Reddit mentions of Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Kit (Red)

He needs, yes. The Lee Challenger kit is around $99 on Amazon, and that has everything he'll need to get started except for: Bullets, Primers, Powder and Brass and DIES for 7.62x54r (another $30-$40)

Now, he'll want a digital scale, a case trimmer, and a tumbler to get his brass clean and pretty. That all can be added on, and most likely, be purchased in addition to the press kit for about $200.

Here's a list of things he'll want:

Lee Challenger Reloading Kit
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003ISVWC6/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hornady Reloading Manual (So he doesn’t blow himself up)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MAUZ71V/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Calipers (So he doesn’t blow his gun up)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000GSLKIW/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

7.62x54r Reloading Dies
https://www.amazon.com/Lee-Precision-7-62X54R-Pacesetter-Dies/dp/B00162UGUK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511562718&sr=8-1&keywords=7.62x54r+dies

Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Case Tumbler (To make clean-shiny brass)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001MYGLJC/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Case Tumbling Media
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000OQRGF2/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

RCBS Universal Case Loading Block
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0013RA5DQ/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Hornady One-Shot Case Lube https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0001NA29U/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Guardians of the Galaxy Soundtrack (Because listening to good music scientifically makes better bullets)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LICGSFU/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8

Start by reading the FAQ at /r/reloading. Make sure you have a look see at a reloading manual or two as well.

Bare minimum equipment you will need is:

Press

Dies for your caliber

Calipers

Scale

Lube

I started with a Lee Challenger kit which is $116 and has everything you will need, minus a set of calipers for about $25. I also got a digital scale and a tumbler. All in you will be about $200 or so to start pumping out rounds.

All lot of what you're asking for is personal preference. Almost everything on the market can do what you're asking for. The main difference is that the more money you spend, the less time you'll spend, on average.
Some people prefer beam scales, some electronic, some use automatic systems. All can be very accurate and it depends on personal preference. Same for case prep, press selection, etc.
My advice to you: buy an inexpensive Lee set, such as the Breech Lock Challenger kit, and a set of calipers and go from there. That kit has almost everything you need to get started. You'll find out pretty quickly what you need/want to improve. There is no end all/be all to reloading. Even with all the advice and arguments on this forum, almost all of it is personal preference.

> https://www.amazon.com/Lee-Precision-Breech-Lock-Challenger/dp/B003ISVWC6

yes. i also got mine from amazon.

the parts that need improvement are discussed in the customer reviews near the bottom of the page. powder dispenser and scale are the items i remember getting lukewarm reviews. those parts are cheap to upgrade. so no worry.


you need dies for the caliber that you are reloading.

for some reason i have 2 sets of .223 dies. i know i purchased one, i'm not sure if the other came with the kit.

i purchased a 2" bench top cut off saw [$32]

a jig to cut my cases [$13] 300blk

a case length guage [$10] 300blk

ammo loading tray [$7]

dies [$39] for each caliber

digital caliper [$16]

frankford scale [$32]

frankford bullet puller [$16]

tumber kit [$75]

i spent a good month or so on /r/reloading before i actually purchased anything.

i asked questions and made a shopping list.

those guys are very helpful

research what you actually need for the caliber / bullet grain you want to reload before you buy anything.

double and triple check what powder you need as well. it could save your life.


i kinda over did it with supplies

haven't opened half the boxes yet.

Check this out

But don't start with a progressive press. Start with a single stage press like in this kit.

For less than the price of this progressive, you can get the c4m3ron and everything you need but the die set.

What is the best manual to get started with? I'm planning to reload .308 and was about to buy this kit from either amazon or another dealer. Is this a good place to start? (I live in an apartment and am quite pressed for space)

I was just showing someone today the lee kit. It can be found on amazon for less than $120. Dies are also on amazon

I learned on my own with the book that came with my press. It's pretty straightforward but there's lots of videos out there that can help

https://youtu.be/irC3NuIKDm4

https://www.amazon.com/RCBS-9354-Supreme-Master-Kit/dp/B00T9YKW60

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003ISVWC6/

https://www.amazon.com/Lee-Precision-Breech-Lock-Challenger/dp/B003ISVWC6

That?

What parts did folks recommend upgrading?

Also, from what I've read, dies are needed too.. What dies? How does one know which dies are the correct ones?

I've watched dozens of videos on Youtube, read the books from the library, and I'm still bloody confused. So, sorry if I'm coming off as ignorant; I'm just trying to learn.

Basic press kit:

LEE PRECISION Breech Lock Challenger Kit (Red) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ISVWC6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bupTDbW2EZCNP

Bullet dies (Lee dies work for .38 and .357):

LEE PRECISION Lee Preciesion 90964, Deluxe 4 Die Carbide Set.38 Special https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000N8LMX8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kKpTDbHJ5Q5QG



Brass cleaner:

Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ 110V Vibratory Case Tumbler for Cleaning and Polishing for Reloading https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001MYGLJC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SwpTDbNAN79WC

Lead melter:

LEE PRECISION 90021 Melter (Grey) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00162UONY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9xpTDbKEE2RX3

Lead Dipper:

LEE PRECISION Lead Ladle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LN12Y4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_izpTDbFM3DPRA

Bullet mold:

LEE PRECISION 358-125-Rf Double Cavity Mold https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001OPUDCK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_XzpTDb5ZD1TQZ

Reloading guide (read the intro a few times):

Lyman 50th Edition Reloading Handbook Hardcover https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HH08L1A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ABpTDb4HF8JH2





Supplies:


Brass:

https://www.capitalcartridge.com/38-special-brass-s/112.htm

Primers: academy sells cci small pistol primers $4 per 100

Powder: $20 per 1lb at academy do research to find what type you want

Bullets: $30 per 250-300 at academy, I like the horandy frontier lead stuff. Or buy prefluxed lead on the reloading exchange. And melt your own.

