Read and re-read several of the post here. Not new to shooting by no means. Looking to getting into reloading ,only about 20 rounds at a time. I've read the post on dies powders.What works with this powder this bullet and what not use with this scale or powder measure. Just looking the very basic but accurate reload kit with a good scale and powder measure. looking to spend about $500.00 dollars to start. Mainly will be reloading .308 and 7mm rounds. Once I get fairly accurate with what I'm doing may get a progressive reloader.Rounds will be for hunting and general target shooting. Not looking to shoot the hind parts off a nat's a$$ at a thousand yards. Thanks
-
Having trouble using the site?
Contact support
Good out of box reload kit
- Thread starter SIGTWO
- Start date
Re: Good out of box reload kit
I personally like Hornady but any of the major manufacturers have something that will work to get you started. Just stick with RCBS, Lymann, Redding, and Hornady and you can't go wrong with a single stage kit.
I personally like Hornady but any of the major manufacturers have something that will work to get you started. Just stick with RCBS, Lymann, Redding, and Hornady and you can't go wrong with a single stage kit.
Re: Good out of box reload kit
I am rather new myself but the internet is a wonderful tool. One of the best economically sound kits IMO is the Lee Anniversary kit. I was actually at a weekend shoot and met someone from here and he reccomeded it. I then bought some rcbs dies,tumbler,caliber,and a better scale ( I didnt care for the stock lee one) I did this for under 200 and it left me some cash to buy some manuals and start playing with powder bullet combos. Just my two cents
I am rather new myself but the internet is a wonderful tool. One of the best economically sound kits IMO is the Lee Anniversary kit. I was actually at a weekend shoot and met someone from here and he reccomeded it. I then bought some rcbs dies,tumbler,caliber,and a better scale ( I didnt care for the stock lee one) I did this for under 200 and it left me some cash to buy some manuals and start playing with powder bullet combos. Just my two cents
Re: Good out of box reload kit
The Lee stuff is decent gear. But all the Lee gear is engineered toward the buyer looking for gear as cheap as he can get. I used a Lee press for years and it worked fine. But I really would look in another direction, there is a reason I didn't go back to a Lee press after mine broke.
The Lee stuff is decent gear. But all the Lee gear is engineered toward the buyer looking for gear as cheap as he can get. I used a Lee press for years and it worked fine. But I really would look in another direction, there is a reason I didn't go back to a Lee press after mine broke.
Re: Good out of box reload kit
You can get an RCBS Rock Chucker used for around $50. A used RCBS/Ohas 10-10 scale for around $50 used. A good used powder drop for $30. A cheap powder tickler can be had for ~$10. Harbor freight caliper will do you for a while till you can afford better quality. You will eventually need a case trimmer, they can be had used for pretty cheap. Dont really think I used anything else before I got in all my expensive gear. Obviously dies/powder/primers/bullets/cases are extra.
You can get an RCBS Rock Chucker used for around $50. A used RCBS/Ohas 10-10 scale for around $50 used. A good used powder drop for $30. A cheap powder tickler can be had for ~$10. Harbor freight caliper will do you for a while till you can afford better quality. You will eventually need a case trimmer, they can be had used for pretty cheap. Dont really think I used anything else before I got in all my expensive gear. Obviously dies/powder/primers/bullets/cases are extra.
Re: Good out of box reload kit
I dont know what you consider out of the box, but Reddint T7 and Chargmaster 1500 combo should be on your list! Everything els will fall into place as you get more serious about reloading. Buy quality grar once, so you wont have to do it over again when you realize you want better gear.
I dont know what you consider out of the box, but Reddint T7 and Chargmaster 1500 combo should be on your list! Everything els will fall into place as you get more serious about reloading. Buy quality grar once, so you wont have to do it over again when you realize you want better gear.
Re: Good out of box reload kit
Out of the box just starting out and to get the maximum bang/quality for your buck, RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Reloading kit. Just got mine and I am very satisfied. You can find a litely used kit for around 200.
