So my wife and I have decided to start the new year with some different money priorities. To be clear, I could buy any of these options right now, but we are going to get a better handle on and be smarter about our spending.
Because of that, I have some options but they are on different timelines.
Basically what it comes down to is the Lee Challenger worth having? I have concerns about the aluminum frame. But i dont know if it actually matters. Cartridges will be 6.5CM to start, 308 not too far off, maybe 22CM or ARC later. The 6.5 will be a LR(for me) target rifle mostly with an antelope hunt in WY at some point, 308 for hunting mostly eastern but im buying elk points in WY.
The kit is $170 or $190 depending on the priming option so with a few additional items, I can get reloading sooner. Im looking at a little over $800 including a couple powder options, 3 bullet options, primers, a WFT for 6.5, at least 1 more reloading manual(I have a Lyman already). Is there anything significant in that kit thats just junk and should be replaced immediately? That also doesnt include a bench ~$150 and I plan to use Inline Fab QC mounts.
Or should I wait and go with a better press and ancillaries later.....later being probably near the end of the year for the RCBS and unsure for the Forster.
RCBS is $500 for the kit, Forster is ~$400 for the press and then piece everything else together.
Ive done some looking for used locally and on ebay and im not seeing much that makes much sense price-wise. Im definitely gun-shy about anything used that has to ship if its not on ebay, such as classifieds on here.
Maybe as much as making my own better ammo, I also want to have something to do at the house thats not watching TV, doom-scrolling or playing video games. Ill also get my shotshell loader setup again(it hasnt been unpacked after moving 3 years ago). I enjoy the process.
Which route would you go?
Is there anything im not thinking of? Also im a lefty so I want an ambi press.
Because of that, I have some options but they are on different timelines.
Basically what it comes down to is the Lee Challenger worth having? I have concerns about the aluminum frame. But i dont know if it actually matters. Cartridges will be 6.5CM to start, 308 not too far off, maybe 22CM or ARC later. The 6.5 will be a LR(for me) target rifle mostly with an antelope hunt in WY at some point, 308 for hunting mostly eastern but im buying elk points in WY.
The kit is $170 or $190 depending on the priming option so with a few additional items, I can get reloading sooner. Im looking at a little over $800 including a couple powder options, 3 bullet options, primers, a WFT for 6.5, at least 1 more reloading manual(I have a Lyman already). Is there anything significant in that kit thats just junk and should be replaced immediately? That also doesnt include a bench ~$150 and I plan to use Inline Fab QC mounts.
Or should I wait and go with a better press and ancillaries later.....later being probably near the end of the year for the RCBS and unsure for the Forster.
RCBS is $500 for the kit, Forster is ~$400 for the press and then piece everything else together.
Ive done some looking for used locally and on ebay and im not seeing much that makes much sense price-wise. Im definitely gun-shy about anything used that has to ship if its not on ebay, such as classifieds on here.
Maybe as much as making my own better ammo, I also want to have something to do at the house thats not watching TV, doom-scrolling or playing video games. Ill also get my shotshell loader setup again(it hasnt been unpacked after moving 3 years ago). I enjoy the process.
Which route would you go?
Is there anything im not thinking of? Also im a lefty so I want an ambi press.
