new suggestions for starter kit reloader

[socalbeachbum]

I've seen a couple of different starter kits from LEE for reloading, I'd like to get back into it and own nothing right now. I will initially load only for .38 Special, target loads, since I don't seem to be able to buy them.

Years ago, I had a Rockchucker and was proficient at .44 Mag and .30-06 reloading. I like carbide dies. Aside from piece-mealing together what I need, and there particular kits I should be looking at?

 

[kcofohio]

Are you looking at getting single stage or turret?

 

[mdi]

Well, I'm not a fan of "kits". I like to research and choose tools that will suit my reloading needs and not a bunch of equipment grouped together (some of which I'd never use). I have presses by 4 different manufacturers, die from 5 different makers, the same with scales, and all the other tools I use for reloading.

I'd get a copy of The ABCs of Reloading and/or Lyman's 49th, and read to find what reloading equipment is needed for what I'm reloading (like if I was only reloading handgun ammo I won't need much in the way of case trimmers, primer forming tools, etc.). Reloading supply vendors' catalogs are great way to find out what's available for reloading and what the costs are (MidwayUSA, Midsouth, Natchez, Graf and Sons, etc.).

If I were to get a "kit" I'd look at the Lee stuff; A Breech-Lok kit, or the Classic Cast Turret kit...

 

[cfullgraf]

For handgun cartridges, carbide dies, or their equivalent, are the norm these days. I am not sure you can find new steel resizing dies any more.

Bottle neck sizing dies are still primarily steel and the few carbide dies that are out there are expensive and still need lubricant. They only serve to last longer for the high volume loader.

Since you have experience, you probably have an idea what you need but check out the sticky at the top of this sub forum, "Reloaders Library of Wisdom" or something to that effect. It should answer many questions.

The kits seem to always have something you do not need and lack something that you do need. One stop shopping is handy but you can save some money by buying ala carte.

 

[socalbeachbum]

single or turret

you know, I'm not a fan of kits either.

as to turret or single, I have always only owned single, and I know it may be nice to have a turret.

I'm wondering... guessing here, but I'll bet most reloading presses are quality equipment. are there any I should avoid? my needs are light weight compared to others. I'd like the capability to do .300 mag if I so choose. I'm planning to teach my son the whole reloading process. My need for doing .38 Special is only for maybe 100 rounds in a reloading session. Otherwise I'd invest in a big progressive unit, but that really is way beyond my needs.

 

[Potatohead]

Some would say you'll be fine as long as you stay away from Lee progressives. (not Lee turret and SS)

Depends how much you like to tinker.

 

[Potatohead]

Im going to go ahead and say Lee Classic Turret. Not sure how much trouble you'd have with a 300 mag this or mag that. Someone else might need to correct my suggestion if the LCT would have trouble handling one of the big guys.

 

[cfullgraf]

Now a days, most of the presses are good. Get the one whose color best matches the decoin your reloading room.

I am not a fan of turret presses although the Lee with the auto index has some advantages. Lots of folks like turret presses, especially the Lee.

I am not sure if the Lee turrets will do the 300 Mag.

There are two Lee turret presses, one is better than the other but I cannot tell you which.

I can load 100 cases in an hour on my single stage press from lights on to lights off starting with clean, prepped cases. Numbers go up in the second hour but I get tired if the session goes more than two hours.

I tend to clean and prep cases shortly after shooting so the batches are small. I can process 100 handgun cases on a single stage in about 10 minutes, dump them in a tumbler and come back a few hours later. I then store the cases for a future loading session. But that is just me.

I loaded on a single stage press for decades and only got into progressives as new toys to play with. I could still satisfy my ammunition needs with a single stage. What a progressive has done for me is I do batch of 9x19 a year, one batch of 45 ACP per year, one batch of 380 ACP per year and so forth instead of frequently loading small batches through out the year.

 

[cfullgraf]

Some would say you'll be fine as long as you stay away from Lee progressives. (not Lee turret and SS)

Depends how much you like to tinker.

Yes, the Lee progressive presses tend to leave something to be desired. But, i have only read that. No personnel experience.

 

[socalbeachbum]

as to case cleaning, could I do as well or better by going ultrasonic instead of a tumbler?

and I don't own a .300 mag, but my son does have a .30-06

largest I'd be messing with would likely just be handgun rounds

 

[Potatohead]

I believe the Classic Turret is the better one, referred to above.

