Reloading Set Up From Scrach

[DaveyT]

Hi all,

New member looking for some assistance. I am looking to get into reloading and want to choose the right kit from the outset, of good quality and sufficiently functional that I don't end up wanting to then further upgrade in the near future, but equally I want to avoid falling into the trap of spending lots of money unnecessarily, on kit that is far too advanced / unnecessary.

I plan to reload 3 x different centrefire calibres (30-06, 308 and 6.5 CM), probably 100 or so a month, maybe more, and am looking to start reloading as a hobby in its own right, but also to improve accuracy and decrease my ammunition cost (albeit I know it will take a long time to pay back!)

My question is around what kit to go for, I have so far been recommended the following type of outfit:


Redding T7 Turret
RCBS Chargemaster
Lyman 1200 tumbler
+ the usual tools etc

All in, and particularly when factoring in all the dies, tools and accessories I think that package is easily going to come in at the £1,300 to £1,500 mark.

This however seems quite premium, particularly when I see things like the Lee Anniversary kit advertised, at just a fraction of the cost. Happy to spend the money if it is worthwhile doing so from the outset, but as above don't want to do so unnecessarily, so I would really welcome your views and experiences.



Thanks,

Davey

 

[Muir]

Hit the search engine on the site. There is a lot of reading to be had on the subject. ~Muir

 

[20-250]

I fail to see why you need a turret press. A good single stage press will do you proud. Personally, I would favour a Targetmaster trickler and good beam scales rather than the Chargemaster.

 

[Muir]

I fail to see why you need a turret press. A good single stage press will do you proud. Personally, I would favour a Targetmaster trickler and good beam scales rather than the Chargemaster.

Agreed on the press but I would opt for a really good powder measure. The best ones eliminate the need for trickling in most situations.~Muir

 

[richard griffith]

I would think that your estimated cost is way over the top.For instance I can't see a tumbler being necessary for a novice and there are plenty of instances of good second hand kit going on this site-why not put a wanted ad in for a second hand press like a rcbs rockchuker which is all you will ever need.On the Ammo reloading/ ballistics forum here you will see a very informative introduction on reloading by csl.Good luck but in my opinion you can trim your estimated spend considerably.Richard.

 

[Tom D]

I know you didn’t want to add to your kit over time but that will work out cheaper as you can pick things up second hand on sites like this. If you want a really cheap start get the lee hand press and some lee collet neck dies. A simple beam scale and a few other bits and bobs and you’re away. I have a bench press now but I still use the hand press I started with. In combination with the lee neck dies it makes excellent ammo. I bought a concentricity gauge only to discover that my ammo was all very straight, like within a couple of thou straight. So there’s nothing wrong with starting cheap and lee stuff is good...

 

[Jagare]

I'm still using my Lyman Spartan single stage press i bought in the 70s. I have a Redding powder measure and scales plus a lyman case trimmer. I loaded over a thousand .308 practice rounds over the winter. That was just a day here and there. Plus loaded a load of 8x57 jrs for my double rifle. Last year after 40+ years of reloading i bought a lyman tumbler, only because i wanted shinny cases for the 8x57jrs you can reload without all the bells and whistles. Don't forget that no matter what you read on SD, reloading isn't a black art known only to a chosen few.

 

[matt_1029]

I bought the lee kit about 2 years ago , cant knock it at all. The only thing i have changed was the priming tool i bought the bench mounted one as i found the one that came with the kit a bit of a pain to use .

 

[nun_hunter]

Agreed on the press but I would opt for a really good powder measure. The best ones eliminate the need for trickling in most situations.~Muir

True, I have the RCBS competition powder thrower with micrometer and by writing the values down I can set it up quicker and throw accurate charges quicker than I could set up a Lyman Gen6 dispenser.

 

[25 Sharps]

Hi all,

New member looking for some assistance. I am looking to get into reloading and want to choose the right kit from the outset, of good quality and sufficiently functional that I don't end up wanting to then further upgrade in the near future, but equally I want to avoid falling into the trap of spending lots of money unnecessarily, on kit that is far too advanced / unnecessary.

I plan to reload 3 x different centrefire calibres (30-06, 308 and 6.5 CM), probably 100 or so a month, maybe more, and am looking to start reloading as a hobby in its own right, but also to improve accuracy and decrease my ammunition cost (albeit I know it will take a long time to pay back!)

My question is around what kit to go for, I have so far been recommended the following type of outfit:


Redding T7 Turret
RCBS Chargemaster
Lyman 1200 tumbler
+ the usual tools etc

All in, and particularly when factoring in all the dies, tools and accessories I think that package is easily going to come in at the £1,300 to £1,500 mark.

This however seems quite premium, particularly when I see things like the Lee Anniversary kit advertised, at just a fraction of the cost. Happy to spend the money if it is worthwhile doing so from the outset, but as above don't want to do so unnecessarily, so I would really welcome your views and experiences.



Thanks,

Davey

I started with a secondhand lee anniversary kit 4 years ago, I've loaded thousands of rounds with it over that time. I have added a set of RCBS 505s coupled with a targetmaster and a secondhand rock tumbler that allows a combination of wet and dry tumbling.

All told well under 500 quid, I am starting to think about upgrading the press but only as I am starting to form cartridges from other cartridges.

The combination of a cheap thrower, accurate mechanical scale and the target master means you can measure to the accuracy of 1 or 2 physical grains with a lot of powders.

The place you really need to spend the money is on brass prep, dies etc. if you want absolute bench rest accuracy, but I've reliably loaded sub moa ammo with lee dies. If you're looking for reliable stalking ammo you don't need to spend silly amounts, if you want bench rest accuracy you can spend a lot more and you might get ammo with greater accuracy but it's not a sure thing.

 

[antsa]

I started hand-loading about six, seven years ago. Today I load four calibres: .222, .223, .260 and .308. Purchased a RCBS package containing press, scales, trickler and other bits and bobs. Not expensive (the press is the level below the Rockchucker) and I still use it today. Lashed out on the dies buying Redding Competition. Cut my teeth on the .223 and expanded into the other calibres as they arrived. Added more Redding Comp dies, Hornady measuring thingies, got hold of a well-used simple press that I set up as de-priming station with a Universal De-capping die.

Last week I initiated a major step-up in my process by ordering a RCBS Chargemaster Lite.


Cheers

 

[Odders]

You don't need either a turret press or the Chargemaster, as 100rds a month doesn't warrant them.
Hornady, RCBS, Lyman & Redding all do reloading kits of great quality that will last you a lifetime & cost no more than £500.
Add three sets of dies (Lee are as good as the rest though missing "enhancements") & you're pretty much there.
Lyman's reloading manual is, IMO the best of the lot for those just starting out.

 

[Selous]

Keep an eye on the for sale section and eBay. Lots to be had.there was a single stage Hornady press for sale on here last week