Interested in reloading

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Vicious-Peanut

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Hello everyone, I always looked at reloading as dangerous and as costing hundreds of dollars for equipment. I saw a thread that discussed the great prices differences between reloading and factory ammo and it also just seems like fun. (I love tinkering) So I looked at the tools needed and it seems a beginner can get away cheap. I read the sticky, but came away confused.

What looks good to me, is the Lee Hand press kit along with the Classic loader .223 kit. I really only want to load maybe 100 rounds a month, just enough for a fun range trip. Would this be satisfactory for experimenting with reloading?

Thanks for any help.
 
my recomendation is get a Lee cast turret.go to Midsouthshooters.com and look at their prices.the hand tool works but you dont really learn the best way.get lyman cast bullet book and ABC of reloading.first.get catologs
midsouth shooters
lyman
rcbs
lee
redding
then you can start loading.
:uhoh:---:confused:---:)---:)
 
If you're looking to load only 100 rounds of .223 a month then the Lee Classic Cast Press is a good choice. http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1189306821.152=/html/catalog/classic.html A great little tool from Lee is their Lee Deluxe Rifle Die Set. As it says in their add, it will do 2 jobs for you and extend the life of your brass. http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1189306821.152=/html/catalog/dies-dlxrifle.html Don't forget a good scale and a Digital Caliper. Both will help you make your ammo better and safer.

You can save some money when you buy "Kits" because they usually throw a bunch of stuff in that's practically free. Lee's Anniversary kit is a great buy IMO. http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1189306821.152=/html/catalog/anivers.html But, don't buy from Lee because their prices are full Retail. Look online in places like Midway. When they run sales their prices are very low. F & M Reloading has some of the lowest prices I've seen. They are worth a look. http://www.fmreloading.com/

Good luck, take your time and enjoy yourself.
 
Yea, get a single stage press but I prefer RCBS presses to Lee. You could probably get set up with dies, press, powder, etc. for not much more than $200. If you load 100 rounds a month, that makes 1,200 rounds a year so you'll soon save enough in ammo to make your equipment worthwhile.

The problem is, as you reload, you'll shoot more. Then you'll want more guns and then you'll load even more. You'll buy more dies, powders, bullets and presses until, like me, you reload for about 20 different cartridges and have little room in your gun safe for your wife's jewlry. So, in the long run, you'll lose a lot of money.

What fun!
 
Just whatever you do, budget more money that it appears you will need to get started. If it looks like you can get started for $200-300, then budget $300-500.

All the equipment in a nice neat package doesn't mean you have everything you need. First, these kits don't come with powder, primers, bullets, and (if you don't already have a pile of it) brass. That is $60-70 right there. Then you are looking at loading 223, so you will probably like a Wilson Case Gauge since adjusting a die by testing brass in your rifle may or may not give you peace of mind as a beginner. Plus loading to factory specs is probably best for starting out anyways. The gauge isn't too big of a deal with new brass, but it can't hurt. Then once you have shot your newly loaded ammo, you will have the luxury of cleaning it...by hand. That is unless you buy a tumbler. Chalk up another $50...and $10 for a bag of media. You can probably skip a media separator at 100 rounds a month, but if you get into higher volume production, I can vouch for the fact that they are worth every penny.

Like any hobby, once you dive in things just seem to pop up out of nowhere and it all costs money. The costs of loading does go down once you are in the swing of things, but to get in the swing of things takes a chunk of change, then a few more nickels and dimes here and there.

I am not trying to deter you, just trying to keep you from thinking you will be loading 10 cent ammo in no time for only $100 up front.
 
The problem is, as you reload, you'll shoot more. Then you'll want more guns and then you'll load even more. You'll buy more dies, powders, bullets and presses until, like me, you reload for about 20 different cartridges and have little room in your gun safe for your wife's jewlry. So, in the long run, you'll lose a lot of money.
Click to expand...

Amen to that, I mean curses you Grumulkin for being right. I'm only up to 6 calibers myself. :) My wife is not a jewelry gal, two of those calibers are hers.

