Topic: looking for reloading equipment

[kray]

I'm looking for reloading equip. Just starting so I need everything, would like to start out with a rock chucker with 40 caliber dies. I'm not sure of what all I need.

[fj40mojo]

The RCBS master kit should have everything you need to get started minus dies.
https://shop.rcbs.com/WebConnect/MainServlet?storeId=webconnect&catalogId=webconnect&langId=en_US&action=ProductDisplay&screenlabel=index&productId=2854&route=C04J148
I'd advise you get a pair of calipers too. Beyond that brass, bullets, powder and primers. If you are looking for a mentor to show you the ropes there are several here who including myself who will offer ourselves up. Welcome to your new addiction.

[Grumblecakes]

If you go piecemeal, not a bad idea if you can get certain items super cheap, I reccomend not skimping on a good scale and a good set of calipers. I used a lee balance for a while and it worked. A Rcbs digital one has proven faster and easierto read. As far as overall safety and quality those two items will be your best friend

[J Mack]

Like anything your budget will determine what you ultimately end up with.

As FJ said above the RCBS kit is a great starting point you may also look into Lee.
Dillon has some great progressive presses that would cost a bit more $.$$ but save time.
I would check out Cliff’s guns and safes for the best selection and knowledge on reloading supplies, but be warned you’ll pay for that knowledge and help.     

[kray]

sounds like rcbs might be the way to go, what about hornady do they make a good press and can these two presses use the same dies.

[Grumblecakes]

I haven't looked at hornady in a while. Most of their components have given my wonderful results. Thier dies seem a bit pricy and I have never used them. I think lee dies are the way to go for pistol since all their dies have a carbide insert and pistols don't require as much precision to get results. Rcbs rifle dies have been winners for me. Replacing broken pins is easier because of the design and availability. You can also look the seating die down and minor bumps won't throw it off. If go with Rcbs dies buy a lee necksizing die they are amazing and cheap. A lee factory crimp die is a great one to add too.
The last set of dies I use are a special order set for 300/221 fireball by redding. Very very solid set of dies with a bit of adatability for wild caters. If I had the money I would Probaly replace some of my dies with redding. They cost 2x as much.

If you only plan to reload pistol for now save money and get the lee dies. For rifle I would reccomend Rcbs unless you have money for redding

[RGinIdaho]

KRay,
Dies are interchangable between manufacturers.

For pistol, definitely go with carbide dies. All brands offer a carbide version for pistol. If you don't go with carbide, you have to lube the cases = PITA

Skip all of the foofy crimp dies and such until you know you have an issue. Properly adjusted 3 die sets will produce good reliable ammo if they are set up right. No sense buying something you don't need.  If you go progressive, you will want a seperate crimp die. With a single stage set-up  you can seat all bullets then adjust the seat die to crimp in a separate step.

Hornady, RCBS or Redding is where I would go equipment wise.

The single stage press is pretty much fool proof, so this is the one place where brand really isn't an issue. If you plan to shoot more than a hundred or so per month, go with a progressive press.

Dillon is the gold standard where consumer progressives are concerned but Hornady is a good option as well. The others work but you will soon want to upgrade.

+1 on the calipers. They are the key to setting up dies properly.

BTW, you can come buy and load some at my place and see the process so that you know what you are actually buying and why.

[birddog1989]

Skip all of the foofy crimp dies and such until you know you have an issue. Properly adjusted 3 die sets will produce good reliable ammo if they are set up right. No sense buying something you don't need.  If you go progressive, you will want a seperate crimp die. With a single stage set-up  you can seat all bullets then adjust the seat die to crimp in a separate step.

I agree with this except if you know your are going to be shoot cast pistol bullets.  When you buy them in bulk they are not always consistently sized.  I recommend a Lee Factory Crimp Die.  The main reason is it has a carbide sizing ring that will ensure your rounds are more consistent and reliable.  I have been using one for about 5 years now and it has paid for itself many times.  If you just shoot jacketed bullets or cast ones you know for sure are sized properly don't sweat it.

[Precise]

I agree with this except if you know your are going to be shoot cast pistol bullets.  When you buy them in bulk they are not always consistently sized.  I recommend a Lee Factory Crimp Die.  The main reason is it has a carbide sizing ring that will ensure your rounds are more consistent and reliable.  I have been using one for about 5 years now and it has paid for itself many times.  If you just shoot jacketed bullets or cast ones you know for sure are sized properly don't sweat it.

+1 on Lee dies. I'd also get a Micro Adjust for the top of the die for precession bullet seating depth.