anything else I need? (newbie)

[skywalkrNCSU]

I am just getting into reloading since I picked up a 1911 and figured if I shot it as much as I will want to it just makes sense economically plus I get to learn a bunch. For now I will be reloading .45 acp only as the only other calibers I have are 9mm and 7.62x39. Since I have never reloaded before I do not want to jump into a progressive but I think a single stage would be a little too slow so I have decided a Turret press would probably be the best option.

This is what I have decided would be the best deal because it comes with almost everything I need:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=305282

For dies this seems to be a really good deal and so I would get these to go with the kit:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=661032

I am going to be moving a lot in the next couple years and so I can't really build a nice bench like I would like and so I found this that seems to be a viable option:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=155024

Other than all that I believe the only other things I would need would be some safety glasses, a bullet puller, brass, powder, bullets, and primers.

If there is anything I missed or anything you would suggest versus what I posted please let me know as I am new to the reloading game and could use all the help I can get.

Also, what powder, brass, bullets, and primers would you guys use if you are trying to get by on a low budget for .45? I won't skimp in any way if it means compromising safety but all I will be using my reloads for is plinking so they don't need to be the prettiest (perfectly ok with lead).

Thanks for the help.


*disclaimer* I have searched and read the stickies

 

[Eric F]

*disclaimer* I have searched and read the stickies

good job

Turret press would probably be the best option.

good thinking
Personaly I would save some money and get the lee turret press kit http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=622290
the portable table well maybe not too sure on that calipers you need them and a reload book, did not notice if they came with the lymen kit.

 

[skywalkrNCSU]

I have thought about the lee press but everything that I have heard personally from people (not reading reviews online) about lee is that it is junk and to stay away.

 

[herr.baer]

I have a Lee Turret press and it works great. Haven't had any troubles with it over the years.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=405548

 

[Eric F]

thats only semi-true about the lee progressives the turrets get top ratings. either way after looking at the lyman it haa more stuff. I think you could still come out ahead by getting the lee and peicing together the rest of the equipment.

 

[kingpin008]

I haven't started reloading yet myself, but I will say this:

You might want to keep reading, as I've seen plenty of great posts about Lee gear. There's a thread here, something like "post your reloading bench pics" that's got tons of examples of Lee presses in people's workshops. They're a big name, and while some folks don't like them, they do indeed seem to be quality products.

And as far as the reloading bench you selected, it looks a bit flimsy to me. If you look on the same thread I mentioned earlier, there is a fella ( I wanna say it's actionflies, but I can't remember right now) that has it, and is not happy with it at all. There are other options out there, for about the same money. Check out amazon for work benches, or maybe hit up your local thrift shop for an old dresser. Sturdy, and cheap.

Whatever you decide on, good luck, and please do report back here to share any insight or troubles you may have - every little bit of info is a great help!

 

[lordgroom]

Load book or 2. I suggest Lee and Lyman. Does your kit come with a scale and calipers? The Franford Aresenal Digital is sufficient to start but you will probably want a better scale at some point. I recently "upgarded" from the Frankford Arsenal to a Ohaus 10-10 balance beam scale.

I like to clean my range pick-up brass and my own brass in a tumbler. The Franford Arsenal Tumbler is sufficient. I hate the Frankford Arsenal media sifter. Save your money and buy the RCBS media Seperator (or a clone of the RCBS). It creats no external dust and is much more quiet.

Many people use a work-mate for a reloading bench. I have a fixted, hand built work bench.

Powder Recommendations, etc.
for .45 ACP I use 4.2 grains of Bullseye with Winchester Large Pistol Primers under a 200 grain Lead Semi Wadcutter. I have mixed headstamp cases and no real preference.

You will need additional equipment when you begin rifle reloading.

Good Luck

 

[skywalkrNCSU]

Okay I have compiled a list of stuff if I was to get the Lee Press and here is what I have:


Press Kit (comes with a scale)

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=622290


Lee Safety Prime Feeder (suggested by people who bought lee press)

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=548630


Lee Auto Disk Adjustable Powder Charge Bar

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=150005


Lee Auto Disk Powder Measure Riser

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=114080

Lee Deluxe Handgun 4-Die Set 45 ACP

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=242098


Lee Reloading Manual

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=484416


Frankford Arsenal Electronic Caliper 6" Stainless Steel

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=604242


Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler 110 Volt

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=587176


All of that for right around $280 shipped. Then all I should need is the primers, powder, brass, and bullets. I will probably buy the primers and powder locally so I do not have to pay the hazmat and shipping costs that are extra with those. As for brass and bullets where is the best place to buy them in bulk for cheap. I have that tumbler listed so once fired will not bother me in the least. Other than all that is listed is there anything you guys think I am missing? And as for safety glasses I can just wear some sunglass that I never use.

