Reloading info. needed.

[Bald Eagle]

I'm considering getting into reloading and would like to read some of your opinions on which brand of equipment to purchase. ###What features should I look for? ###What are some of the drawbacks to some brands or models? ###I would be reloading .22 Hornet, .40 S&W, 22-250, and 30-06. ###Tips on where to find used equipment for sale would be appreciated, too. ### Any other comments you may have would be welcome. ###Thanks guys.

[Rimrock]

Reloading equipment is a long term investment. My advice would be to buy quality to start with if you can afford it. It will last a lifetime. RCBS and others make good equipment with a good guarantee. One way to go might be to get a starter kit. It will contain all the basic tools.(You will always be adding stuff though.) Check places like Natchez Shooters Supply or Midway.

[songdog]

I'll cast a vote for the RCBS Rock Chucker package. ###It was the first one that I bought and after many, many rounds and much more advanced reloading than what I started with... it's still what I use.

Progressive presses from Dillon are nice if you are going to be shooting 500 rounds of 9mm every Saturday. ###If you're talking about hunting quantities of ammo, even reasonable varminting, a single stage press will do just fine.

Between a friend and I who share some reloading components we load .17 MachIV, .17 Rem, .22 Hornet, .221 Fireball, .223, .22-250, 243, .260, .270, 7mm, .300Win Mag, .300 Wby Mag, .375H&H, .45-70, 12ga, 20ga, 28ga, .44 Mag, .454 Casull. ###All we use is that single Rock Chucker setup (Mec for the shotguns).

(Edited by songdog at 9:47 am on Dec. 21, 2001)

[russ]

Hey Bald Eagle,
### Its like every thing else you get what you pay for,don't cut costs buy a name brand high quailty unit.For rifle RCBS Rock Chucker as Songdog and Rimrock said is a good.But I mostly do pistol (shot IDPA)45,and 44 cal.SOME 38 Also.You must have a Progressive reloader for pistol.
### ###

[Bou]

I agree with the above comment. I have both RCBS Rockchuker and Hornady Progressive equipment. I'm happy with both. I have to admit that I use my single stage more than my progressive and if i had a choice I'd get a Dillon progressive. Also invest in some good reloading manuals. All the name brands have them, and if you get more than one you end up using it. I's also suggest Pet Loads by Ken Waters. It has a good section on determining pressure signals and also has a wide variety of loads.

[Hook]

I have to agree with the rest of the gang, I used a Dillon 550 to load hundreds of rounds per night of 45 and 9mm when i was training and then shot the next day. And for Rifle/percision shooting, go with the Rock Chucker. If you can get a buddy to split the components with you, it will save you some money. ###
Also Dillon has one of the best customer service out there.

[ghillie]

You won't be dissapointed in the Rock Chucker.

Mine was passed down from my father, probably 20 years old (I think) and still is as solid as a rock (no pun intended)

[Passthru]

###Went with the Lyman Orange crusher,it is single stage and has an opening big enough to do any rifle/pistol round,it is solid also.You can get a starter kit for around $150.00 i think.Progressive was never in the budget for me,like the others said its for kicking out lots of ammo for competition shooting every weekend.

###

[kc]

I've been using a Lee turret press for about 17 years. I reload pistol mostly, with a little .243 and .30-06. ###After many thousands of rounds loaded, I am still happy with it.

MidwayUSA.com sells the Lee turret press kit with auto index and powder measure for $88. ###It's $79 without the auto index (needed for pistol). ###Add a $22 set of carbide dies and you are set for pistol. ###if you only load rifle, you might want a different setup.

RCBS, Lyman, etc. make good equipment, but they are pricey. ###Lee is good, too, but a lot less $$$.

I also cast my own pistol bullets, with a Lee production pot and their 6 cavity moulds. ###If you haven't seen their 6 cavity moulds, take a look. ###They work great.

[MNTNMAN]

The RCBS rock chucker package is the only way to go. For the price and quality, you can't beat it.