Getting started...

[KorruptBeowulf]

Hey guys,

Long time reader but first time poster, so be gentle

I have been shooting since I was a kid and owing to my recent coming of age am just days away from going and picking up my shiny new Tikka T3 Varmint Stainless in .30-06.

I've wanted to reload for a while and have been reading up a whole heap, so i'm pretty sure I have the process down pat but the larger issue lies in equipment.
Currently my choices have been narrowed down to a few options:

<ul style="list-style-type: disc">[*]Lee Anniversary Reloading Kit [*]Lee Challenger press Reloading Kit[*]Hornady Lock n Load Classic Kit[/list]
I know there are a bunch of things I would still need, but for a basic setup all of these kits seem good. I guess the question is is it worth the extra money for the Hornady for a nooby?

Being an Aussie I have another question if anyone is well versed on import/export - does anyone know if there are any restrictions on importing reloading equiptment to Australia? I can get a <span style="font-weight: bold">waaaay</span> better deal from the US (including shipping) than I can from any Aussie dealers but im concerned about legalities.

Anything else that could help a beginner would also be really appreciated!
Thanks a whole heap!

 

[jdel]

Re: Getting started...

Each of those kits will get you started. How about RCBS, I didn't see the rock chucker listed. I like the classic cast from Lee, will work just as good as the others and it puts the spent primer through the shaft into a waste tube. The down side is I believe the Horn and RCBS kit will come with a better scale. Have you thought of piecing one together? That's what I did. I have just about every color on my loading bench. This way I got just what I wanted and it really didn't cost any more than if I bought a kit. The key is to order most your stuff a once so shipping doesn't kill you. As far as importing supplies I have no idea. Good luck on your ventures.

 

[desertHK]

Re: Getting started...

Would consider putting the RCBS Rock Chucker on that list.

 

[Jburt]

Re: Getting started...

+1 for the Lee anniversary kit. I have one and love the press the powder thrower is decent and scale is good. I have bought quite a bit of other stuff on top of it but the kit is fine to start with. The case lube it comes with however is a pain. I recommend getting a RCBS case lube kit. As for deciding which kit, It really all depends on the amount of money you have to spend. As for the legal aspect I have no idea. Good luck with whatever you pick, its addicting.

 

[KorruptBeowulf]

Re: Getting started...

I had actually forgotten about the RCBS kit, so thanks for that

Putting a kit together could also work, and that definately what I would do if I was certain as to how the shipping from teh states would work.

Downside of being an Aussie is cost - the Lee kits are ~250 bucks and the RCBS/LnL are around 500-600 :< Which is a pretty big price gap (ie. I would want to know the RCBS/LnL are significantly better)

Loving the advice, thanks!

 

[sblanch]

Re: Getting started...

I just got started myself and ended up with a used Hornady LNL
off gunbroker. I'm pretty happy with it except I'm questioning the usefulness of the LNL bushings, the main problem being when I am adjusting my dies in small increments, the bushing is always turning adding one more thing to deal with as you are trying to get that last .001" of bump on the shoulder or a tiny bit less seating depth.

 

[jimi]

Re: Getting started...

hey mate where in victoria are you located?

i was in the same boat as you not too long ago....

do yourself a favour, dont buy anything in australia from a gun shop except for guns, hahahaha

check out http://www.shooters.com.au/categories.asp?cID=21

its an aussie online store that has great deals on everything pretty much, i got my lee breech lock challenger kit for $212 AUD delivered, thats 40 bucks cheaper then the anniversary kit at my local gun stores, which doesnt come with the lee auto prime....which is worth it. breechlock kit also comes with those quick release dies much like on the hornady LnL...

im not affiliated with shooters.com, but just love a good bargain... once you have done your first batch of reloads, you will never look back!!!!!!!

you will still need to get dies, calibre spec case trimmers, shell holders etc, but like i said, its all generally much cheaper on line...

also if you are near one, check out if yor local range has a shop where you can buy powder, etc etc, as they are much cheaper than gun shops as well. im in bendigo and the 1000yd range has an excelent shop for dies, powder, and all your reloading needs, they do however mostly stock components for palma shooting and other misc events.

i cant see any reason why you couldnt import from the states if you find a better deal, just confirm with the seller that they will acctually ship out of the US. that is the problem i have while looking for scopes, hardly anyone ships out of the US anymore.

good luck mate,

cheers jimi

 

[KorruptBeowulf]

Re: Getting started...

That site is good jimi, best prices I have seen around. For contrast though, here is a cartload from a US supplier that will ship internationally:

Lee Pacesetter Dies $22.99
Cabela's Electronic Caliper $27.99
Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading 7th Edition $28.99
Lee Breech Lock Challenger Reloading Kit $104.99
Cabela's Bullet Puller $16.99
Lee Case Trimmer $4.99
Shipping (at worst)<span style="text-decoration: line-through">$40.00</span>

For a total of $246.94 US
That translates to 268.08 AUD for all that gear.

Thats assuming its ok to import

EDIT: Shipping at worst is actually $100 but I doubt that package will be over a meter long so 40-50 is right (and still way better than local prices!)

 

[Winchester 69]

Re: Getting started...

Here's a delightful dissertation on the comparative virtues of some equipment brands:

www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1519706#Post1519706

These people have good prices and handle international orders:

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/

I would recommend your assembling your own collection of reloading equipment.