 

[isuace]

Check out Kempf's Gun Shop for the Lee Turret. They had the best price at the time I ordered mine, and they were super friendly on the phone and shipped same day.
https://shooters.securesites.net/kg...facturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41

 

[bullseye308]

For the tumbler media you can go to the local pet store and get walnut media there and then hit wally mart for a bottle of nu-finish. Much cheaper and works very well.

 

[skywalkrNCSU]

sounds good...taking the media off my list

 

[ar10]

You never mentioned how many rounds you plan on reloading. That should dictate what type of press you get. Since this is the first one you might want to consider a single stage.

As far as someone stating the Lee being "junk" I think it's pretty unfair, I don't own one but I sure wouldn't condemn it on what someone else says or heard. There's a guy I shoot with and is one of the Ohio CMP champions, He uses nothing but a 100.00 Lee press.

I use range brass, mainly because I spend a lot of them there and pick up brass. So far the only brass I can't use right now is staked Mil brass.

I load all mine with a little single stage Hornady, 9mm, 40SW, .45GAP, .308, .30-06 M1, and 7.62x39 CZ 527. Once you get used to it it goes really fast.

 

[RustyFN]

I would suggest the classic turret over the deluxe turret. Both are fine presses but the classic is just built so much better and stronger. I have been loading with a classic for two years and not had any problems with the press. I have caused some problems myself like stuck cases and other things. I have loaded thousands of rounds and the ammo is as good as any high dollar press will make. The classic is also very easy to setup and use for a beginner. This is my classic setup. If you buy one it won't come with the three ball.
Rusty

 

[Shoney]

You will be better off with a DIAL caliper; and unfortunately as rookies, we all needed the services of a stuck case remover.

Although I believe the Lyman is a great kit, I agree with RustyFN about getting the Classic Cast rather than the regular? Lee Turret
https://shooters.securesites.net/kg...facturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41

 

[Clark]

I handload for 19 Badger .222, .223, 22-250 .243, 25acp, 6mmBR,.243Win, 25/35, .250/3000, 257Roberts, 257 Roberts AI, 6.5x55, 270, 7x57mm, 7mm Rem mag, 32acp, 32sw, 32S&WLong, 32-20, 30 Mauser, 7.62x25mm, 30-30, 303Sav, 300Sav,.308, 30-06, 300 Win Mag, 7.5 Swiss, 7.62x39mm, 303Brit, 7.62x54R, 8x57mm, 338WM, .380, 9x19mm, 9x23mm, 357 Sig,38special, 357 mag, 38sw, 350RM, 40sw, 10mm, 10.4mm, 44 mag, 45acp, 45acp tight chamber, 45Colt, .410, 45/70, 12 ga, and 10 ga.

I have a room full of reloading equipment, but there is a short list of stuff I still use:
1) Forster Co-ax press
2) Forster full length factory honed dies if available, otherwise RCBS
3) RCBS uniflow powder measure
4) RCBS 505 powder scale
5) Redding Imperial die wax
6) Wilson case mouth chamfer
7) Forster priming tool
8) Lyman pocket uniformer [for cleaning]
9) Lyman moly vibrator kit
10) Berry's Bullets vibrator cleaner
11) Luxo magnifier lamp
12) Berry's Bullets ammo boxes
13) 3M post-its
14) Lee depriming die
15) Any $20 Chinese 6" dial caliper
16) Any Chinese pin gauge sets .060 to .500"
17) Sinclair concentricity gauge
18) Sharpie ultra fine point permanent marker
19) Sinclair bullet comparator
20) A radio to listen to when reloading
21) Quickload program on my computer
22) Table, chair, and C clamps to attach my press to the table.

 

[lordgroom]

How will you separate the brass from the media after tumbling? I suggested a media separator like the enclosed RCBS or clone.

