Reloading Kits - Good for a beginner?

[MiddTennTaco]

I was at outpost armory the other day and I was surprised to see "complete" reloading kits for sale for roughly less than $150. For some reason I always thought it cost considerably more to get a reloading system together and that still may be so. I am just wondering if these pre-made kits are any good or if a reloading system could be made for around the same price range. At this time, I'd just like to reload cheap low pressure.38 spl for a S&W revolver. Perhaps 9mm and .223 in the future if possible.

The three main reasons I'd like to get into reloading is to #1 be able to make economic plinker ammo, #2 eventually be able to make accurate performance handloads, and #3 for fun. I'd certainly like to take advantage of David's forum-famous reloading supply deals!

Thoughts, advice, concerns? Thanks!

[Dolomite_supafly]

Do a search for my username and "midway". You will find a very nice list that is also cheap.

When I get home I will edit this and add it here.

Dolomite

[MississippiBoy]

I am looking at one such kit by Lee, but it is around $200. The press will load larger cartridges then the cheaper version. Also some single stage kits are around that price.

So far for my interests the classic turret kit by Lee seems to be the best value.

[Dolomite_supafly]

These are all available at Midway Usa. They normally have coupons online so you can save money as well.

[url="http://www.midwayusa.com/product/540522/lee-perfect-powder-measure"]lee-perfect-powder-measure[/url]

[url="http://www.midwayusa.com/product/566058/lee-auto-prime-hand-priming-tool-shellholder-package-of-11"]lee-auto-prime-hand-priming-tool-shellholder-package-of-11[/url]

[url="http://www.midwayusa.com/product/713372/frankford-arsenal-micro-reloading-electronic-powder-scale-750-grain-capacity"]frankford-arsenal-micro-reloading-electronic-powder-scale-750-grain-capacity[/url]

[url="http://www.midwayusa.com/product/807875/lee-auto-prime-hand-priming-tool"]lee-auto-prime-hand-priming-tool[/url]

[url="http://www.midwayusa.com/product/118739/lyman-electronic-scale-powder-funnel-pan"]lyman-electronic-scale-powder-funnel-pan[/url]

[url="http://www.midwayusa.com/product/824144/lee-classic-cast-breech-lock-single-stage-press"]lee-classic-cast-breech-lock-single-stage-press[/url]

[url="http://www.midwayusa.com/product/858110/hornady-lock-n-load-press-and-die-conversion-bushing-kit"]hornady-lock-n-load-press-and-die-conversion-bushing-kit[/url]

[url="http://www.midwayusa.com/product/417494/hornady-electronic-caliper-6-stainless-steel"]hornady-electronic-caliper-6-stainless-steel[/url]

This is what it would minimally take to load. You would still need to buy the particular dies you need as well as bullets, primers and powder. I suggest the primers and powder be purchased locally. I would also suggest buying jacketed bullets in the begining, they are easier to deal with than cast. Cast bullets add another facet to reloading.

People are going to say the Lee stuff is crap but I have used all these items for a few years now without a single issue. For the money the Perfect Powder Measure can't be beat.

I prefer a electronic over a balance beam. Balance beams take a lot longer to settle than an electronic.

No need to tumble your brass to clean them. Get some Lemishine at Walmart. Add a table spoon to some water and soak your brass for 24 hours. Every time you walk by give them a shake to aggitate them. Rinse them and let dry. Brass will be very clean and useable.

As far as supplies to reload you can get what you need from David, DLM37015 on here. He has all the supplies you could want or need to reload.

The list above is under $200.

Here are a few things to do to save money at the cost of convienence

You could do away with the conversion bushings if you don't mind setting up your dies each time. I find it hard to make identical ammunition when I have to set the dies up each time.

You could also do away with the powder pan and just weigh the powder in the casing. You just need to make sure to zero out the scale for each casing because they all weigh differently.

You could also dip out the powder and not use the Perfect Powder Measure but that is a very slow going process.

The Press has a priming tool on it but that is also another slow going process. You are also tied to your press to prime cases. With the hand primers you can watch TV while priming cases.

Dolomite

[Guest Frightful1]

Try here for Lee equipment: https://fsreloading.com/. Prices are usually pretty good. I started out with the Lee Breech Lock Challanger press and quickly graduated to the Classic Cast Turret press. I still use the single stage for depriming and some other rifle functions. Add a decent electronic scale and a set of dies and you are good to go. Usually you can get a pretty good single caliber setup for under $300 with some of the goodies. While you do not have to clean your used brass, it is a good idea. It keeps your dies cleaner and just makes for a nicer looking product. Any of the better names of vibratory cleaners will do the job. I use an ultrasonic for cleaning, and a vibratory unit for polishing, but that is just me cuz I like shiney brass.

I have found that I really do not save much money reloading. I wind up shooting more. The main reason I got back into reloading was for ammo availablity and consistancy. Look back at 2008 when you could not find common ammo to save your backside. Right now the problem is finding a reliable source of powder and primers.

Also, JMHO, but the best thing you can invest in is a couple of good reloading manuals. I personally use the Speer #14 and Modern reloading. I have others but those are the ones I use for reference.

[gregintenn]

Kits have [i]most[/i] of what you need to reload, and they offer discounts over buying the items seperately. I've yet to see a kit that contained everything you'd want to reload, and furthermore, the more I reload, the more tools I decide I need. I started many years ago with the Lee Anniversary Kit, and still use most of the items included.

[RED333]

I just got to laugh at myself and yall, ya start as small as you can to save a few bucks,
and before ya know it you have more reload stuff than you know what to do with.
Trim tools, case gauges, powder, books, primers, brass and more brass, boolits and bullets.
Then if you cast, O MAN watch out, the molds reproduce like mad, but it is fun, relaxing
and the best part, MONEY SAVING!!!

[Clod Stomper]

[quote name='RED333' timestamp='1355098967' post='857464']
and the best part, MONEY SAVING!!!
[/quote]

Money saving? Not for me. BUT, I can shoot more and more interesting ammo.

Will

[AdotOdot4]

You migh also check Kempf Gun Shop. I used to buy a fair bit from them when I was local.

[dlm37015]

call me i have an extra kit at home

[MiddTennTaco]

PM sent.

[jkf74]

[quote name='AdotOdot4' timestamp='1355100960' post='857482']
You migh also check Kempf Gun Shop. I used to buy a fair bit from them when I was local.
[/quote]

I ordered a Lee Classic Turret Press Kit from them a year or so ago and am very happy with it. I also suggest to OP check them out if he hasn't found anything yet. The kit comes with everything one would need minus a scale and manuals. Even includes your choice of dies for one caliber. $209

https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=630&category_id=190&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41&vmcchk=1&Itemid=41