best noobie reloading set-up? - The Firearms Forum

focusmaniaczx3 · 02-12-2010, 09:06 PM

well i was going to be buying some reloading gear from a friend of my uncle's and he went all indian giver on me. i spent 2 days pouring over as much reloading literature i could find and then spent an entire weekend casting and loading ammo with my uncle's friend with him looming over my shoulder but with all of that in mind i AM still a newbie. there is only so much you can learn from reading a book and only so much you can get from one man's opinion so here i am. im just wondering what everyone's idea for the perfect beginner's setup for reloading would be. spare no details because i want to hear them all. everything from presses, dies, manuals, everything. include casting stuff too because ill be doing my own casting. i was actually quite good at that after about the first 50 tries.

but anyhow shoot me what you think would be the best equipment for a newbie to have. simplest, easiest to operate, most idiot proof.

JLA · 02-12-2010, 09:21 PM

I started out with a LEE aniversary kit, still have it and still use it. The bullet moulds are good too and thier casting furnaces. I havent tried much else, LEE equipment works quite well and at 1/3 the cost of comparable equipment...

paradox998 · 02-12-2010, 10:09 PM

Get the Lee Breech lock challenger kit. Good quality, easy to change the dies, and it does work. I have two and can load pretty much anything. I think a slingle stage is the best choice for a new reloader.

The_Rifleman · 02-13-2010, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLA

I started out with a LEE aniversary kit, still have it and still use it. The bullet moulds are good too and thier casting furnaces. I havent tried much else, LEE equipment works quite well and at 1/3 the cost of comparable equipment...

I also started out with a LEE 50th Anniversary kit, and still use it. I don't shoot all that many rounds so a single stage press is all I need.

LDBennett · 02-13-2010, 07:26 AM

The problem with starting with LEE anything is you eventually will replace it with better equipment. If you have "tasted" reloading and know it is for you and you plan to do it extensively (like supply all you ammo needs for a regular shooting hobby) then buy good equipment from the start to save money.

This is very controversial here, but my opinion is that if you reload enough ammo often enough, you eventually will move onto a progressive press. This is especially true if a large percentage of your reloads are pistol. Why not start with one that allows itself to be used as a single stage press, or a turret press, or a full progressive press fro both pistol and rifle cartridges? That way you can progress to faster reloading without changing presses and incurring a loss with each move. I, of course, recommend the Dillon RL550B because it is the easiest to use as those three types of presses. It has NO automatic table rotation and that's what makes it versatile. If that is out of your price range then consider one of the turret press like the Lyman or Redding. If you buy a single stage press and reload a lot you will soon tire of the slow and monotonous nature of a single stage press.

Lee reloading equipment is controversial here, too. I like a few of their products but in general I find them inventive but made of inferior or wrong materials in an effort to keep the pricing low. I like long lasting durable tools and LEE stuff is not it. RCBS, Dillon, Lyman, Redding, Hornady make good stuff that lasts.

That's my opinion based on 25 years of extensive reloading and others here have different opinions, I'm sure.

LDBennett

focusmaniaczx3 · 02-13-2010, 07:35 AM

i am of the same opinion as far as having a tool that lasts. when i was being "trained" he started me on his old single stage so that i could get the hang of it and then we moved on to his progressive press after about an hour. i have to say i liked the progressive much better but they are pretty expensive. i may bite the bullet so to speak and just hog out a big wad of money but im still undecided. im loving all the differing opinions guys. keep them coming please!

EDIT: there is something that i did not think about asking when i was learning. can you use the same press to reload shotgun shells as well? i know that might sound like a really stupid question but its just something i didnt think about asking and a piece of information that i just have not come across yet. every bit of literature ive found and read on reloading pertains to reloading rifle and pistol ammo.

LDBennett · 02-13-2010, 07:48 AM

NO, there are specific progressive and turret style presses for shotgun shells. There are hugh differences in the cases, the primers, the projectiles, the quantities of powder, and the finish crimp. Its like apples and oranges... Both fruits but not the same at all.

