Recomendations anybody?

[masek77]

Im new to reloading. DUH!!!

OK. After several years out of hunting and shooting Ive gotten back into it. I own several rifles and handguns and would want to reload the .30-30 Winchester, .32 H&R Magnum, .40 S&W, 7.62X39 Russian, .30-06 for a friend, and eventaully maybe a 9MM. Mostly I just want a press than can load a short pistol round and also load something long like the .30-06.

Im not looking to start a business reloading. I just want to save some money and load my own. 50 to 100 bullets per hour is fine with me. Im not looking to become a competition shooter. I just like to shoot and will sometimes go hunting. Ill probably end up reloading AT MOST 500 rounds per month.

Is the Lee Anniversary Reloading kit a good deal for me? Keep in mind Im asking for me. Im not looking for recomendations of some 1500 dollar machine that does everything and changes the oil in my car too.

I may eventually get more into reloading and casting my own bullets, mainly because I have a nearly limitless supply of casting lead, but right now Im just interested in a basic reloading setup. Of course, if you can recommend something that makes it easier I would love to hear from you. 

Ive bought a copy of the LEE Loading Book, latest edition (48th I think). 

[jhalcott]

  I still use a Lee press occassionally, I also have an rcbs and another press set upon my bench. I loaded 1000 6mm cases on my kitchen table with the Lee loader that comes in a small box with a powder scoop. The lee kit will serve you till you WANT some thing else . A reloader NEEDS a powder scale and if that kit doesn't come with the kit buy one. Also get several manuals! You will not always want to load the same components and the more manuals you have the better choices you will make on reloading .

[jpsmith1]

I have an RCBS Rockchucker press.  When I'm in a groove and have everything prepped ahead of time, I can manage 100 rounds per hour.  I've never used the other brands of press, but I'd buy another RCBS if I needed one, which I doubt.

[Maryland Hunter]

I have both the Lee press and a Rockchucker on my bench. Side by side, the RC is much more heavy duty and higher quality than the Lee. However, the Lee has proven to work very well, and it's the one that I use 99% of the time. As far as the Anniversary kit, go for it. I bought one years ago, and still use most everything from it. While cheaper in price and quality, it's made to work. You'll eventually upgrade some things, and buy more equpment in other brands, but I think it's a great place to start.

MH

[Flash]

I will probably get blasted here by all the Lee, RCBS, Lyman and Hornady users here but I would recomend the Dillon RL-550B.
www.dillonprecision.com  This is in my opinion, the best press for the money. The linkage is smooth and precise. Loose a part and they'll replace it for free. It takes regular 7/8x14 dies. Comes with everything you need. They have on-line technical support and downloadable instruction manuals. The manuals can help in the decision process when you get ready to buy. You can even learn how to set it up before you even get it. You really should consider it.

[jack19512]

I recently started reloading myself and started with the Lee Anniversary kit.  I don't regret buying the Anniversary kit but do yourself a big favor and get the 4 hole turret press.  I don't think you will regret it.

I still use everything that came in the Anniversary kit.  I keep my RCBS bullet puller installed in the press and still use the scale, I don't have any problems with it like some seem to.

Your criteria seems to match mine pretty close and I can tell you I have no desire to spend more money or buy something else other than what I have now.

There are plenty of reloaders that can load more rounds in an hour than I do but I challenge any of them to reload any more accurate ammo than I do.

[Coyote Hunter]

Get the RockChucker Supreme kit, then add calipers, a trimmer and tumbler.  You'll be set for the rest of your life.  The RockChucker I bought in 1982 is good as new after 10's of thousands of loaded rounds.  IMHO, the more you load the more you will appreciate the RockChucker as compared to lighter presses.

[kyote]

Just my thoughts..I beleive you whould be well suited with a single stage press.you will learn more about reloading doing every operation one at a time.you will learn faster when making a mistake.and normally any one with some good mechanical abilitys will figure things out a little faster.
as for the Dillion,I own three of them two square deals and a 550.I beleive one of the 1st dillions sold.I found you can not just put rifle brass in it and load quailty ammo.I normally use the single stage press to size rifle brass,then clean primer pockets,uniform flash holes after they have all been cut to the same length.then I use the 550 to load ammo.try small base sizing on the 550 on lets say a military .308 case.
you can normally pick up every thing you need pretty cheap at a gun show..it don't have ta look pretty to load good ammo..

[beemanbeme]

I would reccommend a single stage press.  And don't concern yourself with how fast you can reload but rather with how good you can reload.  I've been reloading for 45 years (with single stage presses) and don't have the slightest idea of how many rounds I can reload in an hour. 

[masek77]

I have found a few good deals online and will probably make a purchase soon. Thanks to everybody for their constructive advice. I really appreciate it. It makes a good forum great to have people like you willing to help a newbie. Again thanks.

Question... How many times can brass be reloaded?

Another question... Where are the best deals on new brass, primers, and powder? I already have as good a deal on bullets as it gets.

Last question... Would anybody be interested in trading casting lead, cast bullets (high quality from major manufacturing operation), or copper jacketed bullets for brass, primers, or powder?

[dw06]

I would go with a single stage press,a RCBS rockchucker is a good oneas I've used one for all my loadind the last 25 years.There are other good ones.I think you would be happy with one as many other reloaders will tell you they are.

[jack19512]

Another question... Where are the best deals on new brass, primers, and powder? I already have as good a deal on bullets as it gets.

Not saying this to be a smarty or anything but the best deals are where you find them.  I have ordered all of my brass from Midway.  Some people mention finding good deals at gun shows but I was at one this mourning and didn't find any deals.

I have found my powder and primers from various places.  No more powder and primers that I use I just try to find the best deal locally.  When ordering powder and primers from most places you have the haz-mat fee to contend with.

[McLernon]

Don't over look Redding. Excellent quality.

McLernon

[jhalcott]

 How many times a shell can be reloaded depends on many things! How "hot " you load them , Who MADE them(brand) and how much you have to work them when resizing! I have reloads that still work fine in the 10th reload,but others will not be loaded a 6th time. I am intrigued by the offer of casting lead as I cast quite a few different bullets/calibers my self. What are you offering?

[stimpylu32]

I am a big fan of the Lee stuff , have been using it for over 25 years , It works . For a new loader i strongly say get a single stage press or atleast one that can be used as a single . Do each step one at a time till you completely understand the consept of each step .

More than one reloading book is a must , you can NOT have to many . Just take your time and be aleart and you'll be fine .

If you need more help , just ask

stimpy

[223Shooter]

I love my Lyman single stage press. Years ago, my brother and I use to load about 8-10 cartridges. Now I load for my .223, 30-06 and my 40 S&W. Just the basics....lol

[Patriot_1776]

Another vote for the RCBS Rockchucker kit.  The RCBS press I'm currently using was one my father got over 15yrs. ago.  Also, the "One Book/One Caliber" manuals are excellent.  They combine up-to-date loads from all major manuals and a few powder companies in, as the name suggests, one book and one caliber. 

[GregP42]

Get a single stage press to start with. I have Lee single stage press that I reload on and a Dillon 550b. Both have their uses and places, I use the single stage to load BPCR and rifle loads that I am testing. When I have a load worked out I crank up the 550b and go to town  Get as many manuals as you can from different sources, compare and see what changing just one thing can do to a load. If you need help or have questions I an sure that any of us can give you a hand.

Greg