I am going to be new to reloading. Are there any good complete kits out there that when I buy them I wont need anything else? If so could someone post a link. Gonna get me a book and learn a little this week.
Thanks,
Hunter
Thanks,
Hunter
- Thread starter HunterH
- Start date
Re: Getting started on reloading need some input
Yes there are some kits out there that range from the most simplistic (all hand tools) reloading to very complete kits. It really depends on what caliber(s) you will be reloading and how many rounds you plan to reload in a given time frame that will determine which kit would be best suited for you.
This kit comes with almost everything you might need to get started aside from the dies and tumbler and keep in mind that there are other ways to clean brass so you make do without a tumbler.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/423081/...anniversary-kit
Yes there are some kits out there that range from the most simplistic (all hand tools) reloading to very complete kits. It really depends on what caliber(s) you will be reloading and how many rounds you plan to reload in a given time frame that will determine which kit would be best suited for you.
This kit comes with almost everything you might need to get started aside from the dies and tumbler and keep in mind that there are other ways to clean brass so you make do without a tumbler.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/423081/...anniversary-kit
Re: Getting started on reloading need some input
IMHO up the RCBS supreme kit from Cabelas, it has everything you need other than dies ( Case trimer, charge master, prep center, etc ). If I were just starting from scratch this would be the set up I would get......... Cabelas supreme kit
IMHO up the RCBS supreme kit from Cabelas, it has everything you need other than dies ( Case trimer, charge master, prep center, etc ). If I were just starting from scratch this would be the set up I would get......... Cabelas supreme kit
Re: Getting started on reloading need some input
"Are there any good complete kits out there that when I buy them I wont need anything else? "
No. In fact few 'old hands' have much use for kits, none are complete and no brand has a lock on the best tools for various purposes. However, you can use the list of tools in a kit and a loading manual's beginner instructions as a guide for what you will need. And you can ask here for help on anything else you will require to load. And you can do it for a LOT less than $800.
"Are there any good complete kits out there that when I buy them I wont need anything else? "
No. In fact few 'old hands' have much use for kits, none are complete and no brand has a lock on the best tools for various purposes. However, you can use the list of tools in a kit and a loading manual's beginner instructions as a guide for what you will need. And you can ask here for help on anything else you will require to load. And you can do it for a LOT less than $800.
Re: Getting started on reloading need some input
http://www.amazon.com/RCBS-Chucker-Supre...0993&sr=8-2
That is what I was looking at. What more would I need?
http://www.amazon.com/RCBS-Chucker-Supre...0993&sr=8-2
That is what I was looking at. What more would I need?
Re: Getting started on reloading need some input
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MALLARD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">dont buy a kit </div></div>
I had the same question 4 years ago but iI did not ask the correct people and ended up with a big kit that went I went in to my way in to reloading I started to find out that I should have bought a book ( speer 100% recomended)
find out what is most inportant for what you want to do on reloading.
AND BE CAREFUL RELOADING CAN BE DANGEROUS ADDICTED
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MALLARD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">dont buy a kit </div></div>
I had the same question 4 years ago but iI did not ask the correct people and ended up with a big kit that went I went in to my way in to reloading I started to find out that I should have bought a book ( speer 100% recomended)
find out what is most inportant for what you want to do on reloading.
AND BE CAREFUL RELOADING CAN BE DANGEROUS ADDICTED
Re: Getting started on reloading need some input
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: Getting started on reloading need some input
I would not buy a kit, but here is what I ended up with buying item by item:
Lee 4 Hole Turret Press: the turret press can speed things up quite a bit especially on pistol rounds. Another advantage is that the tool heads are only around $12ea so you can purchase multiple tool heads, one for each set of dies, and not have to move dies on and off the press, you just swap the tool head.
Scale: There are many options out there. I went with an RCBS charge master which is a little pricey, but I like it. A suitable scale is a must, but it does not need to be this fancy or expensive.
Calipers: Get a good set, not the cheap $15 on sale digital chinese crap. In my opinion calipers are not optional. You need to be able to accurately measure both case length and OAL of the loaded round.