KDBennett

carver · 02-13-2010, 08:58 AM

I have to agree with LDBennett on this one, except in one area. Like some others here I have been reloading for over 35 years. I started with Lee, and am still using their products. They work well, and keep on working. Please do not start with a single stage press, start with at least a turrent press. I started with a single stage press my self because I was loading for .44Mag only. As I bought other guns, and began to reload for them, I soon discovered that the single stage press was way to slow. But, no matter what brand you chose you will find that the turrents will turn out around 100 rounds per hour, if you are not weighing each charge. If you need more than that then you should look to a progressive. And don't make the mistake of purchasing one of the kits. If you do you will find that you have bought things you don't need. Purchase only those items that you need.

focusmaniaczx3 · 02-13-2010, 09:00 AM

is there any kind of setup on the market that covers both bases for centerfire ammunition as well as shotgun? chances are that if i do any reloading for shotguns it will be occasional at best but i wouldnt mind making my own nasty brew in the form of a .410 buckshot to be used for personal defense. thank you for clearing that up by the way.

a turret would probably work okay for me then. i dont see myself needing to load more than 100 rounds in a day let alone in an hour. but being more efficient is a pet peeve of mine so i might still be leaning to a progressive

carver · 02-13-2010, 09:02 AM

Not that I know of, but there are some very cheap shotgun reloaders out there, some as low as $50.

ampaterry · 02-13-2010, 09:03 AM

The great advantage of going the Lee route is cost.
You get into reloading without investing an arm and a leg -
And if you discover you do NOT LIKE IT, or simply do not stay with it, you have suffered little loss.
If you discover you load on a limited basis, the Lee equipment is sufficient for your purpose.
If you fall in love with it, you can up-grade in stages in the comming years - and have a better idea of what you want, based upon your own experience.

There is nothing worse than pouring a ton of money into an activity that you later discover is simply not your cup of tea -
Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.

focusmaniaczx3 · 02-13-2010, 09:06 AM

i definitely am a fan of reloading after my weekend experience. its tedious and requires some concentration which helps me take my mind off the more stressful aspects of my life and it has a wonderful payout after a few hours of work.

howlnmad · 02-13-2010, 10:26 AM

I'd say, go with what suits your wallet and needs. You will eventually end up with a variety of manufacturers products. Every brand has it's plusses and minuses. I started with the Lee Challenger anniversary kit and have replaced things I didn't care for. I still use that press (after replacing the toggle links) and have purchased the cast single stace press as well. I like the single stage deal but that's my preference. I am teetering on a turret press purchase but I don't know. I tossed the Lee scale and bought a RCBS beam scale on e-bay then a uniflow powder measure and then a digital scale. My dies are an assortment of Lee and RCBS. My case tools are also a mix. You will get as many different opinions as there are grains in a pound of powder on what is the perfect equipment to have on your bench. Have fun and be SAFE

sewerman · 02-13-2010, 11:56 AM

lee classic 4 die turret press.

if you aren't going to be into loading numbers per hour ...like over 100 then this press maybe a good consideration.

i load to shoot and do so as a hobbyist. i don't try to achieve extreme accuracy with my loads & rarely develop anything beyond the start load.

i have found lee equipment to be adequate for my needs. is it the best? depending on a person's definition of "best".

i would say yes based on time proven design, function & price. i would consider LEE the best equip for the price. this subject is like cars, guns, trains, planes & women.....everyone has their favorite based on their value system.

i can endorse this product only because i have used it. it is subject to adjustment as is all things mechcanical.

my loading schedule has been for 9mm, 38spl/357, 30/30 & 308.

i'm happy with mediocity...it gets the job done and saved me a bundle for the bullets, powder & primers...and other gear that i found out i needed.
you will find lots of faithful lee users as you will with any other company.
it all boils down to your individual needs and your budget.

hope this helps,

sewerman

RandyP · 02-13-2010, 12:00 PM

ALL the make and model reloading presses, from the $30 Lee whack-a-mole to the 4 figure Dillon mega-machines, do the same basic tasks. You trade $$ for speed and amenities.

