Ready to pull the trigger and order my first reloading equipment

[Jumping Frog]

Well, I am about ready to send the big order off to a to-be-determined retailer to let me get started in reloading.

My primary interest is handgun reloading, with plans to start in .45 ACP. If I find I like reloading, then I would probably add 9MM in the future, but I want to start fairly simply by focusing on .45 ACP. I currently shoot roughly 200-400 rounds per month, including practice, plinking and IPDA. I will stick to factory ammo for self-defense rounds and do not hunt with a handgun.

I've lurked on this forum long enough to weigh various options (for example, I am not going to spring for a full progressive press right now, whether Dillon or others). I simply want to get started in a new hobby with economic equipment, but equipment that should last.

Although I have linked to MidwayUSA product descriptions, below, that does not necessarily mean I will buy from them. Whatever the website, I would like to minimize shipping costs, so I'd like to make sure my initial order is correct and complete. Could people give me some feedback regarding:

A) Necessary Items I've missed.
B) Product or manufacturer substitutions/alternatives.
C) Anything I am ordering that I do not really need.

(I apologize in advance for the spacing down to the table -- I cannot figure out how to get rid of it.)

Description	Midway #​	Mfg Part #​	Price​
Lee 4 Hole Turret Press with Auto Index	880135​	90932​	$63.99​
Lee Pro Auto Disk Powder Measure	348753​	90429​	$32.99​
Lee Safety Prime Small + Large Primer Feeder	548630​	90997​	$19.99​
Lee Deluxe Handgun 4-Die Set 45 ACP	242098​	90968​	$29.49​
Lyman Turbo Twin Case Tumbler 110 Volt 5S	286322​	7631327​	$57.99​
RCBS Rotary Case and Media Separator	176956​	87076​	$32.99​
Lee Safety Magnetic Powder Scale 100 Grain	712103​	90681​	$19.79​
Lee Primer Pocket Cleaner	467111​	90101​	$2.09​
Lyman Dial Caliper 6" Stainless Steel	128288​	7832212​	$27.99​
Lyman Vernier Micrometer 1"	169644​	7832230​	$21.99​
Hornady Impact Bullet Puller	810810​	50090​	$24.49​
MTM Plastic Ammo Box 100-Rnd FlipTop 45 ACP	482784​	P1004524​	$3.63​

From other threads, given that I am not loading rifle, I believe I can avoid purchasing the following items (at least for now). Some people have seemed to automatically include the Lee Double Disk Kit and the Lee Auto Disk Adjustable Powder Charge Bar, but the Lee Pro Auto Disk Powder already includes 4 disks by default, so I hope that is sufficient. If I really need to get one or both, please let me know.

Description	Midway #​	Mfg Part #​	Price​
Lee Case Trimmer Cutter and Lock Stud	476992​	90110​	$4.99​
Lee Chamfer Tool	389104​	90109​	$2.79​
Lee Double Disk Kit	870920​	90195​	$10.79​
Lee Auto Disk Adjustable Powder Charge Bar	150005​	90792​	$10.49​
Lee Deluxe Handgun 4-Die Set 9mm Luger	885350​	90963​	$29.49​

I already purchased cast SWC bullets, Unique powder, and CCI large pistol primers locally -- not the best items to pay shipping. I've been saving brass and have enough for a good start.

Anyway, I appreciate any help you can give.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Welcome to the forum and to reloading. I have the Lee Classic 4 Hole Turret Press. I would suggest getting the Classic Press rather than the non-Classic. The Classic Press has a Cast Iron base and the ram is twice as thick as the one on the non-Classic. It's only a few dollars more but it's a much better press. I know this because I originally bought the one you are going to order and sold it off within a week. The Midway part # is 814175 Believe me, it's well worth the additional $20 especially when you move up to reloading rifle rounds. I noticed the difference when reloading .357 Magnum rounds.

You will also need a Lee Auto-Disk Riser. The Riser lifts the Powder Measure high enough so that it doesn't hit the Safety Primer when you rotate the Turret. The Midway part # is 114080 and it costs only $6.99.

