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Another new reloader thread.

Brawny

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 21, 2011
214
0
Nevada
I have been wanting to get into reloading, and decided it's about time to take the leap. I'm looking for recommendations on pretty much all reloading equipment, including presses, dies, manuals, scales, etc.

Here is some info about what I will be reloading for:

1. I will be reloading for one round right now (7mm Remington Magnum) but have other, smaller caliber rifles that I will probably load for in the future.

2. I mostly want to load to make more affordable match-type ammo.

3. I will be doing my loading in stages, not like a progressive press.

4. My setup will be inside, so a good primer catch feature would be great.

5.I am just starting, and am looking at more of a setup I can learn on before I dish out a lot of cash on "the best"

I have been looking at the hornady lock-n-load classic kit to start out, since it's on sale this weekend and also has a 500 free bullet "rebate" going on right now, but I would like input before I spend any money on anything. Absolutely all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Edit note: pretty much changed the entire original post.
 
Re: Another new reloader thread.

Under $500.00, best get the T-7 out of your mind, it will eat over half your budget.
 
Re: Another new reloader thread.

If all you want is the quick change capability check out the hornady lock-n-load die bushings, they allow you to setup your dies and then you can quickly change them out. I'm in the same boat as I have a limited budget and I'd like to reload for a few different calibers. I plan on using hornady bushings with a lee classic cast single stage press, from what I've read the primer catch feature on this press is on par with presses that cost a lot more.

As for manuals I would suggest the lyman reloading handbook, it's the most in-depth manual I've read so far.
 
Re: Another new reloader thread.

I just got into reloading about six months ago and like you, I researched a ton before. At the end of the day I ended up with a RockChucker Supreme Master kit with a single stage press, powder thrower, primer tool, scale, etc... It's more than capable and once you get into a rhythm things can be very efficient (most brands do a great job, I'm not only recommending the RCBS kit). You can get all of this stuff for the same price of the t-7. Obviously you have to get what's right for you, for me, a turret style press isn't a priority compared to the many other supplies that will help along the way and have a greater impact on the final product or speed/ease of reloading.

I like the Lee collet dies. They work the brass less, don't require lube and really decrease the run out. I was denting my cases when FL resizing with Redding dies due to over-lubing the case. It's really a fine line (at least for me) between too much lube or not enough and getting a case stuck. If you do use the FL die, I hear Imperial case wax is the way to go. I didn't have it and that is probably why I had problems.

Case prep is what takes the longest. If you're gonna spend the extra bucks, spend it on stuff to make case prep faster/easier. I have an ultrasonic cleaner and I'm not a fan. I'd rather not have to wait for the cases to completely dry (overnight or less with a fan) before reloading. If you load before they are completely dry, you're asking for trouble. A decapper might be a good idea to knock out the primer before you clean the case, that way you don't have to clean the pocket by hand.

A bullet comparator is a good idea and how I load everything but some guys think it's over-rated, others believe its an absolute necessity. I use the Hornady one and am pretty happy with it.

Some things you may not know about is measuring your headspace, chamber length, throat, neck tension and runout. These mainly apply when you begin to go outside the reloading manuals specs (which you probably will want to do). There are purpose built tools and home-made methods for obtaining these measurements.

Ideally, spend half your budget to just get started. Shoot a bunch with that setup and then spend the other half of your budget when you have a better idea of what you need based on the problems you're having.
 
Re: Another new reloader thread.

I would like to keep the setup besides the press itself under $500. Thanks for all the suggestions and input guys, please keep it coming as there is a whole lot I don't know still.
 
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Re: Another new reloader thread.

Also I am in no way dedicated to getting the T-7, I just heard good things about it on here. Honestly if it's not worth it for a beginner let me know, I can always change presses in the future once I know what i'm doing. Anyone have experience with a lyman turret press kit like this http://www.basspro.com/Lyman-TMag-Expert-Deluxe-Reloading-Kit/product/10200317/ ? Or the Hornady kit http://www.basspro.com/Hornady-LockNLoad-Classic-Reloading-Kit/product/10200312/ ? The hornady kit has a 500 free bullet rebate going on right now, so that sounds like it may be the new leader.
 
Re: Another new reloader thread.

I would start out with the RCBS Rockchucker and build from there. I have had one for 20+ years and its still going strong. Don't skimp on the press, as the last thing you need is a press that will spring(flex) during use. Ask me how I know this.
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Regards, Paul
 
Re: Another new reloader thread.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Zwhetz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think I would like a turret press, or at least a press with a quick change feature so I can swap out dies and go.</div></div>

I've never understood people's fancy for "quick change dies". I just timed myself. It took a total of 14 seconds to unscrew die A from the press, place it in its storage box, remove die B from its storage box, and screw it into the press. Now, if we're drag racing, 14 seconds is a lot of time. Reloading? Not so much. Once you have your dies set up the first time, they have a lock ring that is pretty much set and forget.

Would a turret press or quick change die bushings be a convenience? Sure it would. But its far from a deal maker/breaker.
 
Re: Another new reloader thread.

