Looking for some help

[cskelly]

Ok, I have been bite by the reloading bug. I currently shoot mostly .40 and 9mm as well as .308 rifle from time to time. With ammo prices rising beyond belief (i just payed almost $30 for 100pack .40 S&W FMJ). I understand that this is more of a hobby than a money savings, so spare that lecture. I have read all the internet stuff I can find and still have the bug!

Anyways. I have been looking into the Lee Precision "LEE DELUXE TURRET PRESS KIT" found here.

It does not list everything that it contains and nor do I know if there is anything else I should consider. I have been actively searching for the "ABC's of Reloading" that the newbie thread suggested, but it seems to be out of stock just about everywhere. I did notice that Lee has a book called "Modern Reloading" that comes with a free press (i guess for practice).

Knowing all that, please direct me to the best course of action. I have been shooting on average once a week and about 600rds a month. I haven't even started with the rifle as my pocket book will hurt once that begins.

Thanks in advanced,

C.S. Kelly

 

[Grandpa Shooter]

The set you are looking at has everything you need other than some basic hand tools, a dial or digital caliper, some Akro bins to keep brass, bullets and primers in.

Buy some good die sets, extra turrets to keep your die sets in, buy or make a table about 24" by 48" heavy enough to withstand the tendency to tip while you are resizing brass, add some really good lighting, and you are set to go. The basic Lee set up is a good way to start out without spending a fortune only to discover you can't stand reloading.

 

[RustyFN]

If you are going to start with a Lee turret then I would recomend the Lee Classic Turret. It is a little more money but a much better press, well worth the extra money. You can get a great deal on a kit here http://www.kempfgunshop.com/products/reloading/leeprecision/kits/KempfKit.html. I have owned a classic turret press for two years and think it's a great press. I load 9mm, 38/357 and 223. I have each caliber dies set up in their own turret. That makes it fast to change calibers and the dies stay set up.
Rusty

 

[cskelly]

As for the bench, that is taken care of. I am a huge tool freak and love to work with my hands. My question though, does a galv. top make a difference? Is there any concern using the galvanized metal top? I currently have it on, but it is removable.

Thanks

 

[presspuller]

I guess the top is a personal thing. I would rather the table get dented if I drop something on it rather than the table dent whatever I drop.

 

[Grandpa Shooter]

If you are asking "Is there anything dangerous in using a galvanized top?", the answer is no, not that I am aware of. However if you will be smithing, cleaning, or otherwise tinkering, I prefer a wood or formica top. I just don't like the oils and chemicals leaking onto a metal surface and sinking in.

 

[cskelly]

As for the table denting tools, it just wont happen. Its a 18gauge galvanized steal top with a wood core. It is just handy for keeping the oils and gunk off of the wood. I was just concerned with static electricity or something of that nature, but I don't think its conductive anyways.

I ended up going with the recommendation from the above poster. Purchased the Lee Classic Turret with the dies for 9mm and .40. Also picked up a bullet puller, extra turret and the Modern Reloading book. Next up: Brass, powder, primers bullets!

I think this could be more addicting than shooting!

 

[qajaq59]

I prefer a rug on the top of my bench. Things don't roll off and if I spill powder I can take it out and shake it easily.

 

[Grandpa Shooter]

If you are not careful, reloading can become your life. You live eat and breathe reloading. Kind of like this THR addiction thing that I have.