 

[illinoisburt]

For low volume reloading, single stage bench mounted presses work fine. Look for one that gives at least a half inch of space beyond the longest OAL of cartridge you want to load. If you plan to stick with just handgun rounds, it might be a good idea to look at a turret to increase your volume/decrease time commitment without going the big leap in investment in a good progressive.

You can get either a classic turret with auto index or single stage challenger kit from Lee under $130 delivered. Either way considering the presses by themselves are around $80, picking up the rest of the items for $50 is about as good a deal as you will find. Add in dies and a reloading manual or two should be have you turning out good quality ammo.

btw - 30-06 pushes the OAL limit on the classic turret in the bullet seating step with the ram prime installed, not an issue if used single stage with ram removed.

Tumblers: both work, depends on how long you want to wait on brass. You can always reload without it, just not as shiny

 

[socalbeachbum]

regarding brass cleaning time, is the tumbling process or ultrasonic quicker?

I'm very familiar with tumbling, but have no experience w/ US

 

[Oldgoat03]

Lee makes great starter presses

You really can't go wrong with Lee single stage or the Classic 4 hole turret press. I have both and they work very well. I started with the Single stage in order to learn the process with minmal distractions. Within a couple months I realized that a turret was the ticket and got one. Be sure you get the Classic 4 hole turret. I does make a difference. You can remove the rod that auto advances the turret (3 seconds no tools) and it will operate like a single stage.

I strongly suggest the turret (link below) now that I have had both. I rarely use the single stage anymore because the turret is the best of both worlds especially if loading mostly for pistol. (will do rifle too).

https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-classic-turret-press-90064.html

I also recommed the following.

Lee Pro Auto disc powder measure ($42) It is better than the old std version and only a few bucks more.
https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-pro-auto-disk-90429.html

Auto disc riser ($8) so the powder measure clears the priming sytem
https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-auto-disk-riser-90041.html

Lee Safety Primer ($24.00) comes with large and small priming tools for priming on press. These are trouble free and give you a good feel for seating the primers.
https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-safety-primer-feed-large--small-90997.html

Extra 4 hole turrets ($9.99) so you can set up for each caliber then swap turrets without resetting adjustments. Much faster and easy.
https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-4-hole-turret-90269.html

Of course you will need dies, calipers a reloading manaul or two and a good scale.

Hope this helps
OG03

 

[socalbeachbum]

thank you everyone for the ggod advice. I don't see anyone recommending RCBS.

OG03, the classic turret by Lee, would it accomodate 30-06? if auto rotate is disabled?

 

[Hondo 60]

Not a real fan of the kits either.

My first press was a Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press Anniversary Kit.

The scale was kinda chinsey, and the primer system is not my fav.
So I don't use either.

Maybe a kit is a cheaper way to go, MAYBE, but there's stuff I just don't use, and had to buy.

 

[Potatohead]

delete

 

[cfullgraf]

as to case cleaning, could I do as well or better by going ultrasonic instead of a tumbler?

and I don't own a .300 mag, but my son does have a .30-06

largest I'd be messing with would likely just be handgun rounds

Actual cleaning time is probably close to the same for any of the processes, a few hours o so.

The disadvantage of ultrasonic cleaning is the drying time.

With dry media, cases are ready to use after they are separated from the media.

With any kind of wet cleaning, you have to dry the cases which takes several days for air drying to forced drying the cases. With forced drying, you have to monitor what is going on.

The third option is wet tumbling with stainless steel pins. You still have the drying issues as with ultrasonic cleaning but the cases come out looking like brand new.

I have used all three process and use dry tumbling the most. When I have a larger quantity of really dirty cases, I will drag out the wet tumbler with ss pins and get the cases super clean.

I stopped using ultrasonic cleaners before the current batch of super cleaners.I just used a mild soap, Amway LOC. The cases got clean but not shiny.

 

[Oldgoat03]

I don't load 30-06 but it seems with COAL spec between 2.940" Minimum, to 3.340" Maximum the Classic turret will work.

The following is a excerpt from the Lee Precision website.

"Our Classic Turret Press also has the auto index feature, and is capable of loading cartridges with an overall length of 3.313" or less. Anything longer would require the turret to be manually advanced."

So depending on what bullet you are using and seating depth you may not even have to disconnect the advance.

