Reloading kit opinions?

[Elite]

Hey guys so I have wanted to get into reloading for awhile now and have done a bit with my neighbour but looking to build my own set up, I have found 2 kits at cabelas and looking for some input or other kits to buy. I like to spend more money up front and not have to upgrade down the road. The Lyman kit looks more complete but I am guessing it’s cheaply made compared to the others?

Lyman® Ultimate Reloading System | Cabela's Canada

• Outfit your entire reloading bench • Products for all steps in the reloading process • Quality tools and accessories ensure years of use The Lyman Ultimate Reloading System is the only kit you’ll ever need! Outfit an entire reloading bench with premium products designed to accomplish all...

www.cabelas.ca

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Deluxe Reloading Kit | Cabela's Canada

• Long-lasting, top-notch gear • Cast-iron construction • Right- or left-hand use Cabela’s and RCBS have put together a money-saving reloading kit that combines the best products. You’ll get a lot of high-performance reloading equipment for your money. The only additional purchases to get...

www.cabelas.ca

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[J Dubaya]

Following

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[menhaden_man]

I started on a RCBS (a RCII I believe, inherited and probably 20+ years old). Been pretty happy with that and think in general they have better equipment than Lyman... but after seeing the $1200 price tag, I’d toss out the idea of grabbing a nice press and ordering the other pieces you need.

Maybe I’m wrong but think you can probably do better picking up tools rather than a set. Looks like some stuff in there that you may not use. Case prep center, DVD, wrench, etc. I also still use manual scales so have not had the need for the charge master (maybe $400 of that kit??).

Incidentally, you might look for primers before buying the reloading kit . Good luck!

 

[Elite]

I started on a RCBS (a RCII I believe, inherited and probably 20+ years old). Been pretty happy with that and think in general they have better equipment than Lyman... but after seeing the $1200 price tag, I’d toss out the idea of grabbing a nice press and ordering the other pieces you need.

Maybe I’m wrong but think you can probably do better picking up tools rather than a set. Looks like some stuff in there that you may not use. Case prep center, DVD, wrench, etc. I also still use manual scales so have not had the need for the charge master (maybe $400 of that kit??).

Incidentally, you might look for primers before buying the reloading kit . Good luck!

Thanks for the input, I know the neighbour has a manual scale to measure the powder but I found it to be very slow. The electronic dispenser scale looked like it would be worth it


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[WeiserBucks]

Kits suck. Piece together what you need and choose the equipment you like. Powder dispensers are a great time saver but you should always have a manual scale to double check weights periodically. Gravity doesn't go out of calibration or have other electrical issues.

 

[menhaden_man]

Kits suck. Piece together what you need and choose the equipment you like. Powder dispensers are a great time saver but you should always have a manual scale to double check weights periodically. Gravity doesn't go out of calibration or have other electrical issues.

Pretty much my thoughts!

Let me know what calibers you’re reloading. Happy to suggest a grocery list that other guys can toss tomatoes at.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Don't invite me to that party, I only toss frozen tomatoes.

 

[jasonhul]

Following.


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[PRC_GUY]

RBCS supreme
germPro 300

 

[gearguywb]

Before you dive in answer a few questions, all based on future assumptions:

1. Reloading just rifle, or rifle and pistol?
2. How anal do you plan to be if reloading precision type rifle (are you wanting to chase .3 groups)?
3. Budget?

A kit MAY be ok to start out but if you are willing to spend more, for a lot better equipment, then not so much.

Remember, most of this stuff will outlast you, your children, and your grandchildren if treated decently.

 

[MBAO-millennialbyageonly]

Here’s my list it’s ever changing but should give you a starting place.

Reloading

-Measuring tools
Iguaging digital caliper
Hornady OAL gauge
Tap and die set 5/16-36 RH tpi
Drill bit. 290 letter gauge L
Sinclair comparator body
Sinclair comparator inserts
Sinclair bump gauge inserts
Sinclair concentricity gauge



-Powder measuring
ChargeMaster Lite
Lyman powder funnel kit

-Case prep
Lyman tumbler
Media corncob or walnut(lizard bedding)
RCBS chamfer/deburr tool
Sinclair/Lee trimmer
Case holder-New brass
Case holder-Fired brass
Hand primer

-Dies
Sinclair expander bushing die
Sinclair expander mandrel
RCBS universal decapping die
Redding Type S match FL sizing die
Redding Type S neck sizing bushing
Hornady Lock Rings
Redding competition seating die

-Miscellaneous
Hornady one shot case lube
Sinclair loading blocks
Chronograph
Shell Holders
Brake cleaner
Imperial neck sizing (graphite)

-Order websites
Natchez
Powder Valley
Midsouth shooters supply
Midway USA
Sinclair international
Brownells
Palmetto state armory
Graph and sons
RMR bullets
Inline fabrication
Peterson cartridge company

-Information
Lyman reloading book
Nosler book
Hornady book

-Press
RCBS rebel
MEC
Redding turret

 

[PRC_GUY]

Here’s my list it’s ever changing but should give you a starting place.

