What to purchase to get started?

[Spots]

What equipment would you suggest for someone with more time than money, who wants to reload .45 acp, 5.56, and .308? Not looking to work out crazy loads, just trying to take some of the cost out of shooting, and be able to load up or down for different situations. Not looking into casting yet either. Just need suggestions for bare min. of equipment. Of course I would buy a good reload manual before anything else.

Edited January 23, 2013 by Spots

[R_Bert]

Feel free to drop by here, and check out the bench, young Cuz,

 

for starters, you need supplies.  I suggest pinging David & arranging for primers, powder, & projectiles. 

 

At least get powder & primers (ask David which ones for the caliber you are going to start with).  they are expensive to ship.

Edited January 23, 2013 by R_Bert

[Raoul]

How about a single stage press like a RCBS Rock chucker. You can use multiple dies and it produces a good round.

[Guest Fruit jar]

The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Kit #90030 would be my choice to began with. A few other items will be needed and dies for each cal.

About a hard time to start, everyone is out of stock, or they want 3 times the regular price.

[runco]

I have been very pleased with Dolomite's advice that I learned from this post back in December, I have followed it precisely:   http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/topic/56167-good-reloading-starter-kit/

 

Post #5:

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

lee-perfect-powder-measure

lee-auto-prime-hand-priming-tool-shellholder-package-of-11

frankford-arsenal-micro-reloading-electronic-powder-scale-750-grain-capacity

lee-auto-prime-hand-priming-tool

lyman-electronic-scale-powder-funnel-pan

lee-classic-cast-breech-lock-single-stage-press

hornady-lock-n-load-press-and-die-conversion-bushing-kit

hornady-electronic-caliper-6-stainless-steel

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

[xd shooter]

Spots you have been more than generous with your knife making to many members here.

 

Therefore shoot me a PM with your address. I have Redding balance beam scale that I will donate to your cause.

[Spots]

Spots you have been more than generous with your knife making to many members here.

Therefore shoot me a PM with your address. I have Redding balance beam scale that I will donate to your cause.

This in incredibly generous offer. Thank you

[frankmako]

first thing i would get is a reloading book.  new or used.  old or new.  a book first is a must.  then i would look for used equipment.  a single stage press, scales, dies, lube w/pad, and a sold work bench.  then primers, powderr, bullets, and brass.  small things like loading blocks can be home made with wood and a drill.  i started in 73 with a lyman sparten single stage press, lyman scales, lyman book, lee delux dies.  still use them today.