About to take the plunge - what do you think of this set up for a starter kit?

CoolHandLu · June 4, 2008, 11:39 PM

So I'm not completely new to reloading - have reloaded Shotgun Shells with my MEC 600, and enjoyed it a ton. So now I want to reload for my pistols.

I figure I'll start with one caliber, and work my way up from there. I shoot mostly in .38 special, so that's where I'll start. I'm probably going to be reloading to the tune of 200 cartridges a week max. Here's what I'm thinking:

For a press: RCBS Rock Chucker Kit, which has pretty much everything I'll need, save for dies and shell holders. Now, in one of the stickies about reloading basics, the author wrote: "For reloading pistol, you’d want to consider a turret or progressive press" - this confused me some, as I thought the venerable Rock Chucker would be a great choice for a first press for reloading revolver calibers. Am I wrong?

I'm going to be buying die sets with Titanium nitride coated sizing rings, so I won't have to lube the brass. I'll need a shell holder in .38 special too.

Figure I can't go wrong with Bullseye powder, and use the standard 2.8 gr Bullseye with a 148 LWC bullet.

Question: will my .38 Special casings work with .38+P loads?

I think I'm gonna also need a "realoading tray" to hold the cartridges while they are primed and charged and waiting for bullets.

Anything else you can think of? What do you think of my setup?
Thanks!
Brian

Threefeathers · June 4, 2008, 11:49 PM

This is the same kit I've put several of my freinds into.
Use ANY POWDER EXCEPT BULLSEYE. Sorry I had to yell. It is the one powder Jeff Cooper wouldn't use and neither will I. It is so fine that double loading with it is very easy. I'd suggest you start with the powder most start with Unique. If you double load Unique in the long 38 special case you can see it.
Make each step seperate, look into each case as they sit in the loading block, you can then see if one case is just a bit too filled.
Be careful, a Kaboom occurs with most of us, some at first, some after years and they become complacent.

rwilson452 · June 5, 2008, 12:17 AM

one big difference with metallic reloading is you don't start with a max load you start with the start load and work your way up to more powerful loads watching for signs of too much pressure. Yes your 38 cases can handle the pressures of 38 +P loads but again approach these loads with caution. depending on how much you shoot you may wish to start with a turret press but begin your learning curve using it as a single stage. another factor that is different than shotgun is you may want to vary the overall length of the assembled cartridge to improve accuracy. for safety sake you may wish to start your metallic reloading fun with a powder like trailboss as it will give you definite indications if you accidentally double charge a case.

oh I use W231

So I'm not completely new to reloading - have reloaded Shotgun Shells with my MEC 600, and enjoyed it a ton. So now I want to reload for my pistols.

I figure I'll start with one caliber, and work my way up from there. I shoot mostly in .38 special, so that's where I'll start. I'm probably going to be reloading to the tune of 200 cartridges a week max. Here's what I'm thinking:

For a press: RCBS Rock Chucker Kit, which has pretty much everything I'll need, save for dies and shell holders. Now, in one of the stickies about reloading basics, the author wrote: "For reloading pistol, you’d want to consider a turret or progressive press" - this confused me some, as I thought the venerable Rock Chucker would be a great choice for a first press for reloading revolver calibers. Am I wrong?

I'm going to be buying die sets with Titanium nitride coated sizing rings, so I won't have to lube the brass. I'll need a shell holder in .38 special too.

Figure I can't go wrong with Bullseye powder, and use the standard 2.8 gr Bullseye with a 148 LWC bullet.

Question: will my .38 Special casings work with .38+P loads?

I think I'm gonna also need a "realoading tray" to hold the cartridges while they are primed and charged and waiting for bullets.

Anything else you can think of? What do you think of my setup?
Thanks!
Brian

Sevens · June 5, 2008, 12:43 AM

Everyone has their opinions, and I'm not here to point a finger and tell anyone else that their's is wrong-- but in my opinion, you needn't avoid any powder on earth simply because you fear a possible double charge.

