Any reloading kits worth it?

[theriddler]

Im just starting out reloading. I have nothing. Read through a couple of the books and was wondering if theres any complete kits that are worth it or not?

I will be shooting a .260 out of a TRG for hunting and range. Would i be better of picking the pieces up seperetly? I have $1000 set aside for reloading gear at the moment. should be plenty for everything.

 

[rusty815]

Re: Any reloading kits worth it?

If you have 1000 there is no reason to not get the good stuff, you have enough for just about everything needed. If I were you id buy everything separately and buy the good stuff, Forster co-ax, thumblers tumbler with steel media, the works.

 

[memyselfi]

Re: Any reloading kits worth it?

Take a look at the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Deluxe kit at Cabelas for $799.99 (# IK-216927), it would be the way to go if your starting out from scratch (with the 1500 series powder scale/ dispenser, case trimmer, case prep center, etc). As far as the other sets go( $300 range ) don't, get it one piece at a time, other wise you will end up upgrading everything else, and giving the left overs to buddies who are starting out.

 

[theriddler]

Re: Any reloading kits worth it?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rusty815</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you have 1000 there is no reason to not get the good stuff, you have enough for just about everything needed. If I were you id buy everything separately and buy the good stuff, Forster co-ax, thumblers tumbler with steel media, the works.</div></div>

If you dont mind me asking, could you possibly list what you would buy if you were in my shoes? The $1000 does not include the shells, bullets, powder, and primers.

 

[coach482]

Re: Any reloading kits worth it?

I too am interested in a complete list of what is needed to get started and what is the best to have (<span style="font-weight: bold">and to avoid</span>) so as not to need to upgrade before you wear it out.

Buy once and cry once.

 

[TenZero]

Re: Any reloading kits worth it?

2nd on the RCBS Supreme kit at Cabelas. Nice press, and the Chargemaster is worth every penny. You won't really need to upgrade any of it, like you would with cheaper kits. I wish they'd offered that when I got started.

 

[K_4c]

Re: Any reloading kits worth it?

Hornady Lock and load press is a pretty sweet set up for a single stage press and I highly recommend it for rolling precision/match grade ammo.... buy the rest per your requirements.

 

[jhamilt]

Re: Any reloading kits worth it?

I'm just getting started loading rifle ammo myself, but here are my thoughts. Hornady single stage press as mentioned above is great. Thier scale that comes in the kit, not so much, its battery operated, shuts off after about 30 seconds of inactivity, and loses tare easily. However, when you buy the kit you get 500 free bullets, which is easily enough reason to justify the kit and even replacing the scale you still come out ahead. The kit also does not include a trimmer, so plan on picking one of those up, I just picked up a lee trimmer for my 270 but havent tried it yet.

Hornady lnl classic kit, around 350 dollars(can get it for less if you find it on sale like I did), rcbs 505 scale about 70 bucks (less if you find a used one on craigslist,etc), case trimmer and dies of your choice and you should be set for around 600, leaving room in the budget for a tumbler and any other goodies you find that you will want.

 

[theriddler]

Re: Any reloading kits worth it?

Thanks for the info!

 

[flashhole]

Re: Any reloading kits worth it?

Don't buy a kit. Figure out what you want and buy the parts separately. It takes a bit longer but you will be happier with your purchase.

Presses - Redding Ultramag or Lee Classic Cast or Lee Classic Turret

Trimmer - Lee Cutter (ball handle) & Lock Stud and Lee Case Length Gage specific to your cartridge. Get the Lee 3-Jaw chuck if you plan on using a drill. Excellet value and 100% repeatable. You can use the Lock Stud with a 1/4" nut driver.

Scale - spend some money here and with your budget you might be able to buy a quality electronic scale. Do yourself a favor and pick up a set of Lee Dipper Cups too. you will want a balance beam scale, don't cheap out here. Ohaus makes scales for every reloading OEM, do a little homework and figure out what you want.

Reloading manuals - get as many as you can. I like Lyman 49th, Lee Second Edition, Nosler, Speer and Hodgdon. When you buy them, read them.

Dies - go Forster Benchrest or Redding S dies, FL set. The sliding sleeve seaters are fantastic for accuracy loads. The Lee Collet Neck Die is superb.

If shooting for accuracy get a Neco concentricity gage.

Get a decent caliper like Sharpe or Mitutoyo, hand tools are forever. I like the EJM tools for case prep, primer pocket uniformer and flash hole uniformer. Get a 50 BMG deburring tool, much easier on the hands, Lyman makes a good one.

Imperial Die Sizing Wax is a must have.

Redding makes an excellet powder measure in the model 3BR.

Build a solid heavy bench. It is best to mount the press over a vertical upright for maximum stability.

I like the RCBS Bench Mount Primer tool best of all I've tried. It requires you handle each primer but you know the job is done right and it has excellent tactile feel.

You will figure out what accessories you will need. I keep primers and powder in separate storage lockers.

This is my bench.

Hand tools and stuff

An excellent scale

Brass prep station

Powder station

 

[coach482]

Re: Any reloading kits worth it?

Wow!

 

[doc76251]

Re: Any reloading kits worth it?

Read this

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=96660#Post96660

Cheers,

Doc

 

[theriddler]

Re: Any reloading kits worth it?

Thanks Doc. Read that over once awhile ago.. But will relearn it.