If you're leaning towards the Hornady kit, someone here posted the link to Midway's sales this week. I think they are going to be on sale for $249.
 
Re: Another new reloader thread.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sawgunner2001</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Zwhetz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think I would like a turret press, or at least a press with a quick change feature so I can swap out dies and go.</div></div>

I've never understood people's fancy for "quick change dies". I just timed myself. It took a total of 14 seconds to unscrew die A from the press, place it in its storage box, remove die B from its storage box, and screw it into the press. Now, if we're drag racing, 14 seconds is a lot of time. Reloading? Not so much. Once you have your dies set up the first time, they have a lock ring that is pretty much set and forget.

Would a turret press or quick change die bushings be a convenience? Sure it would. But its far from a deal maker/breaker. </div></div>

Oh, well the reason I was leaning towards the turret/ quick change was because I didn't know that. I have never reloaded myself, or even helped someone do it, so i'm pretty much
confused.gif
right now. But with that sale price on top of the free bullet deal, I still think the hornady kit is what I'm leaning for, unless the press is junk. But for that price, I don't think it could be that bad to start with until I get a grip on everything.
 
Re: Another new reloader thread.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bolt fluter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I would start out with the RCBS Rockchucker and build from there. I have had one for 20+ years and its still going strong. Don't skimp on the press, as the last thing you need is a press that will spring(flex) during use. Ask me how I know this.
laugh.gif


Regards, Paul </div></div>

Is the hornady press that comes with the lock n load classic kit junk? I'm looking for a press that I can learn on, plan on upgrading it later, and passing it on to my brother when I teach him how to reload.
 
Re: Another new reloader thread.

rcbs rc rcbs dies fedding beam shop ebay or gunshow save about 1/2 on price
 
Re: Another new reloader thread.

You didn't specify what your intended usage is for the ammo you will be producing or the range at which you will be shooting. It does make a difference in making an appropriate recommendation. For casual shooting up to 200 yards or so, almost any brand of press, dies, and other accessories will produce satisfactory results. If you will ultimately be competing or shooting long range, the field will narrow considerably. What level of accuracy would be acceptable for you? There is no point crafting ammo as a beginning reloader that will outperform you as a shooter. Every dollar spent on equipment that is nice but not necessary for your application means that much less money is available to spend on supplies to load more ammmunition.
 
Re: Another new reloader thread.

Good point BirdEyes, I hope to be shooting as far as the rifle can in the very distant future, as there is a large BLM land area right behind one of my places that has a pretty much unlimited shooting distance. However right now I shoot out to 500, and am slowly trying to improve until I can utilize the 1000 yard range near me. I'm not that good yet, so the rifle with somewhat decent handloads will still outperform me as a shooter (hell, even most factory loads still outshoot me). As I stated earlier I plan on upgrading to better equipment eventually, and for now just want to reload to save some money and produce ammo that is a little better than factory loads. For the 7mm there are only a couple of match grade factory loads, and they go for over $45 a box out here, which makes shooting it a rare thing for me.
 
Re: Another new reloader thread.

You mention the T7 which is certainly a nice press and would likely always have a place on your bench but let me ask another question. What is your expectation of how you would use this press? Is it mainly a vehicle for holding dies for multiple calibers which you will be using in single stage fasion or are you planning to use it in as a pseudo progressive? That is to say, are you planning to process all of the brass using a die before moving to the next die and beginning anew or are you going to perform multiple operations on each piece of brass before going on to the next one?

How you intend to use it could give the T7 some merit for the cost or alternatively open other less costly avenues for consideration. Since you are going in with some expectation of equipment upgrades in the future other less costly alternatives could prove the way to go. As you have no doubt gathered, much of the equipment decisions are subjective. People will argue and get passionate about their favorite brand without ever having experienced operation of the others.

The truth of the matter is that you are more of a variable than the equipment you are using. The amount of case prep time, care, attention to detail, accurate powder measurements, etc. are likely to affect the end result more so than the equipment used. Many people will swear by Lee dies for example; most top competitors prefer Redding or Forster for bullet seating. Both of the latter use a spring loaded sleeve to better support the cartridge thereby minimizing runout. Many people will experience little difference down range.

A lot of money is thrown at attempting to buy performance. You have to already have superior shooting skill to even notice any differences offered by these products. It is also why some high dollar equipment/accessories get bad mouthed with people saying they don't see any difference in their results using them and they are a waste of money. This is no doubt true -for them- but their reasoning is a bit off as to why they don't see any differences.

I know I haven't given any specific recommendations yet, but there is much to consider... ...and there is no single right answer since a lot of the issue is subjective. While there is science to it, much of it is an art and you'll end up with procedures you use, equipment layouts that you like, and products that seem to work for you. The big challenge is discovering these things without buying every contraption the industry has to offer. It is also a matter of time savings versus equipment dollars and how you value your time. Many shooters hate the time they spend reloading as it takes away time from shooting. Others are enamored of the challenge and variables with the quest for the ultimate load.
 
Re: Another new reloader thread.

