I've been watching the threads about reloading, and doing a LOT of internet research and read a few books on the topic of reloading. So, I'm feeling like I'm ready to start this potentially very dangerous hobby as an educated person.
One question comes to mind though... I want to get into this because I'm cheap. I'm planning on a lee 4hole turret press kit. After reading numerous articles, including one that said "buy the pro auto disk, it's better for x,y,z reasons" I'm buying the basic Lee auto disk powder measure. Does anyone have any objections to this as a good press for a fella who wants to start with 45acp, then 9mm & 40s&w...then up to .223 and .308? Are there any limitations there that I'm not seeing?
Also, I like hodgdon powders because they're based out of my home state. I've never reloaded anything at all, but I've heard that Hodgdon Clays is a good powder for .45acp. Originally I wanted to go win231 as it seems more common for starters, but I'd really like to go Hodgdon (also, see their mission statement!) Any recommendations if Clays isn't the right powder for a newbie?
After reading many many posts, and reading a few articles and talking to a bunch of reloaders, I'm finding that the calipers and scales aren't so important. Basically, I've heard that the overall length of the pistol round should look like a commercial round, if it does you're close enough on overall length. And, if you pay careful attention to what you're doing, you shouldn't have any trouble with double charging or squib loading....and even if you do double charge a .45acp with 4gr of Clays, a scale wouldn't necessarily pick it up if you're using cast bullets because the weight of the used case and the lead combined could vary at least that much. Is this true?
Also, I want to take this opportunity to Thank all the members of THR. Your posts and stickies are very helpful to fellas who are just getting into reloading. I have found many hours of useful knowledge just from hearing the stories of more experienced folks.
One question comes to mind though... I want to get into this because I'm cheap. I'm planning on a lee 4hole turret press kit. After reading numerous articles, including one that said "buy the pro auto disk, it's better for x,y,z reasons" I'm buying the basic Lee auto disk powder measure. Does anyone have any objections to this as a good press for a fella who wants to start with 45acp, then 9mm & 40s&w...then up to .223 and .308? Are there any limitations there that I'm not seeing?
Also, I like hodgdon powders because they're based out of my home state. I've never reloaded anything at all, but I've heard that Hodgdon Clays is a good powder for .45acp. Originally I wanted to go win231 as it seems more common for starters, but I'd really like to go Hodgdon (also, see their mission statement!) Any recommendations if Clays isn't the right powder for a newbie?
After reading many many posts, and reading a few articles and talking to a bunch of reloaders, I'm finding that the calipers and scales aren't so important. Basically, I've heard that the overall length of the pistol round should look like a commercial round, if it does you're close enough on overall length. And, if you pay careful attention to what you're doing, you shouldn't have any trouble with double charging or squib loading....and even if you do double charge a .45acp with 4gr of Clays, a scale wouldn't necessarily pick it up if you're using cast bullets because the weight of the used case and the lead combined could vary at least that much. Is this true?
Also, I want to take this opportunity to Thank all the members of THR. Your posts and stickies are very helpful to fellas who are just getting into reloading. I have found many hours of useful knowledge just from hearing the stories of more experienced folks.