Getting started, what equipment do I need?

[Old Stumpy]

Stumpy; your curmudgen is showing.....

I tried a curmudgen once and didn't like it.
I will stick to jelly donuts.

 

[kmw1954]

And, I question the actual need for quick change dies.

Not a matter of need, a matter of want and they are just providing what their customers are asking for.

 

[Bugster]

I was/am very happy with the Challenger press. It has served me well in all aspects of my reloading. While it is true that the body of the press is cast aluminum, I have never had any problems with it in the breech lock system or the quick change die bushings. I did finally buy a Lee classic cast single stage press for heavy lifting like swaging etc. But for everyday reloading the Challenger is a great little press you won't be sorry. I have seen many folks who don't like the Challenger and many who just don't like Lee products at all. I won't say that one person is right and another wrong, it comes down to opinion. It comes down to you, check the reviews, pro and con and decide for yourself. As for me I'm not sorry in any way that my first press was the Challenger.