Out of the box just starting out and to get the maximum bang/quality for your buck, RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Reloading kit. Just got mine and I am very satisfied. You can find a litely used kit for around 200.
Re: Good out of box reload kit
If you look around you can occasionally find a Redding Boss Pro Pack at prices (roughtly) comparable to better RCBS kits. I walked into Cabellas a few years ago and found one just over $200 which is where I started. To this I added a trickler, an RCBS universal hand primer, and some lee trimmers which I use in my (metal) lathe.
If you look around you can occasionally find a Redding Boss Pro Pack at prices (roughtly) comparable to better RCBS kits. I walked into Cabellas a few years ago and found one just over $200 which is where I started. To this I added a trickler, an RCBS universal hand primer, and some lee trimmers which I use in my (metal) lathe.
Re: Good out of box reload kit
In all honesty, all you really need to start loading up ammo is the following
Press - Redding T7
Die set - Redding dies are good quality
Powder scale - Chargmaster 1500, worth its weight in gold!
Calipers - Frankford Arsenal digital calipers are a great value from MidwayUSA
Tumbler - pick one in your budget, they all do the same thing.
Buy once, cry once. Its really not a whole lot of equipment to get you started.
start off with the best so you wont have to upgrade later.
In all honesty, all you really need to start loading up ammo is the following
Press - Redding T7
Die set - Redding dies are good quality
Powder scale - Chargmaster 1500, worth its weight in gold!
Calipers - Frankford Arsenal digital calipers are a great value from MidwayUSA
Tumbler - pick one in your budget, they all do the same thing.
Buy once, cry once. Its really not a whole lot of equipment to get you started.
start off with the best so you wont have to upgrade later.
Re: Good out of box reload kit
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lawmaker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Out of the box just starting out and to get the maximum bang/quality for your buck, RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Reloading kit. Just got mine and I am very satisfied. You can find a litely used kit for around 200. </div></div>
+1. Even after you get more serious about reloading, everything in this kit will still be useful to you and you'll continue to use it. Its not so much buying the "best" (that is always a matter of opinion) but buying quality and what will work well for you in what you're doing. These kits can be had new for well under $300, that leaves you $200+ for dies, powder, primers, bullets, brass, etc. Certainly isn't the only kit that will work but its a good one. It also includes a good manual, which is a must. Have fun and be safe.
okie
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lawmaker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Out of the box just starting out and to get the maximum bang/quality for your buck, RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Reloading kit. Just got mine and I am very satisfied. You can find a litely used kit for around 200. </div></div>
+1. Even after you get more serious about reloading, everything in this kit will still be useful to you and you'll continue to use it. Its not so much buying the "best" (that is always a matter of opinion) but buying quality and what will work well for you in what you're doing. These kits can be had new for well under $300, that leaves you $200+ for dies, powder, primers, bullets, brass, etc. Certainly isn't the only kit that will work but its a good one. It also includes a good manual, which is a must. Have fun and be safe.
okie
Re: Good out of box reload kit
i started out with the Lee anniversary kit and was done with all the cheap broken and unbroken parts within a year. I had cases that didnt seat in my rifle and some that wouldnt even go bang. Not to mention the 4 (NO LIE) call Lee and ask hand primer handles i have broken with their priming tool. You get what you pay for!!!! Flat out now i have the Lyman Turret Press (new black one) all redding/rcbs dies and forester trimmer and all other kind of dillion, redding. and forester and gear. NO lee crap for someone who actually loads more than 100 rounds a year i would suggest. I hope this doesnt get me banned again for another week for my opinion. I just dont want someone to make the same mistake i did. MOD's
i started out with the Lee anniversary kit and was done with all the cheap broken and unbroken parts within a year. I had cases that didnt seat in my rifle and some that wouldnt even go bang. Not to mention the 4 (NO LIE) call Lee and ask hand primer handles i have broken with their priming tool. You get what you pay for!!!! Flat out now i have the Lyman Turret Press (new black one) all redding/rcbs dies and forester trimmer and all other kind of dillion, redding. and forester and gear. NO lee crap for someone who actually loads more than 100 rounds a year i would suggest. I hope this doesnt get me banned again for another week for my opinion. I just dont want someone to make the same mistake i did. MOD's
Re: Good out of box reload kit
+1 for rcbs rock chucker kit. That is what I started with. I've moved to a turret press and a chargemaster. But, I've stayed true to my rcbs equipment. It's never let me down.
