Starting Plan for Reloading... Sensible or Silly

[cfullgraf]

IMO, it's far easier to make a mistake and under or double charge with a single stage press than with something like the Dillon. I'd really have to go out of my way to do that on my 550.

Lots of folks will disagree particularly with the manual index Dillon 550.

Bottom line is one needs to check and double check the powder charges to make sure there is not a missed charge or a double charge.

For single stage work, I batch charge a tray of cases then look in each one before moving on to the next step.

For progressives, some folks look in each case, others have some kind of powder check system.

I did not have a squib load for close to 30 years of reloading until I added a progressive press to my reloading room three years ago. I have since altered my reloading process to prevent charge problems in the future.

 

[sexybeast]

Dillons are the best presses and there is lots of information about them. If you can afford one in the future try to step up to the 650. I have shot uspsa, Steel chanllenge, and shoot a regular plate match. I talk to alot of shooters who reload and you want one that auto-indexes.
"If" and I mean "when" you make a mistake and Mr Murphy raises his ugly reloading head, you will load a squib instead of a double charge. You get a second chance with a squib, no second chances with a double charge.
I know a guy that blew up two of his guns reloading on a 550, another that pulls rounds on a regular basis when he thinks he has loaded a double charge.
Nothing wrong with a 550 if you can focus, but I would buy a 650.

 

[bigfinger76]

His budget is limited. No point in worrying about Dillon now.

 

[brutus51]

I also disagree with Hexhead. Never understood why people would charge cases all at once. A simple technique I have used over the past 35 years is to charge the case and immediately seat the bullet in one fluid motion.
In the case of rifles.
1. Throw charge into scale pan.
2. Trickle charge for precision.
3. Glance into case,(as an added precaution) and place bullet into case mouth.
4. Seat the bullet and place into storage tray ready for crimping.

Knock on wood this technique has never failed me and seems to be about as fool prof as you can get.

 

[Dudedog]

Lee Turrent Press

I started out with a Lee turret press and removed the autoindex. You can always put it back on later. (Note when removing it make a mental (paper) note about how it attaches to the press) I am happy with the press and Lee dies. One thing that is nice is the die holder plates are about $10 ea. I have one for each caliber so I don't have to mess with removing one die and swapping another I just change the plate. I bought Tupperware containers to store the plate and dies. I really like their Factory Crimp dies. My feeling is a scale is a MUST. I use the Lee Pro disk measure for pistol and it is close but I have seen enough difference in lots of the same type powder that would have made what was a close to max load a max load. I have an RCBS beam scale and a Frankford scale I got from Midway (about $29 for the digital) The only time I really use the beam scale (which I bought first years ago) is to double check the digital one. Somehow it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling knowing they agree. I have found I can trust the digital scale. You can get a inexpensive digital micrometer for about $20 as well. I have never had to trim my pistol brass yet but you can be fairly sure you will need to trim rifle brass. A case tumbler is a nice thing to have as well.
One note a lot of .223 (5.56) have crimped in primers you will need a tool to remove the crimp. I have a Lee hand primer and like it. I can put on my safety glasses watch TV and prime cases. They need a different shell holder than the press uses. I just bought the Lee pack that has 7? in it. That way I got one for 9mm, .45 APC, .357 mag, .223. If you are buying them for each caliber I believe the one for .308 and .45 APC are the same.
On a side note a friend of mine has a RCBS rockchucker and swears by it.

 

[KingMedicine]

I started with a 120 buck Lee turret kit from cabellas. I'd say go that route since it's the best of both worlds. You can make mass ammo pretty fast if needed, or single stage when doing rifle round. You will spend a tad more and get more in the long run.

 

[medalguy]

I'd also suggest a good steel frame press like the Rockchucker to start with. Later, after you get the hang of reloading, you can upgrade. You will always need a single stage press. I have four Dillon presses dedicated to single calibers but I still do a lot of FL resizing on the single stage press, and I load odd calibers like .303 British and .45-70 on that press.

Someone suggested a case gauge for bottleneck cases, and that is an excellent idea. Watch the "pay it forward" section for folks giving away extra equipment, brass and bullets to new reloaders.

 

[Wildbillz]

I haven't looked in years, but you use to be able to buy good quality press and stuff on E-bay for a fair price. Now having said that I am sure the prices have gone out of sight as has everything as of the last year or so.

WB

 

[Hondo 60]

The very first step is reading a reloading manual or two or three!

After reading you'll have a MUCH better idea about what questions to ask.

If you can't afford it, go to the library, they might have one.

My personal favorite is Lyman's 49th Reloading Handbook.
I think it has the best How-to section (about 1/2 the book)
And the widest array of reloading data.

Personally, I don't like the Lee Reloader.
I'd much rather have their Challenger.
Yes, the extras include bushings (which you have to pay extra for)
but you put your dies in a bushing & then you don't have to adjust em every time you wanna reload.

Welcome to the addict ... oh I mean hobby
Ya, that's it hobby

 

[Centurian22]

Check out this thread for a different, cheaper and in my opinion better cleaning method.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=692818

As for the plan: sounds good. I started with the Lee classic turret and have been very happy. If you do get a single stage I would try to go with the classic cast if possible. If not no worrys plenty of people have been perfectly happy with the kits or aluminum presses. I prefer hand priming to priming on the press but only learned that after trying both methods myself (I thought I wanted to prime on press until I experienced it under a mentor.

