Lee loader...

[kennyc]

take the mid route, get a Lee hand press, it will take normal dies and is so useful for doing stuff like decapping/sizing and priming whilst watching TV or adjusting length on the range, you will never need to move it on as it always has a use (and I have two bench presses I use as well)
depending on your build you might grunt a bit sizing on larger cartridges ( I have loaded .308 and 7.5x55 on mine) but use a decent lube like Imperial wax and it will be fine, especially with .223.

[Dan Giliballs]

I've got one in .223 and yeah they work perfectly OK, I got the Lee anniversary kit but didn't use it all

You'll find bits that you don't want or will get better replacement bits as you go a long

if you intend to do a lot of reloading invest in some electronic scales - not manual scales - manual scales now that is really annoying!!!

[Ranyhyn]

I use a lee loader in .22h and .243.
Excellent results.
Actually prefer it to the press!

[223AI]

I've got one in .223 and yeah they work perfectly OK, I got the Lee anniversary kit but didn't use it all

You'll find bits that you don't want or will get better replacement bits as you go a long

if you intend to do a lot of reloading invest in some electronic scales - not manual scales - manual scales now that is really annoying!!!

Decent manual scales are fine! Something that damps properly and therefore settles quickly is the way forward

[kennyc]

Decent manual scales are fine! Something that damps properly and therefore settles quickly is the way forward

what he says ^^^^^^

[jumbuck]

Thanks everyone for your valued input, I'll have to give it some thought now!!!!
Looks like the general consensus is to go the press route!!

[Dan Giliballs]

Decent manual scales are fine! Something that damps properly and therefore settles quickly is the way forward

Starting out most people will properly end up getting scales that don't dampen quickly and you still have to trickle in the powder - I splashed out on an RCBS chargemaster- it just takes the pain out of it, each to their own I suppose

[kennyc]

Starting out most people will properly end up getting scales that don't dampen quickly and you still have to trickle in the powder - I splashed out on an RCBS chargemaster- it just takes the pain out of it, each to their own I suppose

all well and good but the OP is obviously on a budget and testing the water I think a chargemaster probably goes against the spirit of the thread,

[aris]

Lee loader is doable, a nice to have anyhow as a SHTF loader. Can even use it in the field no problem.

[Ranyhyn]

+1 to above!
Lee scales are ok and quite precise, however must be used in a draft free environment.
Drafts can cause erratic readings.

[223AI]

Starting out most people will properly end up getting scales that don't dampen quickly and you still have to trickle in the powder - I splashed out on an RCBS chargemaster- it just takes the pain out of it, each to their own I suppose

Why? There are plenty of beam scales out there that damp properly, RCBS 505s come up almost weekly, redding 502s nearly as often.

As for trickling what of it? On a budget then the Hornady manual trickler is inexpensive and something I always advise new Reloader to purchase, coupled with lee scoop set and decent beam scales and you are well on your way.

For those who load a lot then one of 1066Â’s target master electronic auto tricklers is the logical upgrade, very accurate and can be set up to trickle one granule if powder at a time if thatÂ’s how accurate you want to be. I throw a couple of points of a grain short of the required charge with a cheap lee thrower, pop pan on scale and trickle the last bit of powder with the target master, seating the bullet on the previously charged case while the powder trickles. A very fast and repeatable way of loading and cheaper than the charge master by a long way.

Target master is an awesome bit of kit and made in the uk.

[223AI]

take the mid route, get a Lee hand press, it will take normal dies and is so useful for doing stuff like decapping/sizing and priming whilst watching TV or adjusting length on the range, you will never need to move it on as it always has a use (and I have two bench presses I use as well)
depending on your build you might grunt a bit sizing on larger cartridges ( I have loaded .308 and 7.5x55 on mine) but use a decent lube like Imperial wax and it will be fine, especially with .223.

Lee hand press was going to be my suggestion too, lee do RGB dies at £22 ish for 0.223 too, slightly more outlay but you will have much more adjustment and the option to vary length and crimp with a crimp die etc.