Getting Started 5.56mm or .223 Remington:
If you are new to reloading or have been sitting on the fence - you may be a little overwhelmed by
how much or what exactly you need to do that first load. Hopefully, this page can help you out a bit. We've tried to break this
page down into 3 different easy to understand sections to get you on your way.
- Load (The first load - Equipment needed for loading with new brass)
- Components (What components you'll need)
- Reload (After you've shot that first batch - what you'll need to "Reload" it)
This page is set up as an example for those who are starting with .223 Remington. The component section reflects what you would need to get the job
done and is just a basic first load. For other calibers - please consult to your reloading manual.
What Equipment is Needed to get your first batch loaded.
First, take a look at what Hornady lists as "needed" from their 8th Edition Reloading manual so you can see where to start.
- Reloading Press
- Die Set
- Shell Holder
- Reloading Manual (Also needed but not listed)
- Powder Scale
- Powder Measure
- Priming System
- Case Lube
The most common way to get started are Reloading Kits. Keep in mind, there are lots of different kits, brands,
or configurations your reloading bench could be comprised of. Below are links to our top 3 selling single stage
reloading kits based on popularity, price and technical ease. We've also listed what they contain, and what you
will still need if you choose to buy that particular kit.
Lee Breech Lock Challenger Single Stage Press Kit
A great way to give reloading a chance if you aren't sure quite yet if it's for you. A small investment, but nevertheless, a good single stage press and some good tools included if you decide to move forward and upgrade a bit.
Price $117.39
Includes:
- Breech Lock Challenger Press
- 1 Breech Lock Bushing
- Lee Auto Prime XR
- Auto Prime shell holder set
- Perfect Powder Measure
- Safety Scale
- Powder Funnel
- Case Cutter and Lock Stud
(case length gauges not included)
- Chamfer tool
- Sizing lube
- Small and Large Primer Pocket Cleaners.
What's Still Needed?
- Die Set & Shell Holder
- Reloading Manual
Recommendations:
-
Lee .223 Rem Die Set (Includes Shell Holder)
-
Lee Reloading 2nd Ed. Manual
-
Case Length Gauge & Holder (this goes with the cutter and lock stud
and will be needed for the "Reload")
-
Bushing 2 Pack The press uses a quick change "Breech" bushing system but only includes 1 bushing. You may want to look at getting an additional
Bushing 2 pack, .
not necessary to actually load your first batch, but if you want to "Reload" you'll probably want to get them.
Final Comments:
If you get just the kit and what's needed, you're looking at under $170, get the case length gauge and bushings and you're under $175!
RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit
By far the most popular reloading kit out there. More Rockchucker presses are mounted to
benches across the globe than any single stage press made.
Price $300.00
Includes:
- Rock Chucker Supreme Press
- Speer Reloading Manual
- Hand Priming Tool
- Uniflow Powder Measure
- 505 Mechanical Scale
- Powder Funnel
- Hex Wrench Set
- Case Lube Pad
- Case Lube-2
- Small & Medium Case Neck Brushes
- Accessory Handle-2
- .17-.60 Chamfer/Debur Tool
- Universal Case Loading Block.
What's Still Needed?
- Die Set & Shell Holder
Recommendations:
-
RCBS Shell Holder #10
-
RCBS .223 Rem AR Die Set (This is $8.00 more than the standard .223 Rem die set, but
read this or watch below, and you see why it's worth the $8.00)
Final Comments:
This is a kit that will pretty much last you a lifetime. You can upgrade some of the parts, but really - it will do the job, and do it well.
Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Single Stage Press Kit
This kit is also very popular and for several reasons. The whole "Lock-N-Load"
quick change die system is really finally starting to catch on. The quality of the
items that are included are top notch. Great press, great powder measurer and what sets this a part - a digital scale and a trickler.
Price $314.99
Includes:
- Lock-N-Load Classic press
- Lock-N-Load Powder Measure
- Electronic Scale
- 8th Ed Hornady Handbook
- Three Lock-N-Load Die Bushings
- Primer Catcher
- Positive Priming System
- Hand-Held Priming Tool
- Universal Reloading Block
- Chamfering and Deburring Tool
- Primer Turning Plate
- One Shot Case Lube
What's Still Needed?
- Die Set & Shell Holder
Recommendations:
-
Hornady Shell Holder #16
-
Hornady Die Set We've listed the Hornady Die set above,
but you can use the
RCBS AR Die Set listed in to the left with the video. and at the very least, watch the video to see the advantages of the AR Die Set and
see if it's right for you.
Final Comments:
This as well, is a kit that will last you a lifetime. You can upgrade some of these parts also, but Hornady really makes some great products. The Lock-N-Load
bushing system is really convenient when switching out dies - especially on a single stage press. Another big plus is the
"Get Loaded" promotion where Hornady will send you 500 FREE Bullets when you buy the Kit!