Ah yes another great point, I will probably be using the press in a single stage fashion the majority of the time. I knew that people would have many different opinions from reading other threads like mine, and am mostly just asking for those opinions to help me decide what would be good for me personally. I think I will take the info that people have shared here and use it to update my original post with a more specific list of what I'm looking for.
 
Re: Another new reloader thread.

Based on the changes you made to your original post, I would recommend you take a look at either the Hornady Lock & Load or the RCBS Rock Chucker. Again, this is all subjective but here is some thinking to consider.

Lee would provide a lower entry price into reloading but people seem to fall into two camps regarding their equipment either loving it or regarding it as flimsy and cheap. It sounds like your budget is not tight enough to warrant buying a press and possibly falling into the latter camp when you can spend a bit more and have what most will agree is solid equipment. Lee is innovative and has good price points and their equipment does the job. Even Lee snobs will generally agree that some of their dies have merit for example.

Purchasing either the Hornady or RCBS will give you a lifetime investment that you will always find a use for you if decide to keep reloading. Both are good solid machines with their supporters and detractors. You're unlikely to regret buying either one.

As for the turret press you had originally mentioned, the way you were planning to use it makes it little better than a press that has quick change die capabilities such as Forster's approach or the L&L type interface. If you later decide to switch to a progressive press, the single stage presses are more likely to provide the utility you are looking for meaning that you will never have exploited the perceived advantages of the turret press other than having multiple die sets readily available. Since you are only starting out with one caliber, this is not an advantage and you risk changing your mind about deciding to get a turrent style press.

Redding has quality single stage presses as well but may cost a bit more with the downside of parts and accessories not as readily available. This is another consideration.

If you will be shopping for accessories locally, you will likely find that RCBS is most readily available with Hornady arguably second and everything else a distant third. If you buy online this is not a problem.

You mention the Hornady promotion regarding bullets. To me this sounds better than it actually is. Take a good look at the bullet offerings they provide as part of the promotion before weighing that into the equation. The selections are somewhat limited and what you think you may be able to get may not be part of the equation.

Forster also makes an excellent product with its Co-ax that has some nuances which may not suit someone new. This would include something such as having to use a special bullet puller that is compatible with the press. Other nuances you may never notice if you've not used other equipment. You may very well decide down the road that this would be a desired upgrade for making match ammunition but the equipment you initially bought will still serve you well in other capacities.

As for other equipment recommendations, read the reloading stickies at the top of the reloading thread (by TresMon and others) and decide how detailed you are going to get. These were well written and give some good insights. You'll hbe in a better position to ask equipment specifics after you decide how you will approach what you plan to do. It also gets into the question regarding how many rounds you plan to reload at a time and how often. As an example, for a small number of rounds throwing powder and trickling up might make more sense than buying something such as an RCBS chargemaster.

If you get competitive and/or reload a large quantity of ammo, you may decide to go progressive down the road. David Tubb is an example of a world class shooter that uses a progressive press (modified). The single stage press you buy now will serve its purpose even then.

I hope this helps or at least has given you some food for thought. I personally went the Forster Co-ax route and have no regrets but I had some previous experience and started immediately making match grade ammo. I share that only to say that I've looked at what you stated objectively in assessing what you are trying to do and make suggestions appropriate to that keeping my personal biases somewhat contained...
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Re: Another new reloader thread.

BirdEyes, Thank you, you have been a ton of help! I am trying to decide between the Rockchucker or the LnL classic kits right now, I'm sure either would make me happy, as I just want to be able to afford shooting again.
 
Re: Another new reloader thread.

From another new reloader:

I got the Lee Classic Cast press, and the Hornady Lock 'n Load adapters, a little over a month ago. I love it! Not too expensive, and very convenient once set up. The primer catch tube is nifty, but a lot of primers will pop out the cutout in the side of the ram. I stick a piece of painters tape over the cutout when I deprime, so the primers drop straight down into the primer catch tube.

Oh, a Lee universal depriming die is a good buy at $9.

Also, spend money for a decent seating die, with a sliding stem. I hated seating bullets with the regular die, my fat fingers caused 1 in 20 rounds to get screwed up when using the regular seating die.

But make sure you get a hand primer if you go with the Lee, priming with the lever arm on the press was a bitch.

Get some Imperial Sizing Die Wax too, it's good stuff, cheap, and will last forever. I don't use it a lot, I make home made case lube with 1 part liquid anhydrous lanolin ($7 for 4 oz on Amazon) to 9 parts 99% rubbing alcohol (whatever it costs at Walmart). Every 10th case or so I'll use the Imperial wax, just to be on the safe side and keep the FL die slick. Dunno if it's necessary or not, but I do it.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FAL1123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I plan on using hornady bushings with a lee classic cast single stage press, from what I've read the primer catch feature on this press is on par with presses that cost a lot more. </div></div>
 
Re: Another new reloader thread.

If you plan to buy individual pieces instead of kit....Lee Classic Cast with Breech Lock Bushings...All business, no bs, with great price. IF you want a reasonable price kit...Lee Anniversary Kit with Challenger Breech Lock and the Safety Prime (on the press).