Double check me before I order please

[92GreenYJ]

Hi all.

So I'm looking to start reloading brass for rifle and pistol. Currently do 12 gauge on an old versamec with great results.

Calibers I will be loading for: at the moment to start
45 ACP (after just spending 40 bucks on 100 rounds it's time)
45 colt
270 Win

Will likely add 9mm when I buy a new gun that shoots it.

Been reading and researching old threads for about a week and I am leaning hard towards the Lee classic turret press. I think it's a good compromise and should fit my needs nicely. Not as slow and basic as a single stage and not as advanced as a progressive. When I buy stuff I like to plan ahead and buy for my future needs not just my immediate needs.

From searching it seems Kempfs has the best kit available for this

https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php...n=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41&vmcchk=1&Itemid=41

For the same as elsewhere it also includes the die sets. I already have dies for 270 so I'd get the 45 ACP die set to start.

Am I correct this kit has everything I will need to get going? I already have brass, primers, and powder for 45 ACP on hand and a RCBS 2 die set for 45 ACP, but I understand I won't be able to use the flow thru powder design with those dies so I may as well get the Lee set since it is included.
Also should I spend the extra 12 bucks for the upgrade to the Other powder measure?
Is there anything else I should order that's not in the kit besides an extra turret for my 270 dies? I'm gonna wait on the colt die sets.

 

[Lost Sheep]

Thanks for asking our advice and welcome to the forum.

Kempf's was my choice last year, thwarted only by a rude email from an unidentified employee, who, happily, no longer works there.

I avow that Sue Kempf is a good advisor and helpful as the day is long (or, since this is winter, the day is short).

I advise getting primer feeders in both large and small sizes. You will eventually, so might as well now. The same for the powder measure. Go with the Pro model. The powder hopper is held on with thumbscrews on studs rather than self-tapping screws into plastic. Much more robust. Also, the powder hopper is larger, has a shutoff valve, the measure's body is coated with teflon and the pro model also has a "wiper" that reduces powder leakage.

The kit does lack a scale. You will want one if you don't have one. The Lee Safety Scale is as accurate as more expensive ones, so it will do, but it has two drawbacks. It only goes up to 110 grains, enough to weigh powder charges, but not for most bullets. It is not as easy to use as most other scales (but which cost two to ten times as much, but are no more accurate). The vernier is not familiar to most people and Lee's vernier is kind of klunky compared to the ones I was accustomed to on scientific instruments.

I also suggest getting the 45 Colt die set at the same time. Save on shipping.

If you expect to be loading the 45 ACP and the 45 Colt in the same loading sessions very often, you might want to spring for an extra powder measure to leave mounted on its die with the powder charge set for that chambering. Very convenient if you have the extra $30 available. It only hurts once (in the wallet), but you will thank your foresight each time you change calibers in 15 seconds instead of three minutes. True, it is not really worth the money in time spent, but the convenience is priceless.

Lost Sheep

 

[RandyP]

Add a Harbor Freight $9 digital caliper, or your choice of same.

I started with the Lee beam scale, and VERY quickly bought an inexpensive $30 digital scale that works just fine for my reloading needs and tired old eyeballs.

I do have a separate turret set up for each caliber I reload, with a powder riser, but not a separate dispenser. I store them in those red plastic cylindrical containers.

By all reports Kempf's is excellent, I am also a BIG fan of Factory Sales and Midway USA.

I am a very happy customer and user of Lee products. They suit my realistic ammo needs and budget perfectly.

 

[Fisherdave10]

Just off the top of my head, I didn't see you already have a set of calipers and some kind of powder scale. Those two tools are of the utmost importance. For a scale, I have an old Lyman balance scale as well as a cheaper digital scale. For adjustments I always get a quick weight with the digital scale, then before I load anything I verify my weight with the balance scale. I also have the Lee balance scale that came with my kit, but I really don't care for it. It stays in it's box and in the closet.

You should also have some kind of system to trim cases for rifle cartridges and larger pistol cases like the .45 colt. Trimming generally isn't required for .45 or 9mm as the brass doesn't stretch much during the life time of the cases, especially .45. For all of my rifle calibers and .357 magnum I use the Lee case length gauge with the lock stud and cutter. It is very simple, affordable and does a good job.

