Just Purchased. . . Budget Set-Up

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XGibsonX

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Yes, lots of posts from here and elsewhere but need to put up a first post so here it is. Bought the following this am; will it get me started?

 
That's basically the same setup I have. You actually don't need the powder riser with the rifle charging die; it's taller than the pistol charging/expanding dies and will clear the primer tray.

The cutter you got is just the cutting portion and a handle, you need the other half that holds the shellholder, and a cartridge specific set that centers the shell and controls the cutting length.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=476992
and
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=107333

Other than that, you look good to go.

[EDIT] Just noticed your post count, Welcome to THR!
 
Thank you guys. I will order. A clear case of ignorance on my part. I am just learning this end.

I got the whole order shipped for 267.36 USD, so not too bad for a budget.

From here forward will it just be about buying a turret and dies for the various calibers?
 
I don't see a calipers in your list.
You definitely want one.

Also 2 or 3 reloading manuals - Lee's Modern Reloading will go good with your setup.

My favorite manual is Lyman's 49th Reloading Handbook

By the way - welcome to The High Road. :D
 
The only item I would have changed is the case lube. I HIGHLY recommend using Imperial Sizing Wax over all others.

Welcome to reloading and the forum.
 
Awesome press. I got mine about a month ago and have loaded a few 100 308 and just started doing 9mm too. I was able to knock out 200 rounds an hour once I got the rhythm down on the 9mm. The press seems to be getting smoother and smoother too. Oiling the turret head and the part of the press it rides in seems to have helped too. Only issue I have had so far was messin up the plastic ratchet on the indexing rod by short stroking it.

Id also recomend getting a powder trickler too if you are looking to load more than just plinking ammo and also a funnel. It cut my charging time way down for weighing stuff down to the .1 grain.
 
you have the same set as my first press i still use that that press all the time. one thing i did see is you bought a sacle (unless they changed the package) mine came with a sacle. you also want calipers the digital one are nice you can pick one up for about 20.00 at habor fieght also watch midway usa they run a sale on frankfold for around 16.00 i think. one thing to do also is cross check your reloading info lee dies has specs with there dies also check the powder manufaqctor website
 
Let me/us know how this works out for you. You're looking at the same basics I've been contemplating.. I'm curious to see how you like it!
 
Knowing what I now know, I wish I would've started with this setup.

My first press was a Lee Challenger Breech Lock.
It's a great single stage, but once I got the hang of it, I then bought the deluxe turret.
The deluxe is made of cheap metal - the Classic is a MUCH better heavy-duty press.

Then I bought a Pro1000 - it drove me nuts - always having to stop & tinker.

Now it's the blue kool-aid for me & I love it.
 
As per advice here:

1) Frankford Arsenal Electronic Caliper- $22.49
2) Lee Case Length Gage and Shellholder 223 Remington $4.49
3) Lee Case Trimmer Cutter and Lock Stud $5.99

That's it for now, I'm BROKE! Or at the very least bent double. I'll have to wait on anything else. I want dies for .38 spcl, 45 ACP, 7.5x55, 7.62x39, 9mm, and soon .357 magnum, 7.62x54r, .303 British. As you guys can see, I'm starting out with the LE6920 ammo die. :)

Thanks VERY much and pray for my son. See my sig link. Maybe this hobby will help me to relax a bit.
 
GREAT setup - you can count on years of dutiful service and many, many, many safe, accurate and reliable rounds.

You are correct, all you will need add is dies and a turret to change calibers. You might also want to add a quick disconnect for the powder dispenser. The Lee adjustable charge bar is also a proven winner for handgun calibers.You may already have visited their website, but some breat Lee prices can be found at :

https://factorysales.com/html/xcart/catalog/index.html

Happy and safe reloading to you.
 
Midway:

Unbelievably I ordered yesterday at 6 am. It arrived today. Haven't opened it yet BUT that is customer service! Impressive.

"Id also recomend getting a powder trickler too if you are looking to load more than just plinking ammo and also a funnel. It cut my charging time way down for weighing stuff down to the .1 grain."

Absolutely! I want to load up some to limit pressures. I'll begin with 'plinking' stuff and work my way up. Be nice to get to some ammo on the order of BB. (I realize that the home 'reloader' cannot likely get access to the powder options that the manufacturers use, or so I have read.) A lot to learn first, though. . .
 
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What, no tumbler? I'd rather have a tumbler and a Lee Loader than a turret press without a tumbler. :)

One thing you will discover is that a lot of people clean their cases (again) after sizing and before priming. IMO, the only good thing about Lee lube is it washes off easy. And breaking your process down into two steps kinda defeats the purpose of the turret press.

If I had that setup, I'd make complete ammo, then take my finished ammo and roll it around in a dampened towel to get most of the lube off (to preserve my media). Then I'd tumble it for 10 minutes.
 
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Yes. Always something else one needs. No doubt I'll require more and more but after ordering the other three items, I am tapped until September 1st. :D

Thanks all.
 
I want dies for .38 spcl, 45 ACP, 7.5x55, 7.62x39, 9mm, and soon .357 magnum, 7.62x54r, .303 British.
Click to expand...
I can help you with some savings right there. You don't need to buy both .38 Special and .357 Magnum dies. Most .38 Special dies will also load .357 Magnum ammo correctly. So, now you only need to find the money to buy seven sets of dies instead of eight. :D
 
Congrats on your set up. My prayers go out to your son, and the family. I know so well what your brave young trooper is going through. I am a cancer survivor had both chemo and radiation treatments. God Bless
 
Well fellas, I am going to unpack the gear that I have, should get the other on Monday.

Thanks for all of the tips, I really mean that. Opinions offered in a coherent and decent manner ON THE INTERNET! Unheard of, these day :)

Thanks also to those who have sent prayers for my boy. God bless you all.

Good folk, here I should have started posting a few years back.
 
"Congrats on your set up. My prayers go out to your son, and the family. I know so well what your brave young trooper is going through. I am a cancer survivor had both chemo and radiation treatments. God Bless"

God bless you also AK, thanks for the prayers. And keep on keeping on
 
XGibsonX said:
Midway:

Unbelievably I ordered yesterday at 6 am. It arrived today. Haven't opened it yet BUT that is customer service! Impressive.

"Id also recomend getting a powder trickler too if you are looking to load more than just plinking ammo and also a funnel. It cut my charging time way down for weighing stuff down to the .1 grain."

Absolutely! I want to load up some to limit pressures. I'll begin with 'plinking' stuff and work my way up. Be nice to get to some ammo on the order of BB. (I realize that the home 'reloader' cannot likely get access to the powder options that the manufacturers use, or so I have read.) A lot to learn first, though. . .
Click to expand...

First, my thoughts and prayers are with your son and you and your family.

Second, be safe. If you're going to push limits, get a chronograph and monitor what you're doing.

I'm a newbie here. Others will chime in.

Take care,
Sherri
 
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