On scales and Kits
Tex62,
The Lee Scale has a vernier that is a little hard to read and sensitive. But there is a pin that locks it in place, so once you get your desired powder weight set on the scale, the balancing of your powder weight is just as easy, fast and accurate as any other scale. Set it up on a solidly mounted shelf at eye level and it will be fine. On the other hand, I so like my RCBS 10-10 a whole lot better than the 505. The micrometer adjustment is a breeze. I have all three.
The Lee Scale only goes up to 110 grains at most, so if you want to weigh bullets, it won't do.
Kempf's gun shop sells a Kit that includes the Lee Classic Turret, Primer dispenser, powder dispenser and includes a set up deluxe dies (no other kit includes dies). It also includes (the unnecessay) half-dozen ammo boxes from MTM, but does not include a scale, leaving you free to choose your own preference. $210. Add a manual and a scale and you are loading in pretty high style.
Other than the Kempf kit every other kit includes stuff you will find lacking, (and will want to replace) and will have other stuff you do not need (which is a waste of your money). So, except for Kempf's kit, I usually recommend assembling your own kit, adding items past the minimal (Press, Dies, Scale) only as you find the need.
https://kempfgunshop.com/index.php?...facturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41
Don't get drawn in by the "bargain" price of kits that feature the Deluxe Turret. It operates the same, but is not as strong (in the linkage), not as tall an opening for the cartridges (for those who have large hands or very long cartridges) and the handling of spent primers is dismal.
So you know where I am coming from, in 1975 I started loading on RCBS single stage (first a Jr, then a Rockchucker), moved up to a pair of Lee Pro-1000 progressives and then moved "up" to the Lee Classic Turret. I am much happier with the Classic Turret than I was with the Pro-1000s (which have the same base as the Deluxe Turret, with the same primer dropping problem). During shooting season, I will load 100 to 400 rounds per session in a lazy afternoon. I switch calibers often (7 calibers in all).
Will your range allow plated bullets? They are cheaper than jacketed and use loading data for lead bullets. They are almost indistinguishable from copper jacketed bullets when loaded.
Powder? Trail Boss. Very forgiving. If you double charge a case, it will be obvious. If it does not overflow, you will certainly be able to see the powder very high in the case. Drawback, the bottle looks the same size as a 16 bottle of most other powders, but TB is so voluminous that there is only 9 oz. Load data for jacketed bullets is scarce. TB was originally intended for low power lead bullets and specifically marketed for Cowboy Action Shooting Sports. Hogdon actually recommended against using for jacketed bullets at one time. I understand that jacketed loads are now tested and approved. My shooting buddy (I introduced to reloading) uses it regularly in his 500 S&W. Throwing huge bullets at 800 fps is FUN in a gun that is designed (and heavy enough) for twice that velocity.
Good Luck and thanks for asking our advice.
Lost Sheep
P.S. Certaindeaf (post 14) is right. The riser gets the Powder measure up higher than the primer feeder. Kempf's includes it with their kit. The swivel adapter (included with the Pro Auto-disk powder measure) allows you to position the powder measure closer to the center of rotation of the turret, also an advantage in clearing the primer feeder.
