What do I really need to reload ammo

[athanasios23]

Im looking to start reloading. I have been doing research but am seeing so many things that may or may not be needed and things that would probably need to be upgraded if I buy a kit. I was thinking either Hornady lock n load kit or a Rcbs rock chucker kit. And adding things I needed or just piecing everything together and not buying a kit....I'll start acquiring things slowly so there is no solid budget. I was wondering if anyone has a list of what they use. The more kits I look at the more I realize they all have different components .

 

[Dan Newberry]

Im looking to start reloading. I have been doing research but am seeing so many things that may or may not be needed and things that would probably need to be upgraded if I buy a kit. I was thinking either Hornady lock n load kit or a Rcbs rock chucker kit. And adding things I needed or just piecing everything together and not buying a kit....I'll start acquiring things slowly so there is no solid budget. I was wondering if anyone has a list of what they use. The more kits I look at the more I realize they all have different components .

You can check my webpage linked below... click on "tools of the trade" and see what you think...

Dan

 

[zackm]

I would start with a rockchucker starter kit. It will get you reloading and then you can add pieces that you want. Things you may want ot add from the basic kit would be digital scale, sonic cleaner tank, dry tumbler? If you like shiny brass, calipers and case trimmer i like redding in case trimmers.

 

[Big ED]

Check out my video, should help you get started.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xU_fKQWr8Fg

 

[Recreational Shooter WA]

Here is a list of what I think a new reloader needs.

1. A good press. Whether a single stage, progressive, portable, or some other type, you need to be able to size your brass and seat your bullets. RCBS and Redding are two brands I have years of experience with. Both do the job as they should.

2. Dies. Again, just personal preference here. But if you are new to reloading, I think it makes sense to keep things simple by using regular FL sizing dies such as RCBS or Redding. Not a big fan of Hornady dies, just haven’t had good luck with them, but many others have. I would suggest staying away from bushing dies, at least in the beginning as they are much more expensive and some would argue it is the better way to go. Don’t forget the shell holder.

3. Calipers. These are needed for so many things. Digital is very nice, but batteries do die, and always at the most inopportune time. There are lots of good options out there.

4. Scale. Pretty hard to find anyone who doesn’t prefer digital to a balance beam these days, but they’re out there.

5. Chamfer and Debur tools.

6. Case Lube to FL size.

7. Priming Tool. RCBS makes a universal tool that doesn’t require different shell holders for different calibers. Has pretty good feel also. Thought the Hornady tool had terrible feel.

8. Funnel to drop powder into brass.

While there are so many more tools a reloader will acquire and use, a person could get by with just these…at least for a while.

I would suggest piecing your tools together individually instead of buying the package kits. I think you will be happier with the tools you choose yourself and meet your needs.

 

[supercorndogs]

I would start with a rockchucker starter kit. It will get you reloading and then you can add pieces that you want. Things you may want ot add from the basic kit would be digital scale, sonic cleaner tank, dry tumbler? If you like shiny brass, calipers and case trimmer i like redding in case trimmers.

this i bought the lee kit for 89 dollars now i have almost everything in the rcbs kit and only use the lee powder scale 89 dollars is a lot for a lee scale.

 

[Ryguy]

Remember a desire to pay attention to even the smallest details and get a reloading book. Read it and take it as doctrine. Reloading is an individual task. Trying to incorporate others into the process can work but often results in missed tasks. The Lyman book is pretty good. If you read that first then start buying equipment you will save yourself some frustration.

 

[SnkBit]

I've got more reloading equipment than I care to admit but the items that are used most frequently all came in the RCBS kit. Start there.

 

[Danco411]

Do you want to reload volume for plinking with pistols or AR's or do you want to reload high quality low volume match ammo? That is the real question. If you want quantity over quality then by all means a progressive is the way to go. I have a Hornady LnL for pistol and 5.56 plinking ammo. By no means to I load my match rifle ammo on it. For that I have a single stage Lee press. The press is not as important as the other components like dies. I use both Forster Benchrest and Redding for my match ammo. I have plenty of RCBS and Lee for other calibers that I don't load much of or for pistol. Case prep is the real pain so spend more on these items as this is what wears you out. Case prep is repetetive and tiring. All reloaders eventually get carpal tunnel!

I have gone through what most reloaders do on their voyage of discovery. You start out with cheaper stuff and eventually move up as you learn about new things. For example trimming which is the biggest pain to me. Any match case MUST be trimmed and accurately. I went from the Lee Lock Stud Cutter to the Possum Hollow to the Worlds Finest Trimmer and now I have the Frankford Arsenal Trim Station. It does what a $400 Giraud does for less $170 - albiet not as fast. Trims, camfers in and out and clean/deburs the primer pockt. Best $$$ spent on case prep. Same with charge weighing. I would go crazy with a balance beam but you need to charge by weight for match ammo. Volume charging just won't cut it. I spent the bucks on an RCBS Chargemaster 1500 and could not be happier. Do the straw mod and reprogram and your good to go. So if you want to match load this is what I would buy to start. Then move on to other things as you learn like concentricity gauges, headspace guages, neck turning, etc.

Lee Breechlock Press - $120 (or RCBS or any single stage)
Frankford Arsenal Trim Station (comes will all the attachements needed) - $170
Forster or Redding FL die set - $75 per caliber
RCBS Chargemaster 1500 - $280 - you can skimp here and get a cheaper digital but it will be much slower
Wilson Case guage for each caliber - $30

So for less than $700 your in the game and can make world class match ammo one at a time with the best possible ergonomics and comfort. With this stuff you will be hard pressed to find upgrades and end up with stuff you don't use.

 

[lawman29]

Agree with Marksman don't get a kit. ++on digital scale. Powder measure...(rcbs uniflow and micrometer adjustment screw/redding 3br with rifle insert)

 

[Victor N TN]

Before RCBS started having their presses cast in China, I would have recommended a RockChucker. But lately I have been pushing the Redding Big Boss. It's a good press and US made.

 

[siscoe308]

I was in your position last year, it came down to the Redding T7 & Dillon 550b. I bought the Dillon and couldn't be happier. I can plow through the 9mm & still use it as a single stage for my rifle ammo. I didn't want to "outgrow" my press & spend more down the road. Its been said a million times, but buy once, cry once is the way to go.

 

[athanasios23]

Thanks for all the info guys...keep it coming....Im liking the idea of piecing everything together myself. In the long run I do think it will save me money.. I'm looking to reload rifle ammo...308,260,243 for target and hunting.

 

[samnev]

Rather than a Kit I agree with many of the others the advised putting together the things you can afford at this time. I would get a Dillon 550B, and RCBS Chargemaster ($289 @ Natchez) a vibrating tumbler and brass/media separator (the inexpensive ones Midway sells are fine) Spray lubricant and Vernier caliper from Dillon and Wilson case length gauges. You can go the inexpensive route on trimmers by getting the Lee individual stud type trimmer for each caliber.

 

[Jungle George]

I find a lot of equipment/stuff from the guys at my trap club and rifle-pistol ranges that I frequent. There is always someone getting rid of something. Or someone knows someone that was a shooter and has passed away and the family wants to get rid of his loading stuff. You've just got to beat the bushes!

Cheers,

George