I started with the Lee 50th Anniv kit but very quickly traded up for their very fine Classic Turret. (NOT the Deluxe). In truth I put the balance beam scale and bench mounted powder measure from the Anniv kit in a box and have not used them since. I use their very fine turret mounted Pro auto-disk powder measure with the adjustable charge bar, and an MTM DS-1250 digital scale ($30) . This gives me more than enough production capacity for MY realistic shooting needs. I do not foresee changing my shooting habits or shooting budget, short of winning the lottery, so have no need for the hundreds of rounds per hour production and slightly increased complexity of a progressive press.

There is a way for everyone to participate in the fun hobby of reloading at all budget levels and to suit all rounds per week production needs.

LDBennett · 02-13-2010, 01:44 PM

The reason I am so hard on LEE is becuase some of the stuff I have bought from them failed miserable. When I studied the broken tool, it always had failed from a poor materials choice. They have some inventive products but they cut the cost corners to produce them.

I do not like tools that fail. While not the case today, as I am retired, when I was working time was precious and setting time aside for reloading and having the "tool" break part way into the session impacted my schedule heavily. The LEE progressive I had, for instance broke every time I used it. Lee dies, stored right along RCBS, Redding, and Hornady dies rusted. There have been other LEE failures too, like their collet activated dies galling on the collets. Any reloading press, especially a progressive, has a tough life as the forces needed to shape cartridge cases and do the other process of reloading are pretty high. They do break, even the best. Dillon service for repairs is well known throughout the industry to such an extent that all the other companies had to emulate them, eventually.

I also hate to buy cheap tools only to have to repalce them later because they broke or were inadequate. It is not cost savings when you have to buy tools twice of three times. Buy a good tool once and for all time and you will be money ahead in the end.

But I did say in the first post that :

'If you have "tasted" reloading and know it is for you and you plan to do it extensively (like supply all you ammo needs for a regular shooting hobby) then buy good equipment from the start to save money.'

LDBennett

zkovach · 02-13-2010, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Rifleman

I also started out with a LEE 50th Anniversary kit, and still use it. I don't shoot all that many rounds so a single stage press is all I need.

Same here!

tscott55 · 02-13-2010, 10:25 PM

I use a RCBS Rock Chucker. It is a single stage setup and works very well. I bought the kit that included the primer setter, scales, powder dispenser and the press. I load several different calibers and for the money, I would buy it again.

312shooter · 02-13-2010, 10:33 PM

I was once in your shoes, after a bit of research I found Lee was the least expensive and that immediately raised a red flag for me. Then I decided out of curiosity to find the opposite end of the spectrum - Dillon. Well, for a beginner I wanted a modest approach. Finding my way to the middle I found a Lyman turret. The turret press is the in between of single stage and progressive reloading - its a semi progressive unit. Lyman is a great name with very few complaints of junk in their history. It also came with a sweet price tag for the entire kit. I highly recommend for any beginner who doesnt want to start with the absolute lowest price and is a bit timid about jumping in to reloading by the thousand. Compile an equipment list of items you will need to start, press, powder measure, scale, manual, case prep tools etc. add them up and compare your price to this kit..........http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=924848

dammitman · 02-14-2010, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by focusmaniaczx3

i definitely am a fan of reloading after my weekend experience. its tedious and requires some concentration which helps me take my mind off the more stressful aspects of my life and it has a wonderful payout after a few hours of work.

that says it all for me as well,,,,,,,,,,,,and i am still using a single stage. its not how many you can make in an hour to me, its quality rounds.

Agentwil · 02-14-2010, 06:36 PM

I'm also looking to get into reloading and let me ask this, what about dillion? It seems that the best thing about dillions is their no B/S warrantee. I also like the square deal B. Any opinions and experience would be appreciated.

