Lost Sheep
Member
Good advice and much more succinct than my posts.
I would change one phrase. "think of unboxing" to "think of buying"
You may get some wisdom from those manuals about which gear to buy. before you buy.
Lost Sheep
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New to reloading and .....
- Thread starter wiiawiwb
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I would change one phrase. "think of unboxing" to "think of buying"
You may get some wisdom from those manuals about which gear to buy. before you buy.
Lost Sheep
Dudedog
Contributing Member
I have 3 scales, an RCBS 5-0-5 and Frankford DS750 and a GEM20.
Most for the time when I am loading pistol I use the Frankford.
It is fast, easy to use and seems to agree with my other two scales.
The GEM20 is accurate (<$30) and will weigh much ligher weight than the Frankford.
I think the Frankford DS750 is going for about $30 now, it does need batteries but they are cheap and last a long time, I would reccomend it.
I would put any extra money I have into the press.
I would also suggest considering the Lee Clasic Turret. Nothing wrong with RCBS, Lyman, Hornady, etc presses, but Lee equipment is a great bang for the buck and will let you get started cheaper.
(Never used one but I have heard the COAX is a great press)
Lots of people got Lee equipment to start out, some "upgraded" and some decided they liked the Lee equipment and were happy with it.
I have Lee "Deluxe" turrent and a Hornady LNL. The ammo that comes off my Lee press that cost about $120 for the kit back when shoots just as well as the ammo off my Hornady press.
If you plan on loading and shooting very much I would reccomend the Lee turret.
I have and use a Lee hand primer and like it. Probably $40 for the tool and a shell holder. (different shell holders than the press)
Most of the time I even use it to prime case I am going to feed my Hornady LNL. (prime on press sometimes there)
I would also suggest the Lyman 49 manual to start.
I would also suggest a bullet puller. The hammer type work well.
You may never need it but then again you might.
Of course I have never used mine for a sanity check
well ok yes I have and on more than one occasion.
Add My old "Deluxe" 3 hole Lee turret press does spit primers all over, but I but a flat tupperware continer about 12 * 18" under it and most go in the container. I don't believe the Clasic Turret press has this issue.
I have the Frakford vibrating tumbler and media seperator. Tumbler is still going strong after two years and I use it a lot.
Most for the time when I am loading pistol I use the Frankford.
It is fast, easy to use and seems to agree with my other two scales.
The GEM20 is accurate (<$30) and will weigh much ligher weight than the Frankford.
I think the Frankford DS750 is going for about $30 now, it does need batteries but they are cheap and last a long time, I would reccomend it.
I would put any extra money I have into the press.
I would also suggest considering the Lee Clasic Turret. Nothing wrong with RCBS, Lyman, Hornady, etc presses, but Lee equipment is a great bang for the buck and will let you get started cheaper.
(Never used one but I have heard the COAX is a great press)
Lots of people got Lee equipment to start out, some "upgraded" and some decided they liked the Lee equipment and were happy with it.
I have Lee "Deluxe" turrent and a Hornady LNL. The ammo that comes off my Lee press that cost about $120 for the kit back when shoots just as well as the ammo off my Hornady press.
If you plan on loading and shooting very much I would reccomend the Lee turret.
I have and use a Lee hand primer and like it. Probably $40 for the tool and a shell holder. (different shell holders than the press)
Most of the time I even use it to prime case I am going to feed my Hornady LNL. (prime on press sometimes there)
I would also suggest the Lyman 49 manual to start.
I would also suggest a bullet puller. The hammer type work well.
You may never need it but then again you might.
Of course I have never used mine for a sanity check
well ok yes I have and on more than one occasion. Add My old "Deluxe" 3 hole Lee turret press does spit primers all over, but I but a flat tupperware continer about 12 * 18" under it and most go in the container. I don't believe the Clasic Turret press has this issue.
I have the Frakford vibrating tumbler and media seperator. Tumbler is still going strong after two years and I use it a lot.
