Another Incipient Reloader

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I started with the RCBS Rock Chucker kit. It worked well for me. I then bought a Lee Classic Turret. If I could only have one press, it would be the Turret. It is much better for pistol rounds. If I only loaded rifle rounds, it would be the Rock Chucker.
 
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sequins said:
I use my forster co-ax for handgun rounds as well, other than the single-stage speed and tbh it's better than most single stages, slightly faster than a turret IMO. What issue are reviewers raising with the handgun loading that is unique to the co-ax? (I get no compensation from Forster for advocating their brand- I just really like it!)

I actually got a shellholder for rifle rounds and no longer take advantage of the universal shellplate for rifles, but for handguns it's a great feature. INSTANT caliber changes.
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I'll paw through the stuff I've been looking at online and send you those links by PM. It's really helpful to correspond with a current user vs sifting through all the stuff on the internet. I'd like to buy Made in USA if I can without extreme cost % difference. I noticed the Frankfort Arsenal Coaxial M press is not made in USA according to the reviews. I can understand how just about anything with a microprocessor isn't Made in USA now though, like electronic powder scales.
 
Single stage v. progressive is something you will decide for yourself.
I use a single stage for 90% of my reloading. I don't mind the extra time. I don't shoot hundreds of rounds per week.

Some folks move to progressive and others use single stages their entire lives.
 
If you're looking for a turret press, I'd consider Lee's Classic Cast.
It's MUCH stronger than their other turret.

Yet doesn't cost as much as some other brands.
 
Mr. Zorg said:
This kit has a single stage press without a turret. My main dislike of this kit is the volume based powder measurement system vs the high end scale system included in the kit with the single stage press that has a turret - and it's out of stock as well (unsurprisingly).

https://www.lymanproducts.com/brands/lyman/presses-kits/brass-smith-victory-press

Maybe a set of equipment that's a hodgepodge of brands purchased individually, and preowned, is the better approach in the general current market availability of reloading systems and reloading components. I'm absolutely not interested in using a mallet with a Lee Loader with volume based powder dippers again. But also, I'm not in any immediate hurry between now and say Christmas. Plus what the world of consumer products will look like in another six months is anybody's guess at this point.
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You're on to something with mixing and matching.
Each company has its tool that I like a lot. For example. The Hornady seating die has a sliding collar that helps seat the bullet without crushing your fingers.
Lee dippers are great for getting you close to the charge weight you want. RCBS makes great single stage presses. (I've been reloading thousands of rounds each year on a single stage).
I like Lyman's flash hole de-burring tool and primer pocket uniformers.
I still use the Lee case trimmer and a drill.
I like the RCBS hand primer.
Buy a kinetic bullet puller. It will save you and help you remember to not make that mistake again.
 
Almost every piece of reloading equipment that I have is made by RCBS. I started reloading in 1969 with a RockChucker and have bought another RockChucker so that I can size on one press and seat bullets on the 2nd one. I read all kinds of threads about people having trouble and I have never had those problems. I would tell you up front to full length resize all of your cases which means to run the case into a full length sizing die until the shellholder touches the die. On large rifle cases trim every case to a length ten thousands shorter than the SAAMI overall length after you resize. Get a test weight of 50 grains and check your scale with this weight to make sure your scale is working properly. When other reloaders say to start a few grains below maximum charge and work up what they are saying is that maximum may not be dangerous but it is dangerous if you are not weighing your charges correctly. Never put a charge of powder in a bottleneck case and dump it out and then put in another charge because static electricity can keep grains inside the case from the first charge. And by the way, that 338-06 you have is a great cartridge. Try 58 grains or Reloader 17 with a 180 grain AccuBond at an overall length of 3.300. It really works!
 