I believe Lee die sets come with a shell holder. Most companies do not include a shell holder with a die set. Be sure you have a shell holder for each caliber you will be loading.

Part of the case prep includes cleaning the primer pockets (not absolutely necessary), and deburring the case neck (after trimming). I have used the very cost-effective Lee tools for that but I recently bought a Lyman case prep multi-tool which I really like and is WAY better than using the Lee tools.

Don't forget case lube for any sizing operation using a steel (non-carbide) die.

Things that are nice to have:

For the .270 or other rifle calibers it may be nice to do each step separately and you should get some kind of a reloading tray so you don't have half assembled ammo laying on your bench waiting to be tipped over. I find reloading trays very helpful for keeping things organized during case prep. I prefer the Lyman 50rd universal tray.

When you finish loading it is nice to have plastic cases to put your ammo in also.

During my first few years of reloading, I didn't have a tumbler/polisher. While a tumbler isn't necessary (I reloaded plenty of ammo without one) it sure is nice. My ammo looks better than factory ammo and I have read forum postings saying that clean cases stretch less than dirty cases on firing so having clean ammo may extend usable case life. This may be something you should get later on if you don't want to go 'all out' on everything. Again, it isn't necessary as long as your brass isn't filthy.

I don't know what else you may have or don't have but most of these are necessary tools for most reloaders.

 

[rcmodel]

a RCBS 2 die set for 45 ACP

All .45 ACP die sets I am aware of consist of three dies.

A Sizer die, an expander/belling die, and a seater/crimp die.
https://shop.rcbs.com/WebConnect/Ma...nlabel=index&productId=2320&route=C09J043N143

So you are missing a die.

rc

 

[92GreenYJ]

Thanks for the advice. I'm actually shopping around and comparing kit contents between Kempfs, cabelas, cheaper than dirt, midway USA and another reloading site I found. Trying to find the best package and price.

I already have a HF caliper for some of my other hobbies so no issue there.

Planning to eventually do a turret for each caliber I will be loading and feeder tube extension. Will be getting the safety prime kits whether the kit I get includes them or not.

Is the scale really necessary? Not trying to be cheap but I'm genuinely curious as I thought the powder measure was designed to do that duty.

More than likely I will just be loading 45 ACP at first as that is what I am currently lowest on in my ammo closet and it's pricey at the moment. So my plan was to get enough gear to get me loading that with the brass, bullets, primers, and powder I have on hand then get the extra turrets, dies, and such for my other calipers a bit later

 

[92GreenYJ]

Rc, it may be 3. Haven't opened the box in ages.

I do have a tumbler. I acquired a bit of reloading gear from an old friend who passed away. His wife sold off his presses, powder measures, etc. I got a few dies, the versamec, tumbler,brass, bullets and a few other odds and ends. I knew I would load eventually so I grabbed what I could. Now I just need the press and some other odds and ends to get the ball rolling and the brass stuffing.

 

[chhodge69]

This place has the best prices I've found on Lee gear:
https://factorysales.com/

 

[oldreloader]

Good choice on the LCT.You should be very happy with it. The upgrade on the powder measure is worth the money as is the Safety Prime system. The scale is necessary to check the drops from the measure. I also use an adjustable charge bar to get exactly the charge I want on some loads. It usually runs $10 or less.

 

[GT1]

Yeah, I kept reading so many good things about the Lee Classic Turret I just recently bought one for my first press, along with an extra turret plate, two auto disk pro measures, and charge bar in case I really need close. I haven't set it up yet, reading here is a huge help, and I am waiting on my Lyman manual, and a couple other reloading books.

I don't see how it would be safe without a scale to at least check every once in a while that you are getting accuracy.

That factory sales place is hard to beat, that's where I went.

 

[Metal Tiger]

Thanks for the advice.

Is the scale really necessary? Not trying to be cheap but I'm genuinely curious as I thought the powder measure was designed to do that duty.

Yes, you need the scale to calibrate the powder measure. How do you know what weight the powder measure in giving you unless you check it?

Also, its been suggested that you measure maybe 10 charges then put them all back in the powder measure to get things flowing evenly. Then measure out another 10 charges and weigh the batch - divide by 10 and there you have your average measured charge.

