Help. Getting into reloading.

[rum_runner]

With the days of milsurp ammo drying up for my "orphan" calibers, i'm ready to get into reloading.
As cheap as possible, but with quality equipment.
I am in no hurry to turn out a million rounds, as quick as I can.
I will be loading mostly 7.7 Jap, some 7.35 Carcano, and later on, 7.5 Swiss and 8mm Mauser.
I have references to sources for the components, I just need some guidance to the press.

Will THIS be good enough? 50th Anniversary Breech Lock Challenger Kit - Lee Precision

Or? Suggestions...

Information

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[WarPig1976]

It'll do but if you go for the RCBS Rock Chucker combo you won't regret it. Cost more but you get what you pay for.

[25-5]

WarPig is correct. I've had mine for forty years. Also a digital scale is a big help as it makes the process much less tedious. Dillon has a good one. So does RCBS, which can later be attached to a powder dispenser.

[CINDERS]

All comes down to what your budget is and how far you wish to go and personal preferences, if your loading for milsurps where pin point accuracy is not required like F class .25 MOA then the kit appears to be a resonable purchase.
Like most things start small and build up, if in a club ask around as believe me it is a money pit if you really want it to be and having the most expensive dies and presses does not mean your going to load top quality rounds as I have seen and done myself some pretty rough rounds when first learning about the what to do's and not to do's.
You should buy a tumbler as well clean brass is a key, a good reloading book and web searches help, the MAX load is not the best load never start at that step go above minimum and work in .2 or .5 grain increments to get the node the rifle likes keeping an eye for pressure I make my rounds the same as in the book for Cartridge Overall Length (COAL).
Above all keep the loads a good margin above 50% density in the case the reason is obvious to stop double charging a case if your using a really fast powder, do not be afraid to ask as you may fall into a trap for the unwary and end up with a nasty surprise when the trigger breaks.

A set of electronic calipers is also a wise investment you can check the case lengths (Saves trimming) and to keep an eye on the web on the case, there are threads and threads on the art of reloading it is a step by step process and adherance to the rules.
What works in your mates K-31 or Arisaka may not work in yours as they are different animals even if they come from the same plant & Month & YOM and if someone gives you their pet load reduce by 10% and work up I load five round groups with different weighted charges as this gives you a reasonable look at performance.
Some times with 3 shotters you may pull a bad shot and decide wrongly that that load was crud when all the time it had promise, anyway I have waffled on as usual but I would strongly advise you seek advice even go around to a friends house who you trust and watch them reload.
There is a catch there in the respect of , "Nahh you do not need to do this, I do that and it works for me" so they may be setting themselves up for failure do not be lured into shortcuts as it will come back to bite you and the biggest one of all "No alcohol at all"..............whilst reloading.
Have fun

[browningautorifle]

Lee produces junk. That's why it's cheap. That's from the viewpoint of someone that had to retail it for years and deal with the complaints and returns. Get the RCBS kit and have no problems.

[Eaglelord17]

I personally use the Hornady Lock and Load kit (single stage press kit) and I have had no issues or complaints. All the things that came in the kit are decent quality (i.e. not complete garbage) and I will likely use for a long time. My buddy just got the Lee kit, then after he unboxed it took a look at mine and was amazed with the difference in quality. He will likely end up replacing all but his press (he knew that before he bought it) but in the long run will likely have lost money instead of buying a good kit off the back.

[mr.e moose]

The Lee Classic cast is a good press for the money.It sits on my bench and has the advantage of taking large diameter dies, Hornady lock and load bushings with a adapter,along with all regular dies. My favorite press is a Hornady 007 classic with the lock and load bushings.Set your dies ,lock them in place and forget about them. Easy 1/4 turn removal and installation with the only adjustment needed is to your seating/crimping die if you change to a different bullet

[browningautorifle]

One example was a de-capping pin was broken and since the rod is one unit it has to be changed. No one carries spares. The whole thing had to be retuned to a supplier and told, "There wasn't a rod in it to begin with" or it would have stayed busted. No replacement parts. Lee is good stuff as long as you don't use it.

RCBS has parts kits available to dealers, and at reasonable prices.

[Brian Dick]

Redding, RCBS and Dillon are the places to source your reloading kit. All are great companies and make excellent products.

[CINDERS]

Money plays an important part rather than piece meal they have an opportunity to get a good toe hold in a single purchase and then move on. I use Redding and Forster now but started with LEE Dies
I use a Hornady L & L progressive, and have a Lee press with the 3 stage head for my hunting rifles, I once had the digital scales and what a tedious hunk of a way to do stuff even with a powder thrower set .2 grains less no the DPM - 3 is the way of things whilst the Lee scales balance beam is settling the next charge is going in the pan whilst your seating a projectile, I do not use my powder dropper on the lock and load as I cannot afford a third of a grain variation in the loads not for F class anyway.
The tedious part of my sessions is getting the Hornady concentricity piece and dial gauge out and getting the runnout to .001 ~ .000 as .003 is not cutting it.

Sorry you had a bad experience with LEE dies BAR all mine were good they are still there as a back up as I have been known to junk a 308 Forster FLS die 6 months ago it was for my wifes rifle oooops now we cannot get one from Brownells well thats what my LGS says as I have had it ordered for that long my wife also reminds me quite often when she uses the Redding FLS, they never forget might buy her some flowers....

Bar I think I said that before in the thread you mentioned if you do not set the lees up the progie will just drop straight into the case I know cause it happened to me, they are good in as much you can adjust the neck tension without having to go to bushing dies. Mind you if you start neck trimming then you do need bushing dies.