New to reloading, starter kit recommendations?

[N7XW]

I did a little reloading for my dad many years ago but never got into it myself until now.  Being a newbie, I should probably start slow.  What do you guys recommend for starting equipment?  One of the starter kits, such as the RCBS rock chucker?  Are there any brands to stay away from?  Any cut and dry better than others?  TIA.

[bobcat]

I'd probably get this one: 

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013036852/rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-master-single-stage-press-kit


I've been using a Rockchucker for over 30 years, never had an issue, and never felt the need for anything else. I don't think you can beat it for under $250.

[N7XW]

I'd probably get this one: 

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013036852/rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-master-single-stage-press-kit


I've been using a Rockchucker for over 30 years, never had an issue, and never felt the need for anything else. I don't think you can beat it for under $250.

Good to know.  Thanks.

[CAMPMEAT]

Hornady Lock N Load starters kit.

[HighlandLofts]

 

When I started to buy stuff to reload I bought a few single stage presses, powder measurers and other stuff. I bought a Hornady Lock & Load Classic Kis just for the free sonic cleaner.
I set up the Horhady Lock & load press and sold three of the single stage presses I bought.
I kept a Pacific single stage press and had it drilled & taped for the Lock & Load adapter so I have Two complete Lock & Load presses, All set up.
One for Handgun and the other set up for Rifle.

To start out the Lock & Load is the only way to go.

If you were closer I'd invite you over to check it out and try it out for yourself.

[N7XW]

When I started to buy stuff to reload I bought a few single stage presses, powder measurers and other stuff. I bought a Hornady Lock & Load Classic Kis just for the free sonic cleaner.
I set up the Horhady Lock & load press and sold three of the single stage presses I bought.
I kept a Pacific single stage press and had it drilled & taped for the Lock & Load adapter so I have Two complete Lock & Load presses, All set up.
One for Handgun and the other set up for Rifle.

To start out the Lock & Load is the only way to go.

If you were closer I'd invite you over to check it out and try it out for yourself.

Great, thanks for the info.  I'll definitely check it out.

[bobcat]

If you want to save money, you may be able to spend less by not buying a kit. The kits come with a powder measure. In 34 years of reloading, I've never had one. It also comes with a hand held priming tool, which you don't need as you can prime your cases using the press. So, just something to consider if you're on a budget.

Here's a press by itself for $112:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/513567/rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-single-stage-press

[C-Money]

 

I have been using a RCBS Rock Chucker for a long time now. Was a Christmas gift from my wife. I agree with Bobcat, I have never used the powder measure or the hand primer. I did buy the set of Lee powder scoops and that speeds up weighing out my powder charges vs using a spoon. I do enjoy loading with the RCBS. I am interested in doing a little research on the Hornaday Lock & Load. From the comments above, it must be a good system.

[Biggerhammer]

I've literally spent years of my life behind a reloading press.  I started with RCBS and still own some RCBS. I feel that Hornady has surpassed RCBS with the quality of their dies and presses, single stage or progressive and of course there are many other options, the sky is the limit if price isn't a issue.

As mentioned before. You may not need a "Kit". Make a list of what you "Need" to get going. Trust me the rest will come piece at a time when you need it and before you know it a room or a section of the shop or garage will be taken over with reloading equipment.

[CAMPMEAT]

Like Hammer says, I've added to mine in just 5 years. I have all kinds of stuff, including several loading manuals, tumbler, electric scale etc.

[JDHasty]

Either the RCBS or Hornady kits suggested above are going to work out just fine.  Add a Lee hand priming tool and dies and you are pretty much set. 

[bobcat]

Another thing that comes with the RCBS kit that I'd have no use for is the lube kit. All you need is a can of Imperial sizing wax. It'll last forever and is about $10. If I'm doing a large number of cases all at once I might use Hornady One Shot, as it's much faster. But I could get by just fine with only the Imperial wax. Lately most of reloading I don't even use lube as I'm only neck sizing. That's something to consider as well. If you're using only bolt action rifles, you can neck size only and it sure simplifies a deer speeds up the entire process.

Here's a link to the Imperial sizing wax:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012768051/imperial-case-sizing-wax-2-oz

And here's the type of die set I would recommend:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1011184659/lee-ultimate-4-die-set


You'll want calipers, this is what I use:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101286239/lyman-dial-caliper-6-stainless-steel


For trimming cases:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/476992/lee-case-trimmer-cutter-and-lock-stud


A set of Lee dippers:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101284828/lee-improved-powder-measure-kit


And a scale:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/781073/lyman-pro-500-magnetic-powder-scale-505-grain-capacity

[JDHasty]

Another thing that comes with the RCBS kit that I'd have no use for is the lube kit. All you need is a can of Imperial sizing wax. It'll last forever and is about $10. If I'm doing a large number of cases all at once I might use Hornady One Shot, as it's much faster. But I could get by just fine with only the Imperial wax. Lately most of reloading I don't even use lube as I'm only neck sizing. That's something to consider as well. If you're using only bolt action rifles, you can neck size only and it sure simplifies a deer speeds up the entire process.

Here's a link to the Imperial sizing wax:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012768051/imperial-case-sizing-wax-2-oz

And here's the type of die set I would recommend:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1011184659/lee-ultimate-4-die-set


You'll want calipers, this is what I use:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101286239/lyman-dial-caliper-6-stainless-steel


For trimming cases:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/476992/lee-case-trimmer-cutter-and-lock-stud


A set of Lee dippers:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/101284828/lee-improved-powder-measure-kit


And a scale:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/781073/lyman-pro-500-magnetic-powder-scale-505-grain-capacity

Yea, Lee Dippers are a Godsend.  They save a heck of a lot of time.   

[JohnVH]

Lee Classic Turret Press kit. Got mine 10 years ago, still use it today, everything from .380 to 300 WSM. I love that you can leave the dies setup on a disc and change calibers in 1 minute.

[Stein]

Lee Classic Turret Press kit. Got mine 10 years ago, still use it today, everything from .380 to 300 WSM. I love that you can leave the dies setup on a disc and change calibers in 1 minute.

 

You can't beat Lee for value.  I have the cast iron turret press for pistol ammo and the Lee Precision press for seating rifle bullets when absolute precision is a must.  The turret press is awesome as you can set up a turret for each caliber and never have to change out dies.