot 308, so I'll let someone else offer up the component cost versus factory.

Trev's offer to catch up would be an excellent starting point to see what's needed. Nothing better than to see it done first hand or get a bit of coaching when you first start. I'm still grateful for the help I got.

Good luck.

regards, curan.

[CZ550]

Raven,

If you are looking to buy something, I would definately give the Super Simplex kit a go (http://www.jansa.com.au/simplex7.html). Cheap and very effective, my Dad and I have used this setup collectively for over 30 years and have never broken anything on it other than decapping pins (which are cheap and simple to replace). If you buy a 6 hole turret you have enough space on it to fit an additional 2 calibres worth of dies when you get some more rifles!

In regards to cost I would estimate you would get away with a complete kit incl dies for around $350-400. If you are going to be loading more than 50 rounds in a single session, I would definately invest in a powder thrower, however if you get one of these you will increase the cost of getting into reloading by at least 50%.

You will also need a good set of scales to measure powder loads or calibrate your powder thrower. We use a set of Lyman scales from memory which does the trick nicely.

Calipers to measure down to .001" are also handy if you are looking to play around with seating depths, determining need for case trimming etc.

In all seriousness, it may pay to see if someone on here (who lives not too far away) will let you have access to some of their reloading gear. Then you can work out what you like before you buy as well as getting some great advice along the way!

Regards,

CZ550

[Dr G]

Raven

Take up trev's offer to go and see his setup. He was my most important resource when I first moved beyond the old "Lee Loader". He will also show you how to do it safely. An old Arabuna bloke told me once "A wise man learns from the mistakes of the stupid and careless" (thats a sutle backhander there trevort dont ya think )

I am also of the opinion of buy once cry once and so I bought a Forster CoAx and have discovered I have very few concentricity issues complared to using other presses. IMO its the best single stage press on the market.

That said if you are on a tight budget I can give you a lee press that Ogre6br gave me to get me started. My only condition with this is that when you get a decent press or you get out of the hobby dont sell it, pass it on to another reloading newbie on this site. Let Pats original act of generosity live on.

Dr G

[kickinback]

Dr G. In regards to Pats press, well said.

[kickinback]

Raven, I started out with the Lee Anniversary Kit. It was all I could afford 20 something years ago and I finally broke the press a few weeks ago. The scales that come with the kit will do the job just. The powder thrower does a kind of allright job, but I weigh each charge individually on digital scales. Metering AR2209 it varies upto .5 of a grain (since measuring each charge and getting the weight bang on accuracy has improved remarkably). The jewel in the crown of the LEE kit is the hand primer. I believe the design has now changed but the old model is fantastic.

I hope this helps.

On another note, I am building my new press from scratch. It should last a lifetime I reckon.

[chris.tyne]

I like bits and pieces from the kits,I honestly would pay a bit more and mix and match .

[Plowboy]

I have a lee anniversary kit. It does the job just fine. The place I have it mounted(shearing shed) I would have a fit if I had a high quality press there. Very little moisture and dust control there. I just wipe it down before and after use as well as when I walk past. I have nowhere else better until I can get some changes done.

[stinkitup]

Also lee 308 collet dies make some very good 308 ammo. I used it when I had a 308 and know of fclass shooters at the top of the club that use them. I have one for the 6.5x55, want one for my 222 rimmed and am thinking about how to get a custom for the 5.7 mmj.

The lee stuff is basic, but some have also touched on using it to start and build from there. I just bought an old Lyman 55 thrower as I have read they can be very consistent to add to the bench. Should be interesting to see how it goes.

Ryan

[MISSED]

Either of The Green press kits would be the go.

[tom604]

hornady lock n load, it makes changing dies a two second job, about the 500 mark maybe cheaper