Reloading

-Measuring tools
Iguaging digital caliper
Hornady OAL gauge
Tap and die set 5/16-36 RH tpi
Drill bit. 290 letter gauge L
Sinclair comparator body
Sinclair comparator inserts
Sinclair bump gauge inserts
Sinclair concentricity gauge



-Powder measuring
ChargeMaster Lite
Lyman powder funnel kit

-Case prep
Lyman tumbler
Media corncob or walnut(lizard bedding)
RCBS chamfer/deburr tool
Sinclair/Lee trimmer
Case holder-New brass
Case holder-Fired brass
Hand primer

-Dies
Sinclair expander bushing die
Sinclair expander mandrel
RCBS universal decapping die
Redding Type S match FL sizing die
Redding Type S neck sizing bushing
Hornady Lock Rings
Redding competition seating die

-Miscellaneous
Hornady one shot case lube
Sinclair loading blocks
Chronograph
Shell Holders
Brake cleaner
Imperial neck sizing (graphite)

-Order websites
Natchez
Powder Valley
Midsouth shooters supply
Midway USA
Sinclair international
Brownells
Palmetto state armory
Graph and sons
RMR bullets
Inline fabrication
Peterson cartridge company

-Information
Lyman reloading book
Nosler book
Hornady book

-Press
RCBS rebel
MEC
Redding turret

This is the best guideline lists for you to start reloading!

 

[Elite]

Pretty much my thoughts!

Let me know what calibers you’re reloading. Happy to suggest a grocery list that other guys can toss tomatoes at.

I am looking to build some rounds for my new 7mm-08 sheep hunting rifle and I will also be reloading some 30-06 and 243 and some 300 win mag for a friend


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[Elite]

Before you dive in answer a few questions, all based on future assumptions:

1. Reloading just rifle, or rifle and pistol?
2. How anal do you plan to be if reloading precision type rifle (are you wanting to chase .3 groups)?
3. Budget?

A kit MAY be ok to start out but if you are willing to spend more, for a lot better equipment, then not so much.

Remember, most of this stuff will outlast you, your children, and your grandchildren if treated decently.

Just will be looking for rifle, don’t own any pistols. (Pain in the ass in Canada) I don’t see myself chasing that small of group but would like to get my new 7mm-08 shooting a tight group and tighten up my 30-06. Was hoping to get started with the basics for under $1500


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[Elite]

Here’s my list it’s ever changing but should give you a starting place.

Reloading

-Measuring tools
Iguaging digital caliper
Hornady OAL gauge
Tap and die set 5/16-36 RH tpi
Drill bit. 290 letter gauge L
Sinclair comparator body
Sinclair comparator inserts
Sinclair bump gauge inserts
Sinclair concentricity gauge



-Powder measuring
ChargeMaster Lite
Lyman powder funnel kit

-Case prep
Lyman tumbler
Media corncob or walnut(lizard bedding)
RCBS chamfer/deburr tool
Sinclair/Lee trimmer
Case holder-New brass
Case holder-Fired brass
Hand primer

-Dies
Sinclair expander bushing die
Sinclair expander mandrel
RCBS universal decapping die
Redding Type S match FL sizing die
Redding Type S neck sizing bushing
Hornady Lock Rings
Redding competition seating die

-Miscellaneous
Hornady one shot case lube
Sinclair loading blocks
Chronograph
Shell Holders
Brake cleaner
Imperial neck sizing (graphite)

-Order websites
Natchez
Powder Valley
Midsouth shooters supply
Midway USA
Sinclair international
Brownells
Palmetto state armory
Graph and sons
RMR bullets
Inline fabrication
Peterson cartridge company

-Information
Lyman reloading book
Nosler book
Hornady book

-Press
RCBS rebel
MEC
Redding turret

That’s a awesome list thanks for posting that! I will have to do some research on a lot of the items on that list!


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[MBAO-millennialbyageonly]

That’s a awesome list thanks for posting that! I will have to do some research on a lot of the items on that list!


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You bet yeah some of it is kinda random or for certain applications so if you have any questions let me know. Ex the tap/die and drill bit is for making your mod fire formed cartridges to fit the Hornady oal gauge.

 

[rayporter]

i still use a lyman press i bought about 1963 or so as my primary press for heavy work. a press pushes a case into a die. the press is not the heart of the operation- the dies are.

kits are handy but you can do better buying single items.

 

[HeavilyArmedHIppie]

I started with a basic RCBS kit, way less than that one has. It came with a Rock Chucker Supreme, a balance scale, powder thrower, hand primer and some other stuff. I have since upgraded a lot of it but for a long long time it worked really well. It’s a good way to start I think.

There are so many rabbit holes in reloading and if you want to nerd out and obsess over minutiae, it may well cost you a lot of money in the long run.

 

[Moose83]

I'm still running the lee precision kit I bought at wholesale sports probly 8-9 years ago. I think It cost me $150. I upgraded the powder measure to an rcbs because the lee one was a PITA... but other than that it's worked just fine. As mentioned above if your dies are set up properly that's far more important than the press your using.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I started out with an rcbs rock chucker setup, it was great I was losing in no time. Over the years I’ve upgraded some stuff and added a few things but I still use the rcbs press, powder thrower, powder trickler, scale...well everything really.