Newbie to rifle reloading
 

Hey, I would like to start reloading rifle cartridges (6.5x55 Swede and .35 Whelen right now). I reload shotgun shells, so I know about being careful, following the directions with extreme caution, etc. What would be a good starting reloaderkit for me. I'm on a budget, about $300-350 CDN. Is the Lee Challenger any good? I see a kit with it, set of dies, powder measure, shell holder, load data, powder funnel, Ram Pride tool and lubricant for $70.99. I have a reloading manual (Hodgon 2004 Annual Manual).Sorry for the long post, hope you guys can help me out,


Cory

RE: Newbie to rifle reloading
 

If it was me I'd go with the RCBS rockchucker supreme starter kit. It might have something to do with me using mostly RCBS presses and dies for many, many moons and never having any problems with them.
Ron

RE: Newbie to rifle reloading
 

The LEEchallenger press is not verydurable.With extended use,the links will fail.The LEEclassic press is much stronger and will last much longer.I prefer the RCBS rockchucker press myself.

RE: Newbie to rifle reloading
 

Okay, I'll probably look for a RockChucker now. Thanks,


Cory

RE: Newbie to rifle reloading
 

Konaboy, look on e-bay!

It is certainlyNOT NECESSARY to spend a fortuneto get into metallic cartridge reloading. It is ill-advised to buy NEW equipment when you can get ANYTHiNG you need off of internet auction sites, usually for less than half of retail price, and a lot of that stuff is new or used very little. This includes reloading dies for many oddball calibers that would cost a small fortune if you bought them new!

Over the last two years, I've been able to buy an RCBS Rockchucker in near-new condition off e-bay for $50.00, several die sets for under $20.00 apiece, plus several Lyman-Ohaus M5 scales for under $30.00 each.

Welcome to metallic reloading. Have fun & good luck!

RE: Newbie to rifle reloading
 

Well, you just said my favourite online store right there, off to ebay I go

RE: Newbie to rifle reloading
 

Goodness, this is right up Charley's alley, surprised he hasn't hit it yet.

I think the lee's are junk. Some of the older stuff might be fine, it will load ammo don't get me wrong.

I like the rock chucker the best. I have a old one, but went to my friends to load on his sepreme and really like it. The primer catch is a nice touch. I like the lymans too.

RE: Newbie to rifle reloading
 

I let it slide, boy, at your suggestion. Let's see,I did give MY background and experience level: "My opinions are based on, at this point, 31 years as a handloader. I load for 38 centerfire cartridges, 23 of them rifles, from .223 to .577/450 Martini, and 15 handgun, from .32 ACP to .45 Colt. I shoot about 3500centerfire rounds a year, roughly 2000 handgun and 1500 rifle.I don't say my way is the only way, I do try to give suggestions about what works for me."
Noticed you never did get around to answering YOUR experience level, boy. What is it? Three whole years? Maybe five? With your vast store of knowledge, I'm sure you are willing to say. Otherwise, let the adults talk in peace, please.

RE: Newbie to rifle reloading
 

As I said, how does a smart fella like me profit from internet "supposal" truth and comparison? I tell ya what Charley, I will do you a favor,put some money in my pocket and it might be worthwhile. Just go to paypal deposit some money in my accountand I will give you a bargain price of 20 dollars and answer all your much desired questions.

Goodness,sad all these years and you wasn't smart enough tolearn a few things. How doesone go 31 years and stillnot know how to reload:D. It isn't that difficult. Guess you were definately not top of your class. Make it worth my while.

RE: Newbie to rifle reloading
 

Nice evasion, BC. Not willing to state your experience? Don't have much,I suppose.

I'm not sure what I did to push yor button. Wish I did know, I'd use it to turn you off. You do seem to have uncommonly bad manners, even for the internet. Guess your momma never taught you any better.

RE: Newbie to rifle reloading
 

Nice try fishin. Lady, I feel like a puppet master. Not really bad manners, just call em as I see em. Your mama didn't teach you anything about honesty.:D so I will take bad manners anyday.

Pay me old lady, ain't no free lunch in this world.

RE: Newbie to rifle reloading
 

Cory, do yourself a favor and try to purchase an RCBS "Chucker", unless you want to go thru the process ofelimination with less expensive loaders.

RE: Newbie to rifle reloading
 

Ol' Rebel Hog's got it right............save yourself the agony of wishin' you'd done this in the first place.

RE: Newbie to rifle reloading
 

Good advice, of course. But I've kept all my cheapie presses, an RCBS "Junior", a Lee Turret, and a Lee hand press, pluse several old Lyman 310 tong tools with scads of various dies, and I still use them all, as well as the Rockchucker. The Rockchucker gets all the heavy-duty sizing work, but the others still seat bullets, prime cases, etc. etc.

RE: Newbie to rifle reloading
 

Now it's honesty? Which part? My experience? If you are going to play poker, I suggest you have a hole card. You're not willing to show, even though you've anted up with your opinions. Pretty obvious you don't have one.
I don't think I will continue discussing this with you. Trying to teach a pig to sing wastes my time, and annoys the pig.

RE: Newbie to rifle reloading
 

Yea, I kept mine too. I have no idea why. Still got a Lee challenger, and Lee 1000. That freakin lee 1000 has been pretty bad to work. But I invested alot of money and time in it.I have loaded on a Dillion 550 and that was nice, in fact very nice. But don't know if I shoot enough pistol to justify it.

RE: Newbie to rifle reloading
 

eldeguello, Cory hasn't even started yet. How can he save the old stuff?

RE: Newbie to rifle reloading
 

Well it will cost ya girl. Very willing, and more than happy to share it with just about everybody for free, but for you since your mama didn't teach you about honsesty, it will cost ya the low price of$20lady.:D