What press should I start reloading with?

Which kit to start?

  • LEE TURRET PRESS DELUXE 4 HOLE TURRET AUTO INDEX

    Votes: 56 55.4%

  • RCBS PRESS ROCK CHUCKER SUPREME MASTER KIT

    Votes: 35 34.7%

  • HORNADY PRESS LOCK-N-LOAD CLASSIC KIT

    Votes: 10 9.9%
  • Total voters
    101
  • Poll closed .
Status
Not open for further replies.
G

Greywindcoming

Member
Joined
Feb 8, 2011
Messages
6
I have been doing research and I am trying to decided what would be a good choice for starting pistol reloading primarily .40 S&W. I live an apartment and I do have a limited budget. Here is what I have found so far but I would really appreciate any thoughts and information you can share.

The lee turret press deluxe kit seems the best fiscally and with dies,bullets and powder it looks like it would be around 200 or less to start.

The RCBS rock chucker supreme master reloading kit seems like it would be around 380 for press and dies but apparently there is a $50 dollar rebate so actual cost would be less.

The Hornady LNL Classic kit seems about the same price as the rcbs but you get 500 free bullets for the press and another 100 for the dies and I was planning to using hornady bullets for my reloads anyway.

So input?
 
I have a Lee Classic Cast Turret and love it. It'll do anything I want/need to do with about 12 different calibers so far. I like the ability to setup my various die sets in their own turret ring and leave them there, makes changing calibers very quick and easy and the settings never change. Some folks will say you MUST have nothing less than a Dillon progressive, but unless you're going to be cranking ammo out by the thousands I personally don't see the need. The LCCT has a slight learning curve (their instructions are kinda vague), but it's a great press to start with. JMHO.
 
The cost of the kit/press will be dwarfed by the cost of the ammo it's loading.....

I use a Lee Classic Turret. I would say save up a few more $$ and go with the Classic over the deluxe kit. both are fine -- whatever suits your budget. I would rather have a Deluxe Kit and a RCBS powder measure then spend all my money on a Classic and have none left over for a good RCBS beam scale/electronic scale. You will more than likely throw away the Lee Powder Measure and will replace it with a RCBS Rangemaster or RCBS 5-0-5 beam scale. So budget for that ..... There are 1000s of folks who are very sucessful with the Lee Perfect Powder Measure beam scale... you deserve to read both sides -- Call me ignorant, dumb, slow hick from the south....but I couldn't figure out how to use it....I recycled it in my blue recycle bin provided by the city.

I'm new myself....but it doesn't take but a couple rounds to see why a turret is so cool....especially when you aren't "precision" loading for rifle.

If for your imaging reloading to save money then I would think about it a little more -- if you would like to make it a hobby then welcome aboard!

That's just a very brief summary -- I'm on my lunch break. heh In the end this thread will be full of rebuttals and different opinions on where to begin and where to go. Work with your budget and stick to a name brand and you'll be OK...

And Welcome to THR!
 
Last edited:
My goal is not so much saving money as a hobby and as maybe getting more rounds for the same amount. Plus my personal interest is in developing some self defense loads.
 
You cant go wrong starting out with the Lee Classic Turret. There are kits available from Graf's and Sons, and Cabela's.
 
Lee Classic Cast Turret. There's a good kit from Kempf that has just what you need and not what you don't!

The difference between the Classic and the Cast is more than worth the $$$$$$. The Cast is cast iron and can be used for many rifle cartridges. The Classic is made of aluminum and isn't near as sturdy.

Both, however, can be made to act as a single-stage press (removing the auto-index rod piece).

I know because I have both of them -- and if I had to do it all over again, I'd never have bought the classic, only the Cast!

No matter what you end up with, you're on the right road! Good luck. :D

Here's the link to the kit: Kempf Gun Shop Classic Cast Turret Press kit
 
Last edited:
Grey, you can always spend more money down the road if you choose to. The Lee Classic Turret Press (I also bought mine from Sue@Kempf Gun Shop) is a very good tool. Mine has loaded thousands of rounds in 45ACP, 380ACP and 357SIG.
 
You said you were on a budget, but if you can afford the RCBS kit, then i would say "None of the Above" and go with a Lee Classic Turret, and buy the other stuff you need.

So yes, another note for the LCT.

