Best mid range kit

[Eltigreblanco]

I'm looking to get into reloading. Im looking for a good mid range kit, and not something I'll want to upgrade right away. Any input would be appreciated

 

[AKG]

I got a hornady classic autocharge kit, hornady tumbler, rcbs case trimmer, and a hornady digital caliper to start with. The digital caliper was junk, I switched to analog which has been fine. I use both hornady and rcbs and one lee die sets which seem to all work fine. I added a lyman case prep center which I like as I really disliked using the manual inside and outside chamfer tools. I've used this setup to develop moa loads for a number of rifles and sub 1/2 moa loads in my more accurate rifles. I have not gotten the very low es and sd numbers that I've seen others talking about online though. The hornady autoload works ok, but it makes me curious if it may be part of the es/sd when I see a 0.1 grain overage reading slip back to the target charge weight, I don't have another scale to confirm the weights, the calibration weights read true. Could a combination of other things too, IDK. Good luck.

 

[Harvey_NW]

Mid range I think any of the kits + a few other parts and pieces are sufficient to get you started. I went with the RCBS rock chucker supreme master reloading kit because you'll want a decent beam scale over a cheap electronic, and I like the other RCBS components. You'll also need dies and shell holders, a tumbler, a case trimmer, a set of calipers, (depending on how in depth you want to get with precision reloading) a headspace gauge kit, bullet comparator inserts, and an OAL gauge.

WORK UP SLOW and research how to recognize signs of pressure. Use COAL as a reference but base all of your measurements off CBTO (cartridge base to ogive). Make sure you're getting your dies setup correctly and FL resize your brass with a .002" shoulder bump. Take the time to weigh every charge (because those powder throws can vary pretty widely), and when it comes to brass if you love it lube it.

There's a wealth of knowledge on here so the only dumb question is the one not asked. Good luck!

 

[AK_Skeeter]

A bullet puller like RCBS that mounts on the press is much better than the hammer style kinetic bullet puller.

A RCBS precisiion mic or Hornady or Stony Point comparators to compare fired case with resized case and to determine bullet seating depth relative to the rifle lands.

A chronograph is useful to minimize variation in muzzle velocity during load development.
I like the Magnetospeed chronograph.

I like champion benchrest shooter Erik Cortina's approach to handloading:
simple precision reloading
precise full length resizing cases
Chasing the lands is stupid

 

[wind gypsy]

-Rock chucker or Lee classic cast press
-Rcbs Chargemaster light scale/dispenser
-Forster case trimmer with drill adapter and 3 way cutter heads
-in-line fabrication auto eject for the press
-hornady comparator tool for measuring shoulder datum and distance to jam
-decent caliper
-frankford arsenal vibratory tumbler
-forster FL sizing and micrometer seating dies
-hornady one shot case lube
-k&m expander mandrel at 0.0025” under bullet diameter
-Lee hand primer
-whatever brass trays float your boat. I like the plastic ones with a bunch of sizes

I think you could be pretty set with that without spending crazy $. You might want a case prep center but I don’t waste my time with cleaning or uniforming primer pockets and use the 3 way trimming (giraud) to trim and debur.

 

[Eltigreblanco]

Thank you for the input. I have some research to do

 

[Eltigreblanco]

Also if anyone has used equipment they are looking to part with i would be interested

 

[Rich M]

It's expensive - if you aren't gonna shoot a lot, it is cheaper and easier buying ammo bulk.

I just got a new caliber - bought dies and such for it. Spent about $500 on stuff just to be able to load this new round. Gonna be 1,000 or so shots before I see any "profits". As a hunting gun it might never see 1,000 rounds.

 

[marshland_max]

I have 2 RCBS Presses and I Lyman press. I 4 scales - I know nuts - 2 electronic and 2 beam. I've been very happy with most all my RCBS and Lyman stuff. I got quite a lot of lee stuff as well as Hornady. Lol I like it all!

Seriously If you can find this Kit

Lyman Ultimate Reloading Press Kit System​

or something similar you will be money. These where going for a shade over $500 and you got a turret press and electronic auto dispensing scale. I got easy 5x this into my stuff and this kit would replace all my stuff and make for a very nice set up.