 

[jct61765]

I've been reloading for about 20yrs. I have everything I will ever need. I'm still always on the lookout for bargains. Craigslist, ebay, my local gun store has a scratch and dent table. I just picked up an old redding hydraulic powder scale for $20 at my lgs. I have digital scale, but its nice to have a backup. Just look around. I think its half the fun.

 

[GBExpat]

This thread reminded me that in a deal long ago I acquired an old Ohaus powder measure ... well, I suppose at the time, it wasn't all that old.

I spent some time researching it yesterday and found that it is an Ohaus 7200 DU-O-MEASURE. After some more searching, found a site with a PDF of the original instruction sheet.

I will finish cleaning it up today and test it for throw-weight consistency.

 

[HexHead]

Lots of folks will disagree particularly with the manual index Dillon 550.

Probably not people that actually have Dillon 550s.

 

[ROSW]

I would strongly suggest that you skip the Lee reloader and make the LCT your first press. IMO it's the best press out there besides a progressive. It's cheap but it works. Once you get going, you can make 100-150 rounds per hour with it. Want a single stage? Just remove one screw and you have it, but better. Manually rotate the turret instead of swapping dies. If you buy anything else you're just wasting money on a temporary solution and setting yourself back in saving up for the LCT.

Keep an eye on the closeouts on Lee's website. I bought my turret as a second there for $60. They don't have anything now, but it could change.

Agreed. Just started reloading this year myself and my second press was a LCT. My first, a Lee single stage is currently stored in its shipping box. For decapping, I use a separate turret which also holds a .40S&W Bulge Buster die.

 

[trixter]

Getting the equipment is probably not too much of a problem, look for kits too (they come with a lot of stuff you will need). The components is what is difficult right now. Just keep your eyes open and buy as much as you can afford when you find it.
my $.02 worth is get a Lee Classic turret kit. You can use it single stage or use it as a full turret. four strokes = finished round. Should be found for $180.00 for kit.

 

[Potatohead]

I also disagree with Hexhead. Never understood why people would charge cases all at once. A simple technique I have used over the past 35 years is to charge the case and immediately seat the bullet in one fluid motion.

You're not understanding ALOT of folks, then. Lots of loaders do this. I don't but there's more than one way to skin a cat.

 

[Potatohead]

I haven't looked in years, but you use to be able to buy good quality press and stuff on E-bay for a fair price. Now having said that I am sure the prices have gone out of sight as has everything as of the last year or so.

WB

I got my stuff on Amazon. They have a one-year-same-as-cash deal on their Amazon card right now (always?). Might have paid a little more but doing that was the only way I could get rollin now. And by golly I just had to start now ya know the family needs bullets!


You do have to pay the minimum payment every month FYI -50$

 

[James2]

I am going to suggest, look around for some used gear. If you can find some at less than retail prices that is a plus. Any of the cast iron or steel reloading presses will last a lifetime.

Start with a manual.

For case prep you will need for a minimum; Press, shell holder, lube and dies.

For the next step you will need some way to seat primers. Many presses have primer arms with them, otherwise you can get a hand priming tool.

Now you need a scales and a powder funnel. Yes, also some bullets and powder.

Once you have these items you can make ammo.

You will likely want to get a powder measure, de-burr tool, loading board, and calipers before you get too far into the hobby, but that can come later. Lots of other tools a feller might want to get as time goes by, but they are really not needed to start.

 

[Ike Arumba]

I started out with a Lee turret press... I bought Tupperware containers to store the plate and dies.

I find that a plastic Gatorade powder canister is perfect for storing a Lee turret with dies.

 

[heavydluxe]

All: Thanks for the replies... I'm about to pull the trigger on an order and have one last question.

I'm planning on starting with loading .223 with Hornady 55gr FMJ with the cannelure (they're in stock at reasonable prices where I'm ordering). These are going to be fired out of a 16" PSA AR15 with M4-style feed ramps, fed with Magpul mags.

My question is crimping: Can I get use the Lee RGB 2-die set (FL resize, bullet seat) and no crimp, or do am I better served to just buy the 3-die set that includes a crimp die?

Thanks!

 

[35 Whelen]

All: Thanks for the replies... I'm about to pull the trigger on an order and have one last question.

I'm planning on starting with loading .223 with Hornady 55gr FMJ with the cannelure (they're in stock at reasonable prices where I'm ordering). These are going to be fired out of a 16" PSA AR15 with M4-style feed ramps, fed with Magpul mags.

My question is crimping: Can I get use the Lee RGB 2-die set (FL resize, bullet seat) and no crimp, or do am I better served to just buy the 3-die set that includes a crimp die?

Thanks!

Crimping is not necessary at all with this cartridge. I've fired High Power matches with guys over the course of many tens of thousands of rounds, and not ONE of them crimp their ammunition.

If you just WANT to, I've always gotten by fine crimping with the seating die.

35W

 

[Dudedog]

I would reccomend getting the Deluxe Lee set with the carbide sizer and the factory crimp die that sizes again after you seat the bullet if you are shooting in an autoloader. No matter what press you buy. Only about $10 more.
And I know $10 at a time adds up quick when your spending and not as fast when you are saving.....
The Lee dies are less expensive but seem to work well for me in .32, 9mm Mak, 9mm luger, .357, .45, .223 and 7mm Rem mag.

 

[tcoz]

Lee Turret

A couple of months ago I was able to get the entire Lee Classic Turret Press setup, dies for 9mm and .45acp and everything else I needed including a few optional items that weren't absolutely necessary....all for $597. Most items were from Midway and a few from Natchez, depending on what was on sale where. It's a great setup and functions beautifully. When/if I ever decide to go the progressive route, it'll become my backup system. Good luck.

 

[tