I am new to reloading but have done a lot of research and am about to buy my first kit and supplies.

The Hornady Lock N Load kit is on sale right now at Cabela's for $250 (plus they have an offer thru Dec 7th for $20 off your order, which basically amounts to free shipping). I added up the cost of each item that comes in the kit, and you are saving a ton of money with this sale. Also, you get 500 free bullets from Hornady as a rebate for buying the press kit, so be sure to save your receipt.

The RCBS Rockchucker has been around for a long time and has a great reputation. Still, I can't imagine that Hornady has put out an inferior product...I have not read a single negative review of the Hornady LNL single stage press. I think you'll be glad you saved the $$. Really, I want the Forster CoAx press (not a kit), but that is way too much money to spend off that bat.

And,to reload for rifle (as mentioned), you're still gonna need a bunch of things that don't come with the kit. You have to decide what's in your budget though, and I have a feeling your dad is still going to end up needing to buy a few things himself to get going. Maybe you could get together with family members and go in together to get him everything he needs.

In addition to the Hornady kit, here is everything else I've determined I'll need to start reloading for rifle. The Hornady Kit and Lyman case tumbler (also on sale) can be purchased at Cabelas.com more cheaply, but you won't find everything on this list at Cabela's. You'll find the rest at Midwayusa.com. Do a price comparison between the two for items they both stock.

-Die sets for specific caliber and type (I am taking a hard look at the Forster 2-die sets but they are expensive. If the gun has a tubular magazine or is a semi-auto, a crimp die is also recommended. Read reviews on MidwayUSA for the different rifle die sets)
-Lyman Case Tumbler (your dad can get tumbling media from the local feed store)
-Hornady Shell holders (for caliber being reloaded)
-Smith & Wesson Dial Calipers (or Hornady digital calipers)
-Wilson Cartridge Headspace Gage (especially needed if rifle is semi-auto, in specific caliber)
-Wilson Case Trimmer
-Wilson Case Trimmer Base
-Wilson Trimmer Case Holder (specific caliber)
-Possum Hollow Chamfer and Deburring Tool Power Adaptor (not required but will save a ton of time and wrist fatigue...the actual chamfer and deburring tool comes with the Hornady Kit, but I don't think the RCBS kit comes with one)
-Lee Pocket Cleaner
-Lyman Flash Hole Uniformer
-Frankford Arsenal Case Neck Lubricator
-Frankford Arsenal Fine Powdered Mica (4 oz)
-Imperial Case Sizing Wax
-Hornady Cam-Lock Bullet Puller (requires collet for specific caliber)
-Frankford Arsenal Ammo Boxes
-Lyman 50-Round Universal Reloading Tray