To successfully and safely handload your own ammuntion, you need to have a process, a skill set, and some safeguards in place to check your work. Avoiding perhaps one of THE single most popular smokeless powders in the history of man simply because it uses a small charge that takes a small space in the cartridge is like admitting up front that you shouldn't be trusted at your bench.

Bullseye is a TERRIFIC powder and that 2.8 grain target load will perform beautifully for you.

The reason a turret press was suggested for handgun/pistol/revolver rounds is simply because handgun guys go through a LOT more ammo than typical (non-match!) rifle shooters. Many people shoot a small handful of rifle rounds... then burn through 300 or 500 pistol rounds as quickly as they can fill magazines and cylinders.

But no, you don't have to get a turret press. I've been handloading for 20 years with my single stage, and these days I do all the calibers listed in my sig line and 3 more I haven't updated yet.

You are picking a great caliber to start with, too. .38 Special may be the easiest loading round out there. It's inherently accurate, brass is plentiful and cheap, load data is everywhere, bullet selection is large, and performance is easily gotten.

I think you are good to go. The Rock Chucker is a really slick, incredibly strong press that will still be good as new when your Grandkids are using it.

Shoney · June 5, 2008, 01:12 AM

Quote:

CoolHandLu wrote
Am I wrong?

Yes! Maybe! Sometimes ! NO!
You will probably increase your 200/week number when you start reloading, so you may wish to consider a turret press. If or when you get to the 500 or more per week, you may wish you had a progressive, but it is not called for yet.

I prefer powders that fills the case (casings are what you stuff sausage into) to a high percentage load density, that way an accidental double charge will overflow the case, or be so high you will see it immediately.

Quote:

I think I'm gonna also need a "realoading tray" to hold the cartridges while they are primed and charged and waiting for bullets.

Although it is not a requirement, it is certainly handy. It will decrease likelyhood of spills and confusion .

By the way, you put powder in a primed case, then seat the bullet to make the whole combination a "cartridge".

Quote:

a salty old TFL phart wrote:
AWWWWWW! Don't them rookies say the cutest things.

We were all rookies at one point, so keep the questions comming! Welcome aboard!!!!!!

Ifishsum · June 5, 2008, 02:48 AM

I don't believe in avoiding a powder just because you can double charge. I love bullseye for .38 target loads and haven't found one I like better. Goes a long way, too. Definitely use loading blocks (I have 4 or 5 of them) and check all the charged cases with a flashlight before you seat the bullets, a double charge is pretty easy to spot. Don't watch TV or talk to anyone while you're charging cases, give it your full attention.

Your choice of press is good, I learned to load on a friends Rock Chucker. I ended up buying a Lee Classic Cast and like it a bit better, I prefer the Lee's spent primer collection system. I don't think the Classic Cast is offered in a kit though.

CoolHandLu · June 5, 2008, 08:08 AM

Hey, thanks a TON for all the well thought out feedback. I TOTALLY get the "double charge" risk, and see why some of you suggest I steer away from Bullseye b/c it's such a fine, small granular powder. And now that I understand that, on average, most handgun shooters throw a LOT more lead downrange when compared to rifle shoooters, it makes sense that a handgunner may want to go with a multi-stage press.

So ultimately I need to make a decision here - but I do appreciate all this feedback. This is quite a nice forum. You folks rock!
Brian

Tuzo · June 5, 2008, 12:30 PM

I have been using a rock chucker press for many years to reload various rifle and pistol calibers. By far my favorite is .38/.357. All replies to your post have been excellent and I would like to add one more bit of advice: clean your brass. Even with carbide pistol sizing dies requiring no lubrication, dirty cases can contaminate the die resulting in scratched cases and increased case-to-die friction. And, as with all sizing dies, swabbing with a clean cotton rag or Q-tip before sizing will extend the life and increase efficiency of your dies.

Have fun and be safe.

