lee n. field
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For a single stage, don't worry about it. I have read that the Lee turret presses have a cheap and easily replaced nylon part that wears out.
Question about getting started in reloading.
- Thread starter CommanderPoopyduX
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For a single stage, don't worry about it. I have read that the Lee turret presses have a cheap and easily replaced nylon part that wears out.
RustyFN
Member
The Lee kit would be a great start. You wouldn't believe how many start with that kit and you don't hear a lot of negative comments. RCBS makes a great single stage press also but IMO the Lee Classic Cast single stage press is every bit as good if not better for less money. If I were you I would at least start with a single stage press and not the hand press. I agree with some others about the Lee dies. I use Lee 9mm and 223 dies and am very happy with them. I think Hawk said it best.
Rusty
As you get experience you will add this and that and change some things but any of those presses should give you years of great reloads.
Rusty
CommanderPoopyduX
Member
I got an offer for a trade on some reloading gear on a pistol I have for sale...
The RCBS ROckchucker I know about, but how are Lyman Presses (Actually a Turret) and Mec (I assume those are shotgun only though?)?
The RCBS ROckchucker I know about, but how are Lyman Presses (Actually a Turret) and Mec (I assume those are shotgun only though?)?
Hawk
Member
The Lyman Crusher II is one of the few "front line" presses that won't allow you to experiment with the Hornady LnL system. If you don't know what that means, the Lyman is as good a choice as any. I don't know if the previous iteration has the same issue. The T-mag for sure doesn't cover the LnL but in the case of the turret, it really doesn't matter.
Don't fork over a pistol worth way more than the press, albeit a good press. Only you can decide if the market values "even out".
The MEC is shotshell only and trying to amortize anything in 12 Ga. will prove a challenge. T'were me, I'd welcome a 600Jr then bypass all the intermediate stuff and go directly to a Dillon SL-900 or Spolar / Ponsness Warren, if you're feeling flush. Unless you're shooting competive clays of some stripe, the MEC may be all you'll ever need.
Don't fork over a pistol worth way more than the press, albeit a good press. Only you can decide if the market values "even out".
The MEC is shotshell only and trying to amortize anything in 12 Ga. will prove a challenge. T'were me, I'd welcome a 600Jr then bypass all the intermediate stuff and go directly to a Dillon SL-900 or Spolar / Ponsness Warren, if you're feeling flush. Unless you're shooting competive clays of some stripe, the MEC may be all you'll ever need.
the pistolero
Member
I don't know how much pressures would spike if one seated the bullet, say, 0.01 inches too deep, but that's still not something I would want to leave to the naked eye -- especially considering that, for example, the OAL for 10mm, depending on what bullet you use, can be anywhere from 1.245" to 1.260". One might be able to get away with not using calipers, but skimping on equipment just to save money isn't something I would even think about, let alone recommend.
CommanderPoopyduX
Member
Question on value:
THe offer I was speaking on of a possible trade involves either a Lyman T-mag (gonna skip it) or a RockChucker (used but Very Good condition) along with hardly used RCBS .223 dies and 2,000 Winchester small rifle primers. How much dollar value would you guys place that package (press, dies, and primers)?
I am trying to figure out the value of that package to subtract from the price of my gun.
THe offer I was speaking on of a possible trade involves either a Lyman T-mag (gonna skip it) or a RockChucker (used but Very Good condition) along with hardly used RCBS .223 dies and 2,000 Winchester small rifle primers. How much dollar value would you guys place that package (press, dies, and primers)?
I am trying to figure out the value of that package to subtract from the price of my gun.
Dirtypacman
Member
I went overboard with my starting equipment - including having to build a bench and the whole nine yards-- Bench was built last weekend and Press is getting setup this weekend.
