Getting ready for reloading -- help with equipement selection

[m_volans]

Hi all. I am a long-time hunter and 'shorter-range shooter' and an just starting to work my way into longer ranges. One of my next steps is to get started reloading. For starters, I'll probably be working on 308 and possibly a couple of my hunting calibers (i.e. .270). Eventually, I'm going to build out a 7mm mag or something else (338 Lapua maybe) for long-range. I've perused the posts on the forum here and in other locations and have narrowed down my options (I think!) My goal is to hit a sweet spot between having to upgrade later vs completely breaking the bank. I am convinved there is a sweet spot where you get great quality that won't be outgrown! Would greatly appreciate opinions on the below:

Option 1: RCBS RockChucker Supreme Kit
Advantages: Lowest entry level cost of the options, seems like it has all the basic gear included
Disadvantages: I am always suspect of kits. In particular, how good are the accessory components that come with the press (is powder thrower consistent? case trimmer work well?)

Option 2: Redding Big Boy or Big Boy II and Redding Versapack
Advantages: Seems heavier duty, components of versapack seem of high quality
Disadvantages: Significantly more expensive than the RCBS option, still a kit

Option 3: Buy press and accessories separately
Advantages: Probably the highest quality
Disadvantages: Highest cost, have to figure out which individual components to buy

So questions boil down to:
- Will I likely be happier in the long run with the Redding press over the RCBS? The actual price difference in the presses is not great. However, by not getting things in 'kit form' the cost factor seems to go up dramatically. Even as kits, the Redding accessories are way more expensive than the RCBS ones.
- Will I likely be happier in the long run with the Redding accessories (powder thrower, scale, trimmer) over the ones in the RCBS kit?
- In the Redding products is it worth upgrading the Versapack to the Versapack Pro (where the latter has a calibration dial on the trimmer and a fancier powder thrower)?
- If option 3, what accessories would you pick and choose for best in class components.

I realize there's a lot of opinion here, but feedback from peope with experience with these productswould be greatly appreciated!

 

[Lrdchaos]

I'm in the same boat as you. I pieced my setup together from a couple if different forums. I went with

Rcbs rockchucker supreme press
Rcbs chargemaster scale/thrower
Rcbs trim pro 2
Forster 308 micrometer dies
Hornady handheld primer(uses my rcbs shell holders)


I didn't intend to buy mostly rcbs it just worked out that way. I'm getting it all setup on my black and decker workmate bench today. I didn't have room for a large bench so I'm trying it out.

I will be loading 308 and 6.5 creedmoor for now.

 

[flashhole]

I went the Option 3 route many moons ago. You have to be committed to that option and realize it may take you some time to get everything you need. Of the two kits I suggest Redding. Is there a reason you omitted Lee Classic presses. I prefer them over either of the two you have listed but my favorite is the Redding Ultramag.

 

[m_volans]

Thanks for the responses guys. I think I'm convinced on the option 3 route -- doing it piecemeal.

Flashole - Lee classic is another option. Honestly, it seemed like there were several good press choices available and in many ways it was the least important part. Important in that it's core to the process, but there seems to be less down-the-road process impact based on press chosen. Seems like where people sink money in most cases is into the other support components.

 

[witchhunter]

The Rockchucker is the standard. A big boss would be better for 50BMG and possibly the 338Lm as it has a longer stroke and a larger opening. The RCBS kit is OK, you will be able to make very good ammo with it. It really is a bit of personal preference in some things. Powder measures are personal preference, we like the ones that we can drop consistent charges with. You can always upgrade after you learn what you like and don't like. I think the dies are very important as well as their adjustment. Your research should include that. Most of us like the micrometer seaters at the minimum of die upgrades, they really are useful when working up loads. Get a good pair of calipers and a micrometer and learn how to use them. Most of the tools that you will eventually need will be in addition to a kit, like case gauges, neck tools, primer pocket uniformers, satern funnels, match dies, etc. Buy a kit and load some good ammo, get used to making it correctly and add items as necessary to make it better for you and your style.

 

[Pinecone]

When I started reloading, I picked up a Lyman. Many of the pieces were not used.

When I got back into reloading (I had given my Dad the Lyman), I picked up piece by piece what I wanted. For my single stage, I got a Lyman Orange Crush press. Basic O press, but with a longer ram stroke than the RCBS Rockchucker.

I always suggest a good beam scale. And a set of scale check weights.

 

[Victor N TN]

I have 7 RCBS presses... (go figger on that) But if I were buying a single stage press today, I would get a Redding Big Boss. The Redding is still made in the USA.

