Getting a Kempf Lee Classic Kit, what else will I need?

[FlaBoy]

Hey guys,

I'm new to this forum, so go easy on me. I have been wanting to get into reloading for awhile, and decided to bite the bullet (pun intended). After doing some internet research and talking with a friend who has one, I have decided to go with a Lee Classic Turret Press. I'm probably going to end up buying this kit, offered by Kempf Gun Shop

https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php...facturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41

I was wondering what else is mandatory and recommended equipment that I will need with this. the kit description says it includes the following:

"Lee Classic Turret Press
Lee Deluxe 4-Die Set for the pistol caliber of your choice. (3 Die set in 380, 44/40 and 357 Sig)
Lee Auto Disk Powder Measure
Lee Safety Prime System (Large AND Small)
Lee Auto Disk Riser (Required for the Safety Prime System)
Six MTM 50 round Plastic Ammo Boxes"

The first thing I noticed is there is no powder scale listed (though I have e-mailed them to confirm whether or not one is included). I know this is a necessity, to verify what the powder measure is dispensing. Another item(s) I know I will need are at least one or two up-to-date reloading manuals, do you guys have any specific recommendations? I also already have a set of precision calipers for measuring case length etc.

What other equipment is needed to start reloading? I will mainly be reloading .40 S&W to start, and maybe some 7.62x54R (mosin nagant) once I get enough reloadable brass for that saved up. I know most people use a vibratory polisher to clean up their brass, is this a necessity, or something I could wait a while to get to spread out the pain to my wallet? same question for case trimmers, primer pocket cleaner/reamers, etc. etc.

Basically, I'm hoping some of the experienced re-loaders can shed some light on the confusing mess of reloading products and help me figure out what I need for starters to reload safely. Thanks!

-Corey

 

[RandyP]

You will need a caliper - I find the $9 digital ones at Harbor Freight more than satisfactory. Cabelas and many online stores sells VERY identical looking ones for under $20. For pistol ammo no trimmer is needed. I use and like the MTM DS-1250 digital scale ($30) and feel it is more than accurate enough for the mid range plinking ammo I am making.

I suggest getting the adjustable charge bar for the PRO powder dispenser and a spare turret for each caliber you will be reloading - makes caliber swaps a quick task.

 

[FlaBoy]

Thanks for the quick reply Randy! As for calipers, I am an engineer, and a gearhead, so between work and home I have probably 4 sets of them floating around I will edite the original post to reflect this. Thanks!

 

[RandyP]

I started with teh Lee single stage and upgraded to the Classic turret - it is a great machine and at a very relaxed pace I churn out 150-175 rounds per hour.

I have a Mosin 91/30 and honestly it's hard to beat just shooting spam can surplus let alone finding reloadable brass (the surplus isn't) so I don't reload for it. But the turret WILL handle it. For rifle you will need the trimmer.

 

[BBDartCA]

Lee Classic turret is great.

I would get a scale to ensure you are throwing the right powder amount. Also can help speed up the setting up the Lee powder thingy.

 

[squarles67]

I bought mine from Kempf a few years back (2008), if you call Sue Kempf on the phone she is very knowledgable and helpful.

It does not come with a scale. The Lee balance scale is around $20 if you're on a budget it works just fine but isn't all that user friendly. I started with it but later upgraded to the RCBS 505 and WOW I should have upgraded much earlier.

I also recommend you go with the Pro Auto disk upgrade, you'll be glad you did. You'll also need the double disk kit for loading rifle.

The Lee instructions aren't all that great but an Engineer should be able to figure them out

I started out on 38/357 mag with mine and now I'm loading 9mm, .40, 45 ACP, 45 Colt, 44 Mag, 32-20, .223, .270 Win, 30-06, 30-30, 8mm Mauser, and 45/70. As someone already suggested, get an extra turret for each caliber.

 

[jfh]

As squarles67 says, upgrade to the 'Pro' version of the Auto disk. Its features more than outweight the small cost increase. And, add an adjustable charge bar.

Personally, I find the Lee scale just fine--but I do have a 505 as well, just no room at my current bench.

And, a reminder: when you unpack the turret, set aside the spare ratchet 'safety'--and you might want to call Lee and get a few more. You willl probably damage the installed one, and thus use the spare one.

Jim H.