CampingJosh · 02-14-2010, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Agentwil

I'm also looking to get into reloading and let me ask this, what about dillion? It seems that the best thing about dillions is their no B/S warrantee. I also like the square deal B. Any opinions and experience would be appreciated.

This thread is a great explanation of Dillon presses from a man who knows.

http://thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=73388

Agentwil · 02-14-2010, 07:00 PM

Nothing has ever broken on it. Small things made of plastic (just like on the Dillon) do wear out but, RCBS has replaced them for free....exactly like Dillon. Its been years since I needed anything (regular upkeep) from RCBS (just like Dillon). So its a wash either way you really look at it.

That says a lot.

zb338 · 02-14-2010, 08:20 PM

312 shooter has the right idea. If you don't have a lot of
money you can't afford to buy real cheap stuff. Because
then you will have to buy it all over again. Get something
decent and you will only have to do it once.

Zeke

RustyFN · 02-14-2010, 09:04 PM

I have been loading on a Lee classic turret for four years. Nothing has broken, wore out or had any problem with the press. I have loaded thousands of rounds in four calibers. I also have the Lee hardness tester set up in a turret for testing my cast bullets. I have loaded on a friends Dillon 550. It was a nice press but not what I need. Why pay $800 for something when you can buy something that will meet your needs for $300. The no BS warranty is nice but you are paying for it up front. I am very happy with my classic turret. Just my opinion.

02-12-2010, 09:06 PM	#1
focusmaniaczx3 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hickory, NC Posts: 247	best noobie reloading set-up? well i was going to be buying some reloading gear from a friend of my uncle's and he went all indian giver on me. i spent 2 days pouring over as much reloading literature i could find and then spent an entire weekend casting and loading ammo with my uncle's friend with him looming over my shoulder but with all of that in mind i AM still a newbie. there is only so much you can learn from reading a book and only so much you can get from one man's opinion so here i am. im just wondering what everyone's idea for the perfect beginner's setup for reloading would be. spare no details because i want to hear them all. everything from presses, dies, manuals, everything. include casting stuff too because ill be doing my own casting. i was actually quite good at that after about the first 50 tries. but anyhow shoot me what you think would be the best equipment for a newbie to have. simplest, easiest to operate, most idiot proof. -->

02-12-2010, 09:21 PM	#2
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,305	Re: best noobie reloading set-up? I started out with a LEE aniversary kit, still have it and still use it. The bullet moulds are good too and thier casting furnaces. I havent tried much else, LEE equipment works quite well and at 1/3 the cost of comparable equipment... __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-12-2010, 10:09 PM	#3
paradox998 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 36	Re: best noobie reloading set-up? Get the Lee Breech lock challenger kit. Good quality, easy to change the dies, and it does work. I have two and can load pretty much anything. I think a slingle stage is the best choice for a new reloader.

02-13-2010, 07:26 AM	#5
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,710	Re: best noobie reloading set-up? The problem with starting with LEE anything is you eventually will replace it with better equipment. If you have "tasted" reloading and know it is for you and you plan to do it extensively (like supply all you ammo needs for a regular shooting hobby) then buy good equipment from the start to save money. This is very controversial here, but my opinion is that if you reload enough ammo often enough, you eventually will move onto a progressive press. This is especially true if a large percentage of your reloads are pistol. Why not start with one that allows itself to be used as a single stage press, or a turret press, or a full progressive press fro both pistol and rifle cartridges? That way you can progress to faster reloading without changing presses and incurring a loss with each move. I, of course, recommend the Dillon RL550B because it is the easiest to use as those three types of presses. It has NO automatic table rotation and that's what makes it versatile. If that is out of your price range then consider one of the turret press like the Lyman or Redding. If you buy a single stage press and reload a lot you will soon tire of the slow and monotonous nature of a single stage press. Lee reloading equipment is controversial here, too. I like a few of their products but in general I find them inventive but made of inferior or wrong materials in an effort to keep the pricing low. I like long lasting durable tools and LEE stuff is not it. RCBS, Dillon, Lyman, Redding, Hornady make good stuff that lasts. That's my opinion based on 25 years of extensive reloading and others here have different opinions, I'm sure. LDBennett

