New to reloading

[Wetwoodshunter]

Thanks for all the info so far. Looks like a lot of you use RCBS but there are other options out there in that ballpark. Other than the priming tool are there other spare parts that I would need to keep around if stuff breaks or is that a non-issue?

Looks like I have a few weeks to decide what one to go with since someone posted an 7mm-08 x-bolt today 😍

[CAMPMEAT]

Hornady Lock-N-Load starter kit.

[jasnt]

I went with the rockchuker kit years ago. Still using a lot of it.  One thing I haven't seen mentioned. Loading manual. Yes the kit comes with one but grab up a few more from different manufacturers. Can be very helpful to cross reference your load data with each book. Also don't forget the shell holders when you but your die sets. This can get frustrating real quick when you get ready to load those first rounds and no shell holder.    Good luck and ask questions as much as you need. If possible find an experienced reloader near you to mentor you

[Stein]

Thanks for all the info so far. Looks like a lot of you use RCBS but there are other options out there in that ballpark. Other than the priming tool are there other spare parts that I would need to keep around if stuff breaks or is that a non-issue?

Looks like I have a few weeks to decide what one to go with since someone posted an 7mm-08 x-bolt today 😍

Mostly a non-issue but each have their own quirks.  Deprimer is an issue unless you are 100% good about checking your cases for rocks and tumbling media before resizing.  The lee turret can burn through a plastic washer thing that is needed for the progressive feature.  Check forums and most of the shortcomings are well known.  That said, I would plan on loading thousands of shells between breakdowns.

The other thing I forgot is a bullet puller.  Frankford makes a good one for a decent price and if you load rifle you will need it.

[Fl0und3rz]

Lee makes a shell holder set, and their dies are reasonable price and quality and come with a shell holder. The Lee universal decapping die is useful for depriming without sizing.  My best used buy was a MEC Sizemaster with universal charge bar, components, and manuals for $80.

If you decide on Lee trimmer system, I can make you a deal on a set of common caliber trimmer set.

[luteai]

Your new to you x-bolt has been fed by a lee challenger press, rcbs dies, a Hornady scale, a lee ram primer, and a lee perfect powder measure.   

[sagerat1]

I am new to reloading too. I have the rockchucker kit. I have added three manuals, lee individual caliber case trimmers, better calipers, weights to calibrate scales, for my own piece of mind being new at this. HOURS

[300rum]

What are you loading?  Pistol, .223 or high power precision rifle rounds?  If you are just wanting to put some hunting rounds together, go with the RCBS.  If you are doing pistol and .223 and shoot quite a bit then go straight to a 650. 

[T Pearce]

I've been reloading almost 40 years.
Every shooter has a favorite..... I sold all my "RCBS" reloading gear at one point knowing I would be needing to reload again when I returned.

When I started over I bought an inexpensive Lee anniversary kit due lack of funds. Later when I could buy anything I wanted, I stayed with Lee. I keep a Classic cast turret press and that Alum. Lee anniversary press setup for all my needs. The turret press is progressive but I use it single stage and keep the dies setup in the die holder (can't remember what they call it)
Digital measure and scale can be a pain, I Prefer the powder measures (i have and use both) Case trimmer pick is the LEE again "case gauge and trimmer" I keep an expensive rcbs trimmer for the .204 only.

Note: New, never used RCBS Rock Chucker under the bench..... not for sale though.

All equipment except the scales are mounted on stools. The portability allows for case sizing on the patio as the coffee goes down and the sun comes up.

Sorry so wordy.
Have fun.
T

[2labs]

T pierce, I made a .204 lee trimmer out of a 22-250. Very easy works great.
Need the .223 shellholder

[T Pearce]

I thought about it but decided to keep a couple of others around for neck turning and such.

Thanks
T

[Wetwoodshunter]

Ok, I'm back at looking at getting into reloading again so Im resurrecting this thread from a few weeks ago. I have seriously considered the RCBS rock chucker and now am contemplating dropping a little more money and going with a Redding T7. I have been told that the rock chucker is a great press but the Redding T7 is the cats meow of presses for accurate rifle ammo.

Does anyone have any experience with the Redding T7? Is it worth the extra investment, I'm assuming that either press would be used for the next 50 ish years. I will be reloading mostly for 7mm rem mag, 7mm-08, 44 mag, and .22-250.

Additionally... I have a serious stock piling problem. Thinking this was going to be less expensive for shooting I now have a box of nosler 140 gr. ballistic tips (100), 140gr. nosler accubonds (100), 150 gr. nosler accubound  LR (100), 140 gr. barnes TSX (50), and 160 gr. sierra game kings (100). I guess over the last few weeks of reloading as I saw stuff on sale I amassed 450 bullets.

[iusmc2002]

I have a Lee press, and really like it.

As for stockpiling, reloading makes each box of ammo cheaper, but since you think you're saving money, you will load and shoot MORE hahaha. It is a great addiction to have!

[Fl0und3rz]

I have a Lee Classic Cast and find it a great value.  I also have a Hornady LnL Progressive, which is great for high volume.  But as far as general reloading the Lee Classic Cast is fine.  That said, I have wanted a Redding T7 since I began reloading.   It would make reloading a bit easier not having to switch out dies all the time.

Redding makes fine reloading gear, and my accessories (powder measure, scale, trimmer, etc.) are all Redding.

[yorketransport]

I've been using my Lee Anniversary press for about 16 years ( I bought it on my 18th birthday) and tens of thousands of rounds. I do some pretty dramatic case forming and the press has handled it all with no problem. I paid about $110 for the kit when I bought it. I added a Cabelas dial caliper and an RCBS case trimmer and I've been running the same setup the whole time. My dies are a pretty broad assortment from RCBS, Lee, Hornady, Redding, Wilson, Forster, and a few custom made sets. They all work about the same but I do have a bit of a preference for Hornady dies.

I'm going to replace my Lee press soon just because I need to get a press big enough to run a CheyTac case. My Lee will just become my portable press that will come with me when I'm shooting.

Andrew