+1 for rcbs rock chucker kit. That is what I started with. I've moved to a turret press and a chargemaster. But, I've stayed true to my rcbs equipment. It's never let me down.
Re: Good out of box reload kit
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Longshot38</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Lee stuff is decent gear. But all the Lee gear is engineered toward the buyer looking for gear as cheap as he can get. I used a Lee press for years and it worked fine. But I really would look in another direction, there is a reason I didn't go back to a Lee press after mine broke. </div></div>
I would have to agree with this. My Lee gear has served me well and not let me down, but I have since stepped up. For getting going and only loading 20 rounds at a time, you will be fine with it and your investment will be minimal. If you find you like it, then pick up higher end equipment. If I was doing it over again starting out, I would probably consider Hornady.
Just had a buddy get into reloading and he is digging the Rock Chucker kit.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Longshot38</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Lee stuff is decent gear. But all the Lee gear is engineered toward the buyer looking for gear as cheap as he can get. I used a Lee press for years and it worked fine. But I really would look in another direction, there is a reason I didn't go back to a Lee press after mine broke. </div></div>
I would have to agree with this. My Lee gear has served me well and not let me down, but I have since stepped up. For getting going and only loading 20 rounds at a time, you will be fine with it and your investment will be minimal. If you find you like it, then pick up higher end equipment. If I was doing it over again starting out, I would probably consider Hornady.
Just had a buddy get into reloading and he is digging the Rock Chucker kit.
Re: Good out of box reload kit
Another vote here for the RCBS Rock Chucker Kit.
Since you'll be loading .308 & 7mm, you're going to also need something to trim your brass, case gauges for each caliber, a caliper, dies, shell holders, and a tumbler/media.
Another vote here for the RCBS Rock Chucker Kit.
Since you'll be loading .308 & 7mm, you're going to also need something to trim your brass, case gauges for each caliber, a caliper, dies, shell holders, and a tumbler/media.
Re: Good out of box reload kit
I'm a long time reloader and never suggest kits to my friends BUt every kit on the market is worth considering. None of them are complete for "right out of the box" loading. What bothers me about kits is everything is the same color and I'm no believer any maker has the best designs across the board. I'd rather see anyone pick and choose the better designs, not brands, since he'll have to add stuff anyway.
I use a Rock Chucker, don't recommend it to anyone. It works okay but IF Lee had made the Classic Cast press when I got my RC my press would be red, it's not only less costly it's a better press in every respect. It would take a gorilla to break it, it's stronger and will last longer than my RC.
Lee's dies are also less expensive and are made to the same tolerances as the others. They are all made to SAMMI specs, no more, no less. And Lee includes a "free" shell holder with their Delux and Pacesetter die sets (not the equally good RGB sets tho).
Lee's little plastic "Perfect" adjustable powder measure tends to leak ball powders - not bad but it's irritating - but it is perhaps the most consistant with coarse rifle powders on the market. Worth considering. It's cheap too. BUT, while I mostly use an old Redding powder measure I reccmmend the Lyman 55 as the most versatile and it's quite consistant after the learning curve.
Redding or RCBS 505 beam type powder scales are the best deals going, IMHO. Very accurate, very sensitive and much easier to use than the little Lee Safety Scale or a quirky digital scale.
