Equip. just arrived, new reloader intro.

[JBrady555]

Hello all my name is Josh Brady. I've been shooting pistols now for about a year and decided that 45 colt ammo was way too expensive so I just bought a reloading setup. Now that the equipment has arrived from midway I figured I better join this community for all the stupid questions I'm going to have while trying to figure out how to use it, lol. Don't worry I'll use the search for most of the stuff. Heres a list of what I got:

Lee Hand Press
Lee Deluxe 4 Die set 45 colt
Frankford arsenal caliper
Lee Powder measure kit
Lee primer pocket tool
lee case length gauge
Lee case trimmer
Lee chamfer tool
Lee breech lock quick change bushings set of two

Thats about it so far, I didn't have the extra funds to pick up a tumbler so for now I'm planning on using the water, vinegar, salt, detergent combo that I found searching the forums. I also haven't picked up any components yet or a reloading manual so I found a recipe on alliants website that I think I want to try first. Its cci 300 primer, 9 grains of unique and a 230gr gold dot hollow point for 932fps. You guys think that would be a ok first load for a beginner? Any other info/advice you have for me based on my equipment and lack of experience would be of great help. Thanks in advance, I look forward to being a part of this community. Josh

PS My 45 colt is a taurus judge with the 5 inch barrel, I know I know, I wish I would have known that this wasn't a very good choice to shoot 45 colts out of but when I bought it I knew hardly nothing of handguns. I had a clay target shotgun background so I thought I would be at home with the 410 shotshell.

 

[GP100man]

Josh , Hello & WELCOME to THR !!!!

Ya starting with more than I did, a whack-a-mole kit from Lee !!!

You`ll probably want to experiment with loads & bullets other than the 1s listed on the list in the dies .

For this ya need GOOD beam scales ! ya can fashion anything to dip powder or powder drops to measure it out consistently but ya gotta have scales .

Keep a look out for a good used press that mounts on a bench ,as you`ll see why in short order. The handpress is ok for lite duty stuff (flaring & seating) but will be work resizing brass of anykind .

Lee also makes a neat little tool to seat primers to.

Last but not least a manual !!!

Be sure to wear appropriate safety garb as with the hand press ya can point it at places that is avoided when bench mounted !!

Have fun !! BE SAFE !!!!

Addition: I used 0000 steel wool & the lee trimmer holder to spin the brass with it`ll polish riteup !

 

[mbopp]

For 45 Colt velocities you could try a cast bullet, Missouri Bullets being a good choice and the owner is on this forum.

 

[rcmodel]

230gr gold dot hollow point for 932fps. You guys think that would be a ok first load for a beginner?

No.

Learn to walk before you learn to fly or ride a bicycle.

In a Judge, I think it might possible to get better accuracy with a 250 grain soft lead bullet like this.

http://www.missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=69&category=5&secondary=14&keywords=

Even softer might be better, if you can get Brad to make you some.
The reason being, a soft lead bullet "might" "bump up" to fit the long .410 chamber better, and get a straighter running shot at hitting the barrel straight on.
A jacketed bullet like the 230 Gold-Dot wouldn't stand a chance of doing that.

But I'm just guessing, as I don't have any shotgun revolvers!

That Missouri lead bullet I linked over 8.5 grains Unique might work for ya, maybe!

rc

 

[JBrady555]

thanks for all the great info guys. rcmodel thanks a bunch for the bullet recommendation.

 

[BossHogg]

Welcome, get a load tray and load in batchs. Deprime all then prime and size all, then load all with powder, check often, then seat bullets. Missouri bullets are a good start.

Really need a scale very early in the reloading game. A good balance beam would do you good. Very important to weigh the powder for rounds.

You will find plenty of help on this site a lot of knowledge here.

 

[BYJO4]

Welcome to the forum and enjoy your new hobby.

 

[Hondo 60]

Welcome to The High Road.

A manual, like Lyman's 49th Reloading Handbook is a LOT more than just load data.
About 1/3 or more of the book is "How to" and WHY.
I cannot more strongly suggest you read it BEFORE you start reloading.
Check your local library, they might have a copy.
Another good "How to" and WHY is The ABCs of Reloading.

Again, I cannot more strongly suggest you read it BEFORE you start reloading.

The only stupid question is the one NOT asked that gets you, or others near by, injured or worse

 

[beatledog7]

Josh,

Welcome aboard, and yes, get the Lyman 49 and Lee's ABCs. I'm pretty new to the reloading hobby, but I've learned a lot from those manuals, from posters on THR, and from trial and error!

You're gonna like it.

 

[T Bran]

Check around for price but Midway USA has a deal where you can get Lees Modern Reloading manual and a little c type press as a package deal pretty cheap like under 40 bucks. I agree that it's not the worlds finest press but is much easier on you than a hand press and will always have a use on the bench. Lee also gives loads by volume as well as weight so if you keep it on the low end you can dip your loads. Anything above that must be weighed. A beam scale will do you fine even Lees just be sure to keep it on a level surface when weighing charges.
Just .02 from another cash strapped shooter also wear your safety glasses at all times.
T

 

[JBrady555]

I'm getting some great info here, thanks all, keep it coming

 

[James2]

Thats about it so far, I didn't have the extra funds to pick up a tumbler so for now I'm planning on using the water, vinegar, salt, detergent combo that I found searching the forums.

Cleaning the brass seems to be way overplayed in my opinion. Usually they just have a little soot on them. It wipes off with a cotton rag. Now if you are picking up brass that has been on the ground in a rain storm it may benefit from a washing or tumbling. I loaded for many years without a tumbler. If the brass is tarnished a bit, it doesn't matter one whit as far as its usefulness.
A scale is far more important than a tumbler. Actually a scale is a must and a tumbler is for show.
Welcome to a great hobby and THR.

 

[dickttx]

+1 per James2

 

[GaryL]

Regarding cleaning brass, here's something to think about. Sandpaper would be useless if the paper had to be harder than the material being worked. It is simply the carrier for the abrasive material.

Josh , Hello & WELCOME to THR !!!!

Keep a look out for a good used press that mounts on a bench ,as you`ll see why in short order. The handpress is ok for lite duty stuff (flaring & seating) but will be work resizing brass of anykind .

I kept an eye out for a used single stage for a couple years, but gave up and bought a Lee Classic Cast from Midway when they were on sale. Handy little tool, and for low production count rifle rounds, a cheap way to go.