starting out: rifle or pistol ?

[RockyMtnScotsman]

After much research I've settled on the LCT press primarily for .308 and .44 magnum. Since this will be my first press and I have some learning to do, is there difference in which it's "better/easier" to start out with loading rifle cartridges first and then switch to handgun or vice versa? With the .44 being a straight wall I'm tempted to start learning there since I can more easily see down into the shell and check my work, but the .308 usually gets shot more often.

 

[cfullgraf]

I do not feel either is more difficult than the other. But there are some differences between rifle and handgun reloading.

Rifle probably needs a bit more equipment as trimming is required of rifle cases and better results are obtained if the cases are resized to match your chamber.

Hope this helps.

 

[m3mh0g]

I've only been loading since April, but I've learned the case prep is the main difference. The straight walled cases don't stretch like the necked cases. Other than that kinda the same process.

 

[56hawk]

44 Magnum is way easier and faster to load than 308. No lubing, trimming or other prep work needed. It's also a pretty forgiving round to load as a wide range of powders and bullet weights will work.

 

[Reefinmike]

pistol is by far easier and less time consuming. you can literally bring your press, powders, primers and bullets and one casing and shoot all day without problems. with rifle brass, you have to tumble it, lube it, size and decap it, remove primer crimp if its mil brass, tumble it again, trim it to size(very time consuming unless you wanna lay down some big bucks), chamfer and debur, prime, charge and seat a bullet. I have a lee turret press as well, and can load 250-300 pistol rounds an hour(upwards of 500 if its already primed) but between all the off press and on press work with 223, im guessing I get 60 rounds an hour.

loading rifle is still fun, just not as fun.

edit: ooh yeah, all that work you put into rifle brass doesnt last long either! expect 4-6 reloads per case depending on how hot you load it. straight wall pistol brass you can reload 50-upwards of 150 times for low pressure rounds. wheelguns are nice because you dont have to chase down your brass as well

 

[RockyMtnScotsman]

Thanks guys!

Guess I'll get my feet wet with the .44 and then move over to the .308 once I have a better idea of what I'm doing.

 

[Coldfinger]

I started with .45, then added .270. Loading rifle is more time consuming and requires additional steps as well as extra case prep. Get to know your equipment loading handgun ammo first then move on to the rifle.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

There are more steps in reloading rifle brass than handgun brass so starting with handgun reloads will probably be best for learning and getting comfortable with reloading in general.

Be sure to buy Carbide .44 Magnum dies although I doubt there are many, if any new handgun dies that don't have Carbide inserts.

 

[Steel Talon]

My suggestion would be to...

Start with your pistol, quality control is easier to learn and follow with straight wall cases. Get a simple light system attached to your turret so it shines into the powder charged case,so you can keep an eye out for a dbl or under charge.

I use carbide pistol dies and I also use a tad bit of lube . It easier on the carbides.

Before you know it you'll be cranking out 150/200 rounds in no time at all on that Lee.

 

[GLOOB]

+1 start off pistol.
For rifle, I suggest you try FA spray lube and a Lee zip trim chuck, drill spindle adaptor, and 308 guide. And a cheapo Lee chamfer tool, cuz it works a lot better for powered chamfering than the more expensive hand chamfering tools. Those trim/chamfer tools are as cheap as it gets, and as good as it gets unless you spring for the expensive 3 way cutting tools. Once you figgur out how to use those, you'll be golden. I load way more rifle, these days, for the same reason you would. I shoot more of it.

 

[RandyP]

+1 on starting out with pistol to learn the process and get comfortable. Congrats on the press - I've had my Classic turret for several years and it is a great machine.

I have found the Lee self-help videos to be a terrific resource for setting up the dies properly and overall machine set up.

http://leeprecision.com/help-videos.html

 

[Brian10]

Agree with above. Loading pistol is way easier than rifle.