Or, you can measure out 10 and weigh each one to see if the powder charge is consistent. Hope that this helps. Yes, a scale is necessary.

 

[Hondo 60]

Calipers I will be loading for: at the moment to start

92GreenYJ

Just so you know a caliper (with a p) is a tool used to measure ammo

Calibers (with a B) are the sizes of guns/ammunition

 

[Magoo]

A scale is a very necessary thing to have, as was said above. An accurate and precise scale is important too. 1 Grain = 0.064 Grams. You need to be accurate to 0.1 grains. Accurate and precise doesn't have to be expensive and the Lee Precision Scale at $25 is a fine example. I also have a lab grade Ohaus on my bench that I lucked into. I thrust it, verfied with check weights easily and often. It's easier to use, but the LPS always measures accurately also.

 

[92GreenYJ]

Hondo, that was a typo. My bad on that.

OK so I've shopped around a fair bit and can someone tell me why every kit is a bit different? This is what I have found thus far.

Kempfs: $199.99
Pistol Caliber Kits Include:
Lee Classic Turret Press
Lee Deluxe 4-Die Set for the pistol caliber of your choice.
Lee Auto Disk Powder Measure ($12 upgrade to pro powder disc Measure)
Lee Safety Prime System (Large AND Small)
Lee Auto Disk Riser
Six MTM 50 round Plastic Ammo Boxes

Would need to add a scale, Lee loading manual to this. bringing it up to $238.88 but then I don't get the case tools (Do I really need them for 45 ACP? i will for 270 WIN yes?)

Midway USA: $214.99
Deluxe Kit Includes:
Turret Press with Auto Index
Pro Auto Disk Powder Measure
Autodisk Powder Measure Riser
Large and Small Safety Prime System
Safety Powder Scale
Case Conditioning Kit (Including: Case Trimmer Cutter and Lock Stud, Chamfer Tool, Large and Small Primer Pocket Cleaner, Lee Case Sizing Lube)
Modern Reloading 2nd Edition, Revised Reloading Manual

Would need to add dies to this kit. It is also apparently on backorder. Dies bring this up to $252.98

Cabelas: $199.99
Includes a Classic Turret Press
large and small Safety Prime primer feeders,
Pro Auto-Disc Powder Measure with four measuring discs
Auto-Disc Riser
a Rifle Charging Die for small-capacity rifle cases.
The Safety Powder Scale reads to the nearest 1⁄20 grain.

again, no dies or loading manual. Brings this up to $254.97

Titan Reloading: $199.49
Classic Turret
Pro Auto Disc Powder Measure
Powder measure riser
Large and Small safety prime kit
Modern Reloading Second Edition
Complementing your press kit are the case conditioning tools to prepare your brass for loading. Includes Cutter, Lock Stud, Chamfer Tool, small and large Primer Pocket Cleaner, and a tube of Lee case sizing lube.

no dies for this kit or scale. Adding brings the total up to $263.31


pricing on all of the above is pretty close. As I said i plan to really just load 45 ACP at the start then go ahead and load for my 270 WIN a little while later. So really I am looking for the most complete kit to get me up and running loading 45 ACP. I can buy additional items needed for rifle loads later on. So which kit would you suggest I go with? Loading blocks I can make myself on the drill press easy enough out of some scrap MDF.

 

[Lost Sheep]

Thanks for the advice. I'm actually shopping around and comparing kit contents between Kempfs, cabelas, cheaper than dirt, midway USA and another reloading site I found. Trying to find the best package and price.

I already have a HF caliper for some of my other hobbies so no issue there.

Planning to eventually do a turret for each caliber I will be loading and feeder tube extension. Will be getting the safety prime kits whether the kit I get includes them or not.

Is the scale really necessary? Not trying to be cheap but I'm genuinely curious as I thought the powder measure was designed to do that duty.

