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Posted: 3/3/2011 5:43:07 PM EDT
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I have finally decided to get going on reloading. I've helped a buddy reload some .45 ACP, but that's the limit of my experience. I'm looking at getting a starter kit and I have some Amazon gift codes to burn. I have about $150 to spend, so tell me what you think if these kits:
1 2 Is this too much of a kit to start with? I'd still need to get dies and powder, etc and this would be used to reload mainly 9mm, .45 ACP, .223/5.56, and .308/7.62NATO. |
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Quoted:
I have finally decided to get going on reloading. I've helped a buddy reload some .45 ACP, but that's the limit of my experience. I'm looking at getting a starter kit and I have some Amazon gift codes to burn. I have about $150 to spend, so tell me what you think if these kits: 1 2 Is this too much of a kit to start with? I'd still need to get dies and powder, etc and this would be used to reload mainly 9mm, .45 ACP, .223/5.56, and .308/7.62NATO. Both of those look like pretty good kits to get going... I prefer RCBS, but to each his own. In addition to the kits you have listed, you'll need a better scale than the Lee. I had one, and actually threw it away, and I don't throw much away. You'll also need reloading manuals, and there's no such thing as having enough. Those will be your bibles when it comes to starting loads. As far as your loads go, always be sober when you reload, and always start at least 10% below any listed MAX load, and carefully work your way up watching for signs of pressure of fired brass. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. There are some guys on here that know waaaaay more than me, and I'm sure they will all be happy to help. Welcome to the reloading world. Be careful, it's damned addictive. |
| The #1 is the one I'd get simply because it uses the hand priming tool. Been using my Anniversary Kit for about 5 years now for rifle ammo and I don't see any reason to get anything different. The Lee scale is a little difficult to work with, but the one that I have has demonstrated that it is accurate. |
Start with a book that will teach how to reload. Will explain the process, reloading terms, the tools, and how to pick components.(bullets, primers, powder) Buy or check out of library. Top of this page has a wealth of info in the FAQ's, Tutorials, Reloading Tools and Equipment, and Reloading References. All of that info was posted to try and help new reloaders. Become more knowledgeable first, then pick your equipment. |
If you're in NoVA, there's a bunch of us that'd be happy to help you out! 
The Lee kits you linked to should do the job, nicely. You might have to replace the scale (as recommended by the AK kid) but everything else should be fine. I started off with a RCBS Rockchucker kit. I still use it, and a recently acquired Dillon 550B. Several of my friends have been using the Lee kits for years (decades even) and have never felt the need to change up. ABCs of Reloading book is a must-have. Cover to cover read. Depending on your powder/projectile choices... you might be able to forego buying manuals. I use Hodgdon and Ramshot powders, and load data is available online for free. (Ramshots ballistician is also VERY good at responding to inquiries regarding load data for components not listed). Cartridge information stating trim length, max cartridge length, etc is also nicely shown on the Lee die instruction sheets, and/or available online. If you've helped a friend load 45ACP already, then you're already ahead of the game. As intimidating as it might be, reloading is actually quite simple and easy... the most important things are patience and attention to detail. My first reloads were 45ACP. If you have experience with them (even just observing your friend load them), I'd recommend starting off with that caliber. Pistol is 'easier' to load compared to rifle in that there's less steps involved. No lubing necessary with carbide dies, and no trim/chamfer/deburr required. |
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