Just Getting Started!

[spcrobbins]

Hey guys,

I am brand new to the world of reloading. I have been given a Lyman All-American Turret Press. After reading for quite some time and doing as much research as I can handle on the subject, I have decided to take the plunge. As with anything, I am sure there are my opinions out there regarding what to purchase, and this list is what I decided to go with. Some reasons were price, some quality, some....just because I thought it was cool. The only item on the list that I was truly unsure of was the scale. I decided to go with a scale from a scale company instead of a scale from a reloading company. I assume this is ok, but I am open to suggestions and critique on everything I purchased. If you disagree or agree, could you please post why so other new comers along with myself can make an educated decision. Here's the list.

Press: Lyman All-American Turret Press(Given to me)
Tumbler: Lyman Turbo 1200 Pro: $45.00
Media: Lyman Turbo Brass Corn: $15.00
Calipers: Hornady Electronic 6": $20.00
Case Prep Tools: Lyman Universal Tool Kit: $53.00
Priming Tool: RCBS Hand Priming Tool: $33.00
Bullet Puller: Lyman Magnum Impact Puller: $19.00
Shell Holders: Lee Universal Shellholders Pack: $25.00 x 2 = $50.00
Loading Blocks: RCBS Universal Case Loading Block: $10.00 x 2 = $20.0
Powder Funnel: Lyman E-ZEE Powder Funnel: $6.00
Powder Trickler: RCBS Powder Trickler 2: $22.00
Dies: RCBS Carbide Pistol Dies 9mm Luger: $36.00
Scales: Jennings Mack 100: $70.00

Total Cost: $475.00 with shipping

I am just going to get my powder, primer and bullets locally to not pay HAZMAT. Bullets don't have to, but why not. I think for 1000 rounds worth of components, I will have around $170.00 in bullets, primers and powder. Any suggestions on any of these items would be greatly appreciated. I was looking at CCI 500's, Hornady 115gr FMJ, and Alliant Power Pistol.

I have a ton of 9mm brass to clean up, so I didn't have to worry about buying new brass.

I plan on building my bench. Any ideas for plans here?

Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks,

 

[john16443]

Your list looks very complete, but WHERE ARE THE RELOADING MANUALS??? May also want to consider purchasing a hand priming tool, the Lee is as good as any. I don't know what dies are included in the RCBS set, but if there are only 3 dies, you may also want to consider a separate taper only crimp die (different from a factory crimp die), again Lee or RCBS should be fine there.

For suggestions on bench set up, etc. see the sticky at the very top of the forum page.

 

[spcrobbins]

I forgot to say that with the press I am getting reloading manuals as well given to me. I did purchase the RCBS Hand priming tool (in the list). As far as the crimping die, my dies specifically said the Seater/Crimper die was a taper crimp. It was a choice I had to make in the purchase. Roll crimp or taper crimp, at least I thought is did. Maybe I was mistake. How do I find out?

 

[rcmodel]

You can do better then the $15 bucks a jug Lyman pre-treated corncob media.

Corncob is for polishing clean brass.
Ground walnut is for cleaning dirty brass.

I'd suggest you go to the pet store and buy a bag of Zilla brand lizzard litter.
It's ground walnut, it's cheap, and it works far better then the two jugs of Lyman cob & walnut I tried once.
http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=CFiDTsnnCcmbtwfu8Z3yAQ&ved=0CEEQ8wIwBQ#

Then get any brand of liquid case polish to treat it yourself, with Flitz being the best I ever used.
Others swear by Nu-Finish auto polish.

I second the comment that you need to buy at least one reloading manual.
If you can only get one, get the Lyman #49.

If you are already set on one particular brand of bullet, get that companies manual too.

Lee Universal Shellholders Pack: $25.00 x 2 = $50.00

You really don't need two complete shell holder packs to load only one caliber.

It's handy to have one universal set for the RCBS hand priming tool if you load a lot of different calibers.
Otherwise just get two 9mm shell holders if that's all you are going to reload.
Or get the RCBS Universal hand primer tool that doesn't use shell holders at all.

go with a scale from a scale company instead of a scale from a reloading company

Jennings-Mack isn't a scale company. They are a Chinese scale importer.
Ohous & PAC are scale companys. They make reloading scales for RCBS, Lyman, and other reloading companies.

I suppose it might be all right.
As long as it weighs in Grains and not Grams, Carets, or Furlongs or something.
Reloading scales are made for weighing in the standard reloading "Grain" weight used in reloading manuals, and include a scale pan for pouring powder out, etc.

rc

 

[spcrobbins]

I plan on reloading more calibers, that's why I went ahead and bought the two packs of shell holders. I almost didn't because I don't know how soon I will start reloading other calibers. I do have some 223 brass, but really don't shoot it much. Thanks for the heads up on the Walnut stuff.

 

[Cherokee]

I suggest you seat and taper crimp your 9mm loads separately, best done with two dies. Do not get the Lee FCD. I got 40# of corn cob for $26 delivered from here http://www.drillspot.com/products/499763/econoline_526020g-40_40_lbs_blast_media , then I add NuFinish polish. Get Lyman #49. If you are near me, I will be glad to help you get started.

 

[spcrobbins]

I appreciate it. I am in Missouri, so probably not too close, but as far as taper crimp separately, what is the reason for that?

 

[john16443]

The general thoughts on why seating and crimping should be done separately are mostly applicable to non revolver cartridges like th e9mm you'll be starting on. In a typical seat/crimp die, the crimping action can be initiated before the seating action is completed. In other words, the seating steam is in motion trying to seat your bullet, and as the case is further inserted, the crimping part of the die is decreasing the diameter of the case before the round is fully seated. This can have an affect on how well the bullet is seated. You can adjust the seat/crimp die out so that no crimping is done, and then adjust the seating stem to your needs. Then the next/final station can be a crimp only die that will remove only the bell and do nothing else.

 

[Funshooter45]

I don't see a powder measure in there. You will want one. For pistol loading you will get the powder measure adjusted properly and it will throw the desired weight to within +/- 0.1 gr every time, so no need for a trickler there. I use a Hornady powder trickler just for rifles though. They are simple devices, so no need to spend $22 for a trickler.

RCBS dies are fine. About half of my dies are RCBS and they work OK. But about half my dies are Lee and they work just as well for less money and they also include the shellholder for each set of dies. No need to spend money on 2 separate packs of Universal shellholders.

 

[hAkron]

Agree on the powder measure. I have the RCBS and the Hornady, but if you want to do it on a budget then I would suggest the Lee perfect powder measure. I've never used one, but it seems to work on the same basic concept of most powder measures; a drum with a hole in it and an adjustable screw to make the hole deeper/shallower and a handle to rotate the drum up to fill with powder then down to dump the powder into your waiting brass. Midwayusa.com has them on sale for 19.99. They also come with a micrometer adjustment knob. $20.00 is less than the cost of the optional micrometer adjuster on the RCBS or Hornady.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=540522

 

[Hondo 60]

try drillspot.com for blasting media.
It's corn cob 20/40 is fine grit & it's only about 26 for a 40# bag
free shipping.

Also, in your list I don't see any Reloading Manuals.
Trying to reload without a manual or three is just suicide.
Lyman's 49th is my favorite.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=217655

Please stay safe!

 

[spcrobbins]

Sorry guys, but I also forgot to mention it comes with a powder measure attached to the Turret. Not sure of the accuracy, will measure it for a while and make sure it is reliable. As I said before, manuals are in the package as well with the press. Sorry, should have made myself more clear. Thanks for all of the advice. I will look at the Seat/Crimp issue more, and make a decision. Thanks again.