For longer range shooting my dies are Redding "S" Full Length.

Of the electronic scales I have used the Dillon Terminator is the one I like best.

If you decide to go with a manual powder measure, I have a Harrell's Premium. I used it for benchrest. And I still love it. If you decide to throw light and trickle up, I like the Lyman's little unit.

Buy the latest Lyman's Handloading Manual 49th Edition I think. Read the SAFETY chapter twice before actually setting anything up. Then read the setup chapters in the manual and the little papers that came with your press.

Always wear safety glasses, and take your time.

Good luck.

 

[serevince]

I am new to precision loading and I've seen the biggest return on investment in the precision measurement tools I purchased.

Hornady OAL gauge
OAL comparator
Redding VLD micrometer bullet seater
Calipers

Without those, seating depth would be much less accurate and slower.

American made Ohaus balance scale 5-10 or 10-10.

I don't think the press, powder measure, or dies matter much if they turn out consistent ammo.

As I said I'm new to reloading for precision so take that for what it's worth.

Cheers

Vince



Sent from my mind via apathy.

 

[serevince]

That is somewhat easier said then done unless you can find a vintage unit or get one of Scot Parker's vintage tuned units.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I picked up one of each pretty easily. I was bidding on a Ohaus on Ebay, when I found a US/ Ohaus RCBS scale at LNIB at the local gunshow. Ended up winning the auction as well. Compared them back and forth and against two Chargemasters and they all agree which is more than enough for me at this time. Paid $40 for each, and the RCBS came with a few extra odds and ends. This was last fall. Maybe I got lucky?!

I actually think one of the best investments I've made in reloading is a modded Chargemaster, but I still check occasionally against a quality beam scale.

Cheers

Vince

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Back when I was shooting handgun in the mid 1990's I decided to resort to handloading, mainly to make an increased level of ammunition consumption more affordable. Serendipity intervened and I acquired a used Dillon RL550b from a fellow shooter who was upgrading to a 650.

From then until sometime within the past two or three years, economy was my chief priority. I figured sweat equity would serve me well enough. It did, but the time involved began to conflict with my age and health in the aspect that in considering my expected longevity, it was becoming a tossup whether time or economy was the wiser priority. Fortunately, funds were no longer all that low.

The acquisition of the RL550B was never a cause for lament. IMHO. passing up that acquisition because of the size of the investment would have been penny wisdom and pound foolishness. The press has always done whatever it was asked and kept coming back for more.

I figured my dropping, weighing, and adjusting of charge weights was the single most time consuming aspect of my reloading and I finally bit the bullet some months ago and acquired a Hornady automated power dispenser. Huge improvement on the time aspect. $200 very well spent. It has its quirks, but they are soon learned and dealt with. I fill the case using a drop tube, seat the bullet, and the next charge is waiting in the pan. Faster than that I couldn't find a use for. I have been warned that the charge weights are not as accurate as the scale indicates, but the performance of my ammo is way better than my meager marksmanship skills can find fault with. If I were shooting BR, I might quibble, but I'm not ready for that sort of primetime anytime soon.

Greg

 

[Jungle George]

I like the Forester for small runs and working up a load. A Dillon 650 for production.

Cheers,

George

 

[Charlie Papa]

I started reloading over 20 years ago with an RCBS Partner Press kit, the most basic one available. I still use that press for depriming brass over a trash can before cleaning, the primer flipper, the neck brush, the chamfer/deburr tool, and lots of the other pieces. Many years down the road, what you don't use regularly will still come in handy on occasion, so my advice is to not sweat the kit. Just starting out, there's little telling what path you'll end up on in the reloading realm. You may tire of the tediousness and decide FGM is good enough, or you might go balls-out obsessive OCD (like most of us) and end up buying the Giraud, Prometheus, and every other wicked-expensive thing you "have to have." I'm glad I started with a small kit, it taught me the basics without being overwhelmed with all the intricacies I've learned over time. Using just the basic full-length dies, that partner press, the cheapest balance, and a baby spoon to put powder in the pan, I was able to crank out sub-MOA ammo.

One piece of equipment I would definitely recommend (if you don't go with an automated powder dispenser like the Chargemaster) is a powder trickler. The Redding kits include one, the RCBS doesn't appear to. I've got the Dandy Omega electric one, and use it all the time. It's not cheap, but I feel it was money well spent. I still hand-weigh every powder charge.

Good luck, lots of great info on the boards here, but don't get lost in the details starting out! Feel free to PM me if you have questions or need anything.