new to reloading, help please.

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innerpiece

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Hi folks!
Im looking for suggestions on a reloading kit. Id like to buy a complete (as complete as possible) kit to reload for 9mm, .223, and 7.62 x 39 ammo.

Id mabey reload 30-50 rds of each a week. mostly for plinking, but Id eventually work into some varmint loads for the .223, and some SD loads for the 9mm.

I am a first to reloading, and reading about things I dont understand is a bit confusing. I Know I need a guide (book), and I will be getting one of course.

but Id like to get some ideas on what kind of Kit I could get for under $200 that would work for my beginner needs, and still serve well when I can advance.

thank you for any help.

ip.
 
1. Start out by reading the stickies found in this forum.

2. You will need to make up your own kit for what you need, but there are starter kits out there that can get you off and running.

3. Given your budget, you will need to spend carefully, and consider used gear--or, realistically, expand your budget a bit. I think I would start with the basic gear for whichever caliber you will most likely shoot the most. If it is a handgun--the 9mm, then by all means consider starting out with something like a Lee turret press. If you plan on shooting more rifle, then you can really start with a Lee single stage.

3. Here's a links to threads here about Lee kits: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=337524&highlight=Classic+Cast

Review those, and come back here with questions. Several of us here will be happy to help.

Jim H.
 
Inner - IMHO, pick one caliber to load for first. It will cut down on your expense for dies, components (multiple powders, different sizes of primers) etc and let you become familiar with the process and get your own routine established.

When I started, I started with a pistol caliber as it seemed simpler. I did not have to immediatly purchase a case trimmer, lube, stuck case extractor (if you load bottlenecks, you will eventually need one). Also,did not have to worry too much about head space, etc. I mastered the basics then chose another pistol caliber. From there I have moved on to bottlenecks, a progressive press for high volume stuff (pistol, .223 plinking), and shot shells. It has become as much of a hobby as shooting itsself. I have a decent investment now, but it was not all at once.

Not sure I addressed your question directly, but maybe it will help a bit.
 
thanks everyone!
visited a friend from work today who has been loading since the 70's. he walked me thru the process, and it was quite helpfull. he gifted me a Lyman's Reloading Handbook, and tumbled a bunch of 9mm brass I brought.
was a real neat exp. hes got like 6 different presses, all kindsa stuff I diddnt understand before. we spent a couple hours going over things, and while I still havent loaded a shell yet, I feel like I understand the process and equipment FAR better than I did when I made this post.
Im realy fortunate to have him help me this way.
Im really looking foreward to getting my equipment and start loading... Im leaving the press and dies etc for him to order..

now Im looking for powders, bullets and primers... found bullets, found powder. but I cant find small pistol primers or primers for the .223.......

Ive opted to not reload for the 7.62 x 39, considering I dont shoot it nearly as much as the others..

regaurdless, as soon as I get all set up, Ill start a thread documenting my new adventures in loading!

thanks folks,
ip.
 
innerpiece: Having a "hands-on" experience like you did with your friend is the best thing that can happen. Hopefully, you'll get him to do it a few more times.

At this point, the only suggestion I will make is to choose either the .223 (bottle-necked / rifle) or the 9mmP (straight-walled / handgun) and work on the one cartridge until you have that type of reloading sorted out. The workflow for rifle reloading is different from handgun reloading, and you need to get the relevant habits and concepts in place.

I assume, then that you have your purchase list all sorted out?

Jim H.
 
You may want to start with the Lee Loader, as it is simple and inexpensive. This will work if you are starting out as you say with 30-50 rounds a week or so. Less than 10 bucks off of ebay. You may be able to use the same powder for the .223 & 7.62 x 39. I don't know, check a manual or on-line sources to see if you can, this will save some money. You can start with the Lee Powder Dippers for Min loads. You will need a good powder scale, do not go cheap here, do not get a cheap 10 dollar electronic scale and think it will work. As you get close to Max loads, the powder dippers are not accurate to the 1/100 grain you will need.
Don't worry about seating primers by hammering like the Lee Loader does, I have had a few go off doing this and at first it surprises you, but no harm to me or any body parts.
My kit is the:
Lee Loader in 30-06 (10 bucks or so off of ebay)
Lee Powder Dippers (12 bucks, local gun store)
Powder Funnel (3 bucks, local gun store)
Electronic scale (on order)
Nosler 155 gr. Competition Bullets, 100 ct. (Bivwak, 20 bucks incl shipping)
Pound of Varget powder given to me by a friend.
Winchester Large Rifle Primers (2-3 bucks, local gun store)

This will get you started and if you take your time and measure correctly if you use the dippers you can get pretty consistant loads. Stay away from max loads if you do use the dippers.

Good luck and have fun
 
'+1 Lee Anniversary Kit. I love mine'

I'm with halfded, you can't go wrong with a Lee Loader
 
I use a Lee Turret, but pull the auto index rod to make it single stage for rifle. Lee's gonna be the best bang for your buck, cheap, and still works great:)
 
Lee Anniversary Kit

Get one and build your setup around it.
It will serve you well until you know exactly what else ($$$) you might like to have.
 
no idea what you have in X39 but both SKS and Mini30 respond favorably to carefully loaded handloads and a 150 gr slug makes it a better choice for deer than the .223 if you consider hunting them.
dies and a case triimmer aren't very expensive, Lee dies come with 2 neck sizeing stems. lots of data available for this round.
 
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