Best Single Stage Reloading Kit To Start

General Firearms Reloading & Ammunition
1

I am brand new to reloading and was thinking maybe I would take advantage of some of the deals on Black Friday if I can. I’ve already got a nice 400lb reloading bench, so I think the bench would not be an issue, but now I need the tools and components. Some people have told me the Lee Precision reloading kits are pretty decent, such as this one here: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Lee-Precision-Classic-Turret-Press-Kit/1374275.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct.jsp%3FproductId%3D1374275&categoryIds=104792580|104761080|104516280&WTz_l=RI%3BIK-218383.

I’d like to hear people’s opinions about which reloading kit they prefer, especially for a beginner, such as me. The three brands I seen at Cabelas are Hornady, RCBS and Lee. It is hard for me to determine which is the best. Also, should I invest a little extra money for a digital scale or would it be best to just stick with the beam scale included in the kit?

I am considering reloading for 5.56 and 308 to start, but I eventually want to do reloading for my big-bore calibers, such as 44Mag and .460S&W.

2

I have not used the Lee press but do have RCBS rock chucker, partner press and a Hornady. I would recommend a RCBS or Hornady both are great presses and I am sure a Lee would also work just fine.

For a first press I also think you should get a single stage no-turret types. You should learn how to set up the different dies by having to change them out several times for each loading. Sounds like extra work but you will learn how to set them up.

Do some reading and you will have a very good general knowledge even before you make your first rounds.

3

RCBS Rock Chucker is a great start. Easy to get shell holders, etc.

Natchez has the RCBS Supreme Master Reloading kit on sale for $289 with a $75 rebate. That is an excellent price. They are a reputable company.

All you will need extra will be dies, shell holders, primers, powder, brass, and bullets.

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=RC09357

Have fun
RFA

4

Thanks for the link to the Natchezz site. Picking the brand has always been the biggest dilemma. I am wondering if I should buy a used kit and save more or if it would be better to just buy a new one on sale. Anyone think I can score a decent deal at a Black Friday sale at my local Wholesale Sports or Cabelas?

5

Get the Lee IMO.

I still use mine to load without any issues at 1/3 the cost of other popular brands.

6

I’m a fan of the lock-n-load classic because you can swap dies in 1 second.

You can convert other presses to the system. But for a starter press, the classic isn’t bad.

7

I was in the same boat years ago and got a Lyman turret press. It’s been pretty versatile for my uses.

8

I would get the RCBS Rockchucker kit. Very happy with mine. Also, stick with the beam scale and spend the money on something else like brass, bullets, powder etc.
Good luck with your choice!

9

I went with the Lee a couple of years ago when I wanted to get into reloading. As far as I know, for the price, it can’t be beat. It’s very decent kit as well and if you decide reloading is not your thing, you haven’t sunk a ton of money into it.

10

Great information. I will be headed to Cabelas tomorrow, probably, and I will examine the different reloading kits they have. I think its time I get serious and look at what options. Many said I could score a good deal on reloading kits at Cabelas on Black Friday, but there is a chance I may not be able to get to Cabelas because I live in Seattle and the two Cabelas are a bit out of the way. I am wondering what other stores locally would have Black Friday specials. I will certainly check online vendors. Natchez sounds like a decent place to start looking online. If anyone has any other online places they think may have some decent deals, I would be interested to know. I find certain places like Midway and Cheaper Than Dirt to usually be more on the expensive side. Maybe Gunbroker would also offer some deals I cannot find elsewhere.

11

The Rock Chucker is the way to go for a single stage. Get proficient and safe with the single stage then upgrade to a Dillon later.

12

That is “A” way… not necessarily “THE” way. Many of us started out on a Dillon.

I added a single stage years after starting with the Dillon.

13

Nothing wrong with going right to the best to start with either.

14

I started with the Hornady kit a couple years ago & couldn’t be happier. Hornady’s customer support is off the charts. I’m generally hard on shit and have dropped my powder measure once, which broke the plastic tube & dropped a couple of dies onto concrete because they slipped out of my hands, which boogered the threads up. I called to order parts to fix my mistakes & in both cases they refused to allow me to pay & sent out replacements at no cost. Not to mention their free bullets offer. Hornady is top notch.

Cabelas, does have free shipping this month. Not sure if it applies to larger items?

15

If I were to add a single stage at this point, I think I’d go with the BIG BOSS 2.

Beefy, and drops the primers straight down the main shaft. I do get tired of decapping mess on a sideways ejecting primer dump.

16

If your doing bulk work, I know a lot of people who have started on a progressive. Its not that hard, unless you buy a full blown case and bullet feeder setup, hand feeding cases and bullets will give you a chance to check your powder level.

sent from mah gun,using my sights

17

That’s how I did it as well

18

IMO, the best single stage is a Redding turret press. Set multiple dies and leave 'em in place. I’ve had mine for over 20 years, used the hell out of it over a dozen or so calibers and still love it. But they are not cheap.

If you are only loading .223 and pistol, I would just go with the Dillon 550 since it’s simple and works as both a single stage and a progressive - and includes a very good powder measure. For larger bottle neck brass I like the steel frame of a single stage for sizing the brass.

Calipers; vibratory case cleaner /w cleaning media and polish; and case gauge(s) are also needed. Dillon case lube and polish are my favs for those items.

Here is the best deal for corn cob:
http://www.drillspot.com/products/521055/econoline_526040g-40_40_lbs_blast_media

19

i bought a lee starter kit years ago. it is a good way to get started and find out if you are going to enjoy reloading without breaking the bank, so to speak. i find Lee easier to use than my RCBS.

20

About what is your cost per round for .223 not counting equipment costs or brass? I know it will vary with primmer and powder quality, but what range?