Buy new or make due

[Lost Sheep]

He doesn't have much to offer sadly Iv picked his brain alot about it he simply doesn't remember he has dimensia I have to "hold his hand" threw sighting in he forgets what he just adjusted and I have to write it down each time for him to see because he won't take anyones word.

How do I tell what thread the press is will it say on his 357 dies. All he has dies for is is the 357max and mag I have my .243 to reload for and I'm picking up a 17rem also def reload for that maybe for my nephews .223 if he stops shooting steel cases.

I see Berger just came out with a manual also I'm gonna order a manual or two and have it sent here to read and study before I get home

So sorry to hear about his condition. I wish you and your family all the best.

The threads are virtually certain to be the same as 99% of all the other presses and dies out there. 7/8" diameter by 14 threads per inch. Seeing the picture you posted, I am 100% sure.

If you are uncertain about new dies fitting into your press, bring your old dies that do fit that press to the store. Take the lock ring from the old die and verify the threads on the lock ring fit on the new dies (or the lock ring from the new dies fit on the old dies). That is easier than dragging the press into the store, which is also a possibility.

I am not familiar with Berger, but most manuals have their early chapters devoted to the "How-to" of loading. Each having a different style of writing and different areas of emphasis, so reading several is good. What one covers thinly another will cover well and some writing styles will "speak" to you better than others. "The ABC's of Reloading" is almost universally recommended. It has no loading data in it, but put together by editors from a number of different writers, so is a useful adjunct to any loader's library. After that book, the loading manual published by the manufacturers of the powder you use and/or the bullets you use (many makers of powder and bullets publish load data in manuals). Loading equipment manufacturers also publish loading manuals. My favorite is Lyman's. After that, Lee's. You will find your own favorites.

In the meantime, your Father-in-Law's manuals, no matter how old or out-of-date the load data is, the early chapters are still applicable to the loading process. By the way, pretty much main reason the old manuals' load data should be carefully checked is because the chemical formulas of the various powders MAY have changed over the years.

Lost Sheep

 

[Lost Sheep]

Two: Learning of a Single Stage is far easier than on any other type press. A Turret is not much different, but a Progressive is more complex. Watching one step at a time is the best way to learn.

Someone please make this into a bumper sticker. Or a long range tattoo bullet..or something.

Thanks for the kudo, Blarby. I wish I had typed better, or proofread better. I meant to type "Learning on a Single Stage" instead of "Learning of a Single Stage". I have changed my post (#16) to, "Learning with a Single Stage".

Grammer and spelling is important, especially if you want your bumper sticker to be taken seriously.

Lost Sheep

 

[FROGO207]

Any time you can do what you want with FREE stuff do it! Then you can watch whatever venue you choose to eventually find used upgrades for even more savings. The hand primer, dies, new manual, and at least a scale (I prefer balance type) of some type would be minimal investments. I would get some sort of calipers and a powder measure as well. When you get a bit of reloading under your belt there will be lots of "things" you will want to add I am sure. A way to trim your brass is one that will come soon I bet. I like the Lee system for inexpensive, if you do get the lock stud to be able to use on a drill.

 

[coyotemoon]

I am using a Lee Challenger press that I bought from Midway $10 back in the late 70's or early 80's and it has loaded thousands of rounds and is still going. But I did just order a new Press from Smartreloader, going to set it up for other things, it can load a 50BMG.