Some questions about reloading

[bobcat]

I have never used a powder measure like that.

I use a small tupperware bowl to hold the powder in and where I scoop it out of. I also use small plastic scoops like this. They can be real handy and are cheap.

I have been using those Lee powder dippers since I started reloading over 20 years ago. Funny, I thought I was the only one who used them.

[Curly]

You will also need a Lee Length Gage to go with the cutter and lock stud.  It really is the best and least expensive way I know of the trim the cases.

I don't load my .300 Win Mag very hot and I need to trim every other time, but I do check all the brass every time before loading.  It is so fast and easy with the Lee trimmer.

Another thing I recommend is the Loadbook USA "300 Winchester Magnum"

[Jamieb]

The RCBS rock chucker Supreme kit.
Add a caliper and your set to start reloading.
The only other thing you'll need is a case trimmer but that can wait.
The only real difference between the rock chucker press and the supreme is the size.
You can load long cases like 378 in a supreme.

[high country]

well it looks like you got the intel you need on brands, now let me save you some headaches that I have had over the years.

blow out the pivot points of your beam scale occasionally, mine got a bunch of lint in the povot area and read bogus.

if you are setting up in a basement do not set your bench under the furnace vent.....it will give you a false weight.

lube EVERY bottleneck case you resize EVERY time......they will stick and it does suck.

NEVER use those lee scoops on black powder, they are likely to carry static electricity and bp is way sensitive

keep a log of how many times your brass has been loaded, how it shot, load data.....you'll thank yourself someday

do not have anyone help you or visit with you while you are cranking out ammo.

if you stock more than one powder, keep it away from your bench and when you are done clear your powder throw/trickler back to its container. in the event you mix powders, throw it all away.

[Slenk]

well it looks like you got the intel you need on brands, now let me save you some headaches that I have had over the years.

blow out the pivot points of your beam scale occasionally, mine got a bunch of lint in the pivot area and read bogus.

if you are setting up in a basement do not set your bench under the furnace vent.....it will give you a false weight.

lube EVERY bottleneck case you resize EVERY time......they will stick and it does suck.

NEVER use those lee scoops on black powder, they are likely to carry static electricity and bp is way sensitive

keep a log of how many times your brass has been loaded, how it shot, load data.....you'll thank yourself someday

do not have anyone help you or visit with you while you are cranking out ammo.

if you stock more than one powder, keep it away from your bench and when you are done clear your powder throw/trickler back to its container. in the event you mix powders, throw it all away.

All very good advice.
Slenk

[Ghost1941]

well it looks like you got the intel you need on brands, now let me save you some headaches that I have had over the years.

blow out the pivot points of your beam scale occasionally, mine got a bunch of lint in the povot area and read bogus.

if you are setting up in a basement do not set your bench under the furnace vent.....it will give you a false weight.

lube EVERY bottleneck case you resize EVERY time......they will stick and it does suck.

NEVER use those lee scoops on black powder, they are likely to carry static electricity and bp is way sensitive

keep a log of how many times your brass has been loaded, how it shot, load data.....you'll thank yourself someday

do not have anyone help you or visit with you while you are cranking out ammo.

if you stock more than one powder, keep it away from your bench and when you are done clear your powder throw/trickler back to its container. in the event you mix powders, throw it all away.

Thank you, I'll keep that all in mind and be referring back to here often enough    Just waiting for pay day so I can still keep my buffer zone in my bank account.  Don't like not having money on hand, never know when you're gonna need it

[brokenbone]

all of the posts look good.  i would have to say that sportsmans warehouse is selling the hornaday kit forthe same price as the rcbs.  and if you get  a single stage you also get 500 free bullets.  about 175 bucks back for your investment.  if you need some things that are not in the kit. and you will let me know i have enough reloading stuff to reload for the army.

[Huntbear]

Kinda got in on this one late,

But RCBS for your reloading machine,
electronic scale for powder weighing, and bullet weighing (yes, I weigh my bullets, it is amazing how much diff. there is in a box of say 150 gr. bullets.)
For dies, I use RCBS and Hornady only.

I also use match grade primers, for whatever I am loading.  They seem to give more consistent ignition.

I keep a complete log book of all my loads, whether they worked out or not.  Wife says I keep better records of my reloading than I do of the checkbook.   

[Intruder]

I've only browsed through the various posts so my apologies if your question has been addressed already. 

Based on your budget it may be worth considering a mix and match approach.  I believe the Lee Classic Cast Press is a good quality press that represents a real good value.  I don't care for the Lee Kits much.  Many of the other things like dies and scales are often available at pawn shops.  Get a good scale.... RCBS, Hornady, etc.  Dies.... the same.  Some of the other tools you mention are good choices.  I'm personaly fond of the hand primers but you can certainly use your press in pinch.  All in all you should be able to put together a damn nice setup for the budget you've stated.

[Ghost1941]

Yea, I put the list together and now I'm just going to wait a little.  I'm not in any hurry to pick it up.  I'm saving up brass right now hehe.  I've decided to keep my .30-06 due to the fact that I'm deploying before hunting season next fall so no reason to prepare for elk season.  So a few things are changing but I'm going to piece it all together over the next two months or so.  Not in any hurry so if anybody comes across any deals for the things listed keep us updated