 

[SR_]

It looks like you are in two places - not sure I understand. But, if you're in Raleigh send me an email - I might be able to suggest a place for components and I have a media separator (colander type) that I'll make you a good deal on if you want it.

I'd look hard at the scale - I don't think much of the basic lee scale. I think this is just too important to skimp on. Go with the middle RCBS scale or the Dillon beam scale (both made by the same company).

I'm more of a Dillon guy but that will jump your price up.

 

[skywalkrNCSU]

ok back to answer/ask questions

You never mentioned how many rounds you plan on reloading. That should dictate what type of press you get. Since this is the first one you might want to consider a single stage.

I plan on reloading enough to not want a single stage press and I don't want to spend the money on a single stage and then wish I had gotten a turret in the first place. I wanted a progressive but I do not think it would be a good idea to jump directly into that and they are a bit pricier.

I would suggest the classic turret over the deluxe turret.

What is the difference in the classic and the deluxe? Anyone know the pros and cons of the two?

You will be better off with a DIAL caliper; and unfortunately as rookies, we all needed the services of a stuck case remover.

why would I want a dial caliper instead of a digital one? I have heard I might as well get a digital one because they are easier to read. I am not opposed to a dial one because I could get it for cheaper I just would like to know why you are suggesting it over a digital.

How will you separate the brass from the media after tumbling? I suggested a media separator like the enclosed RCBS or clone.

honestly I haven't really thought much about the whole tumbler/sifter part because I will probably look around more for that stuff and not order it right off the bat. I don't have any brass right now so the kind I would get would probably be new or once shot and I found some that is a good price and has already been tumbled and cleaned. Once I get past that I would probably get a sifter and tumbler.

It looks like you are in two places - not sure I understand. But, if you're in Raleigh send me an email - I might be able to suggest a place for components and I have a media separator (colander type) that I'll make you a good deal on if you want it.

I'd look hard at the scale - I don't think much of the basic lee scale. I think this is just too important to skimp on. Go with the middle RCBS scale or the Dillon beam scale (both made by the same company).

I'm more of a Dillon guy but that will jump your price up.

I am in Raleigh at the moment (go to NCSU but from San Antonio). Let me know some good places for components and the deal you got on the media separator.

 

[kingpin008]

I'm curious about the recommendation of a dial caliper over the digital as well.

Also interested in the difference between the classic turret and the deluxe.

 

[RustyFN]

The digital caliper battery always goes out when you need it. My dial caliper is always ready and right on.
The difference in presses as far as I know is the classic has spent primer disposal through the ram and a tube, the deluxe has to be unbolted from the bench to remove the primers from under the press. The classic has a much stronger linkage than the deluxe. The classic is taller and can load larger calibers with the auto index still enabled. I'm not sure if they both have the safety prime but to me the safety prime is a big advantage, I think it works great. The classic is cast iron and steel, the deluxe is cast aluminum and steel.
Rusty

 

[skywalkrNCSU]

thanks a lot Rusty I will go with the dial caliper and the classic press then

of course now that I am not going with the kit that includes a scale, what would be a good scale at a low cost? I don't need something crazy, just something that works.

 

[RustyFN]

I'm not real sure about scales. Most people will suggest a middle of the line RCBS beam scale or something. I have one of these and it has worked good for me.

This scale cost around $90. The Lee scale is very accurate but not a lot of fun to use. I don't know what your budget is but if you are going to buy a Lee scale just to save money then PM me and I will send you one for free.
Rusty

 

[RustyFN]

I forgot. Don't spend a lot of money on your caliper either. You can get a good one at a good price at Harbor Freight. I bought a 6" stainless steel one for around $20.
Rusty

 

[PowderApe]

Hey Skywalkr.... Talk to people who actually USE Lee stuff and they'll tell you they are GREAT value for the buck and are great quality! Their progressive Pro1000 is very finicky and NOT recommended for novices- and even for us old pharts, has a very steep learning curve.

The Lexus people will tell you that Chevies are "junk" too!

If you're just starting out- or on a budget, the Lee series of presses and acoutrements are "the Cat's meow"! When you're more "flush" and experienced.... then go for it! ...and chances are, you'll STILL buy Lee stuff even when you got years under your belt.

I'd suggest an electronic scale tho- it's easier than a manual beam type powder scale...

 

[PowderApe]

...like Rusty's PACT scale!