Hey guy's,

I won't do a reply for each, but one reply for everyone since you guy's all told me the same thing haha

I looked for a press kit. I saw this one, it is a Challenger one.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ISVWC6/sr=1-1/qid=1480631067/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1480631067&sr=1-1
For 100$ i think it is a steal.

Does it include the 303 british die ?

Because for only 40CAD more, i can get that full kit !
Thanks.

Lee Breech Lock Kit + caliper. Haven't really added anything else (that isn't caliber specific) in a year or so.

I prefer the Breech Lock Challenger Kit because it comes with a hand primer instead of the safety prime system (for priming on the press). Otherwise it's the same kit. I did an absurdly long YouTube beginners guide using the challenger kit. I think it is a great entry level option.

You can make it as cheap or as expensive as you like. The little lee loader kits are handy, and I think they can be had for under $50. It's a slow, rather imprecise way to do it, but it works and it's a good way to get the process down. I ended up getting this Lee kit:

http://www.amazon.com/Lee-Precision-Breech-Lock-Challenger/dp/B003ISVWC6/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1450679765&sr=1-1&keywords=lee+press+kit

Space is the real issue though. I know over on /r/reloading there are guys doing it in their closets, but I think a shop or garage with a concrete floor makes life easier.

I reload 9mm and 5.56, here's my experience:

1. Lee Breech Lock Challenger Kit: $120 shipped
   
2. Electronic scale $30
   
3. Reloading trays (2) $5 ea.
   
4. Case de-burrer thingy $25
   
5. Misc Case length trimming widgets $10
   
6. Reloading Manual: I found mine free online in .pdf form, but take your pick.
   
7. Bullet puller $12
   
   Instruction manual Seriously though, this guy is one of the best reloading resources around.

https://www.amazon.com/Lee-Precision-Breech-Lock-Challenger/dp/B003ISVWC6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1498151704&sr=8-2&keywords=reloading

There's also this for a more traditional setup.

i JUST got into it, as in, I just got my press this week and get the shell holder tuesday.

this

and brass, and bullets both of which are cheaper for your gun than mine.

seriously man, it's really really easy, i think you'll enjoy it, message me if you have any questions, or like the guy below said, go to the FAQ there.

I was looking at this one, gone up a few bucks since I last looked at it though.

The kit works, in that you can make quality reloads with it. There are better components but at least you can find out if you enjoy the hobby before sinking too far in. If I were you I would buy the other kit.

With the single stage I found myself working in large batches. I would size and deprime everything that I had in that caliber. Then I would tumble. Next expand the case mouth of everything I had clean. With the hand primer you can sit in a comfortable chair priming and not be at the bench the whole time. I would prime a couple of hundred cases at a time and store them until I was ready to load.

The press is good quality and will last you a long time. If you want to churn out large amounts of ammo you will be upgrading. However, a single stage press is always handy to have around.

The scale is fine. I prefer a digital but that is just me.

The powder measure is the weakest point of the Lee kit. It is stiff and leaks if you are using a fine powder. AA#5 leaked right around the barrel on mine. It did not measure 700X well at all but that was more of a powder size issue. If you are using sphereical powder like CFEpistol or Win231 it meters fine. It was the first part I upgraded. A metal powder dispenser like the hornady is more pleasurable to use and does not leak like the Lee.

The case prep stuff works but if you start loading a lot of rifle rounds you will want to get a better deburring tool quickly.

I'm not sure if this comes with the Lee manual or not. That and the powder funnel are the two parts of my kit I still have. There is a lot of Lee advertising in the manual but there is lots of load data with different powders and projectile types.

If you want to see if you enjoy reloading it is a good place to start.

So this is a month old but I have some insight if you haven't already started a certain path.

I just bought a 300blk upper for my pistol. I have a lot of 223 brass I've saved to and decided to reload for 223 to save some money. Well I'm pretty well into reloading for 223 and decided i would start for 300blk as well. The equipment isn't too expensive (relatively) if you get some Cabela's sales and buy some discounted gift cards. Full equipment with necessary parts will run about $250 after everything (can be cheaper if you buy a bundle pack).

This kit

Digital caliper

Initial 300blk dies

Trimming die

Trimmer

Case lube

That's pretty much it for the equipment side. Then you'll need bullets, powders, and primers.

If you're starting out with 223 brass you may want to cut the case before trimming, but you'll need something to cut it with. If you buy some ammo to shoot and collect the casings you can't use them too.

I have everything I need for 300blk except powder pretty much. I just need to find something to use.

So $250 for equipment and 1k round of 223 reloading will cost me about $175. That's $425 for the first 1k round of just 223. Once I buy stuff for 308, 300blk, and 9mm I'll start saving in much higher quantities per round. I think I'll probably actually start saving money through reloading in a couple months if I shoot as regularly as I'd like. I still buy ammo on sales and all, so I typically don't count brass into my cost for a reloaded round. On average it's about $.18/round (for .223) if I don't find good deals.

Edit: so I just went through and did some calculating. .178cpr for 223, .285cpr for 300blk, and .362cpr for 308 of I get good sales and free shipping.

Probably the best deal is to start with this. just buy the dies and probably a digital scale. Also pick up a lyman reloading manual (49th edition). best for beginners to get you set on your way to properly reloading.