Pretty new at this....

[cat_IT_guy]

So I read the intro to reloading up top. It helped, although I still have some qusetions. I will be reloading for .44magnum, .40S&W, and .223 to start with and will add a larger centerfire rifle not too far down the line (7mm-08).

Are these reasonable cartridges to start reloading with? I have heard that the .44 is one of the simpler ones to reload for.

I am looking into purchasing the following kit to get me started:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat602007-cat20847&id=0044122216337a&navCount=7&podId=0044122&parentId=cat20847&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IH&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20847&hasJS=true
Anyone ever use one? Good or bad experience? Okay for a newbie?

I have a manual on reloading, and will be sure to research safe loads online. ANything else I need to consider?

Thanks for the help.

 

[jfh]

You've probably picked the best "advanced beginner" press

to get--at least, that's a general consensus from other Lee owners. Given what you've said in your opening post, there's no reason to disagree.

Do a search in this forum on "Lee Turret" or "Classic Cast Turret" or something similar, and threads should come up that will answer most any question you have about it.

If you haven't seen a good review of it, here's a link:

http://www.realguns.com/archives/122.htm

As for where to buy it: Kempf gun shop has a package similar to the Cabela package, and they offer numerous upgrade options as well: http://www.kempfgunshop.com/products/reloading/leeprecision/kits/KempfKit.html

Personally, I do most of my shopping at Graf & Son--and they carry an exhaustive supply of the Lee products, too: http://www.grafs.com/vendor/450.

Last, I would agree, start with a pistol package; the 44 Magnum is as good as any, I would think.

Do that search and read, then ask any more questions you want to--the Lee users in this forum are a helpful lot.

Jim H.

 

[SilentArmy]

I started reloading about 14 yrs ago on a Lee Anniversary kit for under $100.00. That kit in the link is a sweet setup for the money! I added a Dillon XL 650 to my bench last February and I love it but that turret setup would have been the ticket when I started! Loading Volume on a single stage at 300 rounds/hr is a freaking marathon. Now I load in 15 mins, more than I will shoot in a range trip. That Lee setup will serve you well and the instructions were very clear on the classic kit! You cannot beat it for the $$
In hindsight, I wish I had taken up a collection with my shooting buddies on the 650 as it is so fast that it sits unused most of the yr! If I could have worked a timeshare on it , we all would be ahead!

 

[rero360]

I have the same reloader, have used it to just decap and resize a bunch of .45acp brass so far. but it worked like a champ and was pretty fast in processing the large batch.

 

[FieroCDSP]

Everything useful has been covered already here. Welcome to the site. Don't be afraid to ask questions, but be sure to try a search first. I doubt there's anything that isn't covered on a 6 month basis.

 

[RustyFN]

I have a classic turret. It's a great press to start with. Very easy for a beginner to setup and operate.
Rusty

 

[Jake in TX]

I suggest you get at minimum one more reloading manual. Which one do you have now? No single manual is 100% authoritative. I have at least three, and cross-check loads between all of them.

Jake in TX

 

[The Bushmaster]

Benatilstate...I purchased a Lee three hole turret 20 years ago and I'm still using that same press...I do have a Lee single state press mounted next to it and use it to resize/decap and prime all my cases...Your choice is a good one...

 

[JG2000]

I love my Lee it works great. When I first started loading I took out the middle rod and used the press in a single stag mode. Made it easy for me to go slow and make sure I wasn't missing anything. Trying to coordinate all the stages at once can be overwhelming.
If you come across some older die's or RCBS for sure you will need to get some new lock rings. The holes on the turret are close together and need a "thin" lock ring, otherwise you can't get more then two dies on at once. The Lee ones work alright and you can get them in sets of 3 for around 3 bucks at Midway.

 

[lee n. field]

Lee Classic Turret kit

Should be OK. What else? I'd normally say loading blocks, but on this press the cartridge stays in the press until it's completely done.

You'll want a caliper, for checking over all length. For .40S&M especially, you're supposed to be careful of seating depth.

For .223, you'll be wanting a trimmer and case mouth chamfering tool. Back when I had a .223, a good fraction of cases were overlength after the first firing.

Get a second manual, for comparison and sanity check.

 

[jfh]

"...for .40 S&M especially...." ​

Now there is the classic Freudian slip. lee n. field, are you trying to tell us something about your intimate life activities?

Jim H.

 

[marlin1888]

"I suggest you get at minimum one more reloading manual"

I suggest you get at minimum one more reloading manual.

I agree. And, as far as what Lee makes that is good (no all of it is), the newest Lee Loading manual may very well be the finest manual on the market for the money. I have lots of other manuals, but I always seem to go to the Lee for a quick look. It's also very easy to read. And, if they still do it, there used to be a coupon in the back where you can buy "seconds" from the factory for a new person getting into reloading at very resonable prices.

 

[lee n. field]

Now there is the classic Freudian slip. lee n. field, are you trying to tell us something about your intimate life activities?

No, quite deliberate. Just a joke.

 

[Wildfire]

Good advice

I cant help much on any of the Lee products. But sounds to me like the guys here will take very good care of you. They all have very good advice.
I agree on the books. More then one loading manual wont hurt a thing.
Some run hotter then others. Compare all that you have. I have never found a mistake in any of the good loading manuals. Beware of loading info from magazines and such.
But the guys here seem to know there Lees very well. They should be able to help you. Have fun with it. Be safe.