I started loading .308 this way. It's certainly not the most efficient use of your time compared to a press, but it does get the job done.I got the hand one from Lee. I do small batches. Works great!
Yup. Great gear and great service. Although, if you have never reloaded it may be worth while to start with a small single stage press. Generally, they arent that expensive and gives you a chance to learn all the steps individually rather than dealing with a progressive press. RCBS and LEE make some pretty cheap kits that can get you going. You can also make sure you like the whole reloading bit before plunking down some cash on a progressive machine.Whats big blue? Dillon Prec.?
Not always. I had an older Lee turret press that I wore sloppy after about 20,000 rounds, both rifle and handgun. Depends on how much you use it. IME, there is no bad handloading equipment on the market currently.I have an RCBS press my grandfather bought in the late 60's, it still functions great. I have a mix of RCBS and Lee dies and don't have any real negative things to say about either. I'm not sold on the whole Dillon thing, it seems as though most of the people that buy Dillon are maybe a bit too fanatical about it. Even inexpensive Lee equipment should last a lifetime if cared for.