If you want to weigh charges accurately, and you should, the Redding Powder Trickler is the best on the market, Hornady's is next. Mostly because of the higher weight for stability.
Lee's case trimmer system is very good. It's consistant, fast and easy to use. When I want an adjustable case trimmer I use an old Lyman Universal and really like it but IF I were to get an new one tomorrow it would be either a Wilson or Redding.
A loading manual is a necessity. All are very good but the excellant newbie instructons in the Lyman plus the wide variety of loading data makes it a top first book choice.
Those are proven excellant choices, no compromises, and good values too. And no kit can provide as good a deal as those selections.
You would still need a dial caliper, loading blocks (at least two), powder funnel, a good bench stand for the powder measure, a case mouth deburring/chamfering tool but none of those are critical.
You do NOT "need" a case tumbler but you will eventually want one; the Cabela's model is likely the best deal - nut or cob, the media won't matter.
I'm a long time reloader and never suggest kits to my friends BUt every kit on the market is worth considering. None of them are complete for "right out of the box" loading. What bothers me about kits is everything is the same color and I'm no believer any maker has the best designs across the board. I'd rather see anyone pick and choose the better designs, not brands, since he'll have to add stuff anyway.
I use a Rock Chucker, don't recommend it to anyone. It works okay but IF Lee had made the Classic Cast press when I got my RC my press would be red, it's not only less costly it's a better press in every respect. It would take a gorilla to break it, it's stronger and will last longer than my RC.
Lee's dies are also less expensive and are made to the same tolerances as the others. They are all made to SAMMI specs, no more, no less. And Lee includes a "free" shell holder with their Delux and Pacesetter die sets (not the equally good RGB sets tho).
Lee's little plastic "Perfect" adjustable powder measure tends to leak ball powders - not bad but it's irritating - but it is perhaps the most consistant with coarse rifle powders on the market. Worth considering. It's cheap too. BUT, while I mostly use an old Redding powder measure I reccmmend the Lyman 55 as the most versatile and it's quite consistant after the learning curve.
Redding or RCBS 505 beam type powder scales are the best deals going, IMHO. Very accurate, very sensitive and much easier to use than the little Lee Safety Scale or a quirky digital scale.
If you want to weigh charges accurately, and you should, the Redding Powder Trickler is the best on the market, Hornady's is next. Mostly because of the higher weight for stability.
Lee's case trimmer system is very good. It's consistant, fast and easy to use. When I want an adjustable case trimmer I use an old Lyman Universal and really like it but IF I were to get an new one tomorrow it would be either a Wilson or Redding.
A loading manual is a necessity. All are very good but the excellant newbie instructons in the Lyman plus the wide variety of loading data makes it a top first book choice.
Those are proven excellant choices, no compromises, and good values too. And no kit can provide as good a deal as those selections.
You would still need a dial caliper, loading blocks (at least two), powder funnel, a good bench stand for the powder measure, a case mouth deburring/chamfering tool but none of those are critical.
You do NOT "need" a case tumbler but you will eventually want one; the Cabela's model is likely the best deal - nut or cob, the media won't matter.
Re: Good out of box reload kit
My first reloading kit was a Lee, not a bad kit for someone looking to get into it and learn the basics on a budget. If I could have done it over I would have gone with the RCBS for a few extra dollars.
My first reloading kit was a Lee, not a bad kit for someone looking to get into it and learn the basics on a budget. If I could have done it over I would have gone with the RCBS for a few extra dollars.
Re: Good out of box reload kit
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000449357
$290 here.
okie
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000449357
$290 here.
okie
Re: Good out of box reload kit
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: USMCj</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Buy quality grar once, so you wont have to do it over again when you realize you want better gear.</div></div>
listen to the man. particularly true of dies, buy a set that are better than you think you will need and you will save loads
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: USMCj</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Buy quality grar once, so you wont have to do it over again when you realize you want better gear.</div></div>
listen to the man. particularly true of dies, buy a set that are better than you think you will need and you will save loads
