I want to get into reloading but dont have copiuos amounts of cash to drop. I was looking over those kits a couple of companies put together and was wondering if my $200 to $300 is woth it? I only would reload my 30-06 and possibly my new gun, most likley 45-70 or 450.

I recommend the Lee Breechlock Challenger kit. It's about $104 and includes everything (except components - powder, cases, primers, bullets) to get you started. Then, you'll buy additional accessories as you advance.

$200 - $300 is about right once you get all tools and components, without adding any of the fancy stuff or specialty items.

What StretchNM said. Get Lee Precision Kit.

What StretchNM said. Get Lee Precision Kit.

I agree. It's not fancy but it sure will work.It should be great for what you want.

thank you. thats exactly the information i wanted. its very helpful

I bought a lee breech lock and love it!

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/51

A whole lotta folks will tell you not to use a Lee Loader to get started in reloading, to go to a single stage press right off. Well, maybe. But this is how I started and for two reasons. First I didn't have any free money to spend and second I didn't have a dedicated place to reload. I DID have a desire and I learned all the "theories" behind each step reloading (a MAJOR plus). Slow, maybe. But once I got familiar with the equipment and components, I regularly reloaded a box (50) per setting, couple of hours at most. BTW there's a guy on youtube that reloads a rifle round with a Lee Loader in less than 1 minute, and a 1,000 yard record for smallest group was held with Lee Loader produced ammo.;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeEl9wZyabc

I got made redundant a few months back and money is tight to say the least. Fortunately I had all my reloading equipment before the cuts. A friend of mine put me in touch with www.steel-shot.com for my shot. Just wondering if anyone else has heard of them? They are really cheap and do really nice shot. I email the guy my order stephen@steel-shot.com if anyone's interested. Every little helps i guess, Jameshot.:)

cwby
When I started reloading,I bought the Lyman Tong tool,and it is still available.
But,now,I recommend the Lee starter kit.
You learn your craft with it,and then upgrade to RCBS or other,if you see fit to do.
Good luck
Frank

Lee's Challanger presses are good. Lee's Clasic Cast presses are GREAT!

Yes. After using my Breechlock for several months, I ordered the Classic Cast and have used it for the last couple of months. It is an absolute BEAST! Smooth, powerful, simple.........

I wish I could use my quick-release sleeves though....

Lee's Challanger presses are good. Lee's Clasic Cast presses are GREAT!

Yep, I agree. I've always used Lee loader and it's always been great. Recommended

I also started with the Lyman Tong tool, Scales and powder funnel.
That was slow going. Then I just kept adding a little along. You
might find a reloader that has quit and get a good buy on used
equipment. Run an add in the paper it won't cost much. Also check
at gun ranges. Our range bulletin board always has something for
sale on it. If you find used RCBS equipment it's good as new because
RCBS will fix or replace anything that is bad. Think Lee will do the
same.

I to started out with the Lee loader back in the 80s and it gave a good foundation. You might also want to consider the Lee hand press. It will do anything a fixed single stage press will do and is very inexpensive. A bonus is you do not need a dedicated reloading bench.

I to started out with the Lee loader back in the 80s and it gave a good foundation. You might also want to consider the Lee hand press. It will do anything a fixed single stage press will do and is very inexpensive. A bonus is you do not need a dedicated reloading bench.

While I agree the Lee Hand Press is a great tool, and I love mine, I disagree it will do everything a fixed single stage press will. Reforming cases to another caliber is not something a Lee Hand Press is made for and better left to a bench mounted press that has a little more beef. I am not bashing Lee and have both the Hand Press and the Lee Challenger. I use the Hand Press for almost everything in my pistol loads and some rifle. But for reforming cases, like 30-06 to 8mm, I use the Challenger. All in all I don't think you will go wrong with Lee equipment if used within it's limits.