Thoughts and Comments Wanted...(HOWDY!)

[LG1981]

I posted an intro in the proper section, soooooooo after reading this section...I think I have my reloading (wants) in order. My dad has some OLD OLD Lee presses and OLD Lee Handloaders (.38/.357mag).

Figured before I jumped full bore into this, I would do as he did...start w/ Lee Handloaders. I would like some comments and thoughts on the following set up. I'm doing this for hunting loads more than plinking.

Lee Classic Handloader - 30-06
IMR Powder - 4831
Federal Gold Large Rifle Primers
Combined Tech Ballistic Silver Tip - 180 gr


I have a set of old school scales and powder measuring cups from my dad. I have the brass, just want to know if I'm missing anything before I start this adventure into reloading.

My main rifle is a 16 year old Savage 110 (lefty) with a Nikon Monarch 3x9x40mm scope. My longest shot, on the average would be 75 yards. (Planted pines everywhere :banghead

So, am I missing anything? Should I change up something?

Thanks for the help.

Doug

 

[41 Mag]

With what you have mentioned some good case lube like Imperial Sizing Wax, a set of calipers, and a couple of manuals would be about it.

You also might look at getting a standard to check your scale out with to be sure it is set on zero as well.

Start low and work up from the listed data and have fun.

hope this helps.

 

[Walkalong]

You may want to get a small press. You will soon tire of the hand press if you load many rounds.

And I agree with 41 Mag

Caliper

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-digital-caliper-47257.html

http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_lathe/Reviews/HF_digital_caliper/caliper.htm

Case lube. Imperial is the best, but the RCBS Case Lube II is very good as well.

And a good manual.

 

[rfwobbly]

Doug -

Welcome to THR and reloading!

Let me second the use of a bench-mounted press. Even if you only mount it to a 12x12 chunk of plywood and temporarily clamp that setup to a bench or sturdy table. It's not that the hand press can't be used, it's that there's a LOT of force involved. That force is going to wear you out and lead to frustration. And for what? Good used bench presses get sold everyday for less than $25.

Hand presses are great to keep in the truck for 1 or 2 experimental rounds while you're at the gun club, or to pack for a 3 month hunting trip through Alaska where space might be at a premium. But they are far from optimal, and I fear the added effort is going to make reloading a very short-lived hobby for you.

All the best!

 

[gamestalker]

I would also suggest a Lee case length guage trimmer set for the 30-06. It is inexpensive and will do the job about $12 -$15. Once you have the cutting tool for it all you have to buy is the case length guages for additional cartridges for about $5 per. And I would deffinitely use a bench press over the hand press, especially for bottle neck cartridges.

 

[LG1981]

thanks for the help and suggestions. i'll take another look at my dad's lee reloader, see if it can be used for 30-06's. All I can remember off hand, its a mulit stage press, from the 60s maybe?

I have an old teachers desk that I could use as a work bench, if it will hold up to the force needed for a reloader.

Thanks again!

 

[Funshooter45]

Yeah, take another look and tell us exactly what it is. There is always some confusion about the simple Lee reloaders. The classic Lee reloader isn't a press exactly. It's what a lot of people call the "whack-a-mole". You use a hammer to pound the case to resize and seat. It works, but it's a major pain. Then there is the Lee Hand Press. A great improvement. It uses regular dies. Instead of mounting it on a bench, you insert the shell into the appropriate die and use simple hand leverage to size and seat the bullet. They work well, but it's a workout for your hand doing rifle cases that way. And then of course there are the familar bench mounted presses which Lee makes a variety of. They work extremely well.