Which reloader is most cost efficient?

Turkey Blaster · 12-12-2003, 07:57 PM

I am on a limited budget and I can't really spend alot to get started. What kit or reloading system would get me the most bang for my buck? I have heard good things about the Rock Chucker. What do you guys recommend? My uncle just got the RCBS. We have not tried it yet. Also what bullets and powder should I use? Thanks for the help.

dugum · 12-12-2003, 08:48 PM

You couldn't go wrong with the Rock Chucker. I've been using one for 14yrs and never had any problems with it.

halcon · 12-12-2003, 08:55 PM

To give you a good answer we would need to know what you were reloading for and more about what you can afford to spend .You could get started a low as $30 if price is your only concern . I wouldn't recommend it but it is possible .

MOTurkeyTamer · 12-12-2003, 09:37 PM

Get the Rockchucker from RCBS, you will never regret it. I have always been partial to Nosler's bullets and Hodgdon's powders. But there are a lot of other good brands of powders and bullets out there if you like to experiment. After all, that's what handloading is all about!

Vapodog · 12-12-2003, 11:42 PM

If you can't afford the Rockchucker, save until you can.....it's that good.

The cheapest reloader is the one you only have to buy once and gives you lifetime service....and that's the rockchucker.

You asked about powder and bullets....My preference is powder from Hodgdon and bullets from Hornady. However other bullet and powder companies are very good and don't have any fear of buying from them.

445 supermag · 12-13-2003, 09:35 AM

Like Vapodag said cheap is buying only once with a life time of service. But we do need more info from you to give a better idea what you want to reload.

There are also some reloading machines that can be upgraded to become progressive machines in the future. I think if my memory doesn't fail me the AT-500 from dillon can be upgraded to a progressive machine. I think they start below 200 dollars and Dillon has the BEST service in the industry. Good luck and keep us posted. Here is a link to look and read more.

http://dillonprecision.com/template/p.cfm?maj=18&dyn=1&

Brian

Turkey Blaster · 12-13-2003, 12:06 PM

I appreciate the advice guys. I am planning on reloading a .270 in case you wanted to know, but I thought that all you had to do to switch calibers is to switch a die. Is that right? I am glad to hear that a Rock Chucker is such a good way to go. That is what my grandpa and uncle told me. I am glad that othyer people feel the same way. Thanks!

Turkey Blaster · 12-13-2003, 12:08 PM

What do you think of the IMR powder? My My uncle says that it is pretty good also. What do you think?

Drilling-Man · 12-13-2003, 01:07 PM

There's nothing wrong with any of the powders made today. The thing is, some guns like one brand better than another!!! Asking what powder is best for YOUR gun, is like asking what gas will give the best milage in YOUR car.

There are NO bad choises, IMR is good, Hodgdon is also good. I bet you i have loaded several hundred pounds of each of those brands!!!

In a 270 either would be a good choise, as long as you pick the brand of bullet you are going to shoot, and get a loading book for "that brand" of bullet. You will find loads in that manual for the different powders that "they" recomend for "there" bullets, in you caliber.

For rifle hunting bullets, i like Noslers, especially partition bullets. For practice, buy what's available in your area, that is the same weight your going to hunt with, and go for it!!!

Vapodog · 12-13-2003, 04:38 PM

IMR powders has been bought out by Hodgdon....the IMR 4831 is a classic powder for the .270 but I'm hearing that Hodgdon is going to obsolete the IMR powders.....so I'd advise not to buy them. RL22 is probably the best powder for the .270 today.....at least it's where I'd start!!!!