New to reloading

[Wetwoodshunter]

So, I want to get a press and start reloading. I think I'm leaning toward an RCBS is it worth getting a starter kit?

Are there other items not in kits that are essentials or plain better to have?

[2labs]

I think you'll save buying a kit. A must have are calipers.

[bobcat]

I'd get this kit for only $289: 

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/937051/rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-master-single-stage-press-kit?cm_vc=ProductFinding


I've had a RCBS Rockchucker for 30 years and it's worked great, it's all you'll ever need.

As 2labs said, the only other thing you would need with this kit is calipers, and you can get decent calipers for about $30.

[Fl0und3rz]

RCBS are probably the best or at least most popular kits.  Being most popular, it is easy to find brand stuff locally. Most big names are excellent with warranty, etc. RCBS is no exception.

You'll need a case trimmer, eventually.  You could get by without a case tumbler, but it makes things easier.  You can Google some wet case cleaning recipes to start, however. 

Priming on the press is inferior to a hand primer.

You'll save buying a kit.  You'll save more watching craigslist, here, and other places to buy the same kit, slightly used.

Welcome to the addiction.

[2labs]

That's a good deal on the kit bob has a link to. Priced separate your well over 5 bills!
Let the addiction begin

[brokenvet]

Been using a Lee Turret for nearly 40 years and now its time to purchase a new press. 

I had a RCBS Rockchucker, but the deprime pin kept breaking every 20th case or so.  That's when I switched to Lee, in 36 years I have not broke a depriming pin.  RCBS has improved over the years, just giving you another option.

For case lube,  be sure to use Imperial wax, forget all others.     

[h20hunter]

Dillon 550. No BS warranty, a little pricey compared to some but get it set up, lock it down and start pressing. Love mine.

[theleo]

I'm not new to reloading but am piecing my reloading room together. As far as a press goes I got an RCBS Summit and really like it. Not having the upright piece of metal between me and the case seems to move things along a bit faster. It also has a pretty small foot print and doesn't have to hang out over the edge of my bench blocking drawers or doors. The down sides though are that it's more expensive than the Rock Chucker and it doesn't come in a kit. For starting out the kits do save you money and give you everything you really need (except calipers) to get you making accurate rounds. There's things that can make your life easier but I'd hold off on those till your sure you want to sink more money into it.

As a side note, don't expect reloading to save your bank account much pain. You'll be very tempted to try tons of different powders, primers, and bullets experimenting. My rifle and load combos all shoot under an inch but I'm constantly curious to see what other loads might equal or exceed what I have already. Or I can get bored, and little demented, and find what works for turning my go to rifle big game setup (280Ai with 140 grain Accubonds going 3100 FPS) into a coyote bomb (110 grain TNT's going 3400 FPS). Tinkering with loads can become a expensive addiction.   

[C-Money]

I use the RCBs Rockchucker kit. All my family uses the RCBS Rockchucker kit. Get the kit, and like said above a good caliper.

[Buzz2401]

Have had a rockchuckrr for 30 years with no problems.  A few years ago I bought a hornady locknload progressive.  It's really nice but I still load my rifle stuff single stage on the rockchucker

[SeaRun1]

RCBS is also a great company to work with.  Another endorsement for the Rock Chucker as a first press to learn on.

Harbor Frieght has sales on calipers frequently.

SR1

[hub]

RCBS customer service is top notch. I,ve been using rock chucker since 1982. No problems noted. 

[Stein]

I have a lee turret and a Lee C press.  I use the turret for both pistol and rifle and although other's may be better I simply can't see anything wrong with my setup.  For rifle reloading, I would get:

Lee turret press (4 stage cast iron)
Lee 3 die set for your cartridge
Some type of priming tool - I use Lee lever prime (I think)
Lee balance scale (cheap and crazy accurate)
Lee zip trim with cutter for your cartridge
Deburring tool (lee one works just fine)
Tumbler with media (Frankford arsenal)
Rotary media separator (Frankford)
Calipers (frankford)
Powder trickler
Cartridge holder thing (frankford) (or block of wood with holes in it)
Case lube (I use Lee)
Load guide or 3 (internet works as well and is free)

Optional stuff:
Digital scale (although I don't like them as you always have to recalibrate and they don't seem too consistent)
Primer pocket cleaner
Flash hole uniformer
Hornady length gauge

That should get you where you need to be without breaking the bank.

[JimmyHoffa]

You can mix and match from lots of different companies if you want to piece your station together part by part.  Buying new, probably wont get in under kit price.  But you can go over Ebay, garage sales, used shops and get some good deals.  I remember I found an entire shotgun shell set up that must have taken up half a garage for $50, went back the next day and it was gone!  Got a few sets of dies for $5 or $10.
A few things will be proprietary (mostly Hornady) like the quick cams for the press or how the shell holders lock into the case trimmer, but other than that most should be pretty interchangeable.

[freezerfull]

The rock chucker supreme kit on midway is a great deal right now! I think I payed close $350 for mine when I started reloading. And that was about 8 yrs ago.