New to Reloading

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Ok, thanks everyone, esp. the press info. They all look pretty much the same to me right now. The Redding stuff was at least *triple* in price. Ouch.

I'll have to check Scheels in town, they might have some of this stuff for sure. Not sure about CAS, the only reason I chose .357 to begin with in a lever action was because I had some ammo on hand already, and it seems like a versatile round. I already shoot black powder, so I thought that might be cool just because.

Light load .38 specials are just fun for plinking, took my rifle on a camping trip and everyone had a blast with this round. I think the G-Arms stuff uses Oregon Trail bullets, not sure on that. 158 grain.
 
Before you decide you may want to check out the Lee Classic Turret at Kempf's also. It is a nice kit and the people are really friendly to deal with. I got mine there along with a few different die sets. Welcome to the addictive hobby of reloading!:)

http://www.kempfgunshop.com/
 
I know I misread so to clarify

How come no one mentions the 3 hole?

I run the 3 hole and can outproduce anyone using the primer feed on a 4 hole.

Hand prime, 1..bell/charge 2..seat 3..crimp

I like the 3 hole / pro auto disk / micro adj., Lee AutoPrime

You can get a 3 hole for $60

Would appreciate feedback,....as if I had to ask
 
Nothing wrong with a 3 hole, nothing wrong with a 4 hole, nothing wrong with 2 single stages mounted side by side. I've used and have all three setups. I reload for enjoyment and of course cost savings. Use what ever your comfortable with, I'm retired and enjoy the 2 sgl. stage setup. Back 8 years ago and before when time was of an essence I used the 3 or 4 hole turrent set up.

Main thing is Life is short, enjoy, stop and smell the Roses, and do as you wish, as long as its moral and legal.
 
since I tend to be pedantic about this particular setup

I thought I should respond, too. jcwit covers the subject well, though.

I now recommend the 4-die setup for beginners so that they can really learn the individual (handgun) steps separately. The combined seating / crimping setup, particularly for Lee's design, can be a troublesome setting to refine.

The 4-die setup does have its own problems--e.g., the FCD die has to be setup to provide a crimp only, and its secondary function (according to Lee) of post-sizing has to be identified. But, AFAICT, those differences in FCD usage can be identified and may enhance the knowledge one needs.

Overall, I do think most of us--even experienced reloaders--can set up a 4-die set to meet our particular needs better. If you get those needs refined--for example, a healthy supply of the same bullets, and a good set of 'similar' brass (brand, LOA, whatever)--you might want to go back to the 3-die paradigm.

But, the reason here--i.e., for a newbie--is to get them off to a good start on understanding the sequence and steps in straightwall / handgun-cartridge reloading.

added on edit: For your particular questions, psyop--I suspect Lee afficiandos have quit recommending the 3-die standard simply because of the benefits for the Classic Turret in two areas--strength and size, and primer control. Now, throw in the fact that the 4-die setup is standard on the Classic Turret--and Lee has cleverly marketed a "newer/better" solution.

Jim H.
 
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Lets keep from confusing Ted. Its classic turret, not classic CAST turret. The classic cast is a single stage press also made by Lee.

See here;

https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=23&Itemid=41

Also, I don't see a classic turret KIT on their website. I know they had a classic turret kit at one time. You might just give them a call about the classic turret kit.

There IS nothing wrong with a 3 hole lee turret,,,---EXCEPT you can't use the forth die in a 4 die lee dies set to final crimp.
 
You're right, snuffy.

I know the vernacular name--and I think Lee's originally was the "Classic Cast Turret"--and recently they've simplified that. I learned that original phrase, and I have to re-learn the correct one.

Kempf's still has their "Classic Turret" kit / package--you have to follow the link not to 'Lee Precision', but to 'complete kits,' at the "Browse" site page / submenu. Your link is through the former. At the 'complete kits' submenu, you can choose the Classic Turret or a SS kit for the Challenger Breechlock press.

Here is the link that takes you directly to the Kempf Classic Turret package.

Jim H.
 
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Hm, I glanced over at midway for powders. Looking pretty slim for what I want. W231, 4756, 5744, etc.
Click to expand...

Tedster -

1. Winchester 231 is about the most useful powder you can buy. It is usually abundant and easy to find, but is scarce right now in some areas. Hodgdon HP-38 is usually considered by most reloaders to be the exact same powder sold under a different name. Hodgdon powders may be easier to find in your area.

2. We don't know your area, because you haven't filled out your profile yet. You're keeping us from helping you better, and the people in the White House who "don't make hate lists" already know who you are anyway. :D

3. For 1 lb of starter powder, you're going to go to your local gun shop or gun show and buy it over the counter. If you order it over the web the shipper is going to add ~$22 for handling a hazardous material. For 1 lb it just ain't worth it.


All the best.
 
I think Kempf has about the best deal. I would recommend the $20 upgrade for the pro auto disk and both safety primes. Here is the link to that.
https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=630&category_id=26&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41
You can use just about any brand dies on the classic turret but you will have to use the Lee powder/expander die if you want to use the Lee powder measure. I use Lee dies and am happy with them. I would suggest a Lee set of dies to start. Once you get the hang of things and know what you are doing then you will have an idea of how you want to experiment with other brand tools.
 
Well I saw that. The upgrade, but still looking at different brands and setups. It's confusing a little bit. " Wellll... Jus' gimme sumthin' I'm used to... "

Kempfs is a neat website. Oh. We're in Ioway, North east part, sorry about that. Lots of whitetails, pheasant, turkey, etc. good fishing too. Well another thing if I can't find powder and primer there isn't a whole lot of point to reloading equipment. I have GOEX FFG and FFFG black powder which will work in a pinch. Maybe I should concentrate on primers and bullets first? CCI-500 small pistol primers? Anybody have any in stock, I remember last year a lot of folks were pinging about this.
 
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