$300 budget to get started in reloading, Help?

[bjtiger75]

Ok, I have about $300 set aside that I can use to get started in reloading. This would be for my equipment only, no bullets, brass, powder, or dies. I can come up with money for those. I already have a set of dial calipers, a nice workbench area, and safety glasses. I would be reloading the following calibers: 300WSM, 270 Win, 40 S&W, 45ACP, and 38 Special. I would like a press that can handle magnums because I am thinking about buying a 338 Win Mag. I also would like it to be able to do .223 because a black gun is also on my list of wants. Give me a list of the equipment you would buy and why.

Thanks
BJ

[cjohnson3006]

You can get a starter kit from Lee for less than $100. Take the remaining money and buy a digital scale.

[Pawildman]

I would recommend you take a serious look at RCBS and Hornady loading kits. Several different price ranges and good quality.

[RugerM77.270]

ORIGINAL: cjohnson3006

You can get a starter kit from Lee for less than $100. Take the remaining money and buy a digital scale.

This is what I did and it has worked out great.

[stalkingbear]

I would get a Lee turret press, RCBS balance beam scale, tumbler, Lee case trimmer, Lee or RCBS primer tool, etc. That way you can leave the dies, once adjusted, in the turret and simply buy more turrets. You'll have 1 turret for each caliber you load for, and when changing calibers, swap turret and shell holder and you're done.

[Ron Duval]

removed by RD

[thndrchiken]

Check Ebay, research prices for new items from sites like midwayusa or cabelas then go to ebay so that you have an idea of what is a good deal or not. Often you can pick up a kit for about half of new. To start on the cheap there is absolutely nothing wrong with Lee products. Most presses will handle magnum length cartridges I personally use a Lyman Tmag 2 turret press now but started out with a Lee autoindexing turret that I still use when loading pistol cartridges.

[driftrider]

I went with the Rock Chucker Supreme Master Kit ($279.99 at www.midsouthshooterssupply.com). It has just about all you need to get started minus the dies including a loading manual (Speer). I'd consider getting a load manual for the brand of bullet you're most likely to use, but (sometimes limited) reloading data can also be had from the various bullet and powder manufacturers. The Speer manual will have all the info you need to learn the basics of handloading.

The Lee kit is a lot cheaper than the RCBS, but I know the RCBS it top-quality stuff which is why I went with it. I do use the Lee hand trimmer for touchup and small batch trimming because it's faster set-up wise than using my Forster case trimmer, which I use for large batches when necessary. Of course, the starter kit come with everything necessary for basic, no-frills, handloading.

But be warned, once you start you're going to find that there are additional optional tools that you're going to convince yourself that you 'need' in the future (i.e. digital scales, Stoney Point seating gauges, electronic powder dispensers, etc...). Some people want to start handloading to be able to make cheap ammo, which is possible if you are diciplined and willing to make do with a basic, inexpensive setup. But the truth is that handloading, for most, is a hobby that will tie up a lot of resources so if you don't load a LOT of ammo, your costs might actually be higher per round than factory ammo. But if you do it right, it'll be better ammo.

Mike

[3000fps]

I agree with driftrider Id get the RCBS Rockchucker kit is a very well made and accurate kit

[statjunk]

I would stay away from the kits. You'll end up replacing many of the things included. See if you can find a press on Ebay or through some other avenue. Then just buy the accessories separately.

Tom