reloading kits

I have had my rock chucker for about 12 years and no complaints but you can't take anything from Hornady either.  I recently purchased the hornady powder dispenser scale combo and it is so awsome!  I don't know why I waited to buy one of these. 

So what would it cost reload a box of 7mm Ultra mag shells that runs $50.00 a box in the store?

BAW Said:
So what would it cost reload a box of 7mm Ultra mag shells that runs $50.00 a box in the store?

You could load those for easily less than half the price!

So the RCB Rock chucker master kit on sale in cabelas for $269.99 would probably be a good deal?

BAW Said:
So the RCB Rock chucker master kit on sale in cabelas for $269.99 would probably be a good deal?

Depends on what your starting budget is in regards to what you think you want.  If the kit contains some things that you think you won't use ( my first kit I didn't use the powder dispenser), or you want to upgrade ( My first kit, I went right to the RCBS chargemaster powder dispenser instead of the balance).  I should also say that I went with the Lee kit to begin with. A year later I sold most of the kit and went with an RCBS rock chucker.  Anyway, all said and done..........Price out the kits and price out what it would cost to get your "ideal" setup.  I know going with a kit saves you money, but there is no reason to get one if you only really want certain things in it.   

Brand New to this reloading game - A kit like the RCB rock chucker above have everything a "beginner" would need to get going?  Would be reloading 22-250, .243, .270.

duckduckgoose Said:
Brand New to this reloading game - A kit like the RCB rock chucker above have everything a "beginner" would need to get going?  Would be reloading 22-250, .243, .270.

Reloading is some what about "wants and needs."  On top of that, you would want to get a caliper, case tumbler, case trimmer, and the reloading dies.  I am sure others on here will debate wants and needs.  This is just what I would make sure I had to start with.  If I forgot something I sure someone else will let you know!

BAW Said:
So the RCB Rock chucker master kit on sale in cabelas for $269.99 would probably be a good deal?

That is the kit I started with, it will get you started and it is a good buy on quality products...
Free Shipping - Promo Code - WSanta
Spend $35 more on another RCBS product and get a $50 Rebate - http://www.cabelas.com/assets/pdfs/rcbs_09.pdf?rid=10&WT.tsrc=AFF&WT.mc_id=k244266

I have a Redding press that I like.  The thing I like the most about it is that the opening is at an angle for reaching in and putting bullets on the case, or case in the holder.  Seems a little more ergonomic.

I looked long and hard at the kits before I went the route of buying the stuff individually.  Too much of the stuff in the kits is junk (scales, powder dispensers, etc). 

Probably load about 250 rounds a year for my 7 mm and 25-06's.  Reckon it will still be a few years before I hit the break even point in cost at this rate since the kids aren't quite old enough yet for me to really ramp up ammo production.

 It will definitely be a few years before I break even, but I consider every penny spent on making the reloading process easier and faster money well spent. I hate reloading though. I started with the Rock Chucker kit. I no longer use the lube and lube pad, hand case prep tools, scale or powder dispenser. 

It all comes down to how much money you want to spend, how much ammo you will load up in a year, and how much easier you want to make it on yourself. If you only reload for one caliber a couple times a year for deer season, than a kit will be fine. If you do any volume reloading and shoot year round, you may want to consider going with electric equipment right from the start. Wish I had. There can be some great sales on the electric equipment every now and than, and RCBS is good at offering rebates as well. You buy at the right time, you can make out pretty good.

I have a strong preference for RCBS.  I started with the kit, and added three brass polishers, powder master, RCBS lube and sizer, 15 RCBS bullet moulds etc etc.

I suppose I have saved money since I load perhaps 2000  rounds per year.  A box of bullets for my 44 mag Smith and Marlin rifle cost $40.  I male 100 bullets for $6 if I use the Lyman #2 alloy.  If I go straight wheel weight and keep the velocity under 1200 fps I make 100 bullets for $2.  a

With my other rifles I load more for specialty than cost.  Still, I suppose I am saving money then also.  For example for long range I have a 28 inch Bartlein 5R barrel coming for my 300 Win Mag and a Pacific tool and die custom chamber reamer to set a 210 Berger VLD .004 off the lands.  Other rifles I load plane Jane ammo for.  If you purchase 4000 rounds of 55 gr .224 you can get the price down to under $8 a box.  At least you could a year ago, I don't know about now.  Out of my 16 inch AR15 I have had better luck on coyote with the 55 gr soft point than I have with any of the VMax or Ballistic tip bullets. 

I only have one strong suggestion.  Make sure you buy what you like the first time because upgrading constantly will cost more.  Cheap doesn't always translate into economical.

How about the Lee Anniversary Kit.  It sells for a hundred bucks from Cabelas.  Everything you need to get started.

Cabelas has a Lee turrett press kit for a hundred dollars right now.  Would be handy for reloading handgun ammo.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Reloading/Presses-Dies%7C/pc/104792580/c/104761080/sc/104516280/Lee-Deluxe-Turret-Press-Reloading-Kit/740033.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fshooting-reloading-presses-dies%2Flee%2F_%2FN-1100195%2B1000003875%2FNe-1000003875%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104516280%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253Bcat104792580%253Bcat104761080%26WTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU%26pcrid%3D8195201097&WTz_l=SBC%3Bcat104792580%3Bcat104761080%3Bcat104516280

I see now Midway has the Lock-N-Load kit on sale for $259, thats $75 off through 12/31/11 - http://www.midwayusa.com/product/749997/hornady-lock-n-load-classic-single-stage-press-kit

 Anyone have an opinion on Dillon 550?