Originally Posted by hometheaterman

the RCBS does come with a Chamfer and Deburring tool. I don't see a need for a power one, but it could save some time. You'd have to be doing a ton of shells for it to be wroth it to me. Your list pretty much covers what you need and a few things I forgot to mention. It's a great list. There are a few things on it I think you can get by without like the head space gauge, but for the most part your list looks very good and it sounds like you've done your research.

Originally Posted by Big Uncle

The turret presses are faster, but have their limitations. I keep one on my bench to load pistol cartridges, but for rifle reloading there is too much flex between the turret and the shellholder for precision rifle loading. An "O" style press like the Rockchucker is much more rigid and does a better job with rifle cartridges.

Originally Posted by 7.62NATO

Do you use a powder-thru die on your turret? I'm sure it would save time, but can't imagine what it would be like for the powder measure to be constantly getting jerked around every time the turret indexed.

Originally Posted by 7.62NATO

Thanks. It took me awhile to assemble the list! Read tons and tons of reviews of all the competing products. Very tedious...

You are correct, the RCBS kit does come with the C&D tool. My mistake. The Possum Hollow tool is just an adapter for your C&D tool. It allows you too connect it to a power drill or dremel tool. It's pretty cheap...only $10, and the reviews say that it's worth its weight in gold.



Regarding the headspace gauge, from what I understand it is not completely necessary for non-autoloaders, but it is almost a "must-have" for semi-autos.

Originally Posted by bigcountry

Here is something else I won't be without
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=479704

Used to be stoney point head and shoulders kit. I don't know how many times I got a call from a new reloader with issues, to go over and diagnose a bad die, or bad headspace in a gun with these.

Another "must have" item. A bullet comparitor gauge.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=231904

Originally Posted by Big Uncle

There are many useful items for the reloader and shooter, but for a basic kit for a guy that is new to reloading they really are not necessary. The first thing any new reloader should buy is a good reloading manual that explains the process.

Originally Posted by 7.62NATO

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