 

[RustyFN]

I think the Lee turret is a smart choice. It's going to let you get started without spending a fortune and if you like reloading you can add a progressive if the need arises. I would recommend the Lee Classic Turret press. It is a much better press than the Deluxe Turret press. You can buy it in a kit from www.kempfgunshop.com for $150. It will also let you add calibers at a great price. I shoot a lot of IDPA and GSSF matches and the classic turret will keep up with my ammo needs very easy. I also load a lot of 223 for rifle competition and just for having fun. It is a very easy press to setup and use. If you buy it from Kempf then I would suggest upgrading to the Pro Auto Disk and also the large & small safety prime, those will only add around $20 to the order. Hope this helps.
Rusty

 

[snuffy]

+1 on what archangel said. The cast classic turret is a much better press.


















To get rid of a space like that, put your cursor just above the text, then keep hitting the backspace key.

 

[rickyford2]

To get rid of a space like that, put your cursor just above the text, then keep hitting the backspace









key.

LOL


Ricky

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

You certainly don't need a RCBS Rotary Case and Media Separator -Sift your fingers through the tumbler bowl and pull out the clean cases.

Take the money you would have spent on that on a different kind of powder and more primers. Or, I'd really like to see you with more than one reloading manual. Speer #14, Lymans Cast and/or Sierra/Hornady.

I like Unique as your first choice of powder since a double charge for IDPA loads probably won't fit in the case. But once you've used that pound, you might want to move to some cleaner burning 231.

A four die set for 45ACP? Hmm.. Decap/Resize, Case mouth bell, Bullet Seat/Taper Crimp. That's three dies needed. Separating Seat and Crimp for another stroke of the press will only potentially make your elbow sore.

Don't mail order powder and primers. You might as well share some of your wallet with a local retailer.

I'm not a fan of turret presses. If you're ever going to reload magnum or other rifle cartridges, you're better off with a solid single stage press. Ford, Chevy, You pick one.

I know people use them, but priming with all that leverage from a press just doesn't give me the warmest feeling. Yeah, I know some have stops built in, but if you've got a mixture of brass headstamps, I can't see how seating depth is consistant. So, I'll suggest a LEE Auto Prime hand primer. Pre-priming brass by feel, while watching your favorite shooting show is great.

Been there, Done that. Some 25 years ago I started with a turret press. (brand not important) I added a heavy single stage and then sold the turret for an upgrade to a semi-progressive.

-Steve

 

[SR_]

I don't know much about the Lee presses. However, I've seen the Lee scales - would suggest you by a better/easier to use scale. consider the mid-range RCBS scale or the dillon scale (both made by the same company by the way).

 

[buenhec]

I just sold mine. I started just like you but ended up needing more ammo than I hade time to produce. The Lee is a great press, but I just bought a dillon 650 and wow, what a difference. You can get a Square Deal Dillon ready to go for 45ACP for around $150. It will crank out lots of rounds. For multiple calibers look into the 550.

Good Luck!

 

[evan price]

Check out the Classic Cast starter kit at Cabelas. Includes everything you need to get started.
Also, don't spend your cash on a rotary media separator- kinda flimsy and pricey. My Midway tumbler came with a bucket and a sifter pan that is basically a big colander with the Midway logo on it. Check out the dollar stores and get a spaghetti colander with large holes. Cost you a buck. Works as well as anything else.

Don't write off the progressive press option. A Lee Pro-1000 setup for .45 acp fro mthe factory is $130 and works great. I load 2K .45s a year on mine so far plus 5k 9mm and another 2K various revolver calibers. I was all set to go turret myself until I tried out a Pro-1000 and found it was easier than I had been led to believe and worked fine for what I needed. If you plan to load a good bit of pistol ammo the progressive is a good choice.

 

[Arkie]

I would buy some more Turrets so you can have them set up for other calibers.

I've got five set up and ready to go.

 

[Jumping Frog]

I would suggest getting the Classic Press rather than the non-Classic. The Classic Press has a Cast Iron base and the ram is twice as thick as the one on the non-Classic.

Thanks for the suggestion (and also thanks to RustyFN and others). I looked over the product descriptions again and see what you mean. The money I save from not buying the media sifter can be better spent on a better press.

You will also need a Lee Auto-Disk Riser.

Yes, great catch. I missed that completely, thinking it was only applicable to non-Lee dies, but missed the second half of the product description: "The Lee Auto-Disk Riser allows use of other brands of dies that have extended adjusting screws and provides clearance for the Lee Safety Prime."

To get rid of a space like that, put your cursor just above the text, then keep hitting the backspace key.

Doesn't work that way with tables. There aren't any embedded carriage returns.

