Some questions about reloading

[Ghost1941]

Hello all,

New to the forum, because this will be my first chance to do some hunting in Washington.

I've been doing a small amount of research regarding reloading, but it seems every site is just trying to "sell" their product and I find the best way to truly get a bit of knowledge on a subject is to ask people who aren't as necessarily as biased. 

I'd like to keep the whole startup operation under 400 dollars, but cheaper if possible.

I'm only looking to load .300 WM and I've heard a lot of good things about Lee Precision's loading equipment as well as a company named RCBS.  Has anybody had any experience with either?

I was looking at the Lee Precision's 50 year anniversary starter kit, but from what I've read elsewhere it doesn't include a lot of things you might find necessary.

Thank you in advance.

[Bofire]

 :)Hello and WElcome. I use all RCBS gear, they make a starter kit also. Get at least two reload manuals and read them.
Carl

[high country]

rcbs is like a nicely equipped chevy, lee is more like a geo prism, dillon, forstner, redding.......you are stepping into a caddy.

I have used my rcbs rock chucker since 1993. I have loaded a BUNCH of shells through it and NEVER had a problem. I have 18 different sets of dies if that says anything.

a lee press is usually much cheaper, will work well enough and function properly. but when you get into longer cases, lots of cycles, stuck cases.......you can see where the better presses shine.

[Ghost1941]

Yea, I've noticed RCBS is recommended a bit more.  Considerably more pricey.  So you recommend the Rock Chucker, they have a few kits.  The rock chucker surpreme and the reloading starter kit but nothing is listed as far as what is included in the other kits.  Only the rock chucker's kit lists details.  I apologize ahead of time, I'm extremely new to reloading, but everybody I hunt or shoot with tells me I should look into it considering how much I shoot.

[Ray]

Something like this might be a good start. http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=133068&t=11082005

It doesnt look like it comes with calipers or a micrometer or a priming tool.

I'd recommend this priming tool http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=319794 thought the lee priming tool I used was caca.

[Ghost1941]

I found a store with this reloading kit for just under 330 shipped.  I'd like to ask first if that's a decent price and what else would be needed with this kit?
http://shop.rcbs.com/WebConnect/MainServlet?storeId=webconnect&catalogId=webconnect&langId=en_US&action=ProductDisplay&screenlabel=index&productId=2854&route=C04J148

[Ray]

That would be a good setup.

You might want this http://shop.rcbs.com/WebConnect/MainServlet?storeId=webconnect&catalogId=webconnect&langId=en_US&action=ProductDisplay&screenlabel=index&productId=3179&route=C11J142

[Ghost1941]

So the kit, the calipers, and reloading die in .300 wm?

Any other suggestions?

[Ray]

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.

[Slenk]

Go RCBS all the way you only have to buy once. Their stuff is 100% guaranteed. For life of the tool. You can buy RCBS stuff used and it is still guaranteed. I have an old RCBS Jr. press , powder measures, scales, and about 10 sets of their dies. Only thing I have had to have replaced on RCBS is a plastic bullet puller hammer.
I have 2 sets of Lee dies and have had to have parts replaced on both sets. Lucky for me they were under the 2 year guarantee. De capper pins fell out of both.
RCBS is well worth the little more you will pay up front.
 
Slenk

[Ghost1941]

Those are accurate enough?

[Ghost1941]

Yea that's what i'm leaning towards slenk.  Just need to make sure I get everything I need, don't want to be sitting here with my thumb up my behind when I sit down to start reloading. 

[Slenk]

If you use the dippers or a scales you will still want to use a scales on every load if you are load towards the top loads especially. I weigh every load but that's just me.
Slenk

[runningboard]

Go RCBS all the way you only have to buy once. Their stuff is 100% guaranteed. For life of the tool.

Bought a set of dies at a gunshow and found out later that decapping pin was bent, called RCBS and they asked what the dies were for and my address, sent five new pins just for calling! didn't charge me for the call, postage or anything else. Been using RCBS since I started more than 20 years ago and still using the same press. Had to rebuild my bench a few times but the press and other accessories are still going strong.

[Ray]

I weigh every load but that's just me.

Me too.