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I can tell you what I have used and why my experience has been, not sure if this will help you or not...
Lee brand will save you alot of money. Most of their stuff it high quality. Some of it, not so much.
Press: I have Lee 4 hole turret press with auto-index. I like that I can take the indexer out and go "single stage" style whenever I want. I'm not sure if I like turret or single mode better to be honest. Cons with this press: It spits the spent primers all over the place, makes a big mess. Also you will want a powder checker die, I have the RCBS one:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/234716/rcbs-powder-checker-die
Best $30 I've spent. Will save you from a double charge or squib. I bought mine after a squib load stuck a bullet in the barrel of a pistol. I also bought a cheap LED light and zip tied it to the frame of the press so I could better see down inside the cases and check them for powder issues.
Scale: I have both digital scale and balance beam old school scale, and use them both. Will use the digital one to save time while adjusting the powder measure, then when I think I have it dialed in, I will confirm the charge with with beam scale, just to be safe. I also like the idea of the beam not needing external power. So I can reload during a power outage if I wanted to, or during the zombie apocalypse LOL. Avoid the Lee beam scale, it is very difficult to read. I have the Redding scale, got it used at a gunshow for $40. I've also used the RCBS scale and it's a good one too. My digital scale is a PACT.
Powder Measure: Again I have both the digital and traditional measures. I find that the digital measure works MUCH better with stick powder than it does with ball or flake. So I use the old school measure with ball and flake and the digital one with stick. My digital measure is the PACT, it works in conjunction with my PACT scale. It's not very quick but it is accurate. My old school measure is a Lee "perfect" powder measure. I have a love-hate relationship with it. It's very accurate and I love the feature that lets you remove the hopper and drain the powder back into the can. On the down side, this thing leaks powder all over the darn place. I'm replacing it with an RCBS measure (I've ordered it already just waiting for it to show up in the mailbox). I decided to go with RCBS because my dad has one that he's been using since before I was born, and it's served him well for many decades, so it must be a quality product. I went with the newer version that has the quick change metering chambers and I'm very eager to try it out.
Tumbler: I have a Hornady tumbler, I think it's called the M2. Been using it for a while and now the bowl is starting to crack. I'm going to try to repair it with epoxy. Aside from the crack this thing has been 100%. I think the crack is my fault, I might have put the lid on too tight, can't blame the tumbler for that.
Dies: Almost all my dies are Lee. They're cheaper than any of other brands out there and as far as I can tell they work just as well, if not better. I like the powder through expander dies. I have an adapter that lets me put my powder measure directly on the die. I have one set of Hornady dies for .280 Remington and I think the quality is actually better on the Lee dies I've got. Also have an RCBS die set for .30 carbine. Everything else I have is Lee.
http://store.gun-guides.com/Perfect-Adapters-_c_12.html
Priming: I've tired several methods of priming and I'm not 100% happy with any of them. If I had to pick one favorite though, it would be the Lee "Auto Prime II" press mounted system. The bad news is that Lee stopped making these a couple years back so if you want one, you have to get it used. I lucked out, found mine used at my LGS for $9.99
Calipers: I have the cheapest non-digital caliper I could find. I think it came from Harbor Freight Tools. It works fine.
Chronograph: You'll want this at some point. Wait until they're on sale. I got a "shooting chrony" on sale for $70 and it works great.
Optional: You might want a hand-held press so you can do some work from the comfort of your recliner. I have a Lee hand press and it's awesome. I made a portable reloading set that all fits inside a .50 caliber ammo can.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/650614/lee-breech-lock-hand-press-kit?cm_vc=ProductFinding
The "ram prime" that comes with this thing works pretty well too
Hope this helps you out...
Edited to add:
Get several reloading manuals. You can find them used sometimes at bookshops. I like RCBS/Speer and Hornady manuals but I also have Lee and Nosler. It's nice to compare loads between them
Lee brand will save you alot of money. Most of their stuff it high quality. Some of it, not so much.
