big box of reloading stuff ...

[keeperofthehills]

There is an older co worker of mine with whom I am always talking shooting with. I one day mentioned that i would like to get into reloading but all i have is one set of dies for my .250-3000 savage that i bought so a friend could reload for me. Well, he came to work the next day with a large box of reloading stuff (hence thread title) he said it was everything i needed to get started except powder. he gave me 3 die sets: 30-06, .243, and .357 magnum. everything in the box is RCBS except for the case trimmer, its lyman i think. everything is in like new condition. all for 320 bucks. and I am trying to find out if im getting boned. any help would be great.

 

[Mal H]

Off hand it doesn't sound like a super deal, but it is hard to say without knowing what's in the box other than the dies. Is the press a Rockchuker? Can you give a list of the stuff in the box?

 

[vega]

A set of RCBS Supreme master reloading kit costs $260 at Cabela's. Rifle dies @$22.00 and pistol dies @ $32.00

The kit contains the press, hopper, scale, hand priming tool, hex set, funnel, manual, de-burring tool, loading block and case lube set. That would cost somewhere around $336 +shipping (heavy weight).

Like Mal said, depends what other stuffs on the box.

vega

 

[Harbinger]

Actually, the RCBS Supreme master reloading kit at Cabela's is on sale for $219 bucks. Shipping will tack on another $20 dollars. Sale is good until January 20th. Mine was just shipped to me yesterday.

 

[keeperofthehills]

there is a press, case trimmer, de-burring tool, powder thrower, scale, powder trickler, dial caliper, the thing with the holes (case loading block?), cap rods?, 3 die sets for included brass. and a shoe box of new cases, primers and bullets (30-06,.243 winchester and 357 magnum) Scott said all id need is powder to get started. i dont know model numbers or anything but everything is RCBS brand except the case trimmer and is in like new condition.

 

[Mike Irwin]

You have three other purchases to make...

A copy of Dean Grennell's "The ABCs of Reloading."

By far the best introductory primer written on the subject.

Two reloading manuals.

RCBS, Hornady, Lyman, Lee, and Sierra all make good loading manuals.

You can also get loading "pamphlets" from the manufacturer of your chosen powder, either at your local gunshop, by writing away, by requesting them from the company's website, or by downloading a file from the company's website.

 

[Mal H]

The trimmer, box of shells/bullets, and caliper all make it an ok deal. I'm going to assume the press is a Rock Chuker, if it isn't then it's not a deal at all. However, if it's a Pro 2000 then it's a steal, but I doubt it is.

To be honest, he isn't giving you a real deal, but he isn't trying to cheat you either (again, assuming a RC press). It's your call.

Mike is absolutely right. You need at least 2 good reloading manuals. He says one must be Grennell's "ABC's of Reloading", I say it should be Lyman's current "Reloading Handbook". You can't go wrong with either, or better yet, both of them.

 

[Ala Dan]

Hey Mal & Mike-

That just might be an R.C.B.S. "Jr2" press too?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Mike Irwin]

"He says one must be Grennell's "ABC's of Reloading"

I don't count Grennell's book as a loading manual. I see it as a how to book.

A loading manual normally includes instructions on how to load, but not nearly in the depth found in Grennells' book.


One last thought. You may want to pick your powders of choice based on recommendations and THEN pick your reloading manuals.

If you want to use WW 231, then the Lyman book isn't as good a choice as it doesn't have nearly as much information for that powder as does the Hornady book.

You'll also see variation in the amount of powder listed for bullets in various loading manuals from the different companies. That's normal, so don't get freaked by it.


One last thing you need to buy if you don't have them already -- a set of scale check weights.

 

[Mal H]

Agreed Mike. The reason I put Lyman's manual in the ring with "The ABC's .." is that I see it as a how-to manual also. In fact, I don't like the reloading section all that much. The initial chapters, about 180 pages worth, is chock full of reloading advice, theory, ballistics. It's a great resource for reloading/cartridge info.

We both agree a second manual for actual reloading data is essential. Your list of those is a good one. I would add Nosler's manual to it. If I had to choose one and only one, it would be the current Speer manual.

 

[Jeeper]

If you havent bought it already then I wouldnt. I think you are missing a few pieces you would get in a new kit like a manual and such. if you need the dies he is giving then it still isnt really a deal. You should pay about 200 for a used kit like that. I sold a buddy everything you mentioned plus a tumbler, case seperator and digital scale for 250. That was a deal. Your buddy is screwing you.

 

[Mike Irwin]

The Nosler book I find to be too lacking in lead bullet information, so it's not of much use to me.

I'd forgotten about the front sections of the Lyman book (I normally flip right to what I have tabbed), and you're right.