If you really want a "kit" here's one --> http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shoo...Rprd706046&WTz_l=SBC;BRprd706046;cat104516280

You may not like the scale but it works and is accurate, it's just a bit hard to read. This "kit" isn't very complete like the Lee kit you're asking about, but I think you'll like the press better (I have both), but the lee kit you mention will do just fine for pistol.

Also Kempf's makes a kit based on the LCT press. with some decent stuff.

You could also go to Natchez and put it all together piece by piece... their site is hard to navigate, but their prices are pretty good.
 
Get the Lee classic turret press. I shoot and load alot. I load 40,41,44,45,480,475,500s&w handgun loads. I load 35 marlin,270 winand 300 Weatherby in rifle loads all on the Lee classic turret press.
This press has loaded thousands of rounds for me, Lee dies are awsome too. If you will be loading 40s&w check on getting the Lee Pro Update Kit with the free charge bar. The charge bar works great with 9mm,40s&W and 45acp...I get all my loading equipment from Midway USA.
 
+1 for the Lee. Single stage is the best way to start, but with a turret press it's an advanced single stage basically.
 
As an apartment dweller, me likes my light and compact Breechlock Challenger. When I'm not reloading, it stows away under the bench and takes up less space than my powder jars. And I use scoops, so I don't have to deal with stowing and setting up a powder dispenser and scale every time I load one of my regular recipes - an automatic powder dispenser is practically a must to get the most out of a turret press.

Don't forget to allot some funds for a tumbler. Sure, you can clean with liquids for free, but when you figure in the drying, tarnishing, and lubing that comes along with liquid washing, a tumbler and a little car polish is the way to go!
 
Last edited:
I have the RCBS Rockchucker Supreme; the press is very sturdy and has met my every expectation. I bought the kit at a gunshow for $300 (not including dies) and it turned out to have everything needed to reload. Additional items that didn't come in the kit that I find necessary...

1) a set of check weights for the RCBS 505 balance scale; the scale came in the kit and does a good job, but still needs to be more accurately calibrated using the weights than just zeroing the scale

2) powder trickler; I find that the RCBS powder charger in the kit is accurate to within .1 grain about 90% off the time, but once in a while it throws a charge that is off by as much as .3 grain

3) case trimmer; the RCBS kit did not come with a case trimmer, so I bought a Lyman...it has been very inconsistent in trim lengths and mechanically troublesome-recommend you buy the little Lee brand trimmer that fits on your drill; everyone seems to say it is very reliable and trustworthy and runs about $10.

4) digital calipers...needed to measure overall case and cartridge length; $10 to $40 or more depending on how accurate and durable you want it to be.

Jasper
 
Last edited:
Another vote for the Lee Classic Turret press. Just ordered mine from Sue @ Kempf Gun Shop. Great to deal with. Mine is set to arrive tomorrow. Lots of folks recommend starting with a single stage press to gain a full understanding of the reloading operation. I completely agree with this. Considering budget, do some reading on Lee Classic Loader kits. That's what I started out using (for a very brief period) and it gives you a good lesson on fundamentals. May not be that good for loading pistols, but if you shoot any rifles, maybe something to consider.

Good luck
 
I use a Lee Classic Turret. I would say save up a few more $$ and go with the Classic over the deluxe kit.
Click to expand...

I agree. I bought the Deluxe Kit and really wish that I had gotten the Classic Turret. I didn't care that much for the Lee scale or the Auto Disk PM. I agree with mbruce, the RCBS 505 is easier to read. No doubt the Lee is accurate, just not my choice. The Dillon Eliminator is basically the same as the 505 but about $20 cheaper.

Knowing now what I didn't know then, I'd put together my own system, but, I don't think that you'll really go wrong with any of those 3. My choice would be for the RCBS if I wanted to load mostly rifles and the Lee Classic Turret for handguns or a wider assortment of calibers. Changing out a turret is super easy. In a place where space was an issue I think that the turret might have an advantage there as well. I prefer the RCBS, but I do not live in an apartment and load more rifle cartridges than handguns.
 
If not the Hornady Classic, then look at the Lee Classic turret. If not that, then the Lee Breech Lock Classic Cast Press.
In actuality, the first press should be the Lee Reloading Press and the Lee manual combination for about $35. This little press will do what you want and you will quickly learn exactly what you would like to improve. Plus, you will keep the little press forever for misc. little jobs.
 