Threefeathers · June 5, 2008, 01:33 PM

I forgot to add that eventually you'll need.
1. A caliper because yo have to measure your bullets.
2. A tumbler: I have 3 now one running almost all the time.
3. A trimmer if you are going to load rifle bullets. Personally I never trim pistol, but always measure and trim rifle brass.

I know me and after 20+ years I don't have the confidence in myself that I will use Bullseye. I looked up Col. Coopers sayings to make sure and it is true, he wouldn't use Bullseye either. Just too many powders out there that lesson the double loading factor.

The Lovemaster · June 5, 2008, 04:43 PM

Bullseye works pretty good with the .38. For my next trick I'm going to try either W231 or Hodgdon HP38. I've become a big fan of Hodgdon lately.

I used a pound of Unique but won't be doing that again, primarily because it is THE dirtiest powder I've ever seen. One cylinder of ammo through my revolver, and it looks like it hasn't been cleaned in years.

Good job on the Rockchucker, it's one of the best presses ever made. I personally have been sticking to Lee dies lately, I love their ease of adjustment.

You're going to find you definitely need the things threefeathers recommends above.

Gun shows are a good place to pick up used stuff (e.g. a tumbler) if one shops price carefully. You want to avoid overpaying, obviously.

pjn003 · June 5, 2008, 05:32 PM

i would definately consider a turret press. i just picked up a used dillon square deal b all ready to load 9mm and .357 magnum, with calipers, scale, etc.... for $225.

it can really crank out the rounds pretty fast. i would definately reccomend a turret press of some sort... look around and you can get a good deal on a used one or prehaps get a lee classic turret.

pjn003 · June 5, 2008, 05:35 PM

oh, and im using bullseye lol

HankB · June 5, 2008, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Use ANY POWDER EXCEPT BULLSEYE.

I disagree. Vehemently.

Quote:

I'd suggest you start with the powder most start with Unique.

Don't particularly like Unique - gums up my measure and burns dirty.

Quote:

Bullseye is a TERRIFIC powder and that 2.8 grain target load will perform beautifully for you.

I agree with this post.

Threefeathers · June 6, 2008, 12:58 AM

When did you all last use Unique? About 2 years ago they changed the formula and it is much cleaner now.

Going for the best 38 Special powder I have to throw in PB.

The Lovemaster · June 6, 2008, 12:17 PM

I used the "new" "cleaner" Unique, and it isn't what I would call clean. It might be cleaner than the old formula, but it's still nasty stuff.

My 2 cents.

Brian Pfleuger · June 28, 2008, 05:54 PM

Hey guys, looking to reload .204 Ruger and .22-250. First for accuracy, second to save money.

Opinions on the RCBC Partner Press Kit?

Thanks

CrustyFN · June 28, 2008, 08:09 PM

I would have to agree with the ones that say BE would be fine to start with. I use BE in 38 spcl and it works fine. Your loads will only be as safe as the person loading them. I started loading 9mm and started with Titegroup. Got some advice to not start with that powder and appreciated the concern of the posters because I know they only had my safety in mind, but it's my favorite powder for 9mm right now and had no problems. Another concern is the powder you are going to use metering well in your powder measure. I have never used Unique but hear it doesn't meter well in most powder measures.

Quote:

Be careful, a Kaboom occurs with most of us, some at first, some after years and they become complacent.

WOW I hope most was a type-o. Out of all the friends I have and others I know from the gun forums there is probably only one that has had a KB. I don't know how much you plan to shoot per week or month but consider this. A single stage will normally give you 50 to 75 rounds per hour. I hear a turret press isn't much faster except for the Lee classic turret because of the auto indexing. The Lee classic will give you close to 200 RPH, and then a progressive will give you 400+. I know it's a tough choice. I had a hell of a time trying to figure which press to start with. I ended up with the Lee classic turret. It has been a great press for me over the last two years and don't have any complaints. Good luck.
Rusty

lomaxanderson · June 28, 2008, 10:00 PM

Well I have to say i started with a 550 bought used and load 38,.357,9mm,45acp all with bullseye...love it ...wouldn't want to load single stage ....easy 300 rounds an hour ....i'm new and slow...

