I really want to start to reload. It would be for pistol 9mm luger, 40 S&W and 357 mag. Also rifle 270 and 300 Wby and 270 Win.

I don't want to go nuts just play around and make my own. Don't need to make large amounts at once.

The question is to all of you that have the expeience What press and brand would you buy. I would just want a basic set up.

thank you
Joe

The general concensus here seems to be that all the major brands are very good. I like the Hornady lock-and-load system, so I'm partial to them. The RCBS is probably the most popular single stage. Hornady and RCBS have some great kits that come with everything you need to get started, other that dies and components.

I like a basic Redding press, Big Boss. The RCBS ChargeMaster Combo can be substituted for an RCBS 505 scale, Lee dippers and Redding trickler. A Lee trimmer will serve, unless you want to get a Wilson trimmer. Caliper. VLD chamfer. Imperial sizing wax. Redding or Forster dies, although I like Hornady for pistol calibers. That'll get you started, basically.

co-ax press, redding for powder measure, rcbs for scale, forster, rcbs & redding for dies, i'd also spring for the xtra $50 for the co-ax primer seating tool

Pick up a good basic reloading manuel to start, study up on the process.
I prefer turrent presses the t-mag is a very good one. you can set up a couple set of dies. with single stage presses you are forever changing and re-adjusting dies. as far as dies i would get carbide dies for pistol and for rifle about any good 2 die set will work i like the lee collet dies just for neck sizing.
most of the turrent presses come with a pretty good priming system, but the hand held primer seaters are the best.
if you buy pretty good equipement to start you will be better off. RcBs has about the best warrent i know of, even if you mess something up and its your fault they will replace it FREE.

Your requirements for loading both rifle and pistol ammo create a little bit of conflict in the choice of press.

The large presses that work well with rifle ammo have very long handle motions that make handgun needlessly monotonous. The large rifle presses can also handle a good quantity of rifle ammo.
Handguns usually require a bit higher volume.

I like the RCBS Rockchucker or similar for a starting point. When you get a little experience you may find you want something a little faster for handguns.

Thanks so much for the quick replies. I tend to over due everything I due so I was going in to this with trying to start with the minimum.
Anyway, if I was going to go with the RCBS and not go nuts, what would you get?
Also what is the difference between Single Stage and Turret presses?

Thank Again
Joe

Get the Rockchucker kit. The difference between a single stage and a turret press is with a single stage you have to change the dies each time you perform a different function whereas with the turret you do not, all the dies are mounted to a plate which makes things quicker.

For the beginer that doesn't what to get to deep in $$$$$$$$ buy Lee. It is the best buy and most of their stuff is very usable. I have many pieces myself.

quote:

Originally posted by ted thorn:
For the beginer that doesn't what to get to deep in $$$$$$$$ buy Lee. It is the best buy and most of their stuff is very usable. I have many pieces myself.

+1

lee classic turret press kit right around 100$ at www.midwayusa.com. read the reviews and then ask why pay more.

all you need after that is dies and components.

I started off with the Lee 4 hole turret and upgraded to the Lee Classic Cast Turret when it was released. I have had very good results and it allows you to use it as a single stage by simply removing the index rod which takes about 3 seconds. Another great aspect of it is that you only have to set up the dies once, and changing calibers is as simply as changing turrets. I have turned out 308 ammo that will shoot 1/2 MOA 5 shot groups all day long if I do my part. For a budget starter I would highly reccomend this press, I have used a Lee turret for almost 6 years now with no problems at all and it is economically priced.

My advice is to start with the RCBS kit for one of your chamberings. Spend money on quality equipment once. Of the chamberings on your list, I'd say the .270 is the easiest to begin with. Add dies, shell holders, etc. as you gain experience. I'd stay away from any turret press until you get some experience under your belt. Before you do anything, get several reloading books and read through so you understand the procedure. Don't forget to get a pair of calipers too. As to dies, my personal preference is Forster but any of the top names will do. If you decide to use loads posted on one of the outdoor boards, verify it in one of your reloading manuals. Lastly, pay attention to what you're doing while in the process of loading. No outside interference. Good luck & have fun - it's very enjoyable.
Bear in Fairbanks

quote:

I'd stay away from any turret press until you get some experience under your belt.

with respect, i disagree -

my dad had never loaded anything in his life (except on a lee loader) until a week ago - since he's gotten his turret press isntalled, he's loaded over 500 rounds of .223, .22/250, .308 and .30/06 like a pro. every round comes off looking like the one before it.

it's easy as pie to use and lee provides outstanding service if you have any questions (hint: the answers are almost always in the isntructions!).

quote:

my dad had never loaded anything in his life (except on a lee loader) until a week ago

Not much experience and has he fired any that he has reloaded?

He may look like he is putting them together ok but does he know that every round has the correct powder charge?

Only 3 or 4 years from now will you know if starting out like your dad did was a good idea.

yes, every charge is correct; that much is certain.

also, all seating depths are correct and those little round silver doo-hickies that explode are verified as seated properly, we even sized, trimmed and chamfered those long, gold-colored whatchamacallits that you put the powder in.

one thing about teaching someone to reload is that you can teach them right and teach them a procedure that works.

as for how they shoot, "official" tests will probably be this weekend with those round black-and-white target thingy's, but so far, putting a few out the back door has shown no feeding or pressure problems.....

Compliments of the many good folks on this forum I went with the RCBS Supreme Deluxe kit. It's a little pricey but does include the wonderful Chargemaster 1500. It had most everything I needed except a few shellholders. I also bought the Forster Co-Ax press and am very glad I did. It is an outstanding press that has given me very low runout, accurate rounds for my 338-378 Wby, 30-06 and 257 Wby. Excellent tool.

Ken....