Im just getting started reloading and ive been doing a lot of reading and seems the general consensus is that lee/rcbs/hornady are all fairly comparable...is it worth the extra 200-250 for the hornady lnl kit vs something like the lee anniversary classic kit? Ill be reloading 308/556/223 for rifle and 40/45 pistol...any other suggestions are welcome, thanks in advace!
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new to reloading, press questions
- Thread starter robtech
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Re: new to reloading, press questions
I agree with the above, Lee works, but you get what you pay for. Buy a quality press and it will out last you, and I mean that, some Rock Chuckers have lasted longer than I have been alive (31years)
I agree with the above, Lee works, but you get what you pay for. Buy a quality press and it will out last you, and I mean that, some Rock Chuckers have lasted longer than I have been alive (31years)
Re: new to reloading, press questions
Every manufacturer is making great stuff. However, after owning more costly equipment, I fell in love with the the Lee Challenger Breech Lock Press. Great press. $$ for $$, tough to beat. You can get it in 2 different kits...Anniversary with press priming and the other with hand priming. I wish they would release a kit with the Lee Classic Breech Lock. The Lee Classic Cast has always been hard to beat, but they made it even better with the Breech Lock. Most of my equipment is Lee and I have the Hornady Concentricity Gauge. I went to Lee dies several years ago because they work as well as others at less cost. And when you really get in to loading, you'll learn to appreciate the collet neck sizing dies too. For maximum versatility, I buy the Pacesetter die sets and then add the collet NS die. I do this so I can adjust the pacesetter seating die for dead-length seating or roll crimping, which I never do since I mainly shoot bolt guns. Don't let all that stuff confuse you. AND there are items included in "other's" kits that are basically outdated....like those lube pads....yuck. A small cardboard box, empty brass cases and spray lube are much easier. Let me know. With Lee and Hornady...everything seems to be Red on my bench. Have fun and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Every manufacturer is making great stuff. However, after owning more costly equipment, I fell in love with the the Lee Challenger Breech Lock Press. Great press. $$ for $$, tough to beat. You can get it in 2 different kits...Anniversary with press priming and the other with hand priming. I wish they would release a kit with the Lee Classic Breech Lock. The Lee Classic Cast has always been hard to beat, but they made it even better with the Breech Lock. Most of my equipment is Lee and I have the Hornady Concentricity Gauge. I went to Lee dies several years ago because they work as well as others at less cost. And when you really get in to loading, you'll learn to appreciate the collet neck sizing dies too. For maximum versatility, I buy the Pacesetter die sets and then add the collet NS die. I do this so I can adjust the pacesetter seating die for dead-length seating or roll crimping, which I never do since I mainly shoot bolt guns. Don't let all that stuff confuse you. AND there are items included in "other's" kits that are basically outdated....like those lube pads....yuck. A small cardboard box, empty brass cases and spray lube are much easier. Let me know. With Lee and Hornady...everything seems to be Red on my bench. Have fun and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Re: new to reloading, press questions
for the calibers u mentioned, look at a dillion 550b. i started with a hornady lnl kit. after a bit trying my hand at .45 on it i quit torturing myself and got the dillon. i now load all of my handgun rounds on it and am setting up for .308. i still use my lnl press and a redding turret to load .25-06,.300wm and .280. for rifle i still prefer the single stage. some on here use the dillons for eveything with good success.
for the calibers u mentioned, look at a dillion 550b. i started with a hornady lnl kit. after a bit trying my hand at .45 on it i quit torturing myself and got the dillon. i now load all of my handgun rounds on it and am setting up for .308. i still use my lnl press and a redding turret to load .25-06,.300wm and .280. for rifle i still prefer the single stage. some on here use the dillons for eveything with good success.
Re: new to reloading, press questions
This RCBS RC Supreme kit is what I'm using. The press is built very strongly and seems like it'll last forever. Good equipment included, as well.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/937051/rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-master-single-stage-press-kit
This RCBS RC Supreme kit is what I'm using. The press is built very strongly and seems like it'll last forever. Good equipment included, as well.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/937051/rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-master-single-stage-press-kit
Re: new to reloading, press questions
If you are going to load for pistol, get a progressive. I only load for rifle and prefer a single stage. A lot more control for me and just easier to use. I would not get one of the kits b/c you end up buying a lot of other stuff to replace a lot of what comes in the kit (e.g., the scale, the auto charge, the primer seater, to name a few). Better to just create your list of what you need, research here who makes the best at the price points you want, and then buy separate. If you are intimidated by doing that, then go buy a kit and don't sweat it when you end up tossing some of the components when you upgrade.
If you are going to load for pistol, get a progressive. I only load for rifle and prefer a single stage. A lot more control for me and just easier to use. I would not get one of the kits b/c you end up buying a lot of other stuff to replace a lot of what comes in the kit (e.g., the scale, the auto charge, the primer seater, to name a few). Better to just create your list of what you need, research here who makes the best at the price points you want, and then buy separate. If you are intimidated by doing that, then go buy a kit and don't sweat it when you end up tossing some of the components when you upgrade.