If you have a Craigslist.org in your area, check them out for good used deals. Could save you ~50% if you act quick. Reloading stuff goes fast. Actually, anything of value goes fast, so if you see what you want, jump on it.

Good luck and welcome to club. Reloading is a really neat way to enjoy the firearms hobby without having to wear ear plugs.
 
Peanut, let me encourage you to stick with your initial concept. You can easily load 4-5 boxes a month with Lee's hand press and you will gain enough experience doing it to let you bettr make your own choices when/if you wish to move up.

Later, if you want a good single stage press get the Lee Classic Cast, it's easily one of the very best such tools and at low cost too! Money does mean something to most of us, especially when the product is as good as those costing 2-3 times as much. My RCBS Rock Chucker II is no better and not as good in some respects, but it cost me a lot more. Never again!

Even if you eventually get a big press the handpress won't neccessarily be wasted, you can use it at the range when developing loads for accuracy.

And also get a Lee Auto Prime tool, along with the set of its 11 special shell holders. The don't cost a lot but they sure allow for good flexibilty in priming.
 
Ok, thanks ranger. I don't have alot of extra money, especially since I just want to test the waters. I suppose I would also need a scale, calipers, brass trimmer and bullet pullers? Or is that just nice to have and not needed. If it matters it is a semi-auto .223, (are they pickier?)

If someone could list what I would need beside the press and the .223 kit (does the .223 kit work with the press?) that would be awesome. Only what is needed and then what else is highly helpful. Nothing that is just nice to have.
 
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You will need a brass trimmer for rifle loading. I only load one (223 ) rifle caliber now. I use the Lee trimmer. It is very easy to use and only cost about 10 bucks. A scale is a must. You have to know the charge weight of the powder you are putting in the case. I have found the Lee scale to be very accurate but not the easiest scale to use. You will also need some way to dispense the powder. The Lee dippers work OK from what I have heard or you can buy a Lee Perfect Powder Measure for not a lot of money. The Lee auto prime ( hand primer ) with the shell holder kit that ranger335v recomended is a good way to go. You will also need case lube for when you size the brass. The hand press and dies and you should be good to go except components.
Rusty
 
Sorry for all the questions, however I like the Lee RGB 2 die set .223, but will I also need a separate neck sizer die?

Current list -

Lee hand press kit
Lee .223 die set
Case trimmer
Neck De burrer
scale
Auto prime tool and .223 holder
good manual

I suppose I need a tumbler or is there an alternate way to clean cases?
 
Sorry for all the questions,
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Don't be, we are happy to help. We were all beginners at one time. You will be able to neck size if you are going to shoot them all in the same bolt gun. If they will be shot in a auto loader ( AR ) then you will have to full length resize. I use the pacesetter die set because I reload for a AR 15 and it comes with the factory crimp die. I prefer to seat and crimp in a seperate step.
Rusty
 
Since your loads are going into a semi auto, a Wilson Cartridge Case Gage will be something to consider. If the case head is between the two lines on the bottom, you are good for the shoulder. If the neck is between the two lines on the other side, you are good for case length. If the case slips in and out of the gage easily, and the length and shoulder are in spec, you probably won't have any feeding issues with the rifle. It verifies that multiple things are all working together properly.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=456614
 
Lee hand press kit - Lee .223 die set - Case trimmer - Neck De-burrer - scale - Auto prime tool and .223 holder - good manual - I suppose I need a tumbler or is there an alternate way to clean cases?

