Help! 1st time newbee thinks I've really screwed up

[ir3e971]

there is a book titled the abcs of reloading. It has a lot of step by step instructions and many pictures. Here is a link. You can often find it at borders or larger bookstores. I have been reloading frequently for several years now, and still refer to it often.

http://www.amazon.com/Abcs-Reloadin...bs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215666649&sr=8-1

When I got started, I had no one to work with, so I used this book and lots of cross country calls to my father who reloads.

I also used this and other forums frequently for general advice.

Guarantee this book will help you out. I highly recommend it.

I went through about half a dozen 44 cases my first go round. I also got a rifle cartridge stuck once, and that is not a lot of fun either.

You have picked a rewarding hobby, guarantee you will enjoy it.

 

[waverace]

was away from the computer for a while , glad you got it out !! yeah stick with lee dies , cheaper , come with all the bits you need and basic load info Ive never had a problem with them , I love reloading except for case prep actually finally seating the bullet gives imense satisfaction , of course making it go bang is even more fun

 

[offthepaper]

thanks again all.
one more stupid question....
If the Lee dies come with a shell holder included, I may just buy them for the other calibers I want to reload for. When looking on ebay, I see a lot of "Pacesetter" Lee dies. Is there anything different (good/bad) about "pacesetter" die sets?
thanks again

 

[Ifishsum]

Next time consider buying Lee dies - they are cheaper and they come with the shellholder that fits the press, as well as loading data and a dipper.

I understand your frustration. You'll be doing yourself a favor by slowing down, reading a reloading book and also having someone show you the ropes one on one. There are lots of little ins and outs that can be just as frustrating if you don't know to watch for them.

I do think you'll find reloading and shooting your own ammo to be a fun and rewarding hobby, not to mention saving some cash to boot.

edit: Lee Pacesetter dies are their normal rifle dies that include a third factory crimp die and shellholder. I don't have much use for the third die myself, but it comes with the kit. You can also buy their RGB dies which are just the 2 dies, but without the shellholder. I get the Pacesetters if I need the shellholder, and the RGBs if I don't.

Their carbide pistol dies come in a standard 3-die set with shellholder and dipper, or in a deluxe 4 die set that also include a factory crimp die. I usually get the 3 die set for pistols because I don't use the Factory Crimp die. Both of these sets come with the shellholder.

 

[RustyFN]

I would use Lee dies. They are cheaper, come with the shell holder and are as good as other brand dies. It sounds like you used the shell holder for the auto prime hand primer on the press, that won't work but then you already know that. Welcome to reloading.
Rusty

 

[FieroCDSP]

If you shoot, or are going to shoot, 40S&W, get the Lee Deluxe 4-die carbide set. Both the 9mm and the 40cal use the #19 shell holder. This way you get the shell holder and a die set you're going to use. If you're not going that route, a #19 shell holder is cheap anyway, and usually availiable.

BTW, you're not a reloader unless you've had a blonde moment (powder cut-off anyone?). The imporant thing is that the moment be in a not-so-dangerous manner.

Oh, and welcome to reloading.

 

[SSN Vet]

I have to give Lee the nod when it comes to their die sets...

you get everything you need!

case in point is the 7.62x39 set...

you get the shell holder, two decapping pins (.308 & .311), instructions with load tables and a handy dandy powder dipper (which I actually use sumetimes for trickling).

Redding and RCBS they aint, but they cost a lot less and they don't nickel and dime you for every little accessory.