02-13-2010, 07:35 AM	#6
focusmaniaczx3 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hickory, NC Posts: 247	Re: best noobie reloading set-up? i am of the same opinion as far as having a tool that lasts. when i was being "trained" he started me on his old single stage so that i could get the hang of it and then we moved on to his progressive press after about an hour. i have to say i liked the progressive much better but they are pretty expensive. i may bite the bullet so to speak and just hog out a big wad of money but im still undecided. im loving all the differing opinions guys. keep them coming please! EDIT: there is something that i did not think about asking when i was learning. can you use the same press to reload shotgun shells as well? i know that might sound like a really stupid question but its just something i didnt think about asking and a piece of information that i just have not come across yet. every bit of literature ive found and read on reloading pertains to reloading rifle and pistol ammo. Last edited by focusmaniaczx3; 02-13-2010 at 07:38 AM..

02-13-2010, 07:48 AM	#7
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,710	Re: best noobie reloading set-up? NO, there are specific progressive and turret style presses for shotgun shells. There are hugh differences in the cases, the primers, the projectiles, the quantities of powder, and the finish crimp. Its like apples and oranges... Both fruits but not the same at all. KDBennett

02-13-2010, 08:58 AM	#8
carver TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DAV, Deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, just west of Shreveport, LA Contributor Posts: 11,221	Re: best noobie reloading set-up? I have to agree with LDBennett on this one, except in one area. Like some others here I have been reloading for over 35 years. I started with Lee, and am still using their products. They work well, and keep on working. Please do not start with a single stage press, start with at least a turrent press. I started with a single stage press my self because I was loading for .44Mag only. As I bought other guns, and began to reload for them, I soon discovered that the single stage press was way to slow. But, no matter what brand you chose you will find that the turrents will turn out around 100 rounds per hour, if you are not weighing each charge. If you need more than that then you should look to a progressive. And don't make the mistake of purchasing one of the kits. If you do you will find that you have bought things you don't need. Purchase only those items that you need. __________________ Y'all be safe now, ya hear! Lamentations Chapter 5: 1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. 3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows. 5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest. 16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! 21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old. Last edited by carver; 02-13-2010 at 09:01 AM..

02-13-2010, 09:00 AM	#9
focusmaniaczx3 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hickory, NC Posts: 247	Re: best noobie reloading set-up? is there any kind of setup on the market that covers both bases for centerfire ammunition as well as shotgun? chances are that if i do any reloading for shotguns it will be occasional at best but i wouldnt mind making my own nasty brew in the form of a .410 buckshot to be used for personal defense. thank you for clearing that up by the way. a turret would probably work okay for me then. i dont see myself needing to load more than 100 rounds in a day let alone in an hour. but being more efficient is a pet peeve of mine so i might still be leaning to a progressive Last edited by focusmaniaczx3; 02-13-2010 at 09:02 AM..

02-13-2010, 09:02 AM	#10
carver TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DAV, Deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, just west of Shreveport, LA Contributor Posts: 11,221	Re: best noobie reloading set-up? Not that I know of, but there are some very cheap shotgun reloaders out there, some as low as $50. __________________ Y'all be safe now, ya hear! Lamentations Chapter 5: 1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. 3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows. 5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest. 16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! 21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.