Good starting point, with a few more suggestions.
1. Unless you get the inexpensive Lee RGB die set, or another brand, you will receive a Lee shell holder with the dies. I would not suggest a neck die at this point but, if you want it, get the Lee Delux Die set which includes their excellant collet neck sizer. (I don't think you really won't need a crimper die at this point but Lee's Factory Crimp Die is the best, IMHO.) And Lee's Case Lube is as good as any, better than some.
2. Yes, you will need a specific shell holder for the Auto Prime if you don't get the 11 holder set.
3. Lee's inexpensive case trimmer system and de-bur tools are plenty sufficent for limited work. It's not good for doing a few hundred at a time tho. Use a power screw driver or slow drill motor to power the cutter into the brass if you do many at once.
4. Lee's Safety Scale is good but light so you have to exercise some finesse when using it. It's as accurate as any and you must have a scale for good AND safe work!
5. You will really want a powder measure too. Lee's Perfect Measure is very good with stick powder, not quite so good with ball powders (it tends to leak some) but it still works well for not much money. (Later, if you do wish to up grade, get a Redding)
6. EVERY LOADER NEEDS a loading manual, or two. May be the best money you spend. I'd suggest either the Lee or Lyman books, having both would be great. All loading manuals contain a lot of the same info but much of it is unique to each book. More than one helps give you a better over-view of many aspects of reloading. READ, STUDY, AND UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY SAY! Come back here if you get confused, don't take a chance with safety.
7. Tumblers clean the brass AND make it purty! You can CLEAN it in a soak solution of white vinegar and water, about 50-50. Leave the brass in it for 20-30 minutes and remove, rinse and allow it to dry a few hours or, better, over night. Store the solution for reuse later, it's cheap but save it anyway. I was reloading for about 20 years before I got a tumbler so it sure ain't neccessary. But, they are nice, so put one on your list for later if you like.

Have fun! :)
 
VP,

Not sure what your pieces add up to, but the Lee anniversary kit with the Lee manual is on sale now at midwayusa.com for $80. ($70 w/o manual, so the manual for $10 is a good deal). Even if you don't have a bench, mounting the press to a board and clamping that to a table or counter will work fine. The anniversary kit includes everything but the dies, shell holder, and the trimmer's case gauge for your caliber. As mentioned earlier, Lee die sets (except the RGB) include the shell holder. I would not start out with a neck die if you use a semi-auto rifle, so the regular die set would be fine.

The hand press kit includes the ram-prime, which is not needed with the auto-prime. (the anniversary kit includes the auto-prime and the whole set of shell holders for it)

This will get you started, and you can see how you like it. Then you can upgrade pieces when and if you want, as budget allows.

Andy
 
Wow, that kit does seem nice. That and dies and a case gauge and calipers would only be about $130.

I have one more question, I have heard of accidents that that occurred during reloading that were pretty bad. Did that happen more years ago before the new machines or is reloading just inherently dangerous. I can see a small risk, but I am not sure how 'dangerous' it can really be.
 
I was going to mention that most of that stuff, minus the caliper and tumbler is packed in the Aniversary kit. Doesn't Kempfs toss in a die set of your choice when you get one from them? I've gotten all of mine from Midway, but I had heard of that about Kempfs. The hand press is okay for a few rounds (I used mine on some 7.62x39 last week), but if you're doing batches (you will be), start out with a classic turret or the aniversary kit. Your arms get tired after a few runs on the hand-press.
Believe us when we say that once you get the swing of things, you won't be satisfied doing a mere 100 a month. With the time involved in loading, your best bet is to get a slightly faster operation (the single stage or turret) and spend one day loading for your needs, rather than several nights a month.

VP, your loads are only as good, or safe as you make them. The most dangerous thing about the actual loading is priming. Primers can be touchy at worst, something to keep an eye on at best. The larger and more automatic the machines, the less true control you have over it. I still prime by hand, despite teh loadmaster being able to do it in sequence. I's a personal preference. If you pop a primer, you should be wearing eyes and ears. The warnings on many equipment and components are not there because of the mere possibility of accident if you disobey them. Those warnings come from tried and true methods that protect you. Follow them.
 
