New to reloading, going to buy a Kempf's Lee Turret Kit BUT--

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Morglan

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OK,

I'm finally going to start reloading, and have chosen to go with the Kempf Kit with the Lee Classic Turret Press, but here's my dilema.

To start, I plan to reload .45 ACP and 30-06 for my M1.

Do I get the pistol caliber kit and then buy 30-06 dies, or get the rifle caliber kit and buy .45 dies?
 
You're going to order the kit they have in stock. And at this point in the "Obama reloading curve" you're going to have to take what you can get.

Not being a wise-guy; simply stating the facts.
 
easy choice, presuming both 'kits' cost the same? Which costs more, the Lee 4-die set for .45ACP or the 30-06?

I haven't looked at Kempf's website in a long time. I take it that they are making up their own Classic turret kit, similar to the Lee Deluxe kit?
 
I just checked their website. They have the .45acp kit in stock right now. They also have the 30-06 dies in stock as well. Get it while you can. Post back with the results and how long does it take to receive what you ordered. That info is always good to know and changes constantly.

p.s. Don't forget to order an extra turret for the new caliber.
 
which do you plan on shooting more of sooner? Get that set now and wait for to get the others when you need them. I'm not familiar with this kit but if you can use other manufacturer dies then you might want to check out which of them are available and how much they cost.
 
The thing is, they list different included accessories, depending on whether you buy the pistol kit or the rifle kit.

Which way is better to go as the base kit?
 
Morglan, if you are new to reloading, consider beginning your experience with the 45acp dies. 45 is an easy caliber to load, there are many powders to choose from and a there's a variety of bullets on the market.
I also started with the LCT 14 months ago and bought my kit from Kempf Gun Shop. Good folks. I began with the 45 and have since added 2 other calibers and am as happy as I can be with this press. Remember: you can use it as a single stage press if you have the need.
 
I bought that same press a couple of years ago. I also got all the dies and extra turret heads at the same time. If I remember correctly the hand gun set up comes with different extras as someone else stated.
 
Just one more vote for .45 and Kempf. Bottle neck cartridges are more "work", especially those that will be fired from a semi. Use this section and the search engine to learn everything you can before you start with rife rounds. The archives here are an absolute treasure trove of information from people who've been doing this stuff for a life time.
 
Make sure you also get the UPGRADE. The Pro Auto-Disk is much better than the standard Auto-Disk and you will probably need both Safety Primer Feeders sometime in the future. (the large will be used for both the 45 Auto and 30-06)
 
Hi. The only things you need to consider is that semi-auto rifles require Full Length resizing every time and loading for a .45 requires a taper crimp. Both are done with the die set.
Personally, I'm not a big fan of Lee kit. It's not bad kit, but the warrantee isn't as good as RCBS' warrantee. An RCBS Beginner's Kit gives you everything you need less dies and shell holder. Plus a much better warrantee. RCBS will fix any problems with a phone call even if you caused it or you buy used kit. Used kit is ok. The same kit with a set of dies and a shell holder will let you load both. There's no deciding between a pistol kit and a rifle kit either. Carbide only for the .45. It's just the sizer die, but don't bother with anything else.
When you get that far, think IMR4064, IMR4895 or Varget with 165 grain hunting bullets and 168 or 175 grain match bullets for the M1. Bullseye with 230 grain cast bullets for the .45.
 
I would also suggest you go with the .45ACP to start with. Handgun cartridges (with the exception of the few bottleneck ones) are much easier to learn on and require fewer steps.

I've been handloading for handguns for just over 15 years. I have yet to try my hand at rifle. Given the cost these days of .223 ammunition that is going to change this year. I just ordered a case of Wolf SMR primers, some rifle powder, and some 55 grain FMJ bullets. So, its time to see how it goes.

I started with a RCBS Rock Chucker kit in 1994, so I have everything I need to load rifle (trimmer, lube pad, etc.) except the .223 dies. Once my supplies and dies come in, it will be time to sit down with my reloading/shooting buddy and learn that skill (he has done rifle in the past, so I will have a teacher).

I just bought a Lee Classic Turret from Midway (when they were in stock), but I have yet to set it up (my shop is almost finished, no room in my current handloading area for it).

I figure I will start out doing the .223 on the Rock Chucker, then perhaps advance to the Lee Classic Turret once I get comfortable.

Anyway, again, I'd start with .45ACP if I were you. I generally suggest folks start on a single stage, but if you want the turret, I see no reason not to start there, its still not a progressive.
 
Besides the most famous press of all time, Walkalong's customized projector, Rusty's CLT is the 2nd most famous press so perhaps getting a pool table ball or maybe a Hurst shifter will make it better too.

LGB
 
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