Disconnecting the auto advance is no big deal as mentioned.

If you still have questions I wouldn't hesistate to call Lee directly and ask about tech capability etc.

OG03

 

[kutter]

I cannot say for .30-06, I have loaded .308 on my classic turret with no problems though, if you want a kit, I got the one from Kempf
https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php...facturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41

If you buy it get the Pro Measure, it seems to be the consensus much better powder measure.

I think all you would need then would be a scale and manual or three.

 

[MILLERTIME]

The Lee classic turret kit is on sale at Brownell right now. It's a pretty good deal for what you get. It's definitely worth a look. There will be other items you'll need but it is a good start.

 

[lckdnldd]

IMHO you can't go wrong with the Lee Classic Turret Press Kit. Like you I recently got back into reloading and spent a few months researching presses, and all things needed to reload for 45 ACP. I spent 473.00 total for the LCTP, dies, 2 #of powder, 1000 primers, (500) .452 (250) grain LRN bullets, kinetic bullet puller, I had around 500 cases I had saved so no cost there. It would have been 28.00 cheaper but I had to pay two hazmat fees because I could not find powder and primers at the same place. My limit was $500.00 and I did a lot of comparison shopping before I purchased anything. I could not find all the items included in the Lee Classic Turret Press Kit seperately any cheaper than what I paid for the kit at $260.00. I purchased the powder and primers first that way I would not have to wait to get started as equipment was not hard to find unlike powder and primers at the time. Good luck with your quest.

 

[Lost Sheep]

Welcome back to reloading. Thanks for asking our advice.

I composed an article for the newbie asking whether to kit or not to kit, but I will share it here, even though you already know some about reloading.

I will opine (because of your experience) that you could build yourself a better kit than any "marketing genius" would assemble for selling. But if you examine all the pieces in a pre-collected kit and find they meet your needs, go for it.

Kits are often assembled by marketing "geniuses". Fortunately, in the reloading arena, most of the manufacturers' marketing people also seem to actually know and use the products, so are fairly good for the customer. Remember, though, that what is a best selection varies according to the needs of the user. What is best for you is not the best for someone else. Best fit for your needs is what you are after.

There's the rub. How do you learn what you need to know to pick what is best for YOU? And how do you figure that out without buying a few mistakes in the beginning? Might as well get a kit?

A kit will get you started with ALMOST everything you need. They always lack something, though. They also have things you use, but will be unsatisfied with and trade in (at a loss, it goes without saying). So the savings in getting a kit is largely illusion. But it probably will get you started loading a little quicker and with less fuss than assembling your own kit.

A Kit will probably also have things you don't need at all, which is a waste of money. But does provide some trade goods.

Building your own kit MAY be a little more expensive, but carries with it the research (and knowledge gained therefrom) you do in selecting the equipment best for you.

How long is your foresight?

Let's start out by looking at the bare essentials.

These two, you cannot load without, physically. Press and dies.

Powder can be measured out by scoops, by scale or by a powder measure or a combination of those and it would be exceedingly foolish (or suicidal) to load without measuring your powder accurately and reliably.

So, count three items as absolutely essential. (press, dies, scale) Everything else adds safety, effectiveness/accuracy and speed. (e.g. safety - eye protection while loading; effectiveness/accuracy - calipers; Speed - powder measure). Most additional tools can be done without, improvised or substituted for (e.g. a lube pad: fingers, paper towel, or sponge can do, or spray lube can substitute).

The "more than are essential" items, though, are necessary for reasonable safety. A loading manual with load recipes and instructions of how to go about the process. A pair of safety glasses (just in case a primer goes off, which is rare, but can happen).

So, five things HIGHLY HIGHLY recommended, plus one extra.

A way to place primers in the priming cup on the press is a great help (rather than using your fingers) and will speed things up as well as reducing the chance that skin oils will contaminate the primers.

Six things and your are reasonably set up for everything you can expect.

Press
Dies
Scale
Primer handler of some kind
safety glasses
manual(s)

But there are always things you don't need to start with but will need or want later.

A bullet puller will enable you to disassemble any rounds you put together that are out of spec (or that you suspect might be). Loading blocks let you keep a batch of cartridges together conveniently. Micrometer will help measure things when you find that you want to measure something. Most store-bought bullets are the right size, so yo might not need the micrometer for a while.

