Single stage press?

[Atroxus]

Good to know, thanks. I guess I will be heading to the hardware store.

 

[Landric]

Dude, you made page 5! Congrats on the press and equipment BTW.

 

[Atroxus]

Dude, you made page 5! Congrats on the press and equipment BTW.

Thanks. I haven't finished reading ABCs of reloading yet, but I figure I can at least try to get my reloading "bench" set up while I study. My goal is to start sizing my first batch of brass in 3-4 days, then start priming. I am thinking 50 round lots until I find a load that works for me. My kit was supposed to come with a powder load data manual but it seems to be missing(I contacted Cabela's and Lee but am not holding my breath), so I am either gonna have to find load data online, or buy another book before I can start throwing powder. I am eager to get started, but I figure slower=safer for now....at least in theory.

 

[flashhole]

The Hodgdon website probably has the most comprehensive on-line data base for load recipies. The downside to the website is they only have data for Hodgdon, IMR, and Winchester powder because they are all one company now. There is no substitute for a data manual, more are better because you can cross reference the load data. This is especially important when you are pushing the top end of the load range.

 

[warnerwh]

The Lee load manual is an excellent one but it doesn't appear to come with your set up. At least what I could find. Be sure to get the bolts a good 1/2" to 3/4" longer than it looks like you need as well as washers. I say this because I've made that kind of mistake myself which for a maintenance mechanic isn't something I should admit.

It's good to see you are taking your time and doing this safely. It's well worth the effort and is relatively simple. As someone said before I also have a light I use to check the powder in cases on the charge blocks. I read the charge blocks like a book, from left to right on each row. It's the only way I'll feel comfortable.

 

[twice barrel]

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...230301&cm_ite=0003080216577a&_requestid=66050

If this is what you bought it sure mentions getting a "powder data manual" with it.

As far as reloading references go I always liked the Hornady one. It offered the new loader a good explanation of what goes on in the chamber and its effect on cartridge cases. Plenty of data and assembly instruction too.

Hodgdon's website offers plenty of recipes and if you never use anything but Hodgdon powders you won't want for much.

You're off to a good start,

TB

 

[Landric]

The disadvantage to Lee's Breech Lock Challenger Anniversary kit is that it doesn't come with a manual. All the other kits from the other manufacturers I am aware of (RCBS, Lyman, Redding, etc.) come with manuals. The advantage of the Lee kit is that it costs at least $200 less than kits from the other guys. That is plenty of savings to buy several manuals.

 

[Atroxus]

I got a response back from Lee already saying that they stopped including the manual several years ago, and that I should contact Cabela's to have them update their web site.

I found the hodgdon site shortly after posting last night and it seems like it will work great for me for now at least. My powder is W231 and I am only going to be loading 9mm Luger at first.

 

[Seedtick]

Atroxus - My kit was supposed to come with a powder load data manual but it seems to be missing(I contacted Cabela's and Lee but am not holding my breath)...

I got a response back from Lee already saying that they stopped including the manual several years ago, and that I should contact Cabela's to have them update their web site.

The product discription does say "and powder data manual with more than 1,000 different loads tested and recommended by Hodgdon Powder Co."

I've had good luck with Cabela's customer service and it might be worthwhile to hit them up another time or two. Be really nice and explain how important a manual is and how loyal of a customer you are and so on.... Couldn't hurt?

Also -
There are a few manuals for sale in the Trading Post - Buy, Sell and Trade: Reloading Components and Gear forum now.

ST

 

[Atroxus]

Ya I am gonna see if I can wheedle a load data manual out of them for free. I am not gonna hold my breath though. Now that I know about the hodgdon site I am not overly worried about it though.

 

[Atroxus]

Well I finally got my loading table setup, and sized my first 10 cases. I wasn't brave enough to combine the sizing and priming into one operation though. Once I have my first batch of brass sized and measured to make sure none needs trimming will start putting in primers. Is all unfired brass so I am not expecting to need trimming, but I wanna get in habit early of doing everything the exact same way, all the time. Here is a pic of my loading table though. Pardon the poor image quality though it was taken on my phone.

 

[Landric]

There is nothing wrong with measuring and trimming (if necessary) handgun brass, but its generally accepted that this is unnecessary for straight walled handgun cases. I've been loading for handgun for over 15 years and I have never trimmed a piece of handgun brass. It won't hurt anything if you do, but it is likely an unnecessary and time consuming step.

 

[psyop]

Awesome