Author Topic: New to handloading (Read 519 times)

Will · « **on:** November 12, 2003, 01:48:39 PM »

Hey guys, I've been shooting since I could walk, but I've never handloaded a single round. I'm wanting to get into it, mainly .38 and 9mm target rounds but also .44 specials and some rifle rounds. I've been looking at all of the stuff I need, and man, it's expensive! I just want to start with a single stage press, and one of these kits that includes everything I need is looking pretty good. Anybody have any recommendations on one of these kits for a rookie? Thanks.

Jack Crevalle · « **Reply #1 on:** November 12, 2003, 02:02:07 PM »

Someone just asked a question very similar to this. You might want to check out the replies to it and post again if you have any other questions.

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=20001&sid=68a7fc82db0b898616f19da259df28dc

KN · « **Reply #2 on:** November 12, 2003, 04:35:54 PM »

I always recomend that you not buy into the cheap Lee kits. It looks like a good deal and yes it will work, but you wont be happy with the quality of their products if you get into reloading in a big way. I have thrown away more Lee stuf than I've kept over the years. Go with RCBS, LYMAN,or HORNADY and you won't be sorry. As far as Lee stuff goes I can't really bad mouth their dies, or their hand priming tool, or their shell holders. I have been pretty pleased with those. KN

kciH · « **Reply #3 on:** November 12, 2003, 09:23:23 PM »

It's pretty hard to beat RCBS or Redding equipment. I won't support Lee in any way, for every product they produce that works as advertised, they make three more that are shyte. I have a hard time supporting such a company, no matter how effective some of their products prove to be.

Keep an eye out on Ebay for a good used press, it will still last you forever. I dislike the kits because you pay for the balance beam scale in all of them and the money spent on a digital is money very well spent. I would look for a press used, buy a new digital scale, and get a case prep kit plus the dies you need. Hornady makes excellent rifle dies for the money, they have some features that others of similar price lack. If money is no object, I've found Redding products to be superior to the other common makers, but I haven't used Forrester or CH4D much.

Dave in WV · « **Reply #4 on:** November 13, 2003, 02:53:36 AM »

Buy a Lyman reloading manual that has rifle and pistol data. It will explain the reloading proceedure well. Lyman is another reloding tool company that has good products. I started with a Lee press and it broke a few months ago. I bought a Lyman Crusher press to replace it and it is easier to use. I have Redding, Lyman, RCBS, Hornady, and Lee equipment.

Graybeard · « **Reply #5 on:** November 13, 2003, 08:54:24 AM »

I like the Lyman reloading manual best for the tech data up front over all the others. BUT own a manual from each bullet company and powder maker you will be using. Get their free annual suppliments also from the powder makers.

Don't forget Redding when you are looking a quality suppliers of reloading equipment. Generally a bit more expensive but excellent quality. These days I use mostly Hornady equipment for my reloading. But I also own RCBS, Lyman and Redding. Even some Leee. I definitely recommend you do your priming of cases with the Lee AutoPrime. I have used nothing else for 20-25 years at least. Their shell holder sets are cheap and do the job as well as any. Good to have even if you normally buy one with each die set just to have on hand in case you need it.

GB