 

[LiveLife]

+1 on Pro Auto Disk upgrade and RCBS 5-0-5 scale. You can also consider Dillon Eliminator scale at $54 (essentially the same scale and with lifetime warranty) - http://www.dillonprecision.com/content/p/9/pid/25215/catid/7

What other equipment is needed to start reloading?

Lyman #49 reloading hand book - http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=LY9816049
Check weights to verify scale calibration/verification - http://www.midwayusa.com/product/212586/lyman-shooters-weight-check-set

I know most people use a vibratory polisher to clean up their brass, is this a necessity, or something I could wait a while to get to spread out the pain to my wallet?

I highly recommend the Berry's (blue) tumbler sold by many vendors depending on color (Green - Cabela's, Red - Sinclair). At $49, it has good capacity, powerful fan/motor, on/off switch on long cord. Cabela's has the kit on sale that includes Berry's tumbler, media, media separator and polish for $65 - http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/prod...prd731767%3Bcat104661180&WTz_l=YMAL;IK-214213 I use NuFinish liquid car polish with walnut/corn cob media and it works well.

same question for case trimmers, primer pocket cleaner/reamers, etc. etc.

Media separator, Kinetic bullet puller.

 

[LiveLife]

If you want to utilize the $5 shipping (use promo code WHOLIDAY for $150+ purchase) from Cabela's, they do offer a slightly different Classic Turret kit that includes the Pro Auto Disk and Lee scale but no dies - http://www.cabelas.com/presses-dies-lee-classic-turret-press-reloading-kit-1.shtml

- Includes a Classic Turret Press
- Large and small Safety Prime primer feeders
- Pro Auto-Disc Powder Measure with four measuring discs
- Auto-Disc Riser for convenient use of other brands of dies with extended adjusting screws
- Rifle Charging Die for small-capacity rifle cases
- The Safety Powder Scale reads to the nearest 1⁄20 grain.

Cabela's has Lee carbide pistol dies kits on sale ($27 for 3 die set and $39 for 4 die set) so you may be able to group your purchase and pay just $5 for shipping to offset the cost. The Lee scale is accurate but the 5-0-5/Eliminator scale will be much easier/faster to use. I have used the Lee scale with much impatience and really like using my Ohaus/RCBS 10-10 scale - both give the same readings.

 

[Otto]

+1 on Kempfs.
I suggest a Wilson cartridge gage which I find more convenient than using the gun's barrel.
Check weights are essential IMO.
A Wilson Chamfer and deburring tool (even if you don't trim).
If you're over 40, a jeweler's loupe comes in handy. http://www.amazon.com/Bausch-Lomb-4X-Watchmakers-Loupe/dp/B000RATPIG

 

[Bmac1949]

I would suggest the Ohaus or the RCBS 5-0-5 They're the same thing actually. The Lee scale is accrurate but it is limited in the things you can do with it. It only weighs up to 110 grains and is hard to read but it is accurate. Also a set of calibration weights is necessary to make sure that your scale is weighing accurately.

 

[Lost Sheep]

The Pro Autodisk is a major step up from the standard autodisk. Larger powder hopper. A cutoff valve. The body of the measure is teflon coated. The screws that hold the powder hopper on to the standard autodisk are threaded into plastic. The Pro autodisk's hopper has studs permanently molded into the plastic and brass nuts (serrated for your fingers to grip) hold the hopper on. This is probably the one thing that sways most who select the Pro over the standard.

As jfh suggested, put the spare square ratchet someplace where you will not lose it. I put mine on the top end of the indexing rod just below the turret. It is out of the way there and will always be nearby. Your ratchet will last a VERY long time if you don't break it, but it is designed to break (kind of the same function as a fuse or circuit breaker) before something more expensive breaks. Better to break a fifty cent ratchet than a six dollar indexing arm.

You prevent breakage by NEVER rotating the turret by hand if the ratchet is engaged with the notches in the indexing arm. They are inside the arm, on the underside of the upper flat. The ratchet is engaged if the most recent movement of the ram was DOWN. I also advise not moving the turret any time the ratchet is on the twisted part of the rod. Camming action might move it into engagement.

I didn't like the Lee scale at all, until I found a set of instructions. Then I found it to be OK. The vernier is a little harder (OK, a lot harder) to use than any others I have used, but it is usable.

Sue is a good person.

Lost Sheep