Author Topic: Newbie To Rifle Reloading  (Read 475 times)

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Offline KonaBoy

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Newbie To Rifle Reloading
« on: July 22, 2006, 03:21:53 PM »
Hey, I would like to start reloading rifle cartridges (6.5x55 Swede and .35 Whelen right now). I reload shotgun shells, so I know about being careful, following the directions with extreme caution, etc. What would be a good starting reloader kit for me. I'm on a budget, about $300-350 CDN. Is the Lee Challenger any good? I see a kit with it, set of dies, powder measure, shell holder, load data, powder funnel, Ram Pride tool and lubricant for $70.99. I have a reloading manual (Hodgon 2004 Annual Manual). Sorry for the long post, hope you guys can help me out,


Cory

Offline PaulS

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Re: Newbie To Rifle Reloading
« Reply #1 on: July 22, 2006, 03:28:09 PM »
Hey, I would like to start reloading rifle cartridges (6.5x55 Swede and .35 Whelen right now). I reload shotgun shells, so I know about being careful, following the directions with extreme caution, etc. What would be a good starting reloader kit for me. I'm on a budget, about $300-350 CDN. Is the Lee Challenger any good? I see a kit with it, set of dies, powder measure, shell holder, load data, powder funnel, Ram Pride tool and lubricant for $70.99. I have a reloading manual (Hodgon 2004 Annual Manual). Sorry for the long post, hope you guys can help me out,


Cory

For the money that you can afford you can buy the RCBS Rock Chucker kit and have money left over.
This is a press and the accessories that will last for a long time providing you with well made ammo if you follow the directions.
You will never have to replace this press. Check it out and price it. Look at some of the others as well but keep in mind that RCBS has a lifetime no-questions-asked guarantee that covers all but their electronic products. I have never had to replce anything for my RCBS gear but it nice to know that if I do break anything it will be replaced without a hassel.
PaulS

Hodgdon, Lyman, Speer, Sierra, Hornady = reliable resources
so and so's pages on the internet = not reliable resources
Alway check loads you find on the internet against manuals.
NEVER exceed maximum listed loads.

Offline Swamp Yankee

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Re: Newbie To Rifle Reloading
« Reply #2 on: July 23, 2006, 02:54:26 PM »
Paul S is right get the RCBS. I started with the Lee set up years ago it helped me get my foot in the door but I soon learned that it was pretty much of entry level quallity and ended up replaceing just about everything except the auto prime. I do how ever like their dies and find them very easy to set up and use....Jim

Offline VTDW

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Re: Newbie To Rifle Reloading
« Reply #3 on: July 24, 2006, 03:53:30 AM »
KonaBoy,

For the price you posted you can obtain everything you need from Lee.  E-mail me and I will be more than happy to send you a list.  The list is for the .444 but will work for you.  All you need to do is change the items to match your needs.

Dave 8)
www.marlinowners.com
How did I get over the hill without getting to the top?

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Offline Questor

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Re: Newbie To Rifle Reloading
« Reply #4 on: July 24, 2006, 04:09:08 AM »
For 350 CDN you probably should consider buying used equipment on e-bay.  The issue with Lee equipment is that you're on a budget now and will probably be on a budget when you decide to replace it with something better. It's just a matter of how often you want to pay for equipment.
Safety first

Offline snuffer#1

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Re: Newbie To Rifle Reloading
« Reply #5 on: July 25, 2006, 10:41:33 AM »
I started with a Lee anniv. kit. It's got everything you will need except dies, bullets, primers, and powder. I'm not into making a big bunch of anything, but it suits my needs. I reload for a 45-70, 270, 30-30, and a 223. I like to take my time and I use it to make every round exactly the same. Like the others say, it depends on what you want. I personally like my setup, and I might get the turret from Lee at some point in time. Just my 2 cents worth!
Anything worth learning can't be taught in a classroom.

Offline june6th1944

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Re: Newbie To Rifle Reloading
« Reply #6 on: July 27, 2006, 07:21:18 AM »
There is nothing wrong w/ the Lee Precision eqmt.  You will be able to load quality ammo w/ their dies and presses.  I even use their Classic Lee Loaders.

Offline ricciardelli

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Re: Newbie To Rifle Reloading
« Reply #7 on: July 27, 2006, 09:07:33 AM »
I have no idea what the current exchange rate is, but for under $300US you can get the RCBS Rock Chucker supreme Kit and the RCBS Accessory Kit.  These two kits will give you everything you need but dies, shellholders and components.