You certainly don't need a RCBS Rotary Case and Media Separator -Sift your fingers through the tumbler bowl and pull out the clean cases.

Thanks, dropped from the list. I like the garage sale salad spinner idea.

Or, I'd really like to see you with more than one reloading manual. Speer #14, Lymans Cast and/or Sierra/Hornady.

I intend to get one. I have also read the ABC of Handloading book (not exact title).

I like Unique as your first choice of powder since a double charge for IDPA loads probably won't fit in the case. But once you've used that pound, you might want to move to some cleaner burning 231.

That is why I started with 1lb. I saw a different thread on Unique and safer regarding double charges. I figure I'll try a several different powders as time goes on. I've seen W231 mentioned as well as others.

A four die set for 45ACP? Hmm.. Decap/Resize, Case mouth bell, Bullet Seat/Taper Crimp. That's three dies needed. Separating Seat and Crimp for another stroke of the press will only potentially make your elbow sore.

Hadn't thought of that. I thought separating out the crimp step made for a better cartridge?

Don't mail order powder and primers. You might as well share some of your wallet with a local retailer.

Yes, that is local.

I'm not a fan of turret presses. If you're ever going to reload magnum or other rifle cartridges, you're better off with a solid single stage press. Ford, Chevy, You pick one.

If I ever load rifle catridges, I'll buy another press.

I've seen the Lee scales - would suggest . . . mid-range RCBS scale or the dillon

I'll look at some other brands, also including Redding.

You can get a Square Deal Dillon ready to go for 45ACP for around $150. It will crank out lots of rounds. For multiple calibers look into the 550.

According to BrianEnos.com, it seems quite a bit higher than $150:

RFP: (Recommended First Purchase)
$319.95 - Base price
$57.95 - Strong Mount
$35.95 - Bullet Tray
$413.85 - RFP Total

Check out the dollar stores and get a spaghetti colander with large holes. Cost you a buck. Works as well as anything else.

Sold.

Don't write off the progressive press option. A Lee Pro-1000 setup for .45 acp fro mthe factory is $130 and works great. . . .If you plan to load a good bit of pistol ammo the progressive is a good choice.

I had shied away from this for two reasons. First, I saw a lot of messages telling a new reloader to basically start simple before going to progressive, so I kind of backed off. Second, I guess I read too much of Lee's hype about a 4 stage press being superior to 3.

evan, I also know you from our local CCW forum. You probably would recognize me from my avatar and same tagline over there.

I would buy some more Turrets so you can have them set up for other calibers.

I will buy them when I move on to other calibers.


Thanks for the feedback.

 

[RNG]

Jumping Frog--

+1 on what most everyone else recommended.

I would add that I currently load on a Pro1000 and wish I had gone with at least a 4 hole turret setup so I could just screw in the Factory Crimp Die and be done with it. Right now I use the FCD in a separate step. Not a big deal, just an extra step.

Another suggestion is if you're going to use LEE dies, ALWAYS get the 4 die carbide sets. It's only around $10.00 when purchased as a set. You'll love the Factory Crimp Die.

You listed Dial calipers - Spend the extra couple of dollars and get the Franklin Arsenal Digital calipers for about $32.00.

Also, the Franklin Arsenal bullet puller is only $12 or $13.00 from Midwayusa.

With respect to the kinetic bullet pullers, don't fight the cheap collet and O Ring setups that are included with these pullers. Use the shell holder that comes in the Lee Die sets. (if you choose to use Lee). This was something I read here somewhere and has saved me alot of grief.

Regards,
Richard

 

[birdbustr]

You can try to plan everything down to the dollar if you want to, but if you really like to reload, in 2 years time you will have bought twice as much gear as necessary to start reloading. It's not a cheap hobby, but it is worth it to the avid shooter! You'll see what I mean. The little extras that save you time will add up.

Digital calipers at www.harborfreight.com for $16.99. Buy 2 sets. Put a Stoney Point bullet comparator on one and keep the other for measuring OAL (over all length). These are good quality calipers. I've got 2 myself.

 

[rc109a]

You can load rifle just as easy on the turret press. I load both. I remove the auto index pice and manually turn the turret. Works great. I like the classic press, but have the other version. It works great. Your not going to break either one. The tumber I use was the midway combo with media seperator. I use the seperator just to help seperate large amounts of brass, but with smaller loads I just reach in and grab them. I agree with the digital calipers. I have the frankfort ones and they work great. The lee scale works just as good as any other one that I have. In fact most of them are gathering dust and will find a new home. Eventually I will move to a digital one, but time will tell. Spend your money as YOU see fit and take your time. There are so many great suggestions on this forum. Listen and learn. You will make mistakes, but make them yours and not someone elses. Have fun and good luck...