Sevens · June 29, 2008, 01:26 PM

I completely agree with Crusty--
No way that most folks end up with a "kaboom" at some point or another. That's not my experience. If I thought that I was going to end up with a kaboom at some point simply as a matter of "bad luck" or a numbers game, I'd just go buy factory ammo.

My firearms, my hand, fingers, face... I wouldn't be doing this stuff if I thought they were at risk.

38 Super Auto · June 29, 2008, 07:23 PM

While I load on a progressive now, I started modestly with a rock chucker, uniflow, RCBS 10-10, and a host of hand tools. I loaded single stage for about 10 years. All that single stage loading gave me a good understanding of how to make good ammo.

I can pound out the ammo now, but I still load single stage for .308 cast.

If you start with good single stage equipment, you can always sell it or use it for low volume applications later on. Good quality equipment will always increase in value.

June 4, 2008, 11:39 PM	#1
CoolHandLu Member Join Date: May 24, 2008 Posts: 31	About to take the plunge - what do you think of this set up for a starter kit? So I'm not completely new to reloading - have reloaded Shotgun Shells with my MEC 600, and enjoyed it a ton. So now I want to reload for my pistols. I figure I'll start with one caliber, and work my way up from there. I shoot mostly in .38 special, so that's where I'll start. I'm probably going to be reloading to the tune of 200 cartridges a week max. Here's what I'm thinking: For a press: RCBS Rock Chucker Kit, which has pretty much everything I'll need, save for dies and shell holders. Now, in one of the stickies about reloading basics, the author wrote: "For reloading pistol, you’d want to consider a turret or progressive press" - this confused me some, as I thought the venerable Rock Chucker would be a great choice for a first press for reloading revolver calibers. Am I wrong? I'm going to be buying die sets with Titanium nitride coated sizing rings, so I won't have to lube the brass. I'll need a shell holder in .38 special too. Figure I can't go wrong with Bullseye powder, and use the standard 2.8 gr Bullseye with a 148 LWC bullet. Question: will my .38 Special casings work with .38+P loads? I think I'm gonna also need a "realoading tray" to hold the cartridges while they are primed and charged and waiting for bullets. Anything else you can think of? What do you think of my setup? Thanks! Brian

June 5, 2008, 12:43 AM	#4
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,775	Everyone has their opinions, and I'm not here to point a finger and tell anyone else that their's is wrong-- but in my opinion, you needn't avoid any powder on earth simply because you fear a possible double charge. To successfully and safely handload your own ammuntion, you need to have a process, a skill set, and some safeguards in place to check your work. Avoiding perhaps one of THE single most popular smokeless powders in the history of man simply because it uses a small charge that takes a small space in the cartridge is like admitting up front that you shouldn't be trusted at your bench. Bullseye is a TERRIFIC powder and that 2.8 grain target load will perform beautifully for you. The reason a turret press was suggested for handgun/pistol/revolver rounds is simply because handgun guys go through a LOT more ammo than typical (non-match!) rifle shooters. Many people shoot a small handful of rifle rounds... then burn through 300 or 500 pistol rounds as quickly as they can fill magazines and cylinders. But no, you don't have to get a turret press. I've been handloading for 20 years with my single stage, and these days I do all the calibers listed in my sig line and 3 more I haven't updated yet. You are picking a great caliber to start with, too. .38 Special may be the easiest loading round out there. It's inherently accurate, brass is plentiful and cheap, load data is everywhere, bullet selection is large, and performance is easily gotten. I think you are good to go. The Rock Chucker is a really slick, incredibly strong press that will still be good as new when your Grandkids are using it. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

June 5, 2008, 12:30 PM	#8
Tuzo Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2007 Location: Louisiana Posts: 797	Clean cases I have been using a rock chucker press for many years to reload various rifle and pistol calibers. By far my favorite is .38/.357. All replies to your post have been excellent and I would like to add one more bit of advice: clean your brass. Even with carbide pistol sizing dies requiring no lubrication, dirty cases can contaminate the die resulting in scratched cases and increased case-to-die friction. And, as with all sizing dies, swabbing with a clean cotton rag or Q-tip before sizing will extend the life and increase efficiency of your dies. Have fun and be safe.