Re: new to reloading, press questions
The Forster Co-Ax is an awesome single stage setup. Also have a Redding Big Boss II that is very, very nice. Either one of those I would buy again. Have a Lee and it doesnt compare in quality but it does the job.
The Forster Co-Ax is an awesome single stage setup. Also have a Redding Big Boss II that is very, very nice. Either one of those I would buy again. Have a Lee and it doesnt compare in quality but it does the job.
Re: new to reloading, press questions
Some people consider a tight press to be mandatory. To me, the important thing is alignment of the case and die, and the press itself can have lots of slop.
I found that the little Lee Reloading Press for about $30 produced rounds as accurate as from my Co-Ax. However, the Co-Ax is a lot more pleasurable to reload on.
Thus, it is not the size of the press or the cost of the press that produces good ammunition, but the reloader.
If I was starting out today and had the money and wanted a single-stage press, I think my only choice would the be Forster Co-Ax. Universal shell holder and dies simply slide in and out.
If not, I would look at the Lee Challenger with breech lock bushings or the Lee Classic Turret press. I find the Lee Perfect Powder Measure to be an extremely accurate powder measure, but it feels cheap ('cause it is) and it will leak until the parts are "worn in." Likewise, the Lee Safety Balance is as good as any, but it is harder to read and also feels cheap ('cause it is).
I much prefer digital balances, but beam or electronic, a really good one that you will have "pride of ownership" will run at least $50.
The "kit" you need, if you want to start small and build up, would be:
1) Lyman #49 manual and Richard Lee's #2 reloading manual
2) Lee small Reloading Press
3) Lee Ram Prime or hand prime unit
4) Lee 3-die set for each caliber, plus Lee taper crimp die or separate roll crimp die (depending on cartridge being loaded)
4) If loading for bottleneck cartridges, get the Lee case length gage and trimmer. These cases frequently need to be trimmed as they grow longer with use.
5) Primers, powder, and bullets (see Lee die set instructions which powders and weight of bullets the dipper will work with).
You can't put an excess of powder in the recommended dipper, so weighing, at least at first is not a requirement.
You can load lots of starting/light loads with this combination and almost no money invested. After loading 100 rounds or so, you will know just how much more you want to get involved and you will know what YOU want to buy and not need to ask us about our personal choices--though you certainly still can.
I currently use the small Lee Reloading Press to decap my cases as I sort and inspect when I come home from the range and prior to cleaning.
Also, about case cleaning. This has become a really "over the top" process for many. All you need to do is wipe off any dirt and grit from the case exterior prior to sizing the case--so, as someone recommends some convoluted and expensive procedure, remember that they are NOT doing anything important for the rounds, but doing something to give them more "confidence" in their loads. Case cleaning--a rag and elbow grease is all that is needed.
Some people consider a tight press to be mandatory. To me, the important thing is alignment of the case and die, and the press itself can have lots of slop.
I found that the little Lee Reloading Press for about $30 produced rounds as accurate as from my Co-Ax. However, the Co-Ax is a lot more pleasurable to reload on.
Thus, it is not the size of the press or the cost of the press that produces good ammunition, but the reloader.
If I was starting out today and had the money and wanted a single-stage press, I think my only choice would the be Forster Co-Ax. Universal shell holder and dies simply slide in and out.
If not, I would look at the Lee Challenger with breech lock bushings or the Lee Classic Turret press. I find the Lee Perfect Powder Measure to be an extremely accurate powder measure, but it feels cheap ('cause it is) and it will leak until the parts are "worn in." Likewise, the Lee Safety Balance is as good as any, but it is harder to read and also feels cheap ('cause it is).
I much prefer digital balances, but beam or electronic, a really good one that you will have "pride of ownership" will run at least $50.
The "kit" you need, if you want to start small and build up, would be:
1) Lyman #49 manual and Richard Lee's #2 reloading manual
2) Lee small Reloading Press
3) Lee Ram Prime or hand prime unit
4) Lee 3-die set for each caliber, plus Lee taper crimp die or separate roll crimp die (depending on cartridge being loaded)
4) If loading for bottleneck cartridges, get the Lee case length gage and trimmer. These cases frequently need to be trimmed as they grow longer with use.
5) Primers, powder, and bullets (see Lee die set instructions which powders and weight of bullets the dipper will work with).
You can't put an excess of powder in the recommended dipper, so weighing, at least at first is not a requirement.
You can load lots of starting/light loads with this combination and almost no money invested. After loading 100 rounds or so, you will know just how much more you want to get involved and you will know what YOU want to buy and not need to ask us about our personal choices--though you certainly still can.
I currently use the small Lee Reloading Press to decap my cases as I sort and inspect when I come home from the range and prior to cleaning.
