lead,
[/align]As far as kits go, Lyman, RCBS, and Lee all have one. Unless your really strapped for cash (yes, I know it's Xmas....me too), I personally would start with the Lyman or RCBS. Lee's are okay, but they are more or less designed for the loader on a budget. Not to burn feathers or nothing, but I haven't had real great luck with all but a few of their tools, and I've used theirequipment, off and on, for the better part of 25-30yrs. But that's me and not anyone else.
To their benefit, they just recently came out with a cast press called the "Lee Classic". It's more "on par" with the other strength and style of presses. Another consideration, although not as common, is the Hornady equipment. I don't know if they have a kit, but you can check.

The high end presses like Redding's are very strong and suitable for swaging brass and bullets on a regular basis. I don't own one currently, but I plan I getting one, one of these days.

I personallyprefer the Lyman kit, as you have two choices of presses. The "O" frame Orange Crusher II, and the "TMag II" which is a 6 station removable turret. Last I knew, they both came with the press (either/or), the 500 Lyman scale, loading block, the Mod# 55 powder measure, a powder funnel, a lube pad, a current manual, and some other small items (case chamfer, etc.).
They used to come with a die set "of your choice", but I think they did away with that.
Currently I have both the single stage Orange Crusher, and the "T Mag". I use them both a lot, and I couldn't be without them for my needs.

Regarding dies, I like either RCBS's dies, and Lyman's current dies (the older ones were cheaply chromed). I have several sets of Hornady "New Dimension" dies, and I hate em', Seems like you really gotta crank down that decapping stem with the pinch nut, and if you don't tighten it enough it'll push loose. Someone's better idea.....apparently not because they redesigned their new dies. Redding dies are the "Cadillac's" and are quite pricey, but they're great. They are cut very precise internally.
Overall, regarding price and quality, I'd stick with the first two choices I guess.

RCBS's quality is every bit as good and their warranty is excellent.
In my opinion, I feel that Lyman's equipment designs are a little more "thought out" than some of RCBS's, regarding being more "handloader friendly", but that's just me. One case in point was their entry into the progressive press market several years ago. It had a lot of problems as it "seemed" like it was designed in separate sections then put together. The separate areas regarding powder and priming were fraught with complications, and didn't functionsmoothly together.

I had bought oneslightly used, and found out why it was sold. Everythingwas functional, but needless to say, not very smooth.

I had the first model Dillon RL450 back then, and after using it, then picking up the RCBS (Max, I think the name was) progressive, I guess I was spoiled anyway. Since that time, I've bought two other Dillon's and upgraded my old 450 to a 550B.

It's kind of like my uncle told me when I started loading......he said, "Buy it right, and you'll buy it once.......buy it wrong, and you'll get a second chance". I never forgot that, and he was dead right.

When you order the kit, you'll get 90% of all the stuff. Other than whats in the kit, you'll need the dies (naturally), a good vernier caliper is always a plus,
[/align][/align]Other opinions may, and will, vary.....but that's my best advice.
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[/align]Take care,
[/align]Bob




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