More than likely I will just be loading 45 ACP at first as that is what I am currently lowest on in my ammo closet and it's pricey at the moment. So my plan was to get enough gear to get me loading that with the brass, bullets, primers, and powder I have on hand then get the extra turrets, dies, and such for my other calipers a bit later

As Magoo and a couple of others have said, a scale is important. You don't REALLY know what your powder measure is dropping unless you measure it somehow. Weight is the universal standard you find in the loading manuals. No powder measure (probably more properly called a powder dispenser) is calibrated in grains. Volume calibrations marked on the dispensers (in my opinion and despite what Lee Precision says) are not reliable enough.

Lee's dippers, not being adjustable, are another matter. They never go out of adjustment and their cavity shape is proportioned to be accurate enough. So, (again, in my opinion) one could do without a scale using them, but only after you have verified the weight they deliver. And that takes a scale, borrowed or bought.

If you want to really pinch pennies, you could do without the primer dispensers (use CLEAN fingers) and Auto-disk powder measure (use the $15 set of Lee dippers) and get by with just the press, dies, scale and dippers.

Add the other items, which just make things faster, more convenient and simpler as you can afford them.

The bare minimum to load is; Press, Dies, a way to mete powder. Eye protection, loading manuals are not PHYSICALLY necessary, but foolish to load without them. Eye protection especially when working with primers. I have NEVER had one go off on me, but it only takes once to ruin your day.

My advice: Do not scrimp on quality for your Press or Dies. You invariably lose money trading up later. If you can't afford a scale, get the Lee Powder Dippers/Scoops or the Lee Safety Scale and upgrade later.

Buying quality tools only hurts once, when you pay. Buying too cheap hurts everytime you use the things.

Here are some web sites that should provide good reading.

So get a large mug of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, whatever you keep on hand when you read and think and read through these.

Read "The ABC's of Reloading", an excellent tome on the general processes of reloading.

The "sticky" thread at the top of TheFiringLine's reloading forum is good, entitled, "For the New Reloader: Equipment Basics -- READ THIS FIRST "
thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230171

The "sticky" thread at the top of TheHighRoad.com's reloading forum is good, entitled, "For the New Reloader: Thinking about Reloading; Equipment Basics -- READ THIS FIRST"
thehighroad.org//showthread.php?t=238214

The first draft of my "10 Advices..." is on page 2 of this thread, about halfway down.
rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=13543

rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=22344

"Budget Beginning bench you will never outgrow for the novice handloader" was informed by my recent (July 2010) repopulation of my loading bench. It is what I would have done 35 years ago if I had known then what I know now.
rugerforum.net/reloading/29385-budget-beginning-bench-you-will-never-outgrow-novice-handloader.html

I have a thread "To Kit or Not to Kit?" that describes different philosophies of buying or assembling a kit one piece at a time.
rugerforum.net/reloading/33660-kit-not-kit.html

rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=13543

Minimalist minimal (the seventh post down)
rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=107332

Thread entitled "Newby needs help."
thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=430391
My post 11 is entitled "Here's my reloading setup, which I think you might want to model" November 21, 2010)
My post 13 is "10 Advices for the novice handloader" November 21, 2010)

Thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=439810

thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=448410

Good luck

Lost Sheep

 

[GT1]

CLASSIC TURRET PRESS
PRO AUTO DISK
LEE SAFETY SCALE
AUTO DISK RISER
SAFETY PRIMER LG&SM
MODERN RELOADING 2ED
4 DIE SET 45ACP CARB

Subtotal: $ 218.24

Somewhere between 15 and 20 to ship(A guess, you can go through the process to see beforehand).
That's from that factorysales site. I just copy/pasted from a test order for what I'd guess would get one going to load 45 acp. Oh, they are right next to the Lee factory, they have never been out of stock on anything that I can recall.
I've made several buys there recently, very good service.

You'd want a set of dial or digital calipers to measure cartridge overall length also(very important), if you don't have any.


If you are going to decap and prime from the press you won't be cleaning out primer pockets, etc, there is no trimming or case prep done outside of inspecting and tumbling or washing brass(Whatever you prefer) for pistol cases.

 

[J_McLeod]

Good choice on the turret

 

[PSYCHOFREAK3]

One quick sidenote, there is a difference between the Deluxe and Classic press. I just got the Classic a month ago it seems to be more durable, I guess I would say beefier parts however I would look into it before you purchase the Deluxe model.

 

[92GreenYJ]

I was planning to get the classic cast not the deluxe