I have a 22-250 Rem Tikka T3, .308 Win Classic Dan'l Fraser and a CZ 9.3x64.
I cannot afford the ammunition any more and have spent the last few days looking into home loading, have seen a friends kit, Lee components, the LEE dies seem to be the cheapest, are they any good?
I don’t really want to have to upgrade to better kit in a year or so.
Could I have a few suggestions on kit and what I would need to start with, there is so much out there!]
Is it worth trying the loading data on the home page, would they be of use to me as a game shooter?

PS i dont have a large budget!

Many Thanks Richard

Richard, I may have some older RCBS dies that I will give to you for free but you will have to pay shipping.

I have an RCBS rockchucker press I may let go for a price you probably won't refuse. PM me and we can discuss it. I've had this press since 1995 and it is in excellent functional shape. I have an RCBS digital scale that I will sell for cheap as I am looking at the RCBS chargemaster.

PM me what you can get the kits for. Regardless, you can't beat free die sets to get started with paying actual shipping only, which will be $9.80 flat rate USPS. I cannot comment on the condition of the dies as they were stored in a cool dry place with an oil coating. They should be in good condition. May need a little polishing to clean up. But they are in original packages. I may have both 22-250 and 308. May also have 308 small base dies.

Let me know if this is something you want to consider.

Crap, just realized you are in Scotland...."x-nay" on shipping price! Sorry.

I think the Lee dies are excellent; I prefer them to RCBS dies. I also like the Lee case trimming system. The Lee powder measure is OK but not excellent. The Lee Auto Prime primer tool is excellent.

I don't care for the Lee presses or the Lee scale, although the Lee cast iron press may be OK.

One possibility may be to get the RCBS kit. I don't care for or think you necessarily need everything in it, but you will learn as you go along what you need and what you like.

Regardless of what kit you begin with, you are almost certain to add things to it as you go along, and probably not use some of the things in the kit.

The Lee kit costs considerably less and will get you going. If you get it you will be able to begin reloading, and then you will be almost certain to replace some of the items in it as you go along.

One thing not included in any of the kits, to the best of my knowledge, is a dial caliper. I think that is a near-essential tool.

In any case, you do absolutely need a loading scale. You don't need a powder measure, as you can individually weigh every charge if you want to do so.

You need a funnel to get the powder into the case.

If you get Lee dies, a loading sheet is included with the dies.

There are so many different sources of loading information that you should be able to find numerous ones. If you are a bit conservative -- i.e. don't start with the top loads, but start with modest ones -- you will do OK.

As you gain more experience you will become more knowledgeable about what works for you and gives you the best results.

Most powder manufacturers and suppliers will provide a free loading phamphlet for you, but it will list only their powders.

Foxshot,

As I don't know what's available to you in Scottland locally you might give a look at the Cabelas site and look over some of the kits that are available and see what can be shipped internationally. RCBS has a couple of kits from about 270 to 600 US. Any of the kits will give you the necessities to get started. You will of course have to buy the dies you need. Understand that you will inevitably need some other odds and ends as well such as shell holders and some type of case cleaner/tumbler. RCBS has very good quality all around including their dies.

Ken....

if your primary concern is for saving money, and you have been using premium ammunition then you might save some money reloading. A Lee classic turret press and dies, etc.. would be a good way to start. I'm not sure Lee offers a kit that includes that particular press. Lee also makes single stage presses in kit form, that can be good value and they used to offer a kit for the deluxe turret press, which is a less expensive version of the classic turret.

If you have been buying surplus or bargain ammo, it's questionable as to whether you will see any great savings or indeed any savings at all by reloading. Components (brass, powder, etc.) have increased in price along with the loaded ammo which has increased because the makers' component prices have gone up...etc. A better reason to reload is to be able to build a round custom tailored to your weapon to the ultimate extent your ability/patience/pocketbook will allow.

quote:

Originally posted by Doc:
Richard, I may have some older RCBS dies that I will give to you for free, but you will have to pay shipping.

I have an RCBS rockchucker press I may let go for a price you probably won't refuse. PM me, and we can discuss it. I've had this press since 1995, and it is in excellent functional shape. I have an RCBS digital scale that I will sell for cheap as I am looking at the RCBS ChargeMaster.

You are being offered something here that far outstrips any compilation of Lee equipment available. A few pieces of additional hardware will give you an excellent "kit" that you won't be wanting to upgrade. I hope you and Doc are able to get together.
.

At a minimum, I would suggest the RCBS Partner Press kit, RCBS dies in your calibers, and a digital micrometer.

That will get you started efficiently and safely with minimum cash outlay.

I think Richard Lee's book MODERN RELOADING is a very good book to read when starting out. He of course pushes his own stuff. The other high end competition knows he gets a lot of people into reloading that would not otherwise make a bigger jump.

There may be better presses,dies and scales etc. but there is nothing WRONG with Lee's and for a beginner, you won't be able to tell the difference looking at a target.

Remember---you reload for fun and not money.

This company sells LEE at a good price BUT they hook you on shipping and handling.

www.factorysales.com