Just curious what you guys would recommend for someone trying to get into reloading, with so many options out there figured I’d ask some people that have experience
What’s the best reloading kit for a beginner?
- Thread starter Scout762x51
- Start date
What are going to be loading? Rifle, pistol, precision ammo, etc.? If you want to load precision rifle ammo, a Forster Co-Ax is really nice, but a little more expensive than some of the other single stage presses. That's what I started with and have never wanted anything else.
Yeah just wanting to load 308win 300WM and .375cheytac tired of inconsistent factory loads figured I could fine tune thing better hand loading. I’ll check out that press! Thank you
Depending on what your definition of “precision” is just go straight to the stuff that will do what you want and skip the kits.
You’ll just end up upgrading that stuff.
You’ll just end up upgrading that stuff.
This right here. Put your own kit together, buying quality equipment.
I made the mistake of buying the Hornady Classic kit. Been upgrading ever since.
Shop for a used setup someone upgraded that fits your needs.
I always suggest people find a used rcbs rock chucker to get started. They can be had for $20. And I would say start with 308 and make your mistakes on that for awhile. Plenty of 308 data online. And it's the best cheap mistake / changes I feel. Then focus on developing a load that works great in your rifle. Just pick one.
when you get that far you will know exactly what you like and don't like or may/maynot like as far as equipment goes. You will also know how you want to set up your long term loading area.
After that you'll be like everyone else and have thousands of dollars invested into a reloading setup to "save" money on ammo that works for you.
But I agree with the reasons you want to start. There is no way factory loaded ammo will out shoot most of my developed loads for me in my rifle. And I'm shooting "blaster" 300blk as cheap as 22 long rifle, loading 7.62x51m80 (but way more consistent in velocity) for around 30¢/rd including brass, and refilling 175smk "match" for 41¢/rd. So the savings are there.
I always suggest people find a used rcbs rock chucker to get started. They can be had for $20. And I would say start with 308 and make your mistakes on that for awhile. Plenty of 308 data online. And it's the best cheap mistake / changes I feel. Then focus on developing a load that works great in your rifle. Just pick one.
when you get that far you will know exactly what you like and don't like or may/maynot like as far as equipment goes. You will also know how you want to set up your long term loading area.
After that you'll be like everyone else and have thousands of dollars invested into a reloading setup to "save" money on ammo that works for you.
But I agree with the reasons you want to start. There is no way factory loaded ammo will out shoot most of my developed loads for me in my rifle. And I'm shooting "blaster" 300blk as cheap as 22 long rifle, loading 7.62x51m80 (but way more consistent in velocity) for around 30¢/rd including brass, and refilling 175smk "match" for 41¢/rd. So the savings are there.
Stated this journey a while back, I'm a firm believer of the"buy it once cry once" idea. For a precision load you'll want upgrade lots of stuff as soon as you start reloading.
I pieced out everything I wanted. Got a MEC press, Autotrickler, Frankfort Arsenal brass cleaner, LE wilson trimmer, so on.
I pieced out everything I wanted. Got a MEC press, Autotrickler, Frankfort Arsenal brass cleaner, LE wilson trimmer, so on.
Thank you guys for all the useful info cause I was about to buy a kit to get started but I’ll do what y’all recommend and piece together my own kit!
I did this last year. Only reason I bought a kit was because it was NIB at a family estate sale that I got for a great price. Then I kept what I wanted and immediately started upgrading. I would recommend you research what you want. Lots of ways to skin this cat. Big choice right now for you is single stage or progressive. After you answer that question you can pick your color and go. I like single stage as a beginner, but everyone is different. Read the stickies in the reloading sub-forum. try to answer all your questions before buying equipment. Then you can start chasing bigger, better things. First thing I did was buy a quality micrometer. then build from there.
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Definitely piece it together and only buy what you need but start with a quality press.
No experience with any of the cheytac sized cases but have been using the RCBS Rock Chucker for years with no complaints or issues but the largest I've run through it is 300WM.
No experience with any of the cheytac sized cases but have been using the RCBS Rock Chucker for years with no complaints or issues but the largest I've run through it is 300WM.
Scout, I am about 2 steps ahead of your adventure. Read read read.
When the RockChucker dropped $30 to about 175 I bought one. Sprung for the Chargemaster Lite at about $230-250. Went modest on trimmers OAL gages, Headspace gage and Ogive gage, caliper/anvil. Mostly Hornady stuff.
Bought the hand trickler cheap, Lymann case prep multi hand tool. As opposed to the $125 pocket swage. Harbor Freight dual drum tumbler on sale $50 and steel media … you get it. Be smart. Whats the difference between LemiShine and Lemon Juice and/or White vinegar? The Price! All 3 do the same thing. Guess what costs $1 a gallon vs $10 a small pint?
That being said, do your homework. I am still $700 in and have only just got my first batch of 15 cases primed. Will weight powder tomorrow. Technically later today; when Im sober. LOL.
When the RockChucker dropped $30 to about 175 I bought one. Sprung for the Chargemaster Lite at about $230-250. Went modest on trimmers OAL gages, Headspace gage and Ogive gage, caliper/anvil. Mostly Hornady stuff.
Bought the hand trickler cheap, Lymann case prep multi hand tool. As opposed to the $125 pocket swage. Harbor Freight dual drum tumbler on sale $50 and steel media … you get it. Be smart. Whats the difference between LemiShine and Lemon Juice and/or White vinegar? The Price! All 3 do the same thing. Guess what costs $1 a gallon vs $10 a small pint?
That being said, do your homework. I am still $700 in and have only just got my first batch of 15 cases primed. Will weight powder tomorrow. Technically later today; when Im sober. LOL.
