I have been looking at starting to reload and noticed that Midway has the rock chucker supreme kit for $279 with a $75 rebate, with the rebate ending tomorrow. Would this be my best bet on a setup to start out on? Also, what else would I need to get started besides manuals and the components? I've read the ABC's of reloading and plan to do more research before actually starting.

Rcbs is quality gear.Far as extra gear it depends.What calibers you looking into?

Right now .308, 25-06, and 7mm-08.

Shell holders case trimmer and dies.You'll buy more than basics to help yourself out.

Go to Shooters Warehouse just north of Cullman on Hwy 69 and check out the presses he has setup up for newbies to learn with. I had no idea anybody offered such a setup in a commercial setting. I was in there Wednesday evening to buy some powder and was impressed with what Roger is doing with his business. He has single stage presses and progressives set up for anybody to check out before diving in. He has plackards with costs for what each press is set up with. I think any newbie would greatly benefit from what he's got set up even if you buy a different brand than he has there.

That sounds like a good place for newbs to look into.

RCBS kit is a great starter kit that will not limit you in the future should you become a handloading addict like many of us. You will need to buy some additional equipment to go with this kit like Dave260 listed, but I don't thick you can beat the RCBS kit for the price.

For a single stage press it doesn't really get any better than the RCBS Rock Chucker. I use one all the time. I"ve said this before...The best thing about RCBS is their customer service.

I concur. I am tickled to death with mine.

Wiley, I had no idea he was doing that. That's an awesome service

Ain't it though?I didn't know till I went in there and bought powder the other day.

Get the RC and never look back! I started with the RCII kit, 30 yrs ago, still using it and have no desire to replace it!

I agree the RCBS kit will get you started. However, you will soon replace some things. And that is alright.

I don't mean to hijack this post but I'm looking at getting into it myself. I am wondering if the explorer plus kit for $369 might be a better route for me to start out with as it has the digital scales, powder trickler, caliper, and bullet puller? Looks like if I have to get any of this stuff extra I will be out a lot more money in the long run? Loading 270 and 308 to start with.

If I were to do it again I'd buy (single stage):
a good press (probably a Lyman since it comes with a primer tool) ~$125
a RCBS Chargemaster ~$200 (on sale right now)
a RCBS Deburring tool ~$20 (not needed if using new brass)
a RCBS Case Trimmer ~$100 (not needed if using new brass)

That is all a man needs to load.

It depends. If the options that they're offering are the ones you want, then that's great. If you don't care for their options, then you'd be better off buying what you want.

Actually you don't need the last 2 unless you have to trim brass. Some bottleneck brass don't need trimming till after the 4th or 5th load, if then, depending on the caliber and how hot it's being loaded

I think you must have a trimmer. Safety issue. Those 35-06 cases are going to stretch enough after the first firing that they will be over max length.

I've only been to Shooters Warehouse once when passing near there. Nice people and the loading room with all of the different presses was a great set up. I believe when starting this hobby it is great to have a mentor or teacher to help. You will at some point have a situation you will need help to solve. If they are offering classes it would be a great service.

A lot of people got into reloading in the past few years due to the ammo shortages and I have seen some unsafe reloads. The internet has some good advice but also as much if not more bad or potentially dangerous advice.

I have no experience with other presses but the Lee Precision turret and single stage presses have worked well for me. Their smaller progressive press can be a hassle but it has been years since I worked with one. The price was always nice also compared to the other brands. 2 cents worth applied.....

The best setup is to have a Chargemaster and a Case Prep center. But for the guy that is only going to load a couple boxes of rifle ammo at a time the Lee powder dippers and some hand tools will get it done all day long. If you get to where you are reloading a lot you'll continually upgrade what you initially started out with and none of the kits really come with everything you need.