Santa's going to bring me a reloader set this year. I have bought dies, powder, etc.
What do you think of the RCBS rock chucker kit? Does it come with everything I need? What's a good book to read befor I get started?

Good kit. comes with an easy to understand book. Just buy the book of your favorite bullet. You will need a powder trickler, good set of calibers, possible a primer wisk and you should be set. A kinetic bullet puller will be in order after a while of reloading.

from what i have heard the rcbs is a good kit, espicailly if you think its the only press you will ever own or need.
me i went cheao on my first press with the lee aniversary kit and while i am happy with it, it is just there till i have the money to buy a dillon 550B. but that was the purpose of the lee from the beginning.
i have the speer reloading manuel and it seems to have worked for me, as i havent blown myself up yet

propmahn

Don't forget dies, shell holders, primer pocket brushes and handle, powder, primers, and cases. Good luck.

Edited by - handloader1 on 10/24/2002 21:25:57

I strted reloading about a year ago. All I use besides press, dies, shellholders is a Auto-prime, case trimmer w/ lockstud, chamfer tool, primer pocket cleaner, and 502 scale, and calipers. That's really all you need to get started. I am using Lee equipment and dies and RCBS scale. I tried two other scales but none of them would zero. The Lee dies have a handy powder dipper that, with a little concentration and a relatively steady hand gets pretty precise powder measurements. A spoon will work too. I would love to have a trickler. It would make things a lot easier and quicker but it is not necessary. BTW, my loads shoot wonderfully! Right around 1.5 inches @ 100yards from an out of the box .30-30. I will get them even tighter. All the other stuff is great but you don't HAVE to have it to get started and enjoy it. To answer your question, The only reason I didn't go with the Rock Chucker kit was price. I just couldn't afford it. I will be buying a Rock Chucker press after christmas!

Get at least two good reloading manuals. Read them. I recommend the Lyman or Speer, and one of the following: Nosler, Barnes, Sierra, or Hornady. Also, get a copy of "Game Loads and Practical Ballistics for the American Hunter", by Bob Hagel. This is a great book for any hunter to own, and a MUST READ for any hunter who loads his/her own ammo. Also, see if you can find P.O. Ackley's two Handbooks for Shooters and Reloaders.


Keep yore powder dry!!

I'll second the Lyman or the Speer books. After you get the basics down I suggest checking out the USA single caliber load books. They run about 6 bucks from midway or cabelas and contain data from the majority of the powder and bullet vendors. Sierra's is an excellent book just a little pricey. The RCBS press is good. I started with a Lee turret press and still have it and am very happy with it. You found a good place to come to with your questions.

I have the Forster co-axil. It will load anything andthe best part is it does not need shell holders. Go to benchrest.com these guys know everything about reloading. Very nice and helpful guys.