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What kit to get.

linthicumlinthicum Member Posts: 825 ✭✭✭✭
edited October 2007 in Ask the Experts
After going through my receipts, I noticed that I have spent $1400 in ammo since June. So I believe I can save some money by reloading my self.The problem is there is so many products out there its mind boggling. I am looking at 4 different kits to start with. So here they are.

Lyman Crusher 2 single stage press pro kit.

RCBS Rock Chucker supreme single stage press master kit.

Hornady Lock n Load classic single stage press kit.

Lee Challenger Breech Lock single stage press anniversary kit.

Does anyone have any recommendations on what would be a good kit for a beginner to start with. And a good place to get it from. I am looking at Midways site. I am also looking to reload .223, 7.62x39, 7.62x54, 30-06, 9mm and .45 if that makes a difference.
Thanks in advance you guy's have alway been a good help (with my ignorance[:D])
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Comments

  • midnightrunpaintballermidnightrunpaintballer Member Posts: 2,233 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    DO NOT GET A SINGLE STAGE PRESS. obviously you are going through a good amount of ammo and you will definitely want to go with a turret or progressive press. they are much faster and will leave you more time to spend at the range. trust me, i have a single stage press now and cannot find time to use it. i am exitedly saving now for a turret press. good luck
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  • PearywPearyw Member Posts: 3,699
    edited November -1
    The RCBS rig is a good choice and Midway is as good as any. I have bought a lot from them.
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  • dcs shootersdcs shooters Member Posts: 10,870 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Any of the kits you mention are good starter kits. it depends on how much you want to spend on starting out. just make sure you buy a couple of good loading manuals and study them. If you decide to go with a progrssive, I suggest a Dillon, they will set it up for the caliber you order it for. If you have never reloaded before I suggest you start with one of the pistol rounds, as they are stright wall cases, then after you get them down go to one of your bottle neck rifle calibers. Reloading is fun and relaxing, I've been doing it for about 40yrs.
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  • 74cuda74cuda Member Posts: 417 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I bought the Hornady Pro-7 several years ago and loaded many many thousands of rounds with it. If I were to do it over again, I'd go Dillon....

    Single stage only if you want to spend the time to work up special loads for your firearms, but if you want to load enough to shoot and have a blast, go with the progressives... Get a single stage later...
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  • captkirk3@dslextreme.comcaptkirk3@dslextreme.com Member Posts: 3,804
    edited November -1
    Go with the DILLON....
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  • linthicumlinthicum Member Posts: 825 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks Gents. Back on the search
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  • cpermdcpermd Member Posts: 5,273 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Dillon 550, The Captain and I agree for once.
    I have 6,
    One for each caliber
    Go to BrianEnos.com for a package deal.

    CP

    Edit
    I will bet Brian will set up what ever you want.
    Call and ask him on the telephone.

    CP
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  • linthicumlinthicum Member Posts: 825 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I like the Dillon 550 but they do not have dies in 7.62x39 or 54. would other makers dies fit.
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  • PA ShootistPA Shootist Member Posts: 693 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a Dillon 550; I have never purchased Dillon dies, already had other-brand dies, and use them with total satisfaction. I'm sure the Dillon dies are just fine, I just had no reason to buy them. I'm not as sure about the shellplates which serve as shellholders, better check for the 7.62 x 39 and 7.62 x 54. I stick to the .30-06 head size so I don't have to change that out. I load the 7.62 x 54 only with a single stage press myself. I also have a Hornady Pro-jector and a Dillon Square Deal B for pistol calibers.

    Progressive press reloading of rifle calibers requires some extra steps and thinking. I use only ball powders for rifles with a progressive press, because of the dependable powder measuring of them as they flow easily, while the tubular IMR-type powders won't. Pistol calibers seem to most often use flake powders that will flow evenly and reliably through a powder measure, and so no problem with progressive reloading. Case prep for rifles, including trimming to length so they'll crimp evenly, and primer pocket cleaning, and the necessity of lubricating the bottleneck cases, and then cleaning off lube, do present some extra steps that the pistol cartridges do not with carbide dies. I reload my rifle match ammo on a single stage press. Same for the varmint rifles. And most of the deer rifle calibers too go single stage, just too long a set-up on a progressive.

    I have three progressives set up, and one single-stage, on my workbench, just thought I'd mention some of the considerations I have had.
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  • 11b6r11b6r Member Posts: 16,584 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    In addition to press and dies, you will also want a good powder measure, and a good scale (to check the powder measure) a tumbler to clean brass, a primer pocket cleaner, and (for rifle) a case length trimmer. And MOST important- a couple of good books on reloading. ABCs of reloading may be a good first book. And once you get hooked one THAT, why, bullet molds, and a casting pot, and a sizer/lubricator, and..........[:p]
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