starting press

1714 Views 17 Replies 14 Participants Last post by RustyShackleford101, Feb 28, 2013

niteglock

Discussion Starter · Feb 21, 2013

What is a good press and parts to start reloading with? I probably will only reload .45 and 9mm to start. Then work my way up caliber wise. I have only 200.00 right now to spend but I don't want no junky press. But I don't need a top of the line press either. I don't know the prices of OK presses. I usually see some around 400 and up. What will I need also? I want to start soon like a month or so. I just need to keep placing money aside to get all the components. Thanks for all help guys.

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igo205mph

· #2 · Feb 21, 2013

It will save you a bunch of time to read the abc's of reloading. I just picked up a copy at the local library. Read it first. It has more info than I thought possible. You will probably have 17 other posts saying the same.

fupuk

· #3 · Feb 21, 2013

igo205mph said:
It will save you a bunch of time to read the abc's of reloading. I just picked up a copy at the local library. Read it first. It has more info than I thought possible. You will probably have 17 other posts saying the same.

+1 ABC's of reloading and some time to read it. I keep that book on my reloading table for pointers and good information on how to set up dies. Ive only been reloading for about six months and that book is worth its weight in gold plated lead.

tngunnut14

· #4 · Feb 21, 2013

RCBS Rockchucker. It will run you close to 150 but it will last a lifetime or more. Very well made and easy to use.

niteglock

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 21, 2013

tngunnut14 said:
RCBS Rockchucker. It will run you close to 150 but it will last a lifetime or more. Very well made and easy to use.

Your just talking about the press right? Not the whole kit. Just asking because I just Google it and they came up for around 400.00 for the kit. I didn't just look for press only yet. If u are talking about the kit then please send me a link to get one that cheap.

aandabooks

· #6 · Feb 21, 2013

It is not just a press you are going to need. There are scales, powder measures, dies, calipers, shellholders and components to buy. Those tools will get you started. You're $200 will get you a basic kit and a set of dies. Everything else will be more than what your budget allows for.

I went with a Lee 4 hole Turret press kit and a set of Lee .45ACP dies. Throw in a set of cheap calipers and your budget is gone. You'd have everything to get started for one caliber but no components.

blucoondawg

· #7 · Feb 21, 2013

RCBS Rockchucker Supreme kit or Lee Challenger kit, both come with most of what you need to get started, will need shell holders and a case trimmer if you need to trim, and of course dies.

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

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/42...reech-lock-single-stage-press-anniversary-kit

locutus

· #8 · Feb 21, 2013 (Edited)

If you are only going to load handgun loads, take a real hard look at the RCBS "Partner" kit.

If you want to go into rifle loads, the Redding "Boss" or "Big Boss," the Lyman "Crusher" and the RCBS Rockchucker are superb.

I prefer the Redding, but the others are excellent as well.

Ez2b

· #9 · Feb 21, 2013

Might want to check out the lee load master at natches.com They have kits already done For any caliber it will come with everything you need to start except for primer. bullets. Powder and brass. I've had very little problems with mine. Just fine tune adjustments gotta remember it is a hobby. Go to youtube and search Lee load masters . It is a 1 pole per round Press. I think Natchez has it right now for 230 dollars in stock today

JWagner

· #10 · Feb 21, 2013

Check out the local classifieds for a deal on used equipment. I doubt that anyone will be likely to wear out a press and related stuff. Try Craigslist and Backpage.com. I second taking a look at some of the many Youtube videos; I learned some useful things from those.

rockratt

· #11 · Feb 21, 2013

I started with the RCBS Rock Chucker back in the early 90's and still use it today. Save up and by the kit.

locutus

· #12 · Feb 22, 2013

rockratt said:
I started with the RCBS Rock Chucker back in the early 90's and still use it today. Save up and by the kit.

Even though I pretty much "converted" to the religion of "Dillon Blue" 30 years ago, I still use my old Lyman "Orange Crusher" and my Reddings quite a bit.

I even have an almost 50 year old "Texan" that is permanently sewt up for bullet pulling.

Sport45

· #13 · Feb 24, 2013

Take a good, hard look at the Lee Classic Turret for your first press. Without the auto-indexing rod it is an excellent single stage turret. Extra turrets are cheap so you basically never have to set up a die twice.

aandabooks

· #14 · Feb 24, 2013

Sport45 said:
Take a good, hard look at the Lee Classic Turret for your first press. Without the auto-indexing rod it is an excellent single stage turret. Extra turrets are cheap so you basically never have to set up a die twice.

That is what I went with. Problem is now finding the extra die holders. I had a backorder at Midway and they were supposed to be in stock on Friday but I must not have been high enough on the list. Now they are out of stock until early May. I have two but I eventually want atleast 5 to keep all of my dies permanently setup.

The press is great for me and the price was good. I don't have any other press experience to compare it to so take that for what its worth.

fupuk

· #15 · Feb 24, 2013

I went to a local gun show and there was a guy that had all kind of shell holders and they were like $4 each which isnt bad. But finding components is the hard part.

Missouribound

· #16 · Feb 25, 2013

Sport45 said:
Take a good, hard look at the Lee Classic Turret for your first press. Without the auto-indexing rod it is an excellent single stage turret. Extra turrets are cheap so you basically never have to set up a die twice.

I definately agree. We currently use the Lyman turret press. It holds 6 dies, and that's 2 sets for what we load. Extra turrets are about $40 and well worth it. If you start loading more sizes, buy an extra turret.

budman46

· #17 · Feb 26, 2013

sport45's pick is mine, too. does everthing my rockchucker does, and more, for about half the price. not as speedy as my dillons, but two to three times as fast as my 'chucker.

RustyShackleford101

· #18 · Feb 28, 2013

A single stage by RCBS , Lee, or any reputable brand will do you well. I've had my RCBS since I was 12. Even though I've since moved on to much fancier progressive presses, a single stage can always be used.

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