New Reloaders shopping list

[kellyj00]

Ok, what am I missing?

I'm getting the following from Midway, and I don't want to miss anything that will keep me from reloading right away. I hate missing parts!

Lee 4 hole autoindex turret press
Lee pro auto disk powder measure
Frankford arsenal 750 gr Digital Scale
Lee modern reloading manual
some cheap caliper
set of 4 .45acp dies from lee (carbide)
Lee safety prime lever primer thingys - one large & one small

Here's my biggest conerns...
1) What about all this other stuff that comes in the lee kits? Like this cutter and lock stud...and primer pocket cleaner? I've never even deprimed a case before, do I need them for my .45acp rounds?

2) is the pro auto disk $10 better than the basic auto disk? I've read some online reviews that rave about the pro version, that's why I'm *leaning* that direction....but nobody knows better than the experienced fellas at THR ;-)

3) Do I need a riser to connect the powder measure to my press? After reading what midway says about the riser, it's confusing as to whether it's required for my ALL LEE equipment to work together.

4) there's also a double-disk auto disk powder measure add on that "allows two disks to be used, increasing the accuracy of your charges" or something like that according to the midway website. I want to charge about 4 gr of Clays into my .45acp loads. Do I need this double-disk thing to get near 4 gr?

Thanks for your patience guys. I don't have any experience in this subject, and reading about it online doesn't answer these kind of experience-only-knows questions.

 

[RexDart]

Jason:

Get one of those kinetic bullet pullers. Mistakes will happen, and better to dissassemble them quickly than let them lie around.

Per your questions, answering where I can:
1) Don't think they're necessary for pistol, but the case trimmer is useful for rifle. You'll need the cutter, a lock stud (or a Zip Trim and shell holder) plus a case-specific depth gauge. If all you're doing is .45ACP, don't sweat it for now.

2)Considering that Lee offers an upgrade path from the Auto Disk to the Pro, I decided just to start with the pro. I've no other basis for comparison, but I'm pleased with the performance so far. I'd say get the pro.

3) Yes, you will need the riser to keep the powder measure from smacking the safety prime system as it swings around on the turret.

4) No. Using Titegroup powder, I was getting 4.5 grains with the .46CC opening in the next to smallest disk in the set. The DD kit is for rifle-sized quantities.

I would STRONGLY RECOMMEND getting your rig through Kempf gun shop. They have kits set up for the Lee Classic Cast Turret with everything needed for a particular caliber (including the riser), and "check to add" options for additional die sets, turrets, pro-disk upgrade, calipers, the manual and all that.. I went that route, and was extremely pleased. Only thing I've felt was lacking was some empty round die boxes from Lee in which to store turrets (the deluxe pistol 4-die sets come in flat boxes.)

Then all you'd need to buy from Miday would be the scale.

 

[RustyFN]

1) What about all this other stuff that comes in the lee kits? Like this cutter and lock stud...and primer pocket cleaner? I've never even deprimed a case before, do I need them for my .45acp rounds?

You won't need that for pistol but it will come in handy when you reload rifle.

2) is the pro auto disk $10 better than the basic auto disk? I've read some online reviews that rave about the pro version, that's why I'm *leaning* that direction....but nobody knows better than the experienced fellas at THR ;-)

It is IMO. The pro has brass nuts that hold the screws and the other measure the screws go into a plastic piece that will end up striping out. The bottom of the pro is teflon coated.

3) Do I need a riser to connect the powder measure to my press? After reading what midway says about the riser, it's confusing as to whether it's required for my ALL LEE equipment to work together.

Yes, you will need the riser for the powder measure to clear the safety prime. The riser will screw into the top of the powder die.

4) there's also a double-disk auto disk powder measure add on that "allows two disks to be used, increasing the accuracy of your charges" or something like that according to the midway website. I want to charge about 4 gr of Clays into my .45acp loads. Do I need this double-disk thing to get near 4 gr?

You won't need the double disk until you reload rifle. If you want to throw in between charges from what the single disk will give you then the charge bar would be a good investment. Just don't try to throw a very light charge with the charge bar. I think you will be very happy with the Classic turret. I have one and it is very easy for a beginner to setup and operate. Welcome to reloading.
Rusty

 

[kellyj00]

Amazing. I wish I would have asked a week ago so I could go home and make my first batch Tonight!

You guys are great!

 

[HJ857]

The Lee adjustable charge bar is a lot nicer than the disks. The charge bar simply replaces the disk, but still used in the Pro Auto Disk dispenser. You can really tune the charge with it, however there are reports that it doesn't like some powders. The disks lock you into specific charge weights/volumes, which may or may not be what you want.

The Frankford scale is very nice, but it needs good, fresh batteries and the ongoing cost will make you wish you got a scale that has an AC option. Batteries will only last 8-10 hours and the scale will get very unreliable when they weaken. The change is pretty sudden and you will notice out of whack numbers, so you'll know when it's time for new batteries. Check prices on the 2032 batteries, I can find them for $2.79 a set, but I've also seen them at 8-10 bucks a set. So if your battery source is in the upper range, an AC powered scale will pay for itself almost instantly.

The riser should come with the Lee carbide die set. Or it comes with the PAD, I don't recall which. I have two plates set up, one rifle and one pistol, both have PAD's installed and I never bought a riser for either.

I thought the Lee manual was pretty close to worthless.

I like the Lee hand primer, rather than the one that mounts to the press. Just because I can prime anywhere I feel like and not be tied to the bench. It's not a time saver by any stretch, but I inspect cases at the same time.

This could be the shooter's version of knitting...except you develop stronger hands real fast. Despite her years of knitting, I don't remember gram having much of a grip. So at least I've got that on her.

 

[Noxx]

I discovered a new reloaders shopping list should include a nice vase of roses to give to your wife when you explain how you spent $600 "saving money"

 

[RustyFN]

HJ857 I agree with you on the charge bar. I think it is easy and quick to adjust. Just be careful with light loads. I had problems trying to throw 3 grains and less of Titegroup. I know others that had problems with less that 4 grains of Unique. Load safe.
Rusty

 

[HJ857]

I'm throwing 4.4 of Win Super Field. Consistency has been superb.