Welcome to the forum and welcome to reloading. Thanks for asking our advice.

Greywindcoming,

Lee really should do something about their naming policy.

Lee Challenger is an aluminum single stage press
Lee Classic Cast Press is a cast iron single stage press

Both come with in two versions. One where you screw in the dies in the old fashioned way. The other where you can use quick-change bushings.

Lee Deluxe Turret is aluminum and is not as well-regarded as Lee's other turret.

Lee Classic Turret is cast iron and (in my opinion) is the pinnacle of turret press development in the industry thus far.

Don't get them mixed up on your order sheet.

Lost Sheep
 
Consider space requirements

I don't leave my press set up between sessions. I put my entire loading bench into 3 toolboxes for storage

3 Toolboxes:

One is 23" x 10"x10" and contains my press (Lee Classic Turret), a 2"x6" board for mounting, the Lee Safety Prime devices and a small "4"X8"X1.5" fishing tackle box to contain all the small parts & tools. There's room for a couple of manuals in there, too, but I store them on my bookshelf, with one next to the computer.

The second (15"x8"x8") contains all the gunpowder handling parts. Scale, funnel, Powder measure/dispenser and a set of Lee's measuring scoops/dippers and my loading safety glasses.

The third (15"x7"x7") contains seven sets of reloading dies, mounted in their turrets inside their plastic storage cylinders, ready to plug into the press and use.

A folding workbench completes the setup. I can go from the utility room to producing ammo in just a few minutes.

For an apartment dweller, I think it works pretty well.

Lost Sheep
 
Here are some links you might like.

You don't have to start out with a whole setup. I loaded for several years before I ever got a bullet puller and several more years after I got one before I ever used it. I loaded for 30 years without a case tumbler. I just wiped my brass clean. It looked grungy, but shot just fine.

All you really need is A press and dies (because fingers are not strong enough to form metal accurately) and a way to mete powder. A $10 set of Lee's dippers can do that adequately, if not well.

Having said that, let me share with you some posts and threads I think you will enjoy. So get a large mug of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, whatever you keep on hand when you read and think and read through these.


The "sticky" thread at the top of TheFiringLine's reloading forum is good, entitled, "For the New Reloader: Equipment Basics -- READ THIS FIRST "
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230171

The "sticky" thread at the top of TheHighRoad.com's reloading forum is good, entitled, "For the New Reloader: Thinking about Reloading; Equipment Basics -- READ THIS FIRST"
http://www.thehighroad.org//showthread.php?t=238214

"Budget Beginning bench you will never outgrow for the novice handloader". This was informed by my recent (July 2010) repopulation of my loading bench. It is what I would have done 35 years ago if I had known then what I know now.
http://rugerforum.net/reloading/293...you-will-never-outgrow-novice-handloader.html

Thread entitled "Newby needs help."
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=430391
My post 11 is entitled "Here's my reloading setup, which I think you might want to model" November 21, 2010)
My post 13 is "10 Advices for the novice handloader" November 21, 2010)

The first draft of my "10 Advices..." is on page 2 of this thread, about halfway down.
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=13543

Minimalist minimal
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=107332

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=439810

or if the links do not work, paste these into your browser

thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230171

thehighroad.org//showthread.php?t=238214

rugerforum.net/reloading/29385-budget-beginning-bench-you-will-never-outgrow-novice-handloader.html

thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=430391
(posts are #11 and #13)


rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=13543

Minimalist minimal (the seventh post down)
rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=107332

thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=439810

Good luck. Always wear eye protection, especially when working with primers and don't pinch your fingers in your press. Be safe. Always, all ways.

Lost Sheep
 
Another Lee Classic Turret vote. I have a Rock Chucker that I bought 20 years ago and it is a good press, but I still have my eye on the LCT.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

W
  • Locked
Choosing between kits?
Replies
17
Views
1K
whubbard
W
D
  • Locked
Please HELP me choose the right beginner press...
2
Replies
29
Views
2K
mek42
M
N
  • Locked
What do you reloaders think of this deal?
Replies
9
Views
810
Marlin 45 carbine
M
Bobson
  • Locked
RCBS "Starter" Kits?
2
Replies
25
Views
3K
777TRUTH
7
R
  • Locked
Amassing the required tools to start reloading Do I have everything I need?
2
Replies
29
Views
1K
KansasSasquatch
K
Back
Top