What should I get for beginner reloader?

BlueTic

My wife won't let me buy anything "this close to Christmas" (like thats ever stopped me). I kinda need to know for my "Christmas present" what should a complete kit include to start reloading. I want to reload rifle .223-.280, 30-30 and normal handgun .38,357,9mm,45lc. Single stage I here is best for beginning and I am not looking for major production, but quality and accuracy. Cost is also a factor since we are dealing with my Boss. All suggestions on the basic components appreciated.

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IF YOU DON'T LIKE MY RIGHTS - GET OUT OF MY COUNTRY (this includes politicians)

whiteclouder

I've been reloading for forty years and have never had a minutes trouble with RCBS.Buy a compound press, a set of dies, powder scale and a book (Sierra(conservative), Speer or Hornady; either will do fine).Read the book and do what it says.Load.Later you can get the trimmer, measure, primer seater, more dies, tumbler, funnel, trickler etc etc etc.Clouder..

Iconoclast

BT: I hereby second Clouder on the press. Have used an RCBS single stage setup for 30+ years. I did wear one out, but man, it had paid its way and then some. Plus, they are the L.L. Bean of the handloading world. Something went wrong? They make it right, often even when it is the user's fault. Buy the outfit that comes with the scale & a few tools and you can load forever, or near enough to it to make no never mind. I disagree on the manual. I recommend the Lyman for beginners because it doesn't lock someone into a particular brand of powder, bullets or whatever. And while you list only 'common' calibers, it is not unlikely you'll find your eye drawn to something out of the pre-WW2 era, an older military weapon or whatever it might be for which XYZ bullet company makes no product, so you'll need to buy a more generalized manual anyway. Lastly, but most importantly: read the manual carefully before you even set up the equipment. Then follow directions religiously, treating the reloading process with the same respect you apply to handling firearms. Good luck - hope Santa (& the Boss) are nice to you!

Free N TX

I started out on an RCBS partner press setup and it was an excellent press for first time reloading. After I was very familiar with the single stage press and had loaded both pistol and rifle cartidges I made the move to a progressive press, remember that a single stage press is very time comsuming. If you are looking for a press that drops a finished round every time you cycle the press, I highly recommend the Dillon series of progressive reloaders. Check them out at www.dillonprecision.com or call 1-800-762-3844 to order a catalog (free). They have every thing you need to get started, except for powders.When it comes to single stage presses RCBS is the best but when you are ready to do some serious quantity reloading nothing beats a Dillion press, and they have a no BS warranty and they mean just that. I had a piece crap out on my progressive reloader (forget which one, it was so long ago) and called Dillon up and told them that I needed to order a new one because my broke, they shipped it out that day and it didn't cost me anything. They stand behind their products. No I do not work for them (wish I did though).

Matt45

I've got to agree with all who have said RCBS. and I've seen some pretty sweet package deals in the $250.00 range on Gunbroker. I belive they had in them: A Rock Chucker Press, lube pad, 505 scale, case trimmer, choice of one set of dies, powder thrower and primer tray. Pretty much all the basics except a manual, primers, powder, and bullets.

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Reserving my Right to Arm Bears!!!!

.250Savage

Only things I can add are: for straight-walled pistol cases, use carbide dies. The time you save NOT lubing and then CLEANING lube from cases will be well worth the extra cost. Buy not only the RCBS catalog and the Lyman catalog, but every other one you can lay your hands on, AND READ THEM!!! If you don't see a load in a respected loading manual, written by someone who has forgotten more about interior ballistics than you and I will ever know, don't use it. If it is at all humanly possible, get someone experienced to walk you through it your first time, because there are little tricks you might miss on your own. And finally, bar none, the most dangerous thing you will ever deal with while reloading are primers. While they look little and cute, they are filled with explosive. Heed all warnings. Don't take them out of their factory packing. Loose primers in a pile can and will mass detonate! But treat them with respect, and you'll never have any problems. I have been reloading for 20+ years, and have NEVER had a primer go off except when I wanted it to. Still, I wear safety glasses whenever I handle them, and you should, too.

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I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.--Voltare~Secret Select Society Of Suave Stylish Smoking Jackets~

zombiedawg

I recently started reloading and RCBS is great. I have contacted them about items and they have sent me plugs for free. They are quick to respond to their email and FAQS area on their website. I don't think you would be disappointed by them.

ladr

Skip the single stage and go straight to a progressive.And it is blue and called a dillion.People say you cannot load target quality rounds on a progessive, but I do.Just go slow and you will be okay at the beginning.

Judge Dread

Be extra careful in safety measuring and loading the proper powder measurment,mostaccidents happen by improper loading ,incase and primer handling is a most to follow the book ,many had lost fingers and limb toHOT primers and charges.

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I judge Thee!, Not for what you are , but for what you say !

BlueTic

Ok finaly back on-line (2nd Hard drive this month). Thanks for all the responses. I think I'll just have her(The Boss) read all of these and I'll play dumb. I think I want to start with the single stage and manuals - maybe get the hang of things before jumping into progressives. Thanks again!!!!!

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IF YOU DON'T LIKE MY RIGHTS - GET OUT OF MY COUNTRY (this includes politicians)

will270win

See if these guys got what you need. www.midwayusa.com

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If you run, you'll just die tired! will270win@aol.com ~Secret Select Society Of Suave Stylish Smoking Jackets~

YankeeClipper

Don't forget the internet for good buys on reloading equipment. Post a want ad and you'll be supprised what comes out of the closet.

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ghotie_thumper

RCBS rockchucker. 505 scale and a powder trickler. After that you'll need dies, if loading for a pistol go with the carbide dies like mentioned above, not much more in price but much easier to work with ie: no lube necessary. Good luck.