June 28, 2008, 05:54 PM	#16
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,694	About to take the plunge too...maybe Hey guys, looking to reload .204 Ruger and .22-250. First for accuracy, second to save money. Opinions on the RCBC Partner Press Kit? Thanks

June 28, 2008, 10:00 PM	#18
lomaxanderson Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2006 Location: La. Posts: 349	what no dillon ? Well I have to say i started with a 550 bought used and load 38,.357,9mm,45acp all with bullseye...love it ...wouldn't want to load single stage ....easy 300 rounds an hour ....i'm new and slow...

June 4, 2008, 11:49 PM	#2
Threefeathers Junior member Join Date: June 7, 2004 Location: AZ Posts: 392	This is the same kit I've put several of my freinds into. Use ANY POWDER EXCEPT BULLSEYE. Sorry I had to yell. It is the one powder Jeff Cooper wouldn't use and neither will I. It is so fine that double loading with it is very easy. I'd suggest you start with the powder most start with Unique. If you double load Unique in the long 38 special case you can see it. Make each step seperate, look into each case as they sit in the loading block, you can then see if one case is just a bit too filled. Be careful, a Kaboom occurs with most of us, some at first, some after years and they become complacent.

June 5, 2008, 12:17 AM	#3
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	one big difference with metallic reloading is you don't start with a max load you start with the start load and work your way up to more powerful loads watching for signs of too much pressure. Yes your 38 cases can handle the pressures of 38 +P loads but again approach these loads with caution. depending on how much you shoot you may wish to start with a turret press but begin your learning curve using it as a single stage. another factor that is different than shotgun is you may want to vary the overall length of the assembled cartridge to improve accuracy. for safety sake you may wish to start your metallic reloading fun with a powder like trailboss as it will give you definite indications if you accidentally double charge a case. oh I use W231 So I'm not completely new to reloading - have reloaded Shotgun Shells with my MEC 600, and enjoyed it a ton. So now I want to reload for my pistols. I figure I'll start with one caliber, and work my way up from there. I shoot mostly in .38 special, so that's where I'll start. I'm probably going to be reloading to the tune of 200 cartridges a week max. Here's what I'm thinking: For a press: RCBS Rock Chucker Kit, which has pretty much everything I'll need, save for dies and shell holders. Now, in one of the stickies about reloading basics, the author wrote: "For reloading pistol, you’d want to consider a turret or progressive press" - this confused me some, as I thought the venerable Rock Chucker would be a great choice for a first press for reloading revolver calibers. Am I wrong? I'm going to be buying die sets with Titanium nitride coated sizing rings, so I won't have to lube the brass. I'll need a shell holder in .38 special too. Figure I can't go wrong with Bullseye powder, and use the standard 2.8 gr Bullseye with a 148 LWC bullet. Question: will my .38 Special casings work with .38+P loads? I think I'm gonna also need a "realoading tray" to hold the cartridges while they are primed and charged and waiting for bullets. Anything else you can think of? What do you think of my setup? Thanks! Brian

June 5, 2008, 02:48 AM	#6
Ifishsum Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,035	I don't believe in avoiding a powder just because you can double charge. I love bullseye for .38 target loads and haven't found one I like better. Goes a long way, too. Definitely use loading blocks (I have 4 or 5 of them) and check all the charged cases with a flashlight before you seat the bullets, a double charge is pretty easy to spot. Don't watch TV or talk to anyone while you're charging cases, give it your full attention. Your choice of press is good, I learned to load on a friends Rock Chucker. I ended up buying a Lee Classic Cast and like it a bit better, I prefer the Lee's spent primer collection system. I don't think the Classic Cast is offered in a kit though.