02-13-2010, 09:03 AM	#11
ampaterry TFF Admin Staff Chaplain Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: West Tennessee Contributor Posts: 6,269	Re: best noobie reloading set-up? The great advantage of going the Lee route is cost. You get into reloading without investing an arm and a leg - And if you discover you do NOT LIKE IT, or simply do not stay with it, you have suffered little loss. If you discover you load on a limited basis, the Lee equipment is sufficient for your purpose. If you fall in love with it, you can up-grade in stages in the comming years - and have a better idea of what you want, based upon your own experience. There is nothing worse than pouring a ton of money into an activity that you later discover is simply not your cup of tea - Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. __________________ A woman who demands further gun control legislation is like a chicken who roots for Colonel Sanders. Larry Elder

02-13-2010, 09:06 AM	#12
focusmaniaczx3 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hickory, NC Posts: 247	Re: best noobie reloading set-up? i definitely am a fan of reloading after my weekend experience. its tedious and requires some concentration which helps me take my mind off the more stressful aspects of my life and it has a wonderful payout after a few hours of work.

02-13-2010, 10:26 AM	#13
howlnmad Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Harriman, Tn Contributor Posts: 2,565	Re: best noobie reloading set-up? I'd say, go with what suits your wallet and needs. You will eventually end up with a variety of manufacturers products. Every brand has it's plusses and minuses. I started with the Lee Challenger anniversary kit and have replaced things I didn't care for. I still use that press (after replacing the toggle links) and have purchased the cast single stace press as well. I like the single stage deal but that's my preference. I am teetering on a turret press purchase but I don't know. I tossed the Lee scale and bought a RCBS beam scale on e-bay then a uniflow powder measure and then a digital scale. My dies are an assortment of Lee and RCBS. My case tools are also a mix. You will get as many different opinions as there are grains in a pound of powder on what is the perfect equipment to have on your bench. Have fun and be SAFE __________________

02-13-2010, 11:56 AM	#14
sewerman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: hurricane ally florida Posts: 231	Re: best noobie reloading set-up? lee classic 4 die turret press. if you aren't going to be into loading numbers per hour ...like over 100 then this press maybe a good consideration. i load to shoot and do so as a hobbyist. i don't try to achieve extreme accuracy with my loads & rarely develop anything beyond the start load. i have found lee equipment to be adequate for my needs. is it the best? depending on a person's definition of "best". i would say yes based on time proven design, function & price. i would consider LEE the best equip for the price. this subject is like cars, guns, trains, planes & women.....everyone has their favorite based on their value system. i can endorse this product only because i have used it. it is subject to adjustment as is all things mechcanical. my loading schedule has been for 9mm, 38spl/357, 30/30 & 308. i'm happy with mediocity...it gets the job done and saved me a bundle for the bullets, powder & primers...and other gear that i found out i needed. you will find lots of faithful lee users as you will with any other company. it all boils down to your individual needs and your budget. hope this helps, sewerman Last edited by sewerman; 02-13-2010 at 11:57 AM.. Reason: typo

02-13-2010, 12:00 PM	#15
RandyP V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 430	Re: best noobie reloading set-up? ALL the make and model reloading presses, from the $30 Lee whack-a-mole to the 4 figure Dillon mega-machines, do the same basic tasks. You trade $$ for speed and amenities. I started with the Lee 50th Anniv kit but very quickly traded up for their very fine Classic Turret. (NOT the Deluxe). In truth I put the balance beam scale and bench mounted powder measure from the Anniv kit in a box and have not used them since. I use their very fine turret mounted Pro auto-disk powder measure with the adjustable charge bar, and an MTM DS-1250 digital scale ($30) . This gives me more than enough production capacity for MY realistic shooting needs. I do not foresee changing my shooting habits or shooting budget, short of winning the lottery, so have no need for the hundreds of rounds per hour production and slightly increased complexity of a progressive press. There is a way for everyone to participate in the fun hobby of reloading at all budget levels and to suit all rounds per week production needs. __________________ Lee Anniversary and Lee Classic 4-Hole Turret, presently reloading .380, 7.62 Nagant (32-20), 9mm and 45ACP

