Help me start reloading

[Grendel]

Given that I am going to be taking delivery of a 45/70 fairly soon, I want some guidance on starting to reload. I am only going to reload for this rifle, and possibly .223 (to start with) so I am looking for the absolute basic 'beginners' setup. Not the 'all singing, all dancing, costafortune' setup.

Thanks.

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

If you just want the basics you can't go wrong with the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme kit. All you need to get started is included you just need buy buy your die set and the Rock Chucker press is built to last 2 lifetimes plus a hundred years.

[painter]

I'll second the rock chucker. It will handle most any reloading task. Start scouring Craigslist for people getting out of reloading and selling their entire set up. It happens every time ammo gets cheap, and available.

If the thought of getting dirty on C/L is too much...buy the kit.

[Scoose]

I second the CL or Fleabay shopping. With a little patience you can get a good price on a great setup. But before I go in what?s your budget?? One persons fortune is another persons penny.

[newageroman]

I personally think you don't really need the "kit" and you can do it better and cheaper if you don't get the kit.
Surely the used single stage rock chucker or similar would be the starting point.
Next would be dies of course.
I would skip the beam scale and get a franklin arsenal digital scale new for ~$30
Get a powder pan than has a funnel on it, a hand primer($40new), shell holder and one of those small combo tools that does the champhering/deburring and your mostly done -not counting powder primers and bullets and lube. I started by cleaning brass in an old laundy detergent container with hot soapy water just shaking it around.

[Grendel]

How about a Hornady 085010 Lock-N-Load Classic Deluxe Reloading Kit?

Amazon has it for $464. Here: Link

There's also this: LEE PRECISION Classic Turret Press Kit for $218

Here: Link

I don't know enough to say whether the extra $200 for the Hornady kit is worth it, although I'm sure the money would buy some dies and other bits and pieces to make like easier for a noob if I went with the Lee setup.

[aasbra]

Good advice above.  I also recommend keeping an eye on Craigslist.  I have picked up some pretty good gear for not much $ this way if you don?t need it immediately and are patient.  A Rockchucker is a good start, along with the other basic items mentioned. 

45/70 ammo is expensive to buy, and the cost savings reloading is notable.  I don?t fire mine often, but when I first bought the rifle and was shooting factory ammo, I thought of the cost per round each time I pulled the trigger.  After the first box of ammo, I have been reloading for it.  22 Hornet is another one like this.

[canthelpit]

Another possibility is the Dillon BL550 as a starting point.  Since it's the same basic machine as a 550C, it can be
gradually upgraded to that spec later if needed. 

[larryflew]

How about a Hornady 085010 Lock-N-Load Classic Deluxe Reloading Kit?

Amazon has it for $464. Here: Link

There's also this: LEE PRECISION Classic Turret Press Kit for $218

Here: Link

I don't know enough to say whether the extra $200 for the Hornady kit is worth it, although I'm sure the money would buy some dies and other bits and pieces to make like easier for a noob if I went with the Lee setup.

I use my original Classic Turret as a single stage press. Do all the depriming, turn the turret do the next step, turn the turret etc. Little quicker than changing dies on a single stage.  I'd hold of on the LNL being a progressive.

[Scoose]

Another possibility is the Dillon BL550 as a starting point.  Since it's the same basic machine as a 550C, it can be
gradually upgraded to that spec later if needed.

My recommendation as well. I love my 550 but not sure of what the budget is.

[lewmed]

One thing every one above missed is you need to have several good up to date reloading manuals read them and don't get in a hurry. Take your time and keep detailed records of every round you load. Lucky for you the 45-70 is a very easy round to reload and has been around for ever. If you need help ask questions I have been reloading for over 45 years and still ask for help when loading a new to me cartridge. This is the best forum with many good people take advantage of it.

[cdhbrad]

Between the Hornady and Lee kits mentioned, I'd go with the Hornady.  The powder drop is better than the Lee as are other components.  Also, using the Lock n Load bushings will make changing dies a lot quick once you get them set up.....with the Lee and any other press besides a Forster Co-Ax you will have to thread and unscrew each die in the process.  All you need is dies.  I'm partial to Redding Competition die sets, but Hornady makes great dies too. 

I started with a Lee Turret before picking up a Forster Co-Ax to load all my rifle rounds, except that I call ".223 Blaster ammo", and I now have a Dillon 550 for everything else.  My Lee is still around, but I use it for depriming, etc. 

[painter]

How about a Hornady 085010 Lock-N-Load Classic Deluxe Reloading Kit?

Amazon has it for $464. Here: Link

There's also this: LEE PRECISION Classic Turret Press Kit for $218

Here: Link

I don't know enough to say whether the extra $200 for the Hornady kit is worth it, although I'm sure the money would buy some dies and other bits and pieces to make like easier for a noob if I went with the Lee setup.

I think you pay a lot for red paint.

I also think that Lee press is aluminum. Lee makes good basic equipment, but I don't know if that's the best choice for rifle ammo.

There's at least two rockchuckers on ebay for under $100 right now

[Grendel]

Okay, so assume I buy one of the kits mentioned. What additional items other than bullets, brass, primers, and powder will I need.

Remember to use small words, I know next to nothing about reloading.

[painter]

You'll need a set of calipers for measuring, if not included in the kit, and a kinetic hammer to disassemble the inevitable errors.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-Electronic-Gauge-Stainless-Steel-Vernier-Caliper-150mm-6inch-Micrometer/112264269430?epid=1939339827&hash=item1a2378ce76:g:3CoAAOSwJQdW-IFq:rk:6:pf:0

https://www.ebay.com/p/Frankford-Arsenal-836017/1223790929?iid=401537908968&chn=ps