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It looks like you are mostly going to reload rifle and not pistol or revolver. You only have one revolver cartridge listed.
I normally start my apprentices out on a small progressive just to feel them out for mechanical aptitude. But they all want to load nothing but pistol and seem to have no interest in rifle.
With rifle, single stage is the only way I wound teach a new reloader. You have apparently done a lot of research and seem to have a clear view of what your looking for. (for a change). It's refreshing.
You want to start with rifle, that's the way almost all of us older guys started out. Forster Co-AX, RCBS Supreme, and Redding single stage presses have the most accuracy in repeatability and bullet runout according to these guys.
They are testing the accuracy of the single stage presses on the market now for bullet runout.
The RCBS Supreme and the Redding Boss came out on top with the least amount of runout in the ammo loaded with Ram to Die alignment without a free floating shell holder.
The Forster has a floating shell holder, the RCBS and Redding don't. The video told a lot of us what we already new.
For rifle reloading those three brands, Forster Co-ax, RCBS Supreme, and the Redding Boss or Big boss can't be beat for accuracy or longevity for their price.
Do pay attention to the longest OAL you will be reloading, that is a real concern with picking a press.
 
Thanks again. I have a decent supply of handgun ammunition on hand but I'll list all the various centerfire cartridges I own handguns chambered in

Most used are 9X19mm & .40 S&W

Next would be .380 ACP & .357 Magnum

Then these are the cartridges I fire so infrequently I don't envision personally reloading for: .44 Magnum, .32 ACP / 7.65mm Browning, 7.62X25mm Tokarev

I'm going to do more digging on the Forster and RCBS presses but still keeping that Frankford Arsenal coaxial M press in mind. Setting the press up & taking it down with C-clamps has appeal since I don't have a non-carpeted room to serve as a permanent reloading room, but I have rooms without carpeting, plus the garage, that could be used off & on for a reloading area. The garage is dead last on my options with zero climate controls. At least 8-9 months of the year I and anybody else sane wouldn't consider working in my garage with all the doors & windows closed! I'd use the Master Bathroom which is pretty large but on the second floor way before I'd use my garage for anything but storage. Maybe if I was half Vulcan . . .
 
Welcome Aboard !

Sorry to get to the conversation late. I started with used equipment and there is indeed, no shame there. Great US-made reloading equipment has been produced since the 1970's. And it all makes the same better-than-factory ammo you're searching for.

However, everyone wants to focus on the great ammo coming out of the press, but no one talks about all the trash that's also being generated. If cleanliness is important to you, then this may be an real consideration. Older press designs let the spent primer roll down the side of the ram, trying to land in a cup. Newer deigns channel the spent primer and all the smut through the center of the ram to a sealed container waiting under the bench. Cleanup is eliminated, as well as any health concerns. With your volumes and by starting with an empty 1 gal jug, you may never need to do any cleaning !

Examples that use this newer design include: MEC Marksman, Redding Big Boss II, and Redding T-7 Turret.

All the best.
 
Thanks! I've looking at a brand new Lee Classic Cast single stage press #90998 the last few hours. I'll be pulling the trigger on that. Found one for $139 with free shipping, nothing preowned in the way of cast iron single stage presses on eBay or Gunbroker.com can touch that.

I'll keep the Forster Coaxial in mind for a maybe future purchase, after I see what I can do with this press.

I have a question that isn't press specific and in the vendor published reloading manuals I've been reading (Speer, Hornady, (Lyman) I haven't found any discussion about the proper protocol.

I bought some 7X64mm and .30-06 primed brass, pull-downs at American Reloading. For those of you who have dealt with pull-down primed brass, does such brass require neck sizing before loading powder into the case and seating a bullet? I know the rest of the case doesn't need resized as it's virgin brass, hasn't ever been subjected to being fired.

If neck sizing that pull-down brass is prudent, does the live primer need to be removed? If so what are the steps to safely do that?

TIA
 
These past couple threads have gotten me thinking about how I started and what I'd do different if given the chance. The first thing that pops in my mind is that instead of getting the RCBS Rock Chucker Premium Kit (I love and still use the Rock Chucker for low volume high-quality rifle rounds BTW), I think I'd stretch and I'd get the Forster Coaxial. Except for the hand-primer, all the other RCBS plastic doodads and beam scale from the kit just sit in a box in storage TBH. You're going to end up buying an electronic scale, calipers, Go/No-Go's, trimmers, dies, etc. separately anyway.
 
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cfullgraf said:
I feel it would be better to get a good single stage press and use the money saved from not buying a turret press to buy other reloading tools.

Single stage presses are a good place to start reloading. They may be all you need but in the future you feel you need to move on to a progressive press, a single stage press is handy to have on your bench for some special, low volume tasks.

Most dies come with a lock ring that can be locked to the die so that the die adjustment is not changed once set. So, when moving to the next reloading step, you remove the die your are finished with and install the die for the next operation.

Any way, reloading is a hobby for me unto itself. I hope you find you enjoy it wells. You can make some fine ammunition reloading it yourself.
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This is basically what I would advise. A good single stage is all some people need, but it's also nice to have to complement any type of progressive press.

Lots of solid options with single stage presses. I'm not too familiar the offerings from Hornady, Lyman, or RCBS, but IMHO, the Lee classic cast is worth a look.
 
Mr. Zorg said:
I bought some 7X64mm and .30-06 primed brass, pull-downs at American Reloading. For those of you who have dealt with pull-down primed brass, does such brass require neck sizing before loading powder into the case and seating a bullet? I know the rest of the case doesn't need resized as it's virgin brass, hasn't ever been subjected to being fired.
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Either NS of FL will work fine (some users don't have NS dies), just remove the pin that deprimes and your good to go.
 
Blue68f100 said:
Either NS of FL will work fine (some users don't have NS dies), just remove the pin that deprimes and your good to go.
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Thank you sir! This is some of the valuable knowledge not included in the vendor-supplied reloading manuals I've read through thus far.
 
If the brass has never been fired and you have a lot I would be looking at the lee neck sizing collet die. They are cheap and would be perfect for your situation.
 
I've been using RCBS, Lyman and Lee products for lo these many years and have been happy with all of them. RCBS's customer service is world-class, and the others have good reputations also. One piece of advice: if you plan on loading for more than one cartridge, or more than one bullet for the same cartridge, I'd spring for a powder dropper that has a good micrometer for setting volumes, and keep a record of which setting drops the desired quantity of powder. I like this one https://www.ch4d.com/products/equipment/powder-tools/502
 
Thanks again to everyone for your input and encouragement!

I pulled the trigger on the single stage Lee model #90998 press at MidwayUSA while it's eligible for the current MidwayUSA free shipping on orders $49+ code on their website.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013008991?pid=317831

The preowned presses offered on eBay I've been reviewing have shipping costs that vary from a little over $10 to over $40 which really drops their ability to compete with this deal on MidwayUSA.

I'll see how this works out for what I'm wanting to accomplish and hopefully enjoy to start with anyway. If I later decide I want to use a coaxial press hopefully the availability of a quality coaxial press like Forster offers will be higher than what they are currently, both preowned and factory new.

I've completed a purchase of a preowned Lyman Gen 6 powder scale system for 60% of the retail cost I see this scale selling for. The seller says he upgraded to an Auto-trickler powder system, which is another maybe-later item for me to consider but for now, my objective of throwing all my powder charges based on mass instead volume without a high degree of tedium should be satisfied.

I saw this Lee press stand that should work well for someone like me who doesn't have a room suitable for a dedicated reloading room so I'll put this on my birthday wish list for my wife to purchase for me.

https://www.amazon.com/LEE-PRECISION-90688-Reloading-Stand/dp/B00162RW66

This should be easy to move from the garage to an uncarpeted area and back again vs some wooden bench.

So for starters anyway,

Some bullets - check!
Some brass - check!
Some primers - check!
Some powder - check!
A press - on the way!
A press stand - covered!
A good powder measurement system - check!

Remaining things I see to get started includes:
Dies for appropriate cartridges
Case lubricating system
Case prep tools including appropriate distance and other measuring devices (calipers, case gauges, maybe later concentricity)
Loading Block(s)

Time - I have plenty :thumbup:

Edited to add:

I should put some sort of off-press brass priming system on my list as well thanks to the voices of experience.

Second edit - added the current (second) edition Lee reloading manual to my Midway order for under $16 with also no shipping costs. Cheaper than new and used copies of that manual for sale on Amazon!
 
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Mr. Zorg said:
Thanks again to everyone for your input and encouragement!

I pulled the trigger on the single stage Lee model #90998 press at MidwayUSA while it's eligible for the current MidwayUSA free shipping on orders $49+ code on their website.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013008991?pid=317831

The preowned presses offered on eBay I've been reviewing have shipping costs that vary from a little over $10 to over $40 which really drops their ability to compete with this deal on MidwayUSA.

I'll see how this works out for what I'm wanting to accomplish and hopefully enjoy to start with anyway. If I later decide I want to use a coaxial press hopefully the availability of a quality coaxial press like Forster offers will be higher than what they are currently, both preowned and factory new.

I've completed a purchase of a preowned Lyman Gen 6 powder scale system for 60% of the retail cost I see this scale selling for. The seller says he upgraded to an Auto-trickler powder system, which is another maybe-later item for me to consider but for now, my objective of throwing all my powder charges based on mass instead volume without a high degree of tedium should be satisfied.

I saw this Lee press stand that should work well for someone like me who doesn't have a room suitable for a dedicated reloading room so I'll put this on my birthday wish list for my wife to purchase for me.

https://www.amazon.com/LEE-PRECISION-90688-Reloading-Stand/dp/B00162RW66

This should be easy to move from the garage to an uncarpeted area and back again vs some wooden bench.

So for starters anyway,

Some bullets - check!
Some brass - check!
Some primers - check!
Some powder - check!
A press - on the way!
A press stand - covered!
A good powder measurement system - check!

Remaining things I see to get started includes:
Dies for appropriate cartridges
Case lubricating system
Case prep tools including appropriate distance and other measuring devices (calipers, case gauges, maybe later concentricity)
Loading Block(s)

Time - I have plenty :thumbup:

Edited to add:

I should put some sort of off-press brass priming system on my list as well thanks to the voices of experience.
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This is exactly the opposite of what I expected based on you no budget consideration OP. It's a tool that will work but far from the high quality tool that you eluded to when referencing your profession. So cost was the primary deciding factor.
 
AJC1 said:
This is exactly the opposite of what I expected based on you no budget consideration OP. It's a tool that will work but far from the high quality tool that you eluded to when referencing your profession. So cost was the primary deciding factor.
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Your assumption is demonstrably flawed.

Low current and unknowable availability of factory new and Forster Coaxial press was certainly a factor, with only one preowned Forster Coaxial press I was able to find already bid up to 90+% of a factory new Forster Coaxial press was a factor (see auction link)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Forster-Co-Ax-Pistol-Rifle-Ammo-Reloading-Single-Stage-Press-Accessories/313133465734?_trkparms=aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=20160908131621&meid=ab6238f6bbca4273b68db2ba158da78d&pid=100678&rk=2&rkt=3&mehot=pp&sd=383607899681&itm=313133465734&pmt=0&noa=1&pg=2380057&brand=Forster+Products&_trksid=p2380057.c100678.m3607&_trkparms=pageci:89f703ad-c9e2-11ea-8c94-74dbd1801728|parentrq:680cdcb31730ad4d093dc1c2fff81f88|iid:1

Continuing, some Forster Coaxial press purchasers were quite unhappy WRT loading handgun ammunition in reviews, MidwayUSA free shipping code for the press I purchased somehow allowed several 1 lb powder canisters to piggyback that order with only $1.00 incremental shipping cost plus the inevitable $11.99 HazMat fee was a factor, high reviews from some purchasers of this Lee press regarding finished product concentricity was a factor, and no desire on my part to shoot competitively was a factor from the get-go, no allusion or illusion on that point throughout my posts in this thread, as well as my disinterest in name cachet.

If I wind up unhappy with the finished product from this Lee press I view my odds are high that I can get most of its cost back selling it preowned based on preowned similar presses' recent final bid selling prices on eBay. I can still make good use of the powder and manual in my MidwayUSA order, as well as all dies and other accessories I purchase with a different press if a different press winds up being in my future. And maybe I'd keep this Lee press for depriming and handgun cartridge loading if I decide to purchase another press at some point in the future.

Small potatoes economic risk in the overall picture IMO for me to take some of my time to explore this approach in my combined objective plus subjective analysis.

All these considerations collectively well fit within my definition of seeking value at this point including considering my current some total metallic cartridge reloading experience was with a Lee Loader .38 Special set 35+ years ago.

Price, cost, and value are not synonymous in my perspective. I had a pretty good track record of value analysis of various things (Risk / Reward / Potential Downsides) with costs numerous orders of magnitude greater during my former career and I don't think it's let me down here at this point in time.

