Christmas wishlist help

[atrain08]

I'm putting together my Christmas wish-list for reloading equipment and I wanted to get some suggestions from the experts I read the "New Reloader" sticky at the top and learned a lot. I'm brand new to reloading and know nothing aside from what I have read on here, so be gentle with me. I'm not sure what all I need exactly to get started reloading some pistol ammo (9mm and .40, and maybe .45 acp). Here's what I have so far:

Lee Classic 4 Hole Turret Press
Hornady Lock-N-Load Press and Die Conversion Bushing Kit(?)
Lee Carbide 3-Die Set 9mm Luger
Lee Carbide 3-Die Set 40 S&W, 10mm Auto

That's all I have. I know I need a powder scale and calipers as well. Thanks guys and I would really appreciate some help figuring out what else I need. In the mean time I will keep reading the reloading info.

 

[bullseye308]

Are you looking at 2 presses? The Lee Classic Turret kit should do whatever you need. How many rounds/month are you expecting to turn out? Now double it.

A good solid bench preferably bolted to the wall would be a great thing to have with good lighting as well. A clear understanding that you are not to be disturbed while you are busy is also necessary.

 

[atrain08]

Only looking at the one press (Lee Classic turret), the hornady Lock N Load conversion dies were suggested in the sticky. I have a strong bench with a 2" thick wood plank top and a twin fluorescent light fixture hanging over it.

 

[buck460XVR]

I have a strong bench with a 2" thick wood plank top and a twin fluorescent light fixture hanging over it.

careful....fluorescent lights can do strange things to magnetic powder scales.

 

[atrain08]

The light is long way up, I'll have to look when I get home but it might actually be mounted on the ceiling. It's one of those things that I look at every day but can't remember what it looks like, lol!

 

[Idano]

I am not a Lee Turret Press owner but I once had a Lee LoadMaster and unless I am wrong you don't want the L-n-L bushings. Instead you want three (9mm, 40 S$W, and 45 ACP) turrets, one for every caliber. Double check the post you read, I am guessing they were referring to the Classic Cast single stage post when they mentioned the L-n-L bushings and not the Lee Turret Press.

If I am misleading this fellow someone please step up!

Besides what you have listed you need the following:

• Case gauges for each caliber or a caliper
• Reloading Manual
• Scales
• Tricker - I would recomend getting the RCBS Uniflow powder measure trickler combo here.
• Bullet Puller
• Carbide Pistol Dies

This list is only to get you started a tumbler would be nice for cleaning the brass and pocket cleaning tools if you want to do it right by the manual.

 

[Dacoda]

Why just the 3 die set? Why not the 4 die set, where the Lee Factory Crimp Die is included. Just asking cause that's the one I bought, and honestly, I'm not 100% sure why I bought it, I just figured it'd be better. I didn't want an empty hole in the 4-hole turret.

 

[bullseye308]

Nothing wrong with the 4 die set. I have the 4 set for most everything I load. If you only get the 3 die set you will probably end up buying the crimp die later on, so just go head and get the 4 die set to begin with. Nobody says you have to use the crimp die, but you will have it if you want it.

 

[wankerjake]

I get the 4 die sets and use the crimp die in almost all of my reloads. Besides, with that 4th hole you have to work the turret around one more time anyway to get back to your re-sizing die.

 

[jfh]

Here is a link to a list of gear built around the classic cast turret. Read the entire thread, but pay particular attention to post #12--from DaveInFloweryBranchGeorgia

The preceding advice is good--and to clarify your own list:

1. You don't need the LnL bushings; you need extra turrets.

2. Do get the 4-die "deluxe" die sets. Note: while you can use Lee .40S&W dies for 10mm reloading, I would set up two turrets and die sets, one for each.

Arguably, the best resource for Lee Classic Cast "kits" is Kempf's--Here is the link to their page for building a kit around the Classic Cast Turret.

It's worth upgrading to the "Deluxe" Auto Disk powder dispenser--and be sure to get a riser, swivel, and adjustable charge bar. Add the Safety Prime as well--and you will need both sizes, for large and small primers. Depending on how you buy the gear, these items would be good stocking stuffers.

That should help you build your own list--so, once you do that, post your new list here and we'll help you refine it.

Jim H.

 

[atrain08]

I like the Kempf kit + upgrade you linked me to. I will plan on getting that. I think I should get a a reloading manual first and go from there. All the things you need to have and know for reloading is mind boggling for me. I'm going to read that thread you linked me to jfh. Thanks

 

[rfwobbly]

Some ideas...

• Harbor Freight has their digital readout 6" caliper on sale for $12 this month. It's as good as anything you'd get unless you were spending more than $100.

• A Lyman reloading manual for about $25 covers a multitude of components. It will soon be your reloading bible.

• As for lighting, you don't want any shadows. I find that 3 or 4 used desk lamps or bedside reading lamps from the local thrift store gives more light coverage with fewer shadows for less money than one fancy big bank of lamps will.

• "Adjustable charge bar" for the Lee powder dispenser is a must.

• 4-die sets are a must. Buying the taper crimp die by its lonesome will cost a much as the 3-die set complete. A lot of your accuracy of the 9mm and 40 straight-wall cases comes from the taper crimp.

• A lot of the brass handling can be accomplished with plastic containers your family now throws away. Start buying your ice cream in buckets, your coffee in 2 lb plastic cans, dog food in 5 gal plastic buckets, etc. You can thank me later.

• While at the thrift store, also look for plastic colanders. These are very handy for washing brass in the sink, or separating brass from tumbling media. You may need to enlarge the holes with a drill bit, but that's no problem. I picked up my last 2 for under 35 cents.

Hope this helps!

 

[RustyFN]

Go to www.kempfgunshop.com and check out the Lee classic turret kit. If you buy it there you will want to upgrade to the pro auto disk powder measure and the Lg & Sm safety prime. I would recommend the four die sets. You will need the auto disk riser to keep the powder measure from hitting the safety prime. You will need a scale and a reloading manual. Also buy an extra turret ( only $9 ) for each set of dies. A caliper and you should be good to go. If you want to clean your brass the easy way get a tumbler also. All put together it will look something like this.


Rusty

 

[Borg]

The L&L bushings won't fit in the Lee,, they're made for the presses that have a larger insert in them like the RCBS or Lyman press.
'Borg

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

LNL bushings will work with the LNL press adapter, which will work with the Lee Classic Cast (iron) press, but not the challenger or turret presses.

Andy

 

[RustyFN]

You shouldn't need the Hornady bushings with the turret press anyway. Buy a $9 turret for each set of dies and you will be able to change calibers fast and easy.
Rusty