Starting Over

[alleyoop]

Assuming you lost all of your reloading equipment for any reason.
You have all knowledge of what you've used in the past and experience.
So staying as close to $ 500 as possible excluding dies, what would be in your reloading kit ?


For me I'd go with the Dillon RL550 @ $440 and the Dillon Eliminator scale @ $ 70
With the Lyman E-zee trim set @ $ 26 rounding it out for a total of $536

[Omega]

Easy, the Lee Classic Turret press kit. With the extra $300 I'd get some dies and expendables.

https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/0000690304/Classic_Turret_Press_Kit_

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I would get this and still have money left over for powder / primers and a die set or two. I would not buy lee dies i have them
like the RCBS and Redding dies a lot more http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=1324071&destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct.jsp%3FparentCateg oryId%3D104792580%26categoryId%3D104761080%26subCa tegoryId%3D104516280%26productId%3D1311165%26type% 3Dproduct%26destination%3D%252Fcatalog%252Fbrowse% 252Freloading-presses-press-kits%252F_%252FN-1100195%252FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104516280%253FWTz_l%253DSBC%25253BMMc at104792580%25253Bcat104761080%26WTz_l%3DSBC%253BM Mcat104792580%253Bcat104761080%253Bcat104516280&WTz_l=YMAL%3BIK-218211
just came across this http://www.bullets.com/products/Pro-2000-Progressive-Press/BL1674

[starmac]

I do not own a lee press and just a couple of lee die sets. I do have several lee push throughs, factory crimp dies, lee dippers etc.
That said if I had to start all over on a budget, I would probably go lee except for the scale to get back in the game.

[VHoward]

I would get this and still have money left over for powder / primers and a die set or two. I would not buy lee dies i have them
like the RCBS and Redding dies a lot more http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=1324071&destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct.jsp%3FparentCateg oryId%3D104792580%26categoryId%3D104761080%26subCa tegoryId%3D104516280%26productId%3D1311165%26type% 3Dproduct%26destination%3D%252Fcatalog%252Fbrowse% 252Freloading-presses-press-kits%252F_%252FN-1100195%252FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104516280%253FWTz_l%253DSBC%25253BMMc at104792580%25253Bcat104761080%26WTz_l%3DSBC%253BM Mcat104792580%253Bcat104761080%253Bcat104516280&WTz_l=YMAL%3BIK-218211
just came across this http://www.bullets.com/products/Pro-2000-Progressive-Press/BL1674

That's an awesome price on the RCBS Pro 2000. Under $400 with the $50 rebate. Wish I wanted one bad enough, but my XL650 is working just fine for my needs right now.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

That's an awesome price on the RCBS Pro 2000. Under $400 with the $50 rebate. Wish I wanted one bad enough, but my XL650 is working just fine for my needs right now.
ya wish i had the $$ for it but have a hunting trip real soon so gotta save for that

[mac60]

I had to start over after hurricane Katrina. All my guns and components (powder, primers, brass and bullets) were under 5 ft. of brackish water for 12 hrs. or so. What a nightmare. I only lost 1 gun, but my components were all lost. I went with a Lee classic cast single and a classic turret for presses initially, but have added 2 rockchuckers and a few mec shotshell presses. All my dies are Lee, but I have 2 different shades of green, a few shades of red and several other flavors on my bench.
My budget is tight as dick's hatband and I'd make a few changes if I could. Just having tools to load with was the goal - it's moved past that now, but initially it was just affording to get tooled up again so I could shoot.

[MT Chambers]

Forster Co-ax, Redding Deluxe die set, Lyman 55 powder measure, small digital scale, powder trickler, that's a good start.

[Kevin Rohrer]

*A used 550B
*Herter's-3 Super

[Bayou52]

I had to start over after hurricane Katrina. All my guns and components (powder, primers, brass and bullets) were under 5 ft. of brackish water for 12 hrs. or so. What a nightmare. I only lost 1 gun, but my components were all lost. I went with a Lee classic cast single and a classic turret for presses initially, but have added 2 rockchuckers and a few mec shotshell presses. All my dies are Lee, but I have 2 different shades of green, a few shades of red and several other flavors on my bench.
My budget is tight as dick's hatband and I'd make a few changes if I could. Just having tools to load with was the goal - it's moved past that now, but initially it was just affording to get tooled up again so I could shoot.