RCBS Universal Hand Priming Tool: The nice thing about this priming tool is that you do not have to install shell holders for different calibers. The only change required is an easy part swap to go from small to large primers. Beats the heck out of priming one at a time on the press.
Case Trimmer: I went with a powered RCBS model, but that was a nice to have, not a necessity. Any case trimmer from a reputable company will work.
Dies: Like others I use Lee dies for the cost savings but again personal preference prevailes. You can spend a lot of money on dies if you choose, but I have not had any complaints about my Lee dies.
Bullet Comparator: This is optional but nice to have. Allows you to measure your OAL from the ogive instead of the tip. Depending on the bullet there can be some variance in tip OAL even when the ogive is consistant. This is caused by variance in the bullet itself.
MTM Universal Reloading tray: These are nice because they work with just about any caliber. I use mine for everything from 223 to 44 mag. These are inexpensive, get several.
Powder Measure: This is another nice to have item. The Lee Perfect Powder measure can be had on sale from Midway for around $20. It gets the job done and for $20 can't really be beat, but there are better (although more expensive) options out there if you have the $$. I am currently looking to upgrade I just can't decide which one I really want. My beef with the Lee is that it leaks powder, especially if I am using ball powder like H335.
There are some other odds and ends I have around, but these are the primary items I use.
Make sure you have a dedicated area for this stuff that the kids can't get to and keep it clean and organized. Reloading is a great hobby, but is also serious business. You can cause yourself a great deal of harm simply by grabbing the wrong bottle of powder.
Good luck.
I would not buy a kit, but here is what I ended up with buying item by item:
Lee 4 Hole Turret Press: the turret press can speed things up quite a bit especially on pistol rounds. Another advantage is that the tool heads are only around $12ea so you can purchase multiple tool heads, one for each set of dies, and not have to move dies on and off the press, you just swap the tool head.
Scale: There are many options out there. I went with an RCBS charge master which is a little pricey, but I like it. A suitable scale is a must, but it does not need to be this fancy or expensive.
Calipers: Get a good set, not the cheap $15 on sale digital chinese crap. In my opinion calipers are not optional. You need to be able to accurately measure both case length and OAL of the loaded round.
RCBS Universal Hand Priming Tool: The nice thing about this priming tool is that you do not have to install shell holders for different calibers. The only change required is an easy part swap to go from small to large primers. Beats the heck out of priming one at a time on the press.
Case Trimmer: I went with a powered RCBS model, but that was a nice to have, not a necessity. Any case trimmer from a reputable company will work.
Dies: Like others I use Lee dies for the cost savings but again personal preference prevailes. You can spend a lot of money on dies if you choose, but I have not had any complaints about my Lee dies.
Bullet Comparator: This is optional but nice to have. Allows you to measure your OAL from the ogive instead of the tip. Depending on the bullet there can be some variance in tip OAL even when the ogive is consistant. This is caused by variance in the bullet itself.
MTM Universal Reloading tray: These are nice because they work with just about any caliber. I use mine for everything from 223 to 44 mag. These are inexpensive, get several.
Powder Measure: This is another nice to have item. The Lee Perfect Powder measure can be had on sale from Midway for around $20. It gets the job done and for $20 can't really be beat, but there are better (although more expensive) options out there if you have the $$. I am currently looking to upgrade I just can't decide which one I really want. My beef with the Lee is that it leaks powder, especially if I am using ball powder like H335.
There are some other odds and ends I have around, but these are the primary items I use.
Make sure you have a dedicated area for this stuff that the kids can't get to and keep it clean and organized. Reloading is a great hobby, but is also serious business. You can cause yourself a great deal of harm simply by grabbing the wrong bottle of powder.
Good luck.
Re: Getting started on reloading need some input
+1 RCBS supreme kit, this is what I started with a few years ago and no complaints so far, I have upgraded most of it now but it still works as good as it did years ago and I loaded decent accurate ammo with it.
+1 RCBS supreme kit, this is what I started with a few years ago and no complaints so far, I have upgraded most of it now but it still works as good as it did years ago and I loaded decent accurate ammo with it.
Re: Getting started on reloading need some input
Looking at the RCBS Supreme kit that looks like a great way to go if you can afford it the chargemaster has been a great tool. I currently use a basic lee single stage press a RCBS chargemaster a hornady ultra-sonic cleaner, and just got an RCBS universial case trimmer. Those items plus dies are what gets the most use although I have plenty of other items laying around. I do plan to Pick up a progressive press for reloading handgun ammunition as well.
Looking at the RCBS Supreme kit that looks like a great way to go if you can afford it the chargemaster has been a great tool. I currently use a basic lee single stage press a RCBS chargemaster a hornady ultra-sonic cleaner, and just got an RCBS universial case trimmer. Those items plus dies are what gets the most use although I have plenty of other items laying around. I do plan to Pick up a progressive press for reloading handgun ammunition as well.
Re: Getting started on reloading need some input
I bought a Hornady classic kit and have replaced many of the items. I now have an RCBS hand primer, an RCBS case prep station and an RCBS Charge Master, to name a few of the bigger items. Would I buy the kit again knowing what I know now? No. But since at the time I didn't know, I have no regrets. I now have some back up items and they really didn't add much to the cost of the kit. If you just want to dive in quickly, the kits are a fine way to go. Until you have some experience, it's hard to figure out what you like and don't like and if you ask folks about their personal preferences you will get many answers. The kits are inexpensive and you can replace items as you learn what you like and don't like or just want to improve on.
I bought a Hornady classic kit and have replaced many of the items. I now have an RCBS hand primer, an RCBS case prep station and an RCBS Charge Master, to name a few of the bigger items. Would I buy the kit again knowing what I know now? No. But since at the time I didn't know, I have no regrets. I now have some back up items and they really didn't add much to the cost of the kit. If you just want to dive in quickly, the kits are a fine way to go. Until you have some experience, it's hard to figure out what you like and don't like and if you ask folks about their personal preferences you will get many answers. The kits are inexpensive and you can replace items as you learn what you like and don't like or just want to improve on.
Re: Getting started on reloading need some input
I had the same dilemma when I started reloading. I eventually went with buying all the items separately. Only downside is that it costs much more money in the long run. My initial reloading gear cost me 3x what a kit could because I tried to go top of the line with everything I purchased.
In addition to getting a couple of reloading books, there is a lot of information on the internet about some of the more in-depth procedures that the manuals may only touch on lightly. Just make sure you check you manual before following any loads found online.
I had the same dilemma when I started reloading. I eventually went with buying all the items separately. Only downside is that it costs much more money in the long run. My initial reloading gear cost me 3x what a kit could because I tried to go top of the line with everything I purchased.
In addition to getting a couple of reloading books, there is a lot of information on the internet about some of the more in-depth procedures that the manuals may only touch on lightly. Just make sure you check you manual before following any loads found online.
Re: Getting started on reloading need some input
save yourself a lot of time and find someone who is reloading the same type round that you want. hunting, benchrest, bolt-action or auto. if they have been at it for a year or two they can realy help you out.
save yourself a lot of time and find someone who is reloading the same type round that you want. hunting, benchrest, bolt-action or auto. if they have been at it for a year or two they can realy help you out.
Re: Getting started on reloading need some input
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cacciatore</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had the same dilemma when I started reloading. I eventually went with buying all the items separately. Only downside is that it costs much more money in the long run. My initial reloading gear cost me 3x what a kit could because I tried to go top of the line with everything I purchased.
In addition to getting a couple of reloading books, there is a lot of information on the internet about some of the more in-depth procedures that the manuals may only touch on lightly. Just make sure you check you manual before following any loads found online. </div></div>
well if you bought the kit then upgraded half of it to what you have now then it would have cost you even more then getting the good stuff up front. all depends on what you can afford at the time.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cacciatore</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had the same dilemma when I started reloading. I eventually went with buying all the items separately. Only downside is that it costs much more money in the long run. My initial reloading gear cost me 3x what a kit could because I tried to go top of the line with everything I purchased.
In addition to getting a couple of reloading books, there is a lot of information on the internet about some of the more in-depth procedures that the manuals may only touch on lightly. Just make sure you check you manual before following any loads found online. </div></div>
well if you bought the kit then upgraded half of it to what you have now then it would have cost you even more then getting the good stuff up front. all depends on what you can afford at the time.
Similar threads