Hopefully that's more broadly illuminating.

And as always of course, YMMV.

Again my thanks to everyone who's contributed to this tread.
 
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Mr. Zorg said:
Your assumption is demonstrably flawed.

Low current and unknowable availability of factory new and Forster Coaxial press was certainly a factor, with only one preowned Forster Coaxial press I was able to find already bid up to 90+% of a factory new Forster Coaxial press was a factor (see auction link)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Forster-Co-Ax-Pistol-Rifle-Ammo-Reloading-Single-Stage-Press-Accessories/313133465734?_trkparms=aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=20160908131621&meid=ab6238f6bbca4273b68db2ba158da78d&pid=100678&rk=2&rkt=3&mehot=pp&sd=383607899681&itm=313133465734&pmt=0&noa=1&pg=2380057&brand=Forster+Products&_trksid=p2380057.c100678.m3607&_trkparms=pageci:89f703ad-c9e2-11ea-8c94-74dbd1801728|parentrq:680cdcb31730ad4d093dc1c2fff81f88|iid:1

Continuing, some Forster Coaxial press purchasers were quite unhappy WRT loading handgun ammunition in reviews, MidwayUSA free shipping code for the press I purchased somehow allowed several 1 lb powder canisters to piggyback that order with only $1.00 incremental shipping cost plus the inevitable $11.99 HazMat fee was a factor, high reviews from some purchasers of this Lee press regarding finished product concentricity was a factor, and no desire on my part to shoot competitively was a factor from the get-go, no allusion or illusion on that point throughout my posts in this thread, as well as my disinterest in name cachet.

If I wind up unhappy with the finished product from this Lee press I view my odds are high that I can get most of its cost back selling it preowned based on preowned similar presses' recent final bid selling prices on eBay. I can still make good use of the powder and manual in my MidwayUSA order, as well as all dies and other accessories I purchase with a different press if a different press winds up being in my future. And maybe I'd keep this Lee press for depriming and handgun cartridge loading if I decide to purchase another press at some point in the future.

Small potatoes economic risk in the overall picture IMO for me to take some of my time to explore this approach in my combined objective plus subjective analysis.

All these considerations collectively well fit within my definition of seeking value at this point including considering my current some total metallic cartridge reloading experience was with a Lee Loader .38 Special set 35+ years ago.

Price, cost, and value are not synonymous in my perspective. I had a pretty good track record of value analysis of various things (Risk / Reward / Potential Downsides) with costs numerous orders of magnitude greater during my former career and I don't think it's let me down here at this point in time.

Hopefully that's more broadly illuminating.

And as always of course, YMMV.

Again my thanks to everyone who's contributed to this tread.
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Probably has nothing to do with you and more my frustration with people that buy lower quality tools and get frustrated by their lack of success. I've had this experience from scuba diving to reloading the competition shooting. High quality tools don't guarantee success but generally provide a better experience while learning along the way. I appreciate your response and wish you all the best.
 
AJC1 said:
Probably has nothing to do with you and more my frustration with people that buy lower quality tools and get frustrated by their lack of success. I've had this experience from scuba diving to reloading the competition shooting. High quality tools don't guarantee success but generally provide a better experience while learning along the way. I appreciate your response and wish you all the best.
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Likewise! Cost was an element in my value analysis (it wouldn't be rational not to include it as an element) but that definitely wasn't my primary deciding factor.

Small world re: having scuba diving as a hobby. I got certified a few years after getting married and my wife and I took many (warm water only) scuba diving trips. She got to get her scuba certs as PE credit where & when she attended Texas A&M University. My body now punishes me enough after air travel to other US cities, so places like Hawaii, French Polynesia, and Micronesia are not an option. Florida and Caribbean destinations - maybe these days. Curaçao was our most-repeated destination along the northwest side away from the capital and casino area mostly self-guided shore diving. Vaersen Bay beach (now Kokomo Beach Club), next to the local law enforcement firearms range, was one of our frequented spots, especially when live fire was going on. Low risk of break-in of our rental truck on those days! (which posting about also puts the scuba stuff in a firearms context) ;)

http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/ABC/Curacao/Vaersen_Bay/index.htm
 
The Lee CC SS press will make fine ammo. Best wishes as you get into your reloading career!
 
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