Hunting Forum

What is the best reloading kit for under $150?

Never did buy one of them new fangled reloadin' kits, new. The first outfit I bought came with a Pacific C press, one set of dies, a redding powder measure and scale, and maybe 1/2 dozen reloadin' manuals. It cost me $12.50!! That was back in '55. In '82 I did up date. I went to a Estate Sale, bought a CH, H mag press, probably 6--7 dies, a RCBS  powder measure and scale. Think I bid $26 on that stuff. To this day, I still use that ol' CH press.
Shop around! Check out second hand stores. go to yard sales. Will surprise ya what ya can find! Today, I reload for at least 6 differant hand guns, and at least 14 differant rifles calibres, and I'm still useing that ol' CH press that was made back in '72!
Yaaa, I do have some new fangled toys on my bench, but the bulk of the work is done with old stuff, that I bought many years ago!!

Ahoffman I got you beat.  I still use a press by the name of Dunbar which was made in the 50s.  It is an H style press that accepts two dies.  My father-in-law gave it to me back in the 70s along with a balance beam scale that was oil dampened.  I still use it today.  Like you I have added some modern tools but still use that old Dunbar for most of my reloading.

Metallic or Shotshell?

I didn't buy the kit because I wanted some of the upgraded tools as well as the basic and ended up with something from each of the main manufacturers but the press & powder measure are Lee and I think a great value.  Also have a Rockchucker for my second setup at my hunting camp.  I got it from an estate sale and it had never been used but it is no better than the Lee. I would not have bought it if I had to pay regular price.  I use all RCBS dies, Harnody tumbler and a few things from Dillon and Wilson.

Posted By grandpops on 30 Jun 2012 05:21 AM
Metallic or Shotshell?

Sorry I didn't specify I'm going to reload rifles and pistols.

I have use Lee stuff for years and like it. I have tested their scale against a expensive Pacific (now hornady) and it was right on. it is just a little harder to adjust but really not much on the tenth's scale. If you are going comp that's a different ball game and will cost a whole lot more. Most manufacturers make good stuff, the only die's I don't like to well is Lymans but like all thier other stuff. I would start out with a single stage and read, read,read, and read more.

This is close to your price range.
http://www.natchezss.com/product.cf...c=exrbSrch

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=RC09045&src=exrbSrch

The second one is more $ but more complete.