Reloading equipment

So I have finally decided to start reloading. I bought Lyman's manual and read the instructional section to get a basic knowledge. I now want to get some equipment. I have been looking into Hornadys basic kit as it seems to have a little of everything and I can buy extras from there. The only reason I am leaning toward Hormady is because it seems parts are more readily accessible at stores. I do want something that is solid, I don't want to have to get another set for years.

I know there is an extraordinarily large amount to reloading experience here so I would like to hear some thoughts and suggestions.

Thanks all

You might also want to look at the CH-444 press on line. It has 4 stations (not moveable), is very heavy duty, and the thing for me is that the press plus operational handle sits on top of your loading bench. You don't have to lean over to operate it. I've used one for 42 years and won't do without it.
I've used a PACT electronic scale for 20+ years. It even survived my 98% house fire in 2002. I'm still using that same scale. Unbelievable!
I've used a Redding 3BR scale that is repeatable and accurate for 20+ years. The CH and the Redding were destroyed in my fire. I replaced them since they were so good.
The idea of buying a package deal from one company looks nice, but I've found the best quality products usually come from different sources. I'd stay away from balance beam scales. Not as easy to use as electronics.
Look at Midsouth Shooters Supply and Natchess for the best deals on components. They don't carry the CH, but it's easily found on line.

I'm the opposite, never been able to make myself trust digital scales. I prefer a good powder measure and a beam scale to check drops occasionally.

My only concern are finding dies and parts for the less know brands.

Are die sets universal??

If you mean will different brands of dies fit other brands of presses, yes.

Compared to most of the guys here, I'm still in the stone age. I load everything with a Lee Hand Press kit. I size, bell, prime, seat, and crimp with it ... the thing works for my needs.

Were I to drop any amount of cash on technology, it would be an electronic powder dispenser ... I'd love to have one of those!!

Anyone have experience with hornady lock and load system?

Another vote for a balance beam scale. Electronic scales, at least the lower cost ones you usually get with a kit, can very as the batteries get weak. A balance beam works off the force of gravity, and that doesn't tend to change much.

l have an electronic scale.. Great for making repeat checks

on cartridge and bullet weights... l also have two balance beam

scales to make sure the electronic readings are correct... ESP

when lt comes time to weigh a powder charge... l only trust my

RCBS 10-10 and 5 0 5 for powder checks

NOW I HAVE A REDDING 7 STATION TURRET PRESS FOR MISC. AND 2 DILLONS, 1 SET UP FOR LARGE PRIMERS AND THE OTHER SET UP FOR SMALL PRIMERS, PLUS A BALACE BEAM SCALE AND 2 REDDING POWDER DISPENSERS. BEFORE I GOT WHERE I AM NOW I WENT THRU SINGLE STAGE AND SEMI-PROGRESSIVE PRESSES.

YES- I have a single stage and Progressive. both work very well and load accurate ammo. I like not having to spin dies in and out. the L-N-L bushings are another expense but worth it to me

The lock-n-load system looks very nice. Spinning dies in and out and keeping your lengths set is a pain. The RCBS locking nuts are a waste of time. After market nuts with a screw clamp work much better.

X2 on the cheap electronic scales. I found they drifted a lot (half a grain) over a couple hours. A powder dispenser, a good beam scale and a powder trickler are great to start with. You need a solid table/work surface with minimal air currents for precise loading.

Most rifle and precision reloaders use a single stage press (maybe a turret press). Progressive reloaders are better suited for high throughput shooters. While the basic steps between bulk and precision reloading are the same, they can be worlds apart in practice.

When you are getting started, the kitchen table or garage work bench will work, but if you like it and get serious, you will quickly want a dedicated space/bench to store/mount equipment and do your loading.

kits aren't all that bad. I started with a RCBS kit to get the basics. I got the non-rock chucker kit to get an electronic scale which ended up being a waste. over time a lot of the equipment will be upgraded after you know what you want. Don't be afraid to go used for this equipment. Can save you a ton! Also good to find someone you can call or email with questions as you get started. Even in the world of Youtube and forums like this, a little mentoring can go a long way. I mentioned the Lee Collet neck sizing die for 30-30 on another thread. That with the graphite powder case lube can really cut down on the trips through the tumbler and speed the reloading process a lot.

The last comment is that while you may get into reloading to save money, the end result is that you can shoot more (and customize what you shoot) for the same amount of money. There's not a lot of savings involved.

Thanks for all the info everyone. i think I am going to get the lock and load kit and buy a few of the accessories mentioned above at the same time, including a good case cleaning system.

Probably going to leave a stationary reloading station in my home office. Probably will get more use then my desk does.

Be careful, that "home office" could morph into a reloading room.

Dillon progressive press for me. Set the dyes once, and your done. Swap out cartridges for each caliber. Easiest setup ever.