Dillon 550 w/ cover
Dies for .38 and .45ACP
Tumbler
Digital Scale
Caliper
Primer Tray
Extra Tool Head
Speer Reloading Manual
ABC's Of Reloading
Dillon 550 reloading Video
1000 primers
500 each bullets .38 and .45
Powder
Lube
Wish me luck
Dillon 550 w/ cover
Dies for .38 and .45ACP
Tumbler
Digital Scale
Caliper
Primer Tray
Extra Tool Head
Speer Reloading Manual
ABC's Of Reloading
Dillon 550 reloading Video
1000 primers
500 each bullets .38 and .45
Powder
Lube
Wish me luck
jfh
Member.
to enhance your odds of good luck,
do this:
1. work with only one cartridge. Set up the .45ACP first, IMO--it should be easy to do. Get those rounds sized right--spend the time setting up the dies to do that.
2. get your .45ACP barrel out and use it for your final seating / crimping . Better yet, get a case gauge for each cartridge (Midway) and keep it handy on your bench, next to the calipers.
3. If possible, disregard your progressive usage and do one step at a time. I'm not familiar with Dillon presses--but if you can, disable the progressive feature and use the press as a turret. In short, get one step at a time figured out.
4. Pay particular attention to the primer seating setup, and the mouth expansion.
5. Get an inertial hammer on hand NOW to take apart the mistakes.
Have fun, and post as needed over the weekend for advice.
Jim H.
do this:
1. work with only one cartridge. Set up the .45ACP first, IMO--it should be easy to do. Get those rounds sized right--spend the time setting up the dies to do that.
2. get your .45ACP barrel out and use it for your final seating / crimping . Better yet, get a case gauge for each cartridge (Midway) and keep it handy on your bench, next to the calipers.
3. If possible, disregard your progressive usage and do one step at a time. I'm not familiar with Dillon presses--but if you can, disable the progressive feature and use the press as a turret. In short, get one step at a time figured out.
4. Pay particular attention to the primer seating setup, and the mouth expansion.
5. Get an inertial hammer on hand NOW to take apart the mistakes.
Have fun, and post as needed over the weekend for advice.
Jim H.
commander: you can get info for primer costs off of www.powdervalleyinc.com
info for the dies and press can come from www.midwayusa.com easily enough.
I would consider the used press and dies worth about 80% of original retail cash value, but they will never wear out. Buying used is a good idea, just as long as you 1) are getting what you think you're getting 2)don't mind not having a manual.
RCBS has a lifetime warranty on all their presses....just give them a call if there are any problems with it. Sounds like a solid deal.
info for the dies and press can come from www.midwayusa.com easily enough.
I would consider the used press and dies worth about 80% of original retail cash value, but they will never wear out. Buying used is a good idea, just as long as you 1) are getting what you think you're getting 2)don't mind not having a manual.
RCBS has a lifetime warranty on all their presses....just give them a call if there are any problems with it. Sounds like a solid deal.
Dirtypacman
Member
Thanks JFH - I plan on really taking my time and checking every step as you stated to assure no mistakes are made. I will be setting up the .45 ACP to start with.
I can use the Dillon as a single stage by just doing one single around the 4 stages and watching each stage carefully.
I can use the Dillon as a single stage by just doing one single around the 4 stages and watching each stage carefully.
tasco 74
Member
that lee press kit from midway is what i would get if i was starting out..... i have lots of lee reloading stuff and i like it all...... imo if you're just new at reloading absolutely use a single stage press...... i've been reloading for over 25 years and i still like single stage presses.... i have two of them on my loading bench... one is an old bair heavy cast c-press and the other is a lee loader press......... the lee is aluminum but i use it all the time to reload .38 spl,.357 mag,and 9 mm and i've used it to resize 30-06 cases...... my dies are lee speed dies that i can't seem to see anywhere anymore and they are great for use at the press setup i have here.......... i'd get a carbide sizer die for sure..... that will save on some headaches because you don't have to lube all the cases...... i have a lee scale,lee auto prime,lee perfect powder measure,so you see i get along just fine with lee stuff..... i do suggest you get a midway impact bullet puller...... they are a tool you'll find yourself useing every now and then.... never know when a guy might screw up a round and have to pull the bullet...... most usually when i need the bullet puller i've got one in too deep so if i watch what i'm doing as i'm whacking the puller on the bench i can carefully get the bullet out just far enough to seat it at the right depth........
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