Help me to finally get started

WHOOPS, just saw you had Speer listed at the end. I'd add at least one more. Hornady and Lyman are the other two that I have (in addition to Speer, which is a good one).

Also, I have never used a loading block when loading straight-walled cases on my Lee Turret. The brass goes in the shell holder at the beginning, and doesn't come out until the round is done, unless you want to weigh or measure it at some point(s) along the way.

Also, you'll want some kind of record keeping device. Maybe that's an excel spreadsheet, if you have a computer on your bench. More likely, it's a notebook.

My name is MELS, I also load and have loaded for about three years. Post a PM and we will discuss loading. I load 9mm, 45cal, 223, 243 and 308. Mostly .308.

You'll need a good scale too.

1TG

Relaoding stuff, etc.

I started out with LEE dies, powder, full length sizing, neck sizing, crimping etc. They worked ok except for the powder dies. I have now began using the match Redding sizing and seating dies and have found them to be much more accurate and usable than lee. (Much more expensive) I also have the Lee turret press but have somehow now managed to use it as a single stage press. In other words, do each function separately, then go to next process. Greater accuracy, more control of each process and greater safety. (I found the turret press allowed me to go too fast and not safely.) skimping on cost seems okay at first but if you are looking for precision the cost is worth it. Example: I have been totally unable to get lee seating dies to give me accurate seating to +/- .015"COL. Now using the Redding dies, I am able to get accuracy to .002" and my groups show the result. Went from .95" to .368" with my .308 rifle. No disrespect to lee, they make great inexpensive dies, they just didn't work well for me on my lee turret press.

books

For some reason I am unable to read your PM, in addition to the books listed , the LEE reloading manual is excellent.

Lee Classic Turret Press is great for my purposes. I can use it as a single stage if I want extreme control or let it index as I do now. I still have the control, but can go a little faster. I don't think you can beat the Lee system for the money.

I'm a big fan of the Rock Chucker for a first press

It will last forever and really, it isn't that big a deal to set your dies...It adds maybe 5 minutes to the process and you said speed wasn't an issue... once I figure out what is needed I make a dummy and drop it in the die box to ck the dies with the next time.

The RCBS will always produce concentric ammunition while my exp with turret presses period isn't as good. I like an O Press for solidity and single stage block loading is the best way to learn imo...Later you can buy the 1050, now learn how to reload safely first.

And there's always a use for a good single stage even after you graduate to a progressive or auto turret like the Lee, which by most accounts is a good press.

Bob72 said:

For some reason I am unable to read your PM, in addition to the books listed , the LEE reloading manual is excellent.

Click to expand...

Very informative. But I'm not sure what I think about the data yet.

Do yourself a favor, and get a Rock Chucker press. You can use the Hornady quick change bushings to make swapping out dies easier. Even with the Charge Master 1500 you will still want a beam scale. Its good to check the CM1500 against a beam scale from time to time. The only time I use my Charge Master 1500 is for loading my belted magnum calibers. I love my CM1500, but could not imagine loading pistol rounds on it.

mels,

I did overlook the cm1500 in your OP, my bad .

1TG

I could have missed it but I didn't see anything for case trimming.

Sorry I didn't see the part were you put "down the road".Most people don't trim their pistol brass. But some do, me personally I only trim my rifle brass.

What about a powder measure? If this is just for pistol, a measure will be handy.

A darn comfy chair...very valuable piece of equipment!!!

RCBS Universal hand primer is really good, IMO.

Tumbling is nice for shiny cases, but unnecessary.

You went from a Lee Classic Turret to an RCBS Rockchucker, why? I use a Classic Turret press for loading my handgun ammo and have also loaded plenty of .223 and 30-06 ammo on it. I remove the auto-index rod and use it as a single stage press. It's plenty heavy for loading rifle ammo. I probably wouldn't want to use the Deluxe Turret press for rifle ammo because the linkage and ram are lighter but I do know those who do use that press for rifle loads too.

I can safely load between 180 and 200 handgun rounds per hour on the Classic turret press priming on press and using a Pro Auto-disk to throw powder charges.

For pistol especially, I would get a powder measure. It sure will make it go a lot faster.

I loaded ammo on a Rockchucker for many years. I used an RCBS powder measure (checked periodically with a scale). Loading blocks were helpful to keep everything organized and I did a visual check of powder levels before bullet seating. It's a super strong and straightforward press but it is rather slow.

I never liked priming on the press. I used a Lee Auto Prime and liked it alot; Lee has replaced that product with the Auto Prime XL and the Ergo Prime. I think RCBS and Hornady make similar products.

I did without a tumbler in those early years but I have one now. It's not an absolute necessity but it's the easiest way to clean brass.

Sounds like you are good to go. I like the Lee Classic Turret press but I would recommend a press mounted (die mounted) powder measure to go with it.