Ammo reloding kits...?

Question

Now that Ive had firearms for several months I realize that I need a reloader. 45 and 223 rounds are expensive at the store, and I know from buying rounds at gun shows that I'm getting bent over and pounded every time I pay $8 for 20 .223's at Wal-Mart. I know nothing about reloading ammo, but it can't be that complicated, I would just like some thoughts on some good ones. (and cheap) Thanks.

Answer 1

First thing you need to do is go to a gunshop that stocks reloading supplies and buy at least one and preferably two reloading manuals. Speer and Hornady are both good choices. Don't buy anything else on that trip. Just take the manuals home and study the how-to section carefully.

After a week or two of study, you will have a better idea of the equipment you really NEED and the equipment you can get by without for a while.

I strongly recommend RCBS's Partner Press Kit. It will give you everything you need to get started, except powder, primers, brass, bullets, and dies. I recommend RCBS Carbide Dies for your .45 ACP (had some unpleasant results with Lee .45 ACP dies) and whatever brand you can get the best deal on for the .223. An inertial bullet puller will come in handy for disassembling mistakes, and a powder measure will speed production.

I think you will do best to start with a single stage press and learn the basics of reloading. Later, if your shooting volume justifies the need, you can upgrade to a progressive press for high volume loading and reserve the single stage for load development.

Welcome to the world of reloading. It is the only way you can shoot lots without going broke.

Doc

Answer 2

Depending on how many rounds you want to reload at a time, Lee has a reloader for you. If you only reload a few rounds, say 20 or fewer, at a time, the Lee Loader will do the trick and at a very reasonable price. For a little more money, you can get a Lee reloading kit that has a press, dies, powder scale, etc. I would recommend this kit if you are reloading more than about 20 rounds at a time. You can see both of these at Bass Pro, Cabela's or on line at Lee Precision. I don't know the online address but just do a Google search. Go to their reloading section because Lee Precision makes other things than just reloading equipment. Later, if you get interested in reloading you will want to upgrade to something like an RCBS or Dillon outfit. Both will cost you quite a bit more than the Lee but they will last you a lifetime. Be sure that you also buy a reloading manual and be thoroughly familiar with which bullets and powder combinations are appropriate for your guns. BE SURE....DON'T GUESS!!!

Answer 3

Reloading is not difficult, but there are some steps that need to be followed. I would second the purchase of a reloading manual (Hornady or Speer both have excellent how to sections). As for a kit, the rcbs rock chucker master reloading kit is fairly complete and has almost everything you need to get started; it is also capable of doing everything from pistol to large rifle rounds. As you are learning, stay with a single stage press until you get the hang of things. Try to see if there is a NRA reloading course near your area, sometimes having a mentor can save you lots of grief. Once you get an idea of what you want, take a look at some of the mail order outlets (midway, natchez, etc.), they will give you better prices. Good luck and enjoy.

John

Answer 4

I assume you mean 45 ACP.
Your choice is going to depend in large part on how much you shoot each. If you shoot the ACP a lot you'll want a case trimmer and possibly a progressive press. If you're primarily shooting the 223, a single-stage press will do fine. My little brother absconded with most of my reloading equipment a few years ago, and I simply bought an RCBS RockChucker kit with a few additions that you'll need but they curiously didn't put in the kit. Be forewarned, though: you won't save money. Instead, you'll obsess over finding the perfect load, and before long you'll need a larger house for all the new components you "just have to try."

Answer 5

A single station kit would be the best place to start. Get the most expensive you can afford, it is cheaper than upgrading the tools and scale later. The multi station manual presses generally do not give you perfect alignment. Each reloading manual has something different to offer, depending on the author. Tayloring the ammunition to your gun and getting the best accuracy you can and recycling the cases for the cost benifit are enough reason to reload. The repeatitious work involve can seem tedious at first, but the more you do the more satisfying it is to produce. Seperate each process and develop quality control for each. Your safety is the main thing.

Answer 6

Lee is a good brand to get started with--it's even a good brand to stay with. I know guys who have used them for years. Pick up the anniversary kit with the single stage press and the reloading manual. Read the manual to get an idea of what is going on then find people who reload. A local gun shop, a local gun club, you can even hang around a range and find people who reload. The NRA has a course that teaches you how to reload. Everyone will recommend a different brand of reloading equipment, but it's probably best to start with a single stage press (that's in the anniversary kit) and keep it simple. Once you figure out what you're doing and having decided you want to keep doing it you can decide what brand (or brands) of equipment you want to use. I have a combination of Lee, Lyman, RCBS, Redding and a few others--they all have their advantages and disadvantages; but you need to get your feet on the ground before you can recognize them. Good Luck.

Answer 7

I'd go check out the Lee reloader website: http://www.factorysales.com/
There you'll find everything you need to reload all your empties, as well as the knowledge you'll need not to kill yourself in the process. It's strongly advisable to read through the 'Modern Reloading' manual before you even start to set up your stuff for reloading at all.

I have a few Lee kits to reload .45-70 and .223 for my bolt-gun, and while some people say they're no good and break easily, I only had a problem with one once, and it cost a buck to get a replacement part for it. It doesn't help that I was grossly misusing the tool, but such is life.

Answer 8

Reloading straight walled pistol ammo is a snap, but the bottlenecked rifle ammo presents more of a challenge. Go to the library ,and look through a few reloading books before you decide to spend any money.

Answer 9

I would go with RCBS also. I have two Rock Crusher presses set up in my room + two shotgun reloaders ( 12 & 20 Ga )
It's fairly expensive to get set up, but it's more of a hobby to me. Just be sure to buy the the best you can afford and you won't be sad!

Answer 10

$8 is not that bad at all for 20 of them. slugs for a 12 gauge cost $5 for 5!!!!!!!! reloading is VERY TIME CONSUMING!!! i recommend you just stick with walmart, and dont shoot as much