Press: I have Lee 4 hole turret press with auto-index. I like that I can take the indexer out and go "single stage" style whenever I want. I'm not sure if I like turret or single mode better to be honest. Cons with this press: It spits the spent primers all over the place, makes a big mess. Also you will want a powder checker die, I have the RCBS one:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/234716/rcbs-powder-checker-die
Best $30 I've spent. Will save you from a double charge or squib. I bought mine after a squib load stuck a bullet in the barrel of a pistol. I also bought a cheap LED light and zip tied it to the frame of the press so I could better see down inside the cases and check them for powder issues.
Scale: I have both digital scale and balance beam old school scale, and use them both. Will use the digital one to save time while adjusting the powder measure, then when I think I have it dialed in, I will confirm the charge with with beam scale, just to be safe. I also like the idea of the beam not needing external power. So I can reload during a power outage if I wanted to, or during the zombie apocalypse LOL. Avoid the Lee beam scale, it is very difficult to read. I have the Redding scale, got it used at a gunshow for $40. I've also used the RCBS scale and it's a good one too. My digital scale is a PACT.
Powder Measure: Again I have both the digital and traditional measures. I find that the digital measure works MUCH better with stick powder than it does with ball or flake. So I use the old school measure with ball and flake and the digital one with stick. My digital measure is the PACT, it works in conjunction with my PACT scale. It's not very quick but it is accurate. My old school measure is a Lee "perfect" powder measure. I have a love-hate relationship with it. It's very accurate and I love the feature that lets you remove the hopper and drain the powder back into the can. On the down side, this thing leaks powder all over the darn place. I'm replacing it with an RCBS measure (I've ordered it already just waiting for it to show up in the mailbox). I decided to go with RCBS because my dad has one that he's been using since before I was born, and it's served him well for many decades, so it must be a quality product. I went with the newer version that has the quick change metering chambers and I'm very eager to try it out.
Tumbler: I have a Hornady tumbler, I think it's called the M2. Been using it for a while and now the bowl is starting to crack. I'm going to try to repair it with epoxy. Aside from the crack this thing has been 100%. I think the crack is my fault, I might have put the lid on too tight, can't blame the tumbler for that.
Dies: Almost all my dies are Lee. They're cheaper than any of other brands out there and as far as I can tell they work just as well, if not better. I like the powder through expander dies. I have an adapter that lets me put my powder measure directly on the die. I have one set of Hornady dies for .280 Remington and I think the quality is actually better on the Lee dies I've got. Also have an RCBS die set for .30 carbine. Everything else I have is Lee.
http://store.gun-guides.com/Perfect-Adapters-_c_12.html
Priming: I've tired several methods of priming and I'm not 100% happy with any of them. If I had to pick one favorite though, it would be the Lee "Auto Prime II" press mounted system. The bad news is that Lee stopped making these a couple years back so if you want one, you have to get it used. I lucked out, found mine used at my LGS for $9.99
Calipers: I have the cheapest non-digital caliper I could find. I think it came from Harbor Freight Tools. It works fine.
Chronograph: You'll want this at some point. Wait until they're on sale. I got a "shooting chrony" on sale for $70 and it works great.
Optional: You might want a hand-held press so you can do some work from the comfort of your recliner. I have a Lee hand press and it's awesome. I made a portable reloading set that all fits inside a .50 caliber ammo can.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/650614/lee-breech-lock-hand-press-kit?cm_vc=ProductFinding
The "ram prime" that comes with this thing works pretty well too
Hope this helps you out...
Edited to add:
Get several reloading manuals. You can find them used sometimes at bookshops. I like RCBS/Speer and Hornady manuals but I also have Lee and Nosler. It's nice to compare loads between them
Lost Sheep
Member
There are two reasons you may have stray primers going all over the place
1: you do not have the Lee Classic Turret. The Lee Deluxe Turret has the same base as the Pro-1000 progressive press. It is taller than the Classic Turret and aluminum Its design is not conducive to good primer handling. The Classic Turret's design has a hollow ram through which the spent primers fall into a tube for direction into a bucket or wherever. Very close to 100% effective.
2: If you have a Classic Turret and the primers are not falling into the ram, it is probably because you don't have the priming arm in place. The priming arm blocks the escape of uncooperative primers.
Good luck
Lost Sheep
Dudedog
Contributing Member
Off thread but BDS (someone) had a PRO 1000 mod for the primers that works on the Deluxe turret. Piece of a coke can cut to fit in the ram.
Lost Sheep, I'm attaching a pic of my press. Even with the primer arm in place about half the primers end up on the floor...
I have a hole drilled in the table top under the press and a coffee can on the shelf below to catch the primers...
Edited to add:
Just found this video love this idea not sure where I can find scrap Kydex though...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_46AWxTRxYE
I have a hole drilled in the table top under the press and a coffee can on the shelf below to catch the primers...
Edited to add:
Just found this video love this idea not sure where I can find scrap Kydex though...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_46AWxTRxYE
Attachments
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Ironicaintit
Member
I cant add anything new here. I will +1 the suggestion to read read read! The more the merrier. Besides the books, I think the reloading archives here at THR are a great resource.
I inherited all of my hardware for reloading, and it is a motley collection of different brands.
My Turret press, case trimmer and scale are Lyman. Most of my dies are RCBS, as is my Uniflow. Both my verniers are ancient. One's a Brown and Sharpe, the other a Craftsman (from when they were good)
Case gauges are either Forster or Dillon. Couldnt be happier!
I greatly prefer mechanical scales and calipers. (But i like carburetors on engines, too)
Please be sure to include both a collet style puller, as well as an inertia (hammer) style puller on your shopping list. Mine are both RCBS. They WILL come in handy! Even great writers use erasers from time to time.
I inherited all of my hardware for reloading, and it is a motley collection of different brands.
My Turret press, case trimmer and scale are Lyman. Most of my dies are RCBS, as is my Uniflow. Both my verniers are ancient. One's a Brown and Sharpe, the other a Craftsman (from when they were good)
Case gauges are either Forster or Dillon. Couldnt be happier!
I greatly prefer mechanical scales and calipers. (But i like carburetors on engines, too)
Please be sure to include both a collet style puller, as well as an inertia (hammer) style puller on your shopping list. Mine are both RCBS. They WILL come in handy! Even great writers use erasers from time to time.
TBJK
Member
I have to say, I bought a Rock Chucker deluxe kit. I don't regret it either. It will give you everything accept dies, scale, trickled & shell holders I got my on sale for 269 at cabelas plus a 20$ coupon. They also had the rebate as well but I forgot to send it out. Amost all the stuff I got was on sale that week & got 20$ back for every 75 spent.
Lost Sheep
Member
Good idea.
Dudedog's suggestion in post 30 does not require Kydex or even very much of an investment. Cardboard would work as well, too, I think, but not be as permanent (but easier to do for prototyping).
Lost Sheep
Sorry about the thread hijack. I took a coke can and some scissors and made my own "primer deflector". Cut off the top and bottom of the can, left me with a long strip of aluminum. I wrapped it around the vertical part of the press frame. I'll try to post a picture later.
It took me about 10 minutes and didn't cost a penny. I haven't tested it yet but hope to do so soon (I have about 1,000 .223 cases that need to be resized/deprimed).
OP, the primer issue was one of my few complaints with this press, and it looks like I may have just solved that problem for free. You should look into the Lee Turret press for sure I think it's a keeper...
It took me about 10 minutes and didn't cost a penny. I haven't tested it yet but hope to do so soon (I have about 1,000 .223 cases that need to be resized/deprimed).
OP, the primer issue was one of my few complaints with this press, and it looks like I may have just solved that problem for free. You should look into the Lee Turret press for sure I think it's a keeper...
Dudedog
Contributing Member
Cool, hope it out for you. Didn't mean to side track the thread.
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