Sorry to hear about your Katrina losses. Katrina's eye passed right over my house, but for the grace of God, we were spared damage. Immediately proximate homes suffered heavy tree damage, so I'm well aware of my blessings.

I hope things have worked out for you.

Bayou52

[hpdrifter]

lee classic cast and loadmaster. they both work for me.

[GoodOlBoy]

Tumbler. Single stage press. Carbide sizing dies. The rest I would do with a Lee hand prime, and lee classic loaders.

GoodOlBoy

[engineer401]

RCBS Rock Chucker starting kit. Just like I did the first time with a RCII kit.

[smoked turkey]

Another for the RCBS RC. I have used mine for over 40 years and yes there are better presses out there but IMO not worth the extra money. I'd buy a digital scale and another RCBS hand priming tool. I don't have a case prep station for trimming and deburring cases so I would probably look into one of those. Ofcourse I would stock up on RCBS dies and shellholders. Is my money gone yet?

[texassako]

I shoot a lot more rifle than pistol so it would be a Lee Challenger press, a decent scale(not my slow to settle Lee), a good used powder measure (amazing how little some older good ones go for), RCBS automatic bench priming tool, Lyman case trimmer w/ power adapter and neck turner, Lyman case prep multi tool, and anything left over on the little bits I always forget I need(funnel, neck brushes, case lube, primer flipper, etc.).

[RFP]

I did lose all my reloading equipment on April 27th 2011 in a tornado, plus everything else I owned. The first thing I replaced was my Redding T7. By now I've pretty much replaced everything I lost. One thing about it, an F5 tornado is a quick way to get rid of gear you really wished you hadn't bought in the first place.

[30Carbine]

http://www.bullets.com/products/Pro-2000-Progressive-Press/BL1674 THis is to good of a deal to pass on. don't need it but ordered it anyway it's like anything else. also it will break up the red and blue in the reloading room never had anything green yet.

[Bazoo]

Id start out with much what I have now.

Older cast iron single stage c press, lyman preferred.
rcbs 505 or 1010 scale
lyman powder measure with a lee for backup
lee auto prime
lyman or rcbs dies
lee bullet sizers
lyman cast iron moulds
lee production pot
lyman case trimmer
wilson deburr/chamfer tool

[Green Frog]

I'd buy a single stage iron press (probably a Lyman™ or RCBS™) and a couple of sets of dies. I would then add an inexpensive digital scale and a Lyman 55™ powder measure. I would finish up with the usual little tools (case prep stuff) and call it good for the reloading part. :coffeecom

For casting, I'd get another Lee™ 20# pot and start painfully replacing my collection of (mostly) iron moulds, many of which are custom and/or discontinued. I like my Lyman 450 Lubrisizer™ but would settle for what I could get a deal on. I don't think that $500 would last very long! :???:

My sympathies for your loss. One thing I didn't mention was the chance to stretch your budget by shopping here, at gun shows, and on Gun Broker, Craig's List, etc. for good deals on "gently used" equipment... probably over half of my current reloading arsenal was purchased used. [smilie=2:

Froggie

[dikman]

Unfortunately, $500 wouldn't cut it down here, $1000 would be closer and that would probably be buying mostly Lee stuff, from the US, to keep the costs down!!

[r1kk1]

Back in the early 80s my reloading shed was hit. Goodbye A2, COAX, quite a few moulds, the list goes on and on.

I knew I couldn't replace everything overnight. I needed a press. I tried every Lee press at that time and only the hand press remained. The rest went back within 30 days. I bought a SDB and then a 450. I tried to find another A2 or A4 but could not locate one. I found a COAX finally, added the Champion then the Ultramag and finally the Summit later through the decades. I bought another 10-10 scale, replaced some moulds from different manufacturers.

It was hard, and having insurance helped. But I could not replace everything as it was no longer made. That hurt.

Patience paid off.

I like my current equipment a lot now. I still miss other stuff I had.

Take care

r1kk1

[TheDoctor]

500 is hard. Rockchucker, or lee classic cast. LnL powder measure. Lee ram prime. Lyman trimmer. Decent calipers and scale, should put you around 500. You can make loading blocks and a tumbler.

[1911KY]

$500 wouldn't be enough if I were to be up and running with everything I need. The Hornady LNL AP kinda blows this figure up real fast!

If I had to stay in the $500 range then, Lee Classic Cast Turret & Powder Measure with adjustable micrometer, RCBS 505 scale, HF dual drum tumbler, 2 lbs SS media, media separator and bucket, calipers, Inline Fab strong mount and Hornady LED light. Plus extra turrets, dies and powder measures with adj micrometers!! Not to mention bullet sizing dies.

[tazman]

I would buy what I have now with the addition of a co-ax press. I my end up with one anyway since I don't have a good single stage press at the moment.

[W.R.Buchanan]

Alley Oop: if I was you I'd just pick up my Big Ugly Club and go deal with them Great Big Lions and Grizzly Bears, and not worry about reloading anything.

You already got everything you need and are the toughest man there is alive.

What more could you possibly need?

Alley oop, oop, oop, oop,,, oop, oop !

You're my all time favorite guy!

Randy

[charlie b]

Well, I did start over a few years ago, also on a tight budget. Lee Loadmaster and Lee dies.

[gunoil]

no brain'er! dillon 550 over a lee classic cast turret any day of the week. Hell hunt a used 650 and just save more money for a month before buying. You do have a job and waiting a month for some great equipment is mature.

Below us my youtube:rl550

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taA8yqKWPxg

[Fishman]

I did lose all my reloading equipment on April 27th 2011 in a tornado, plus everything else I owned. The first thing I replaced was my Redding T7. By now I've pretty much replaced everything I lost. One thing about it, an F5 tornado is a quick way to get rid of gear you really wished you hadn't bought in the first place.

I'll take your word for it RFP. That had to be a real experience.

[1Shirt]

Well, after much thought, would go for a lyman or Redding turret, a solid c press, an Ohaus Scale, an RCBS pdr measure, dies for 357, 308, 223 etc. I would go for them on ebay, and could probably get what I have listed for 350.00 to 400.00. After that with what's left over, would get a Lubersizer and dies for .358, .310, .225. Think I could do that for a hundred or so. There are some good buys out there on used but not abused reloading equipment.
1Shirt!

[RobS]

Lee Classic Turret Press Kit (sell off the damn scale and use the money for the other stuff), Tumbler, Lyman or RCBS lubesizer and a decent beam scale (obviously not the Lee)

[WILCO]

Starting over would be a simple affair for me. All LEE Precision.

[lightman]

If I had to start over:

1. "O" frame press with compound linkage (Probably RCBS or Redding)
2. FL 2 die set or 3 die carbide set (same brand as press)
3. Beam scale (probably same brand)
4. Lyman reloading book
5. loading block or 2
6. Powder handling equipment (powder measure, funnel, trickler), probably same brand
7. Case prep tools (probably Sinclair, K&M or 21st century)
8. Case trimmer (probably start with the Lee )
Later on look at tumblers.

I think this would get me started, but $500 will not cover it. Brand is more personal preference than a matter of utility. My suggestions are just personal. Good Luck with your choices!

[r1kk1]

Starting over would be a simple affair for me. All LEE Precision.


Wouldn't be for me. Not any one company carries everything I need. This leads to a colorful bench.

Take care

r1kk1

[Dan Cash]

I would shot for a Dillon 550 but with the budget, one would have to accept that everything will not be as it was. A used Co-Ax first, the 2 now on the bench were bought used for under $180.00. Any quality scale, used for $50. or less. Lyman 55 or old Herter's measure for $50 or less and if the cartridges being loaded required trimming, a used Forster trimmer for $40 to $45. Used dies in the $15 to $20 range would round out the starter kit. Looks like I could also get a used Co-Ax priming tool for $50 and be within the budget. In fact, I think I could come up with the above kit and 5 or six sets of dies and be within the $500 limit. If my resizing needs did not include long heavy rifle cases, e.g. -06 or belted magnums, I would seek a Lyman Spar-T for well under a hundred and have more money for dies and components.

For sure, by buying used, I would have top quality equipment and not have to put up with some of the sorry junk that is currentyl huckstered.

[greenwart]

Buy used. Reloading presses are available and almost never wear out. You can find some bargains if if you keep your eyes peeled and are willing to clean something up. . Gun shows, pawn shops, EBAy and craigslist. Craigslist can sometime be over priced but I did find a RCBS A5 4x4 for $20. He didn't know what he had, but the shell plates have cost me more than the press. We have a local gun store where the owner doesn't like to sort through the reloading stuff that comes in from estates etc. so I have bought storage boxes of reloading stuff for a fraction of the cost.

Bob

[rodm1]

I would go with the Lee Challenger Kit and save up for higher end stuff.

[dragon813gt]

Lee Classic Cast Press, PAD, Safety Prime, RCBS Chargemaster and PPM. That should be less than $500. Not sure if there is enough money for a Forster case trimmer in there.

[EddieNFL]

I would skip the Lee progressive. Probably go Redding and/or Forster dies only. Everything else would be pretty much what I have now.

[EDG]

I would buy all used stuff and make the money go about 3 times further. But $500 would not even cover the tables.

[McCarthy]

I just started reloading a couple month ago. So far I have spent around $6,000. Redding T-9 turret, Redding UltraMag, 1050, 2 tumbler, CasePrepCenter, ChargeMaster, Redding pistol powder measure, 5 Redding Pro Comp die sets, a bunch of other tools, anti-static science lab bench, LED magnified light, chair without arm rests, ammo boxes and about $2,000 in cases, bullets, powder and primer. And also a $400 chrono.

With $500 I personally wouldn't even consider getting started.

My low budget set suggestion would be:

1 x Redding Boss Single Stage Press $140
1 x Redding 3 Powder Measure $140
1 x Digital caliper $25
1 x 21st Century Stainless Steel hand priming tool $125
1 x Lyman Micro-Touch Electronic Powder Scale $60
1 x Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Case Tumbler with SS pins $165
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $655

plus a bunch of case prep hand tools

[troyboy]

McCarthy, really? Evidently you have more money than? Wilco is pretty spot on if you have to buy new.Used and patience is another option.

[r1kk1]

I just started reloading a couple month ago. So far I have spent around $6,000. Redding T-9 turret, Redding UltraMag, 1050, 2 tumbler, CasePrepCenter, ChargeMaster, Redding pistol powder measure, 5 Redding Pro Comp die sets, a bunch of other tools, anti-static science lab bench, LED magnified light, chair without arm rests, ammo boxes and about $2,000 in cases, bullets, powder and primer. And also a $400 chrono.

With $500 I personally wouldn't even consider getting started.

My low budget set suggestion would be:

1 x Redding Boss Single Stage Press $140
1 x Redding 3 Powder Measure $140
1 x Digital caliper $25
1 x 21st Century Stainless Steel hand priming tool $125
1 x Lyman Micro-Touch Electronic Powder Scale $60
1 x Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Case Tumbler with SS pins $165
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $655

plus a bunch of case prep hand tools

I spend a few thousand in components and brass every year also. I hate to see what all my gear would add up to.

Take care

r1kk1

[McCarthy]

McCarthy, really? Evidently you have more money than? Wilco is pretty spot on if you have to buy new.Used and patience is another option.

I bought several LEE products in the beginning. They went back because they didn't meet my expectations in quality, consistency, ergonomics and product materials as well as design. But what does my engineer 'brain' know...

[dragon813gt]

If you can't get started on $500 then you're doing something wrong. Yes, I've spent a lot more than that. But it was because I wanted to, not out of necessity. Bare bones would be the Lee Classic Cast kit. Sure single stages take longer to load. The Lee scale is a pain to use but it weighs powder correctly. Plenty of better options but on a budget it can't be beat.