Do you have to resize for the same gun?

When the round is fired the case expands into the chamber which has a larger diameter than the case. If not resized the ID of the case neck will be too large to provide proper tension to hold the bullet. At minimum the first 1/2 " of the .357 mag case needs to be resized and then expanded to proper ID to hold the bullet.

resize .. yes. clean no.

I hope that's not a valuable book, like a reloading manual, you're using. Pounding on a book isn't allowed in my world. Also, a rubber mallet is one of the worst tools for hammering. A dead-blow, brass, lead or plastic-face mallet works a bunch better. Upgrade when you can afford one.

Hello Oic0,

I just watched your video and have some tips if your interested.

PM me as that will tell me you want my advice.

Watched your video - for that much trouble, you might as buy factory........try buying a used press and using it - you won't have near the issues or time spent

Pounding on a book on carpet, with a little scrap of wood on it, is about as counter-productive as it can get!

You need something Hard & Heavy with no give in it to support the case head.

Get a small block of steel, a small anvil, a chunk of 4"x4" deck post stood on end, or a cement block.
http://www.amazon.com/Northern-Industrial-Cast-Iron-Anvil/dp/B0000AX9IG

Anything to stay in place instead of cushioning the blows like your book.

carbide dice = Carbide dies.

RC, I was thinking the same thing. that was one of the tips I was going to offer.

I would think a good reading of a reloading maual, such as Lyman 48th or 49th edition, would be in order as well.

LGB

Oh, geez!!! That was painful just to watch!! I started handloading 9mm 38 years ago with a kit like that (Cost me $7.56 back then...) and you are definitely doing it the wrong way!!

If I recall after all those years, I used a clear yellow hard plastic hammer, and I just held the die in my left hand while smacking the case head hard and very fast with my right hand. Generally, three quick smacks and the case head was flush with the die. I might have had a leather glove on my left hand to cut down on the long term skin abrasion, but that was it. (I just went down to the basement and got my 38 year old Lee loader out and tried this, and it seemed right.) I'm sure I loaded up several thousand rounds of 9mm ammo this way, and the good thing is that this allows you to get totally familiar with every step in the reloading process, which is a good foundation for when you get more equipment.

As far as ergonomics, you are also going to ruin your back sitting on the floor like that, so go get maybe 4 or 5 concrete blocks to make a pedestal on preferably a concrete floor in the basement, so you can do this while sitting in a good chair. It will change things dramatically for you, between that and a hard plastic mallet.

I got one of those Lee kits for a 30/30 Winchester in early 1969, quit using it in early 1969.

I cropped and hanged enough Tobacco to buy my first RCBS Rock Chucker Kit the end of the summer 1969. After watching that video, I wish you had a Tobacco patch close by.

Jimmy K

Wish I had a Lee Loader Kit for every caliber I reload, (most are not available) have loaded thousands of rounds with one. Even use a Lee Loader and a Sinclare Arbor press to reload at the range.

As far as lube goes, try furniture polish like spray Pledge. Works just fine, dump brass in a butter spread container, spray a couple of shots in and size, set aside and let dry.

Oh ya, reloaded .32 Winchester Spec, reloaded with a Lee Loader took many deer foir me back in the '60's and '70's.