[OughtSix]

Hey everyone...

Wanting to start reloading for my 5.56 and .223...

Was wondering if there was a kit made where I could purchase everything together, or if its better to get everything separate?

I'm needing suggestions on what company to go through to start a reloading press... I seen that Hornady makes the ''Lock n Load'' kit. Is that a good option with

everything in it?

 

[poke_53]

Its hard to beat the RCBS RockChucker supreme kit. It has a good portion or everything you will besides dies, powder and small parts. I started out on a Rockchucker and now I use the Hornady LNL AP press. Good luck and be safe. Read the mannual before loading a single round. Reloading is fun and can save money in the long run but it can be dangerous if not treated properly.

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=RC&prodID=RC09357&prodTitle=RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit

 

[Sylamore]

x2 on RCBS because they have a life time warranty. :thumb:

 

[tdf]

This is what I use, the Lee Turret press.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/40367-1.html
its a progressive press that I use for reloading pistol ammo but you can also use it as a single stage and thats how I use it when reloading rifle rounds. I personally like the press but I don't like the scale. I use an RCBS scale that I have. While it is a kit I think it is geared more towards the pistol reloader with the powder measure to go through your expanding die, and that is not useful to a rifle reloader. But you could also get this single stage press that comes with a powder measure that would work better for your rifle loads.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/42...Reloading+Presses-_-PriceCompListing-_-423081
None of the kits will include everything you need, it seems like there are always small parts that you will need. and with your rifle rounds if you are going to get much case life a case trimmer will be needed in time.
Like Poke said, buy a manual or two, read it over and over and it will give some better insight to the reloading process and maybe some of those small parts you might want to pick up. check ebay too, every now and then there are some good deals on reloading stuff on there. Good luck

 

[newt]

I started out, and still use at the moment, a lee loader. I chose it in order to make me take my time and get a feel for every step involved with loading ammunition. But I also chose it for space and budget reasons. However, I would not suggest anything other than a single stage loading "kit" for a person just starting to load. Its not a waste of money because if you do decide to go "big time" and get a progressive press later on, you will still find a use for the single stage press.

Its dangerous, don't let anyone (including yourself) fool you. Stick to the "book", which ever book you get, and follow directions meticulously.

 

[allyellow]

My single stage is mounted next to my new progressive. Never know when I need to do something simple and don't want to change over the progressive.

 

[poke_53]

Like said above. Do yourself a favor and start out single stage.I used single stage for over 10 years and recently "upgraded" to a progressive and sometimes I think about mounting the single stage back up and making it more simple. I consider myself a fairly experienced reloader and when I started using the progressive press I found myself not paying enough attention to what I was doing. This resulted in an undercharged case and my first squib in my glock 34. That pretty much ruined my day bc I kept questioning myself as a safe reloader. I guess my point is to take your time, read the manual, set your dies up correctly. Do it right do it once.

 

[OughtSix]

Ok...Thanks for all the input.

Can anyone point me in the right direction for these ''small things'' I may need to purchase? It sounds like every company makes a good single stage press. I wanna buy a kit because it should be cheaper than buying separate.

I will only be reloading 5.56/223 for now. And .308 next year sometime. (don't know if that helps)

 

[tdf]

Well I might be able to give some of the "small things" regarding the Lee Challenger Press. You might want the quick change bushings. get your dies set to proper length and then just remove the whole die and bushing when going to another die, thats the best way I understand it. kindof like the turret on the turret press I mentioned. you can get your 4 dies set proper, then just remove the whole turret, and keep your dies in place, the bushing works the same way. Caliper is a must have. Case trimmer. Tumbler and media, but not an absolute must have.
If you prime off the press and you get one of the hand primes, you will need shell holders for whatever caliber you want to prime. these shellholders are different than the shellholder that goes on your press(for a Lee). Do you know anybody up there that reloads that might let you watch them for a while? They could probably teach you more in an afternoon than months of trying to self teach and they can show you how to avoid some of the mistakes they made.

 

[OughtSix]

TDF....I work with an ex-gunsmith and another fella who's been reloading for years now. I'm gonna try and get my kit together, then see if they'll come load the first 50 with me so I can get started.

I have been looking at these kits. Please offer up others I should consider...

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/937051/rcbs-rock-chucker-master-supreme-single-stage-press-kit

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/15...h-one-shot-non-hazardous-case-lube-pump-spray

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/749997/hornady-lock-n-load-classic-single-stage-press-kit

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/937051/rcbs-rock-chucker-master-supreme-single-stage-press-kit

 

[poke_53]

I can vouch for Hornady customer service. I have broken a few parts on my progressive loader and they shipped them all to me with no charge. Even after I told them it was my fault and it wasnt because of the press in any way. Also, dont forget to buy a bullet puller and case lube for sure. Imperial sizing wax works awesome.

 

[allyellow]

Any of these kits should get you started in the right direction, I have had dealing with RCBS and their customer service is very good. They replaced a few things I have messed up without question and no charge and I can also find RCBS equipment and componets locally. As for a bullet puller, my kinetic bullet puller has payed for itself time and time again.

 

[tdf]

While I have a Lee press, I sure do like my RCBS powder measure and scale, they are better than the Lee's, IMO. Cant go wrong with RCBS. I dont have anything Hornady nor have I used anything Hornady but I can't imagine either one of those not working well for you.

 

[mwells72774]

from personal experience, i say start with a lee single stage press kit. can't beat the price and its durable and easy to use.

 

[poke_53]

Oh also since you are loading 5.56/223 you will want a primer pocket uniformer if you are going to be using brass that has crimped primers. It can be done without it but it is not advised and it is a pain in the rear to seat primers and some of them won't even seat.

 

[allyellow]

I agree with poke a crimped pocket thrown into a bunch of brass thats not will mess with ya, kind like small primer pocket in 45 acp mixed with regular brass will throw you off.

 

[GH1]

I have an RCBS press and can vouch for they're high level of customer service. My dies are from Lee, RCBS, and Hornady. A tumbler isn't mandatory but it makes it easier to inspect the cases and will most likely make your dies last longer. You're going to need case lube for the .223 and HornadyOne Shot is great stuff indeed. I even use it on my carbide dies, it just makes things easier.
I have about 200 pieces of tumbled,once fired .223 brass if you want it. Shoot me a PM with your address and I'll get it to you.
GH1:biggrin:

 

[Mr. Chitlin]

My first advice to anyone that wants to get into reloading is to get a few books on reloading and make sure you understand exactly what you are getting in to.

An excellent book to star with is the ABC's of Reloading.

http://www.amazon.com/ABCs-Reloading-Definitive-Novice-Expert/dp/1440213968/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

It will help answer a lot of your questions you have now and will educate you on the things you haven't thought of yet.

Do some reading before you take the plunge and you'll be a lot better educated on what you need and how it works. It will help you decide on what you need and may save you some $$ on buying stuff you really don't need.

 

[OughtSix]

Thanks guys. And Mr. C...I will be getting a book soon and reading up on the art of reloading :biggrin:

My main reason is I can't find shelf ammo in 5.56 thats 62gr or 75 gr without ordering it from midwayusa.com or somewhere. I just wanna be able to load factory ammo without having to pay to ship it when I wanna shoot :thumb:

 

[johnf]

I've got the lee aniversery kit and it works great. I would eventually like to get a progressive for reloading pistol rounds, but it works fine for that too, just a little slow. I also have these items.

Trickler
Bullet puller
Tumbler
Caliper
lube pad
case trimmer

I'd like to have a better scale than the lee scale that comes with the kit, but it does work.