Recommendations for a reloading 'kit' to start with

[Flip]

Raven I went the other way. I was given an older RCBS single stage press with a few bibs and bobs that were not much use to me apart from a set of lee dippers. As I weigh every load they work quite well to get close enough to a charge

I asked a hell of a lot questions here and was given so much help to set up.

I slowly put things together as I could. Got some dies and shell holders found some good second hand ones, uncle nicks manual, then a set of cheap scales, this is where I f$&ked up .Then a case tumbler second hand brand new score!!. case trimmer, case prep tools. Picked up a cheap run out lube pad as the box was trashed. built a nice bench, I had the callipers from work.
When I started loading I started with the 17 REM so knew I had to be bloody careful. The first set of scales I got was a waist of time and money as they were difficult to keep zeroed and I did not trust them at all. A mate lent me his small balance beam redding set. I went out and ordered a set the next day they are worth every cent IMO the best $130 I've spent. I weigh every load and that's the way I like it, I have a powder thrower but don't use it that often.

Also get a good priming tool !!!!. I'm on my second and it's a ripper the first one gave me saw hands

It's probably not cheaper but I've got some good stuff now. That works for me. I managed to save a bit as got stuff on special as it came up. I was in no rush.

I'm not saying this is the best way but it has worked for me.

A mate of mine picked up the Lymann turret kit and is very happy with it.

All the best

Flip

[chris.tyne]

I agree with Flip,mix and match as you can,I dont like the Lee scales but their presses are fine etc,dont like collet dies either.

[The Raven]

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.

Hi Keith, thanks for the recommendation and pricing. I'm just researching at the moment but will definitely consider Abela's if I make the plunge.

[The Raven]

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

Thanks for the offer. I'll admit I'm new to reloading and haven't really watched anyone do it from start to finish.

My work schedule is a bit hectic but I wouldn't mind taking a look at your setup at a mutually convenient time.

[The Raven]

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

I understand exactly what you're saying! If you get into <insert hobby here> you'll eventually replace everything twice as you sort out what best suits.

I'm thinking a complete kit would be the quickest way to get started, then I'll gather some experience before deciding on upgrades.

[Plowboy]

I know I will be shunned for this but I got the lee "ergo prime" hand priming tool. I have not used it too much they'd but must say it was a lot easier seating the primers all the way in than the old girl. Have to be careful of the tray cover to make sure it is on properly but when everything is right, it works great!

[220]

I'm thinking a complete kit would be the quickest way to get started, then I'll gather some experience before deciding on upgrades.

If your planning this then the lee kits are the go, under $200 will see you with everything need but a set of dies and load manual.
Lee might be a bit fiddlier to use and not as well finished but it will turn out ammo just as accurate as most other brands.
When you consider the Lee kits include lots of little items the other kits don't they are a bargin.

Nick Harveys 9th edition reloading manual is a good reference, plenty of data for components available in Aus and even a chapter covering selecting gear and getting started. They are on special this month so you should be able to pick one up for under $30.

[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

Hey Raven

I am assuming you didnt read my earlier post, if you did a simple thanks but no thanks would have been nice.

If you want it let me know one way or the other

Dr G

[The Raven]

Hey Raven

I am assuming you didnt read my earlier post, if you did a simple thanks but no thanks would have been nice.

If you want it let me know one way or the other
Dr G

Hi Mate, sorry for not responding to your post/offer earlier. I was a bit overwhelmed with all the advice and offers, and have now sat back to consider it all!

I appreciate the offer of equipment but feel it would be rude to accept it only to put the whole thing on the back burner for an indeterminate amount of time (which could happen). I'd rather it goes to someone who needs it.

[The Raven]

Hi All,

Dr G reminded me I hadn't got back to everyone to thank them for the advice on reloading kits. Sorry about that , but I can only get away with so many posts during working hours

From all the advice given I need to do more research.

The suggestion of a good reloading book (such as Nick Harveys) sounds like a worthy investment, particularly with the chapter on equipment.

It was also good to hear positives about specific kits. There's nothing worse than buying something only to have people say "Oh, that's the crap one with known issues".

I think I'll buy the Nick Harvey book and do some reading. I'll also take up Trevors offer to take a look at his setup. Then I can start sorting out the 'must haves', my budget, and the cost effectiveness.

[Dr G]

no worries mate

Pat gave it to me while I was still tossing up if I wanted to get into reloading in a big way. If you want to borrow it while you work out what your doing you would be most welcome.

Dr G

[Branxhunter]

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).

Regards,

CZ550

+1.

The old Super Simplex has reloaded many, many rounds for the old pro fox and roo shooters. I use one for the majority of my relaoding, and then use an old RCBS when I need to FLS - the Simplex only neck sizes.

The Simplex is also very easy to prime with, and many reloaders keep their old Super Simplex presses just for priming. If you decide to upgrade you can keep the Simplex to do the same. Check out ebay - you can pick up second hand presses for around $100.

While a little slow you can obtain good precision for your powder charges by using the combination of a dipper, beam balance and trickler. If you decide to get a powder thrower down the track you will still use the balance and trickler anyway.

You will need to keep an eye on fired case length (compared to max case length before trimming) and loaded overall length. Buy a digital calipers and you have this covered.

So my suggestion is:

Second hand Super Simplex press
Powder dipper for the cartridge you are reloading
RCBS No.2 balance beam scale
RCBS powder trickler
Digital calipers

This way you will still use the majority of the gear even if you upgrade down the track.

Marcus

[Klicker]

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...

Raven if that's all you want to do, the Lee Anniversary kit is well suited to this. I personally have used one for a long time now, with some recent upgrades after about 20 years of use the press finally failed, replaced with the classic cast press.

I load quite a few rounds a year though as I shoot F-Class..

this will get you up and running and that's the important thing to get you going and learning and ensure you find a mentor/tutor to help out, this really helped me out when I started reloading.

also grab a decent reloading tray (MTM is good) and the lee trimmer kit, or investigate something a little less agricultural for trimming such as drill or hand crank based trimmer, but the little lee trimmer kit is also fine and I loaded many hundreds of rounds using this setup.