Reloading guys..get in here

I have only been reloading the last two years and don't do any really big volume. I have the RCBS rockchucker supreme kit. Came with the single stage press, powder dispenser, 5-0-5 manual scale, case lube pad with bottle of lube, some assorted tools, hand priming tool, powder funnel, a speer reloading manual and a case block. Since then i have added the Lyman universal case trimmer, a set of digital calipers and the RCBS power trickler and some assorted reloading manuals. I haven't had experience with other presses but the RCBS seems very solid and has been easy to use.

Here's an extremely length post I made a few years ago:

Reloading Tutorial

The only real differences from the basic setup I have there is that I'm using an RCBS Universal Priming Tool and an RCBS Partner Press, which is only about $75. I've been using it for quite some time.

Hornady makes a pretty decent single stage starter kit.

If you have any other specific questions let me know.

thanks guys

Start small then invest in new equipment after you've gotten the hang of things. I have all RCBS stuff; Partner Press, handheld primer seater, etc. Places to invest money in early if you want to make it easier on yourself is in powered case prep center and electronic powder measuring system. I reload mostly for rifle but I can knock out 100rds of 9mm or 45 ACP easily.

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Lee single stage or turret?

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I've got one handloading press, the Lee Classic Turret. I've been using it >30 years and it works just fine. Actually, I think all the makers produce quality stuff. I've got a lot of Lee products and haven't been disappointed by any of them. I'll continue to buy and use Lee products.

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Are the kits good enough?

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Pretty much, although there'll still be a few accessories you'll need to buy.

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Do y'all prefer electronic scales?

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I don't. I have an inexpensive MTM electronic scale, but I've gone back to mainly using my balance beam scales (RCBS 5-0-5). If loading a large # of rounds, I use a Harrel measure.

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Where to skimp and where to spend money?

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Good question. I'll have additional recs later today.

I've been at for 21 years now. My dad got me a dillon 650 when I was 15 and I haven't looked back since. It's the single best investment in my hobby. A couple things I've learned over time.

-Contrary to some, I would go straight to a progressive.

-Go Dillon, they back everything up with a lifetime guarantee. I've called countless times and had them send parts to me free of charge.

- Start with a pistol cartridge, preferably lower pressure ones like 45ACP, 38 Spl.

- Get a balance beam scale, to start and a good caliper

- Get the Redding competition seating die, makes adjusting the length way less time consuming

- Switching between small and large primers can be a paint in the arse, so plan accordingly

- Keep good logs of recipes

- Load rounds to longest length that will properly function in your gun

-get a vibra prime for filling your primer tubes

- Don't think you're going to save any money, you'll just shoot alot more

-So in summary:
- Press - Dillon 650
- Scale - Dillon/RCBS Balance
- Caliper - Any decent quality, no harbor freight
- Primers - Usually, whatever is cheapest, I'm still dwindling down on 50K wolf primers I bought 6 years ago
- Bullets - Bayou bullets - coated lead, nice cost savings over FMJs, no smoke
- Powder - I like titegroup nowadays, b/c its cheap and very flexible. I wouldn't recommend it in 40/10mm
- Make sure you have a very heavy/sturdy bench to mount your press!

LINK

I started with the RCBS Rock Chucker about four years ago. last year I purchased a Lee Classic kit that came with a Turret press. I use the RCBS for rifle loading and the Lee for pistol. I've had no problems with either one.

Thread hijack:


I haven't actually started reloading yet, but I've been researching what components I want to use and it can be overwhelming to me. For 270 win most loads in recipe books use Winchester cases. I have heard that case thickness can vary from brand to brand which in turn, changes the capacity of the case. I have a lot of federal cases that I'd like to use but I haven't found any recipes that use federal.

Do I use the same starting load with federal cases and try to work up to the recommended max loads for Winchester cases?
In what increments should I move up?
How many rounds should I load at each powder charge?
My goal is superior accuracy at factory velocities.
The bullets im looking into are Sierra Pro Hunter 130's.
Powders I'm interested in are: IMR 4831 IMR 4350 and lessor looking at RL 22.

I've never loaded anything other than a muzzleloader, so if you see anything im over/under thinking chime in please.

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Looking to maybe reload, first as a hobby and secondly to be able to shoot more.

Lee single stage or turret?
Are the kits good enough? Do y'all prefer electronic scales?
Where to skimp and where to spend money?

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If you are reloading pistol, get the Lee Turret or a Dillon if you have the money.

If you are reloading rifle and want to be able to crank out accurate ammo quick, get the Lee Turret or a Lee single stage if you arent worried about quantity.

Dont listen to anyone that says Lee doesnt make good products. If that were true they wouldnt be in business and they are probably the oldest reloading company in the USA.

The kits are good but Lee scale only weighs to 100gr so I bought a redding No2 since its made in the USA. The beams are more accurate unless you spend a pile of money on an electric. Your goal is not to spend $1000 to start reloading.

Redding makes the best dies but I use Lee because they are cheap and they work. They also include a shell holder.

The Lee ergo hand primer is what I have and its cheaper than the others.

Cheap calipers for measuring.
An RCBS check weight kit
A reloading manual from the bUllet manufacturer you use.

You can save alot of money starting with all Lee and upgrading once you get the hang of it. Start with the Classic Turret press kit and you cant go wrong.

This kit is under 200 bucks if you shop around. Get the Lee dies and the cutter for the calibers you need and then you can buy powder, primers, bullets and brass. You will be under $500 and loading ammo.