As you load and develop your personal style, you will find more things you would like to have. Pick them up as you go.

How you populate your loading bench, and with what pieces of gear is largely, then, a matter of personal style. There are several different ways to approach your question.

1) Buy a ready-made kit.

2) Assemble a kit of your own, choosing as complete a kit as you can get, of premium gear you will never outgrow.

3) Assemble a "bare essential" minimal kit piece-by-piece with the components you expect you will never outgrow and expanding as you find need for each additional piece, slowly, and as money and knowledge allows.

4) Assemble a complete kit (of economy equipment) of your own choosing you know you will outgrow, by which time you will have figured out what you will never outgrow, then trade up to those pieces.

5) Assemble a minimal kit of your own choosing with the least expensive components and upgrade as your tastes reveal themselves and as money allows. Spend money for upgrades as your taste spurs you.


Each approach has its proponents. Each approach has its virtues and its drawbacks.


1 Store-bought "complete" kit. Swap out components as needed:
virtue: easy and requires little thought; gets you into production very quickly
drawback: can be wasteful, and requires little thought

2 Self-Assemble complete Kit:
virtue: requires you think about and learn loading BEFORE you commit money and body parts
drawback: requires a lot of study, and even so you may make less-than-optimal purchases

3 Slowly self-assemble premium components kit & add-on as you go
virtue: you learn about loading and your equipment thoroughly and only spend money as you are sure of what you are buying
drawback: takes more time (weeks, maybe before you are completely set up, though you can be loading the first weekend)

4 and 5 are variations on 2 and 3 and have much the same virtues and drawbacks.

The approaches I outlined should provide you some food for thought. What type of hobbyist are you? Are you analytical and thoughtful or do you jump right in and improvise as you go? Got more time than money, or more money than time?

My first advice: Read "The ABC's of Reloading", an excellent tome on the general processes of reloading.

Having said that, let me share with you some posts and threads I think you will enjoy. So get a large mug of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, whatever you keep on hand when you read and think and read through these.


The "sticky" thread at the top of TheHighRoad.com's reloading forum is good, entitled, "For the New Reloader: Thinking about Reloading; Equipment Basics -- READ THIS FIRST"
http://www.thehighroad.org//showthread.php?t=238214

The "sticky" thread at the top of TheFiringLine's reloading forum is good, entitled, "For the New Reloader: Equipment Basics -- READ THIS FIRST "
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=230171

The first draft of my "10 Advices..." is on page 2 of this thread, about halfway down.
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=13543

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=22344

http://www.outdoorsdirectory.com/showthread.php?t=43055

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=448410

Thread entitled "Newby needs help."
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=430391
My post 11 is entitled "Here's my reloading setup, which I think you might want to model" November 21, 2010)
My post 13 is "10 Advices for the novice handloader" November 21, 2010)

http://www.Thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=439810

"Budget Beginning bench you will never outgrow for the novice handloader" was informed by my recent (July 2010) repopulation of my loading bench. It is what I would have done 35 years ago if I had known then what I know now.
http://www.rugerforum.net/reloading...you-will-never-outgrow-novice-handloader.html

Minimalist minimal (the seventh post down)
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=107332

It seems to me that with your attitude, you have the ability and will to study up, select carefully and build an ideal kit of your own pretty quickly.


Summary: Kit will get you into production faster. Building your own kit will get you into loading more thoughtfully. In a few weeks or months you will be at the same production level either way. I suspect, if you build your own kit, spending time thinking about your equipment selections you will be happier with your gear, have fewer trade-ins and perhaps produce better quality ammo.


Good luck,


Lost Sheep

P.S. After 3 decades, I repopulated my bench, retiring (but still keeping) my RCBS RockChucker and getting a Lee Classic Turret, keeping my RCBS 1010 scale and using Lee dies and Auto-disk powder dispensers backed up by a set of Lee Dippers and a powder trickler. These tools form the core of my "kit" that I built without compromise with cost no object (almost).

 

[Potatohead]

Great post Lost. You are the man.

 

[Dudedog]

I can do 7mm Rem mag on my Deluxe turrent. (which is not as nice as the classic) Not as good as a SS but can be done with out to much trouble, probaly not as preciseas a SS.
For pistol I think you will be happy with a Lee turrent press. Inexpensive, faster than a SS..
Most people seem happy with thiers. I like mine.