02-13-2010, 01:44 PM	#16
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,710	Re: best noobie reloading set-up? The reason I am so hard on LEE is becuase some of the stuff I have bought from them failed miserable. When I studied the broken tool, it always had failed from a poor materials choice. They have some inventive products but they cut the cost corners to produce them. I do not like tools that fail. While not the case today, as I am retired, when I was working time was precious and setting time aside for reloading and having the "tool" break part way into the session impacted my schedule heavily. The LEE progressive I had, for instance broke every time I used it. Lee dies, stored right along RCBS, Redding, and Hornady dies rusted. There have been other LEE failures too, like their collet activated dies galling on the collets. Any reloading press, especially a progressive, has a tough life as the forces needed to shape cartridge cases and do the other process of reloading are pretty high. They do break, even the best. Dillon service for repairs is well known throughout the industry to such an extent that all the other companies had to emulate them, eventually. I also hate to buy cheap tools only to have to repalce them later because they broke or were inadequate. It is not cost savings when you have to buy tools twice of three times. Buy a good tool once and for all time and you will be money ahead in the end. But I did say in the first post that : 'If you have "tasted" reloading and know it is for you and you plan to do it extensively (like supply all you ammo needs for a regular shooting hobby) then buy good equipment from the start to save money.' LDBennett

02-13-2010, 10:25 PM	#18
tscott55 Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 5	Re: best noobie reloading set-up? I use a RCBS Rock Chucker. It is a single stage setup and works very well. I bought the kit that included the primer setter, scales, powder dispenser and the press. I load several different calibers and for the money, I would buy it again.

02-13-2010, 10:33 PM	#19
312shooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 1,148	Re: best noobie reloading set-up? I was once in your shoes, after a bit of research I found Lee was the least expensive and that immediately raised a red flag for me. Then I decided out of curiosity to find the opposite end of the spectrum - Dillon. Well, for a beginner I wanted a modest approach. Finding my way to the middle I found a Lyman turret. The turret press is the in between of single stage and progressive reloading - its a semi progressive unit. Lyman is a great name with very few complaints of junk in their history. It also came with a sweet price tag for the entire kit. I highly recommend for any beginner who doesnt want to start with the absolute lowest price and is a bit timid about jumping in to reloading by the thousand. Compile an equipment list of items you will need to start, press, powder measure, scale, manual, case prep tools etc. add them up and compare your price to this kit..........http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=924848 __________________ "Democracy is based on citizenship- perhaps the greatest gift the United States has given to the world- Power is vested in the people themselves, and government flows from the people" James M Henslin

02-14-2010, 06:36 PM	#21
Agentwil V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 264	Re: best noobie reloading set-up? I'm also looking to get into reloading and let me ask this, what about dillion? It seems that the best thing about dillions is their no B/S warrantee. I also like the square deal B. Any opinions and experience would be appreciated.

02-14-2010, 07:00 PM	#23
Agentwil V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 264	Re: best noobie reloading set-up? Nothing has ever broken on it. Small things made of plastic (just like on the Dillon) do wear out but, RCBS has replaced them for free....exactly like Dillon. Its been years since I needed anything (regular upkeep) from RCBS (just like Dillon). So its a wash either way you really look at it. That says a lot.

02-14-2010, 08:20 PM	#24
zb338 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Recently moved to Pennsylvania. Posts: 286	Re: best noobie reloading set-up? 312 shooter has the right idea. If you don't have a lot of money you can't afford to buy real cheap stuff. Because then you will have to buy it all over again. Get something decent and you will only have to do it once. Zeke

02-14-2010, 09:04 PM	#25
RustyFN Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: West Virginia Posts: 592	Re: best noobie reloading set-up? I have been loading on a Lee classic turret for four years. Nothing has broken, wore out or had any problem with the press. I have loaded thousands of rounds in four calibers. I also have the Lee hardness tester set up in a turret for testing my cast bullets. I have loaded on a friends Dillon 550. It was a nice press but not what I need. Why pay $800 for something when you can buy something that will meet your needs for $300. The no BS warranty is nice but you are paying for it up front. I am very happy with my classic turret. Just my opinion.