Looking for advice on getting started reloading

[Noah Hutchens]

Hello! I’ve finally decided I need to start my reloading journey and am looking for some solid advice on getting together a budget conscious setup.

My main goals are to reload 375 H&H, and above, up to 500 NE. I’m not too worried about smaller cartridges, but perhaps shotguns are in the future.

I understand I will need to get some manuals and do more research before I actually reload the ammunition, this isn’t a thread on that, I am just mostly looking for advice on what actual equipment to purchase to get to that point. i.e. specific brands or models, again with budget consciousness in mind.

Also, If anyone has any used setups they are looking to be rid of I would happy pay a fair price.

 

[SoDak Jay]

I’m in the same boat and am interested in this as well.

 

[matt85]

I have a pair of basic inexpensive Lee presses that I have been using for decades (a standard press and a large press). They are a solid buy for the price.

Find a really good electric scale and some good quality digital calipers. Quality and accuracy is extremely important for these!

 

[Noah Hutchens]

I have a pair of basic inexpensive Lee presses that I have been using for decades (a standard press and a large press). They are a solid buy for the price.

Find a really good electric scale and some good quality digital calipers. Quality and accuracy is extremely important for these!

I’m guessing it would take the large press to handle the large magnum and NE calibers?

 

[Pheroze]

Here are a few things that I rely on. Good luck! Oh, and lots of reloading manuals.

Stainless Case Trimmer Kit | Reloading Case Trimmer Kit

ChargeMaster Link Electronic Powder Dispenser

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https://magnetospeed.com/v3-ballistic-chronograph?srsltid=AfmBOoox5jZrUfCL3wZsAWYUD7EGQBtWVDShaeIYlnpgTITh3xgR1p3K

 

[Alistair]

Hello! I’ve finally decided I need to start my reloading journey and am looking for some solid advice on getting together a budget conscious setup.

My main goals are to reload 375 H&H, and above, up to 500 NE. I’m not too worried about smaller cartridges, but perhaps shotguns are in the future.

I understand I will need to get some manuals and do more research before I actually reload the ammunition, this isn’t a thread on that, I am just mostly looking for advice on what actual equipment to purchase to get to that point. i.e. specific brands or models, again with budget consciousness in mind.

Also, If anyone has any used setups they are looking to be rid of I would happy pay a fair price.

A Lee Classic Cast press is a good pick for your use case.

Nice big window, plenty of space for longer cartridges, decent value.

Not the most precise perhaps, but more than good enough.

Other than that, you'll want a sizing / decapping die, a seating die, and a lee factory crimp die.

Plus a case trimmer, a deburring tool, a powder thrower, a hand priming tool (the on press ones aren't good in my experience), decent scales, a decent set of calipers, probably a tumbler so you can clean used brass.

There's also some resizing lube, plus consumables. A couple of case loading blocks are useful to keep everything organized.

You will want a loading notebook. Capture extensive notes on what you're doing, how it performed, and why, especially as a newbie.

The Lee / RCBS / Hornady starter kits are pretty good to start out with and give you 99% of the stuff you'll want.

You mentioned it already, but I do want to emphasize that you should buy at least one manual, and read it carefully. It's worth the time, and might save you some real issues.

 

[matt85]

I’m guessing it would take the large press to handle the large magnum and NE calibers?

It sort of depends on the dies. Having both is essential for someone who plans to load big guns often. You could start with just the standard press and see how long you can get away with it.

Here are the presses i use:

Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Reloading Press

The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press is a great press that is full of features. Some of these features include a the breech lock quick change die system...

www.midwayusa.com

Lee Classic Cast Single Stage Reloading Press Breech Lock Update Kit

The Lee Classic Cast single stage press has a rigid, cast iron "O" frame with an attractive baked powder finish, large opening and 4" ram...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[Journey]

I just.took a look at the XL presses and they are a little spendy. I Inherrited this press and with a little ingenuity I can load 416 rigby. I had to remove some material on the shell holder and I gotta stick the bullets up into the die to get them started. Ghetto I know!

The basics you need is.

1) powder scale - recommend digital, they are cheap.
2) digital calipers
3) reloading press
4) primer press one is not part of your reloading press
5) case trimming eventually as your brass grows/stretches - i have heard you need to do this less with straightwall cartridges. I end up trimming about every 3 reloads on my 280 AI
6) components - can be hard to source these days

 

[Fryeguy]

I had a RCBS rockchucker press that I started with, it came in a starter kit with scales etc. I ended up selling it once I got a Redding press. I really like it, single stage, easier to get cases in and out of. I think it’s a Boss2 maybe? I don’t know, but I love it. I have had it 15 years now maybe?? RCBS hand held primer unit is awesome too. I typically buy redding dies as well, they are my favorite, but RCBS is a close second. Sign up with Midway and give them your birthday, their birthday pricing is pretty good!! Otherwise check local shops, Craigslist, etc for a decent shape used press. Scales are very important. Don’t skimp on your powder scale. A thrower is another good tool to look into. Redding again for me, but the RCBS isn’t horrible.

 

[farmer_john]

I may have missed it but a good chronograph is a must to see your velocities.

I only have a rcbs rock chucker and for small batches a single stage isnt bad. I highly advise hornandy quick change collars to speed work flow.
But basic press and good powder measure. ( i use auto trickler v4 for workflow speed)
But any one of decent quality will do the job well.

 

[Gomer]

Rock Chucker Supreme Elite Kit

shop.rcbs.com

just need a case trimmer and dies.

 

[Hornedfrogbbq]

This question has been asked alot, including by me. I'd suggest searching for this topic.