Also, about case cleaning. This has become a really "over the top" process for many. All you need to do is wipe off any dirt and grit from the case exterior prior to sizing the case--so, as someone recommends some convoluted and expensive procedure, remember that they are NOT doing anything important for the rounds, but doing something to give them more "confidence" in their loads. Case cleaning--a rag and elbow grease is all that is needed.
Re: new to reloading, press questions
<span style="font-style: italic">"Some people consider a tight press to be mandatory. To me, the important thing is alignment of the case and die, and the press itself can have lots of slop. I found that the little Lee Reloading Press for about $30 produced rounds as accurate as from my Co-Ax."</span>
Truer words have never been typed. Not only are presses vastly over rated for high grade ammo, any of them will last most of us a life time if we use it correctly, keep the ram clean and lightly lubed. A tight press can prevent precise die entry but it cannot drive a case into a die any more precisely than it will self align if the press is loose enough to let it.
Not only is Lee's little Reloader "C" press quite strong it actually flexes less when FL sizing .30-06 than my big Rock Chucker. Not as totally strong of course but, within its limits, it IS more rigid and rigid is helpful when loading for accuracy.
<span style="font-style: italic">"Some people consider a tight press to be mandatory. To me, the important thing is alignment of the case and die, and the press itself can have lots of slop. I found that the little Lee Reloading Press for about $30 produced rounds as accurate as from my Co-Ax."</span>
Truer words have never been typed. Not only are presses vastly over rated for high grade ammo, any of them will last most of us a life time if we use it correctly, keep the ram clean and lightly lubed. A tight press can prevent precise die entry but it cannot drive a case into a die any more precisely than it will self align if the press is loose enough to let it.
Not only is Lee's little Reloader "C" press quite strong it actually flexes less when FL sizing .30-06 than my big Rock Chucker. Not as totally strong of course but, within its limits, it IS more rigid and rigid is helpful when loading for accuracy.
Re: new to reloading, press questions
well i ended up goin
lee breech lock press kit
lee deluxe dies
lee auto primer (seems everyone who loads for accuracy hand primes)
30 cal 178 amax
lee reloading manual #2
will go in my once fired federal cases
gonna pick up fgmm primers and varget locally, $27 hazmat fee for each to ship just doesnt work with me, now to find the local spot for reloading gear...
well i ended up goin
lee breech lock press kit
lee deluxe dies
lee auto primer (seems everyone who loads for accuracy hand primes)
30 cal 178 amax
lee reloading manual #2
will go in my once fired federal cases
gonna pick up fgmm primers and varget locally, $27 hazmat fee for each to ship just doesnt work with me, now to find the local spot for reloading gear...
Re: new to reloading, press questions
Dillon RL550B; my first and last press, bought used in the mid-1990's. No matter what you start with; when you want to get serious, that's the press you'll end up with.
Greg
Dillon RL550B; my first and last press, bought used in the mid-1990's. No matter what you start with; when you want to get serious, that's the press you'll end up with.
Greg
Re: new to reloading, press questions
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dillon RL550B; my first and last press, bought used in the mid-1990's. No matter what you start with; when you want to get serious, that's the press you'll end up with.
Greg</div></div>
1++
I own two, a 900SL w/three heads and a RL550B w/three heads. Other press gone, no need for them.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dillon RL550B; my first and last press, bought used in the mid-1990's. No matter what you start with; when you want to get serious, that's the press you'll end up with.
Greg</div></div>
1++
I own two, a 900SL w/three heads and a RL550B w/three heads. Other press gone, no need for them.
Re: new to reloading, press questions
+1 for a dillon progressive. I load for long range rifle shooting with one. You can use it just like a single stage if/when you want, and when you get everything dialed in you can use it as a progressive and crank the ammo out.
Also, the way dillon designs the tool heads to be swappable is awesome. Just buy a (cheap) tool head for each gun you reload for. This lets you switch calipers in 30 seconds and your precise setting for coal etc are preserved. Amazing!
+1 for a dillon progressive. I load for long range rifle shooting with one. You can use it just like a single stage if/when you want, and when you get everything dialed in you can use it as a progressive and crank the ammo out.
Also, the way dillon designs the tool heads to be swappable is awesome. Just buy a (cheap) tool head for each gun you reload for. This lets you switch calipers in 30 seconds and your precise setting for coal etc are preserved. Amazing!
Re: new to reloading, press questions
Couldn't be happier with my RCBS pro2000 manual index. I've loaded mostly .223 on it, and just got it set up for .308 and it only cost me $30 plus the dies. The cost to add a caliber, the priming system, and the fact I can meter Varget without a problem, are the main reasons I'm convinced I got the right press for me. RCBS customer service is top notch to boot.
Couldn't be happier with my RCBS pro2000 manual index. I've loaded mostly .223 on it, and just got it set up for .308 and it only cost me $30 plus the dies. The cost to add a caliber, the priming system, and the fact I can meter Varget without a problem, are the main reasons I'm convinced I got the right press for me. RCBS customer service is top notch to boot.
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