Mulder030 wrote:I have just gone through this exact process Scoobs. I fought with myself internally as to which brand/kit etc and found it hard to find second hand gear for .308 gear in reloading. I opted for the RCBS Rockchucker Supreme Kit, definitely happy with the purchase. Although the price alone delayed my initial beginning into reloading, after using it, I am sure it will outlast/exceed all my needs. There were a few additional items I bought along with the kit to get me going (case trimmer, tumbler, etc as I had all my once fired brass to reuse).
reasons behind me opting for the RCBS was wanting to invest in something that I felt would last the distance (however long that distance may be). All the reviews/forums I read were positive, and thought to myself I would prefer to spend a higher price once, then smaller increments multiple times replacing or upgrading.
I'm not saying the kit I purchased is the best, it was just the best for my personal situation and projection of what I wanted out of the reloading kit.
Tiger650 wrote:Wise advice ex Mulder, the cheaper stuff is good for reloading pistol caliber ammo but even then some parts, such as the priming tool, are a PITA.
You can buy junk and learn whilst replacing it or buy good stuff and have a wonderful learning experience with reloading.
colinbentley wrote:I considered a Lee kit when I was getting started but a couple of people said it was plastic crap. Not good advice. For what it offers it is excellent value even if you have to replace a few things. And I can tell you fro experience that LEE has after sales service second to none.Go ahead and buy Lee.
Gwion wrote:Just buy whatever gear you can afford and get started, I say. It's unlikely you will need to upgrade if you loading for general hunting, plinking or even casual target comps. If you ever want uber precise loads for real long range hunting or because you get serious about some precision target disciple like bench rest or target rifle/f-class style shooting, then you will likely spend quite some coin upgrading.
scoobs wrote:Whats usually easier/better for priming? On or off the press?
sungazer wrote:I have the Lee dies for everything I reload. I have also purchased a set of Hornady Custom to see if they were any better, they were disappointing. I Also bought a cheaper Hornady set I think expect when it arrived it was marked American Eagle much less quality than Lee. To get better than Lee in dies you need to be looking at the Redding,
Forster. All the dies I have found need the seating die, seating stem modified to really get consistent seating depths with any bullets other than round nose ones. All the pointy ones hit the end of the stem which they shouldn't.