Because you are starting out with nothing I suggested the Lee Anniversary Kit in my first post. You can buy it from F & M Reloading for $75.75

Here is the add:
Lee Precision, Inc. Anniversary Kit.
A set of Lee Dies and this kit is everything you need to reload any cartridge. With the popular sturdy Challenger Press and instructions. You get a complete powder handling system. Includes the most precise and repeatable Perfect Powder Measure. Plus the Lee Safety Scale, the most sensitive and safest of all powder scales. And the Lee Powder funnel along with a powder data manual with over a thousand different loads tested and recommended by Hodgdon Powder Company. Case Preparation Tools include a cutter and lock stud to trim your cases. Order the correct case length gauge for the caliber you will load for. It's only $3.39 extra. An inside outside case mouth chamfer tool and a tube of premium sizing lube is included. But that's not all! You get the most popular, because it's the best, Lee Auto-Prime along with a set of shell holders for over 115 different cartridges. You even get a tool to clean the primer pockets. Compare it to others priced at hundreds of dollars more. Reloading saves money and you save right from the start with Lee equipment.
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I think it will be a good start and you won't spend a lot of money while getting that start. http://www.fmreloading.com/cgi-bin/...e=90174&Category_Code=Single+Stage+Press+Kits
 
I've used my Anniversary reloading kit for years, and still enjoy cranking out some reloads on it. Its a great way to get started in reloading. You might want to find a local source for primers and powder due to the Haz-mat surcharge though.
 
What looks good to me, is the Lee Hand press kit along with the Classic loader .223 kit. I really only want to load maybe 100 rounds a month, just enough for a fun range trip. Would this be satisfactory for experimenting with reloading?
Click to expand...

Skip the Lee Loader, go with the hand press.

Read the stickey at the top of the forum.
 
Skip the Lee Loader, go with the hand press.
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Gotta agree, you will end up with both if you get the Lee Loader first. :)

how 'dangerous' it can really be.
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How good is your attention to detail and ability to focus on a task, that's the key. It is like anything else that can be potentially dangerous.
 
One more question. (really, just one)

I decided on the anniversary kit and added some brass and bullets along with the pacesetter die set. Do I need a length gauge and calipers?

EDIT: It seems I need calipers.
 
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Yes, you need some means of controlled trimming the brass to length. Since the anniversary kit/pack already comes with the cutter & lock stud that works with the gauge & shell holder, theirs is the cheapest route. I use the Lee trimmer anyway, since it is inexpensive, effective, and falling-off-a-log easy to use.

You also need calipers to measure (among other things) the overall length of the assembled cartridge (with the bullet in place).

BTW, Lee has an annoying habit of requiring unique shell holders for their tools. The autoprime needs autoprime-specific shell holders (the anniversary kit comes with an assortment that covers most every cartridge), and the trimmer needs another special shell holder (that comes with the gauge). Finally, the press needs a shell holder, which either comes with the dies (except RGB die sets), or you can buy separately from Lee, RCBS, Hornady, Redding, Lyman, etc. since the press shell holders for all presses that need them are the same.

Andy
 
One more question. (really, just one)

I decided on the anniversary kit and added some brass and bullets along with the pacesetter die set. Do I need a length gauge and calipers?

EDIT: It seems I need calipers.
Click to expand...

No. You do not need a case length gage. Its just a nice thing to have. Not nice like a tumbler. Not nice like an electronic scale with auto powder dispenser. Its nice like, "I don't know if my dies are set up right. The instructions suck. Why is everything measured in thousandths, but the instructions for setting up dies are so stupid and basic? Ugh. Well, here goes nothing." Its just nice when you can drop the cartridge in the gage and go, "I don't know what I did, but at least the thing will fit in the chamber properly."

But no, you don't need them. I am not being sarcastic either. Many people have loaded without them before, and many people will no doubt load without them in the future. I just had a hard time grasping the concept of sizing dies (as laid out above lol) because everything in handloading was described as being so precise, and then setting up the dies was so rudimentary that it doesn't seem logical. But maybe that was just me. ;)

Yes, you NEED calipers. Make sure they read to .001, as some digital ones only go to .005 if I recall.

Also, remember, budget a little more $ than you think you will need to get started.

Edit:
For the record, I have since figured out sizing dies. -I think.
 
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