New to reloading

Money is not a huge issue. I'm definitely a buy once cry once type of person. I would rather get what works well to begin with.
Look at the MEC then. To me, that is the best press for rifle reloading. I converted mine to the Hornady bushings.


All that said, now is the time to puruse the forums, figure out what you want and start accumulating from good deals. Buying new seems to be full price, for now, and when you get home, you still have no primers or some other sold out item.

 
Wow! That looks really nice and well engineered but I didn't say price was totally irrelevant 🤣. I'm not ruling it out though.
 
I use a Forster Co-ax and love it, but am convinced that for less money, you would never regret a Rockchucker...
I own a rockchucker, Lee turret, and a Lee single stage. Other than the "feel" of quality I have failed to find a difference in accuracy of loads in any of them. The only reason I plan to upgrade in the future is to a larger press for bigger longer rounds like the 300 LRH or something along those lines
 
Rockchucker Supreme kit
I rarely recommend "kits" but this is one time where it fits.
Whatever press you may "grow into" later, you will always use that Rock Chucker for certain projects.
Rockchucker - a good, basic meat and potatoes press with a solid track record.

DD
Who is now accepting primers in addition to the traditional Cabelas Gift Cards
for his excellent Internet Answers
:)
 
I started reloading as a young man on a Rockchucker but thought I "needed" a turret so switched to a Lyman T-mag. That didn't last long as I could see it rocking as it sized the brass...to be fair it was their original version and they have since taken care of the problem on later versions. I went back to the Rockchucker for many years but did switch to the Rockchucker Supreme about a year after it came out but both worked fine for most everything! I have always been happy with the quality ammo I have produced. As mentioned earlier, techniques are the most important part...knowledge is your friend! 😊
 
A RCBS, Redding, Lyman, single stage is the way to go. I have had a Rockchucker RCBS for 40 plus years. It has never failed me. That said, I also own a Dillon 550 and 650 for my pistol and high volume rifle rounds. Do not scrimp on a powder scale or measure. Watch the gun forums and you can pick up used presses for a fair price. Purchased both Dillon machines used off local gun boards. Find a local mentor to help with the basics.
 
As the title states I am new to reloading. Actually just getting into it. I am shopping for a press now. I like the simplicity of a single stage and will probably go through every step with a couple hundred cases at a time. I feel like I can pay attention to detail a little better this way. Am I wrong? Any tips? Any suggestions on which press to get and why? I was looking at the Lee breech lock but if it's junk I am open to suggestions. I mainly hunt and punch paper a few times a year but looking to shoot more. No competing or anything.
One thing to consider if it has not been mentioned yet. What is the COAL of the "largest cartridge" you plan on loading? Some presses do not have a big enough opening for some of the big magnums. I have a Redding Big Boss and I love it. Since you are new, I would start with the simplest set-up that is in your budget. Check out this Ultimate reloader YT press shootout it may help you out:

Good luck and welcome aboard!

PH
 
Had a rcbs single for almost 60years,got the kit and got started. Like a lot of above,good scales, mike, case trimmer, compararater, and if you shoot a lot an annealer. Be safe have fun
 
Warning! This thread is more than 4 years ago old.
It's likely that no further discussion is required, in which case we recommend starting a new thread. If however you feel your response is required you can still do so.

Recent Posts

Top