June 5, 2008, 08:08 AM	#7
CoolHandLu Member Join Date: May 24, 2008 Posts: 31	Hey, thanks a TON for all the well thought out feedback. I TOTALLY get the "double charge" risk, and see why some of you suggest I steer away from Bullseye b/c it's such a fine, small granular powder. And now that I understand that, on average, most handgun shooters throw a LOT more lead downrange when compared to rifle shoooters, it makes sense that a handgunner may want to go with a multi-stage press. So ultimately I need to make a decision here - but I do appreciate all this feedback. This is quite a nice forum. You folks rock! Brian

June 5, 2008, 01:33 PM	#9
Threefeathers Junior member Join Date: June 7, 2004 Location: AZ Posts: 392	I forgot to add that eventually you'll need. 1. A caliper because yo have to measure your bullets. 2. A tumbler: I have 3 now one running almost all the time. 3. A trimmer if you are going to load rifle bullets. Personally I never trim pistol, but always measure and trim rifle brass. I know me and after 20+ years I don't have the confidence in myself that I will use Bullseye. I looked up Col. Coopers sayings to make sure and it is true, he wouldn't use Bullseye either. Just too many powders out there that lesson the double loading factor.

June 5, 2008, 04:43 PM	#10
The Lovemaster Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 416	Bullseye works pretty good with the .38. For my next trick I'm going to try either W231 or Hodgdon HP38. I've become a big fan of Hodgdon lately. I used a pound of Unique but won't be doing that again, primarily because it is THE dirtiest powder I've ever seen. One cylinder of ammo through my revolver, and it looks like it hasn't been cleaned in years. Good job on the Rockchucker, it's one of the best presses ever made. I personally have been sticking to Lee dies lately, I love their ease of adjustment. You're going to find you definitely need the things threefeathers recommends above. Gun shows are a good place to pick up used stuff (e.g. a tumbler) if one shops price carefully. You want to avoid overpaying, obviously.

June 5, 2008, 05:32 PM	#11
pjn003 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 146	i would definately consider a turret press. i just picked up a used dillon square deal b all ready to load 9mm and .357 magnum, with calipers, scale, etc.... for $225. it can really crank out the rounds pretty fast. i would definately reccomend a turret press of some sort... look around and you can get a good deal on a used one or prehaps get a lee classic turret.

June 5, 2008, 05:35 PM	#12
pjn003 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 146	oh, and im using bullseye lol

June 6, 2008, 12:58 AM	#14
Threefeathers Junior member Join Date: June 7, 2004 Location: AZ Posts: 392	When did you all last use Unique? About 2 years ago they changed the formula and it is much cleaner now. Going for the best 38 Special powder I have to throw in PB.

June 6, 2008, 12:17 PM	#15
The Lovemaster Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 416	I used the "new" "cleaner" Unique, and it isn't what I would call clean. It might be cleaner than the old formula, but it's still nasty stuff. My 2 cents.

June 29, 2008, 01:26 PM	#19
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,775	I completely agree with Crusty-- No way that most folks end up with a "kaboom" at some point or another. That's not my experience. If I thought that I was going to end up with a kaboom at some point simply as a matter of "bad luck" or a numbers game, I'd just go buy factory ammo. My firearms, my hand, fingers, face... I wouldn't be doing this stuff if I thought they were at risk. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

June 29, 2008, 07:23 PM	#20
38 Super Auto Member Join Date: January 17, 2008 Location: In God we trust Posts: 32	While I load on a progressive now, I started modestly with a rock chucker, uniflow, RCBS 10-10, and a host of hand tools. I loaded single stage for about 10 years. All that single stage loading gave me a good understanding of how to make good ammo. I can pound out the ammo now, but I still load single stage for .308 cast. If you start with good single stage equipment, you can always sell it or use it for low volume applications later on. Good quality equipment will always increase in value.