 

[KeithB]

List looks good the Lee Turret is a great press, but as said get a better scale. I hated mine, to hard to set.

And hard to beat Midways prices and service.

 

[rigmech]

just my $.02 worth, I prefer Wideners.com, good service and always seem to be a few dollars cheaper. My ruger p345 seems to like red dot powder as opposed to unique. after you get going, join ammobrasstrader.com, you can get lots of goodies there. I had a pro 1000 and hated it, took too much of control away from me, my preference is to control all steps,, but opinions vary greatly.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Hi rigmech, welcome to the forum....

Actually, all the powder companies have a powder that's good for reloading the .45 Auto. I'm convinced it comes down to company preference. I like W231 and Clays best for that job but I'm a big fan of Winchester and Hodgdon powders.

I have to agree with the others, that Lee scale, while very accurate, is a real pain to use. There are better options out there like the RCBS 505.

 

[snuffy]

Doesn't work that way with tables. There aren't any embedded carriage returns.

Don't know what "tables" is, but you can go back and edit your original post, like I did on mine to make a big space by holding down the enter key. You can do the same, but hold down the backspace key.

 

[roadie]

Hi all, I'm new here as well. I have been talking to the folks alot on gun and game forums and wanted to see what I could find out here. I am also new to reloading and am probably going to go the way that out thread starter is going...with a lee setup. I am to a hunter, and pretty much just soot for the fun of it, lots of plinking. I am also trying to get my sharp shooting skills up and would like to load my own ammo for accuracy and cost purposes. I figured a less expensive press set up would be best for me.

My arsenal includes an Eagle Arms/ Armalite M15 A2, a Mosin Nagant M-38, the trusty Ruger 10/22, a Romak-2 AK-74 and a Hi-Point CF-380 pistol.

I would love to reload all the calibers but the 5.45x39 for the ak is really cheap right now, and it's too costly I think to reload the 7.62x54r for the Mosin Nagant, plus that ammo is kinda cheap as well. So it'll be .223 only right now. I am planning on a 9mm and a .357 eventually, and might want to reload them as well. but anyway, hi again, nice to be here and looking foreword to getting lots of great advise.

 

[John C]

I need to respectfully disagree with Jackofalltrades on the RCBS media separator. I have one, and it dramatically speeds up the tedious process of separating your cases from the media. Plus, it's fully enclosed, so the media is kept contained during spinning. This will mitigate any lead issues.

I don't think a salad spinner will work very well (well, at least the salad spinners I use to spin salad), since they don't tumble the cases around. This tumbling action is what causes the cases to dump the media they have inside them. Most salad spinners I've seen rotate on a horizontal axis, using centrifugal force to separate the water from the leaves.

I think you should go for the 4 hole setup. Separate bullet seating and crimping will simplify setup, and the Lee FCD will eliminate most reject rounds.

I have a Dillon Square Deal B and a bunch of Lee equipment. You have a sound plan, but you won't regret just going directly to the Dillon. You won't need the strong mount or bullet tray. I just mounted mine directly on my bench. Plus, the $319 price comes with dies, shellholder, priming system, and powder measure. The total price you listed for these items is ~$136, so you're looking at another ~$184. I have to say, it's worth every penny.

For what you're doing, I don't think you need a micrometer. The caliper will do everything you'll need for pistol.

Good luck!

-John

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Lee 4 Hole Turret Press with Auto Index Make sure this is the cast iron version. There's enough things on the cast version to make it worth it. Especially the primer handling, both loading and disposal.

Lee Pro Auto Disk Powder MeasureGood choice

Lee Safety Prime Small + Large Primer Feeder Good choice

Lee Deluxe Handgun 4-Die Set 45 ACP Good choice, you'll like the factory crimp die and separating the operation of seat and crimp makes things easier to setup.

Lyman Turbo Twin Case Tumbler The midway branded tumbler is less expensive and works just as well. This isn't a place I'd buy a brand name necessarily.

RCBS Rotary Case and Media Separator The Midway tumbler comes as a kit with a rotary media separator. I've had mine many years now and have been happy with it, especially for the little bit of money it costs. The automation, while not needed, is awful handy and saves a good bit of time.

Lee Safety Magnetic Powder Scale Get yourself another brand of scale. These are just too finicky and while accurate, not fun to use.

Lee Primer Pocket Cleaner I doubt you'll need this for loading .45ACP. I've never cleaned a single pocket when loading pistol and wouldn't, unless I were loading for bullseye competition.

Lyman Dial Caliper 6" Stainless Steel Save your money and get the Harbor Freight calipers. When you reload rifle, get a second pair and use the stoney point gauge with them.

Lyman Vernier Micrometer I doubt you'll need this. If you ever do, get one from Harbor Freight. Works just as well and a lot cheaper.

Hornady Impact Bullet Puller Get the RCBS one. A little cheaper and if I remember right and RCBS has an excellent replacement puller. Be aware though, that if you have to pull a lot of bullets, you'll want an collet puller and Hornady makes a good one.

MTM Plastic Ammo Box Get the 50 round version. They're smaller and handier when you carry them in your ammo bag vs. the bulky 100 round box.

From other threads, given that I am not loading rifle, I believe I can avoid purchasing the following items (at least for now). Some people have seemed to automatically include the Lee Double Disk Kit and the Lee Auto Disk Adjustable Powder Charge Bar, but the Lee Pro Auto Disk Powder already includes 4 disks by default, so I hope that is sufficient. If I really need to get one or both, please let me know.

You can do this, but these items are so cheap, I'd go ahead and get them now so as to avoid the shipping costs if you load rifle later.

Lee Case Trimmer Cutter and Lock Stud Works "ok" but with pistol, you don't need this and when you load rifle, this may not be the way you want to go.

Lee Chamfer Tool Again, not needed for pistol.

Lee Double Disk Kit Inexpensive, might as well get it now. Though were I you, I think I'd buy a second/spare powder measure and turret instead, so if I wanted to add a second caliber, it w

Lee Auto Disk Adjustable Powder Charge Bar This you might need if you decide you want to load a fairly small volume caliber.

Lee Deluxe Handgun 4-Die Set Again, a good choice for loading pistol Now you definitely will want a second powder measure and with their low cost, no reason not to go ahead and get one.

Don't forget the auto disk riser.

Regards,

Dave

 

[bofe954]

I am former Lee Turret owner and I would go with DaveIFBGA's suggestions.

The Lee scale is awful. If you do move on to rifles, or want to weigh a bullet or something, the Lee won't do it.

I have a RCBS 1010. If you want to save a buck or two, this one gets recommended a lot-
Hornady Model M Magnetic Powder Scale 510 Grain Capacity
Product #: 702400
Status: Available
Our Price: $50.99

I would also follow Dave's advice regarding tumbler and media separator kit-
Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler Master Kit with Quick-N-EZ Rotary Media Separator 110 Volt
Product #: 414369
Status: Available
Our Price: $49.99 Sale!
Compare at: $59.99 You save $10.00!

It's cheaper than the tumbler you picked anyway. I like the fully enclosed separators (like you picked originally) but if you want to save a few bucks.

They are a big step beyond using a spaghetti strainer, or similar separator. I prefer not to shake a big container full of lead dust 2 feet away from my face, but that's me.

 

[RustyFN]

You certainly don't need a RCBS Rotary Case and Media Separator -Sift your fingers through the tumbler bowl and pull out the clean cases.

This is true but after buying one I wouldn't go back to the collander and bucket if you gave me ten times what I paid for it. It's a great tool to have.

Don't mail order powder and primers. You might as well share some of your wallet with a local retailer.

I agree with this as well as long as you can get a fair price from the local retailer. Primers where I live have been $25 per thousand for a while, some places $30. I buy them from Powder Valley and Grafs because I can get them for $17 to $18 per thousand. When you buy 50,000 at a time the $20 hazmat free is taken care of very fast.

You can get a Square Deal Dillon ready to go for 45ACP for around $150.

WOW where can I get one for that price? The going price I have seen everywhere is $320.
Dave pretty much hit it on the head. The safety prime works great. The Lee scale sucks. I am very happy with the classic turret setup. I load 9mm, 38/357 and 223 on mine with no problems. Dave long time no see.
Rusty

 

[moxie]

Ditto on the hand primer. Get one. Regarding Unique, it's the only powder you'll ever need for .45ACP.