Okay... I think I'm finally ready. What else do I need?

[PowderKeg]

Other than seconding Spammy about getting a beam scale (my experiences with digital haven't been stellar), I'll also recommend a set of check weights (if none or only a few large ones come with the digital scale) and max cartridge/case length gauges at least for any rifle calibers you start reloading.

 

[jpwilly]

1K,

Sorry I'm late to the thread. Lots of good info already here so I'll make it short.

I use standard Lee Dies to reload 308 Win and 223 Rem on my Turret Press for my M1 Garand (yes it's a 308 rebarrel) and AR-15's. the standard Dies work just fine so long as they are properly adjusted.

***If loading for the M1A or Garand you need to be sure your Cartridges are under chamber size for safe function is avoiding slam-fires or out of battery Kaboom.


Your kit looks good. Like others said get a turret for each set of dies and it's very easy to swap out that way.

Get a tumbler that separates the media if possible. I have the Cabelas kit with the unit you dump brass and media into close tumble and presto. But it's a little messy and a little bit of a PITA.

For rifle brass the prep center would be a nice thing to have but I don't (yet). I have the Lee case trimming kits and use a cordless or corded drill depending on how many I need to trim after resizing and case mouth deburr / chamfer tool. Cleaning primer pockets and flash holes is only needed on match grade ammo IMO.

I like my digital scale but checked it often when I first started. Mine has a zero/tare feature so it's enabled me to weigh cases zero then drop powder and weight powder for my record keeping. It's proven to be 1/10grain accurate so I've learned to trust it but still check it each time I'm using it just to be sure. Good batteries and environment are a must for reliable operation.

I got my 6" digital calipers at Harbor Freight. I love them and they are right on every time.

 

[Spammy_H]

Rusty - Great setup for holding your turret heads! I like it!

I've only got 2 sets of calibers right now, but I'll need to do something better very soon. Thanks for the idea!

 

[Lost Sheep]

Testimonial

1KPerDay,

I came VERY close to buying a press and bunch of other stuff from Sue Kempf this June/July. She revealed to me that she made the same move in reloading gear that I was contemplating, for the very same reasons I had. I have never met her, but she revealed to me some other information, irrelevant to reloading, that absolutely firmed up my impression that she is a trustworthy member of the shooting/reloading community.

Since you have committed to buy the press from Kempf's (and I trust Sue Kempf), I recommend you contact her and follow her counsel.

You can mention me if you like. My name is Larry Schuller. I am putting all this on the thread instead of a PM because I stand behind this testimonial.

Lost Sheep

P.S., as rfwobbly suggested, about the collander idea; Get your own. Larger holes are better. The media will fall our faster and brass is pretty big compared to the holes in any collanders I have ever seen. I use a 14" diameter plastic collanderand 15" stainless steel bowl. Another choice would be a (new) kitty litter sifting spoon.

From what I've read during intarweb searches, full length resizing is generally not recommended for semi-auto rifles. (Garand, M1A, etc.)

I believe you have it exactly backwards. Manually operated actions allow the operator to chamber a round with whatever force is required. The words "crush fit" come to mind. Semi-automatics require cartridges that chamber easily. Cases sized down to SAAMI specs over their full length generally work most reliably.

 

[RandyP]

My reloading setup is almost a duplicate of yours....works great, costs little and fits my realistic ammo needs (and budget) very well..

A small trash can lined with a plastic grocery bag to dispose of spent primers, primer boxes, etc.

A pair of either dish washing gloves or a box of disposable blue nitrile gloves. I wear them when handling the dirty brass, tumbling media etc. also when cleaning my fireams or changing the fluids in my motorcycles or van.

An el-cheapo small paint brush to clean up any powder spills and a shop rag.

I added a small desk lamp strategically placed on my very small reloading bench so I can see inside each case before I put on the bullet to confirm powder level.

Some cheap tweezers to flip over that last darn primer, and a wrench that fits the depriming die (in case you get a stuck case).

 

[FlyinBryan]

Semi-automatics require cartridges that chamber easily. Cases sized down to SAAMI specs over their full length generally work most reliably.

yes!!!! good catch!!! i completely missed that one.

you must full length size for auto loaders. (and trim)

 

[Quoheleth]

Instead of a media separator, buy a $2 kids sand sifter for the beach/sandbox. Mine works great. I sift over a bucket and catch 90%+ of my media.

Get the auto disc upgrade kit. It comes with a riser that lets you take the powder dispenser off the powder thru expanding dies without having to take the die out of the turret.

Q

 

[1KPerDay]

Thanks guys.

 

[Patriot Prepper]

I am not sure if anyone mentioned this, but if you are buying pistol dies, I would recommend you get carbide dies.

 

[1KPerDay]

Yes. I was planning to, but thanks.

 

[RustyFN]

In my opinion kempf is the best kit out there and I have never heard anything bad about their service. The reason I like their kit better is because it comes with one set of dies and no scale. As much as I like Lee equipment I can't stand their scale. With the kempf kit you get the dies instead of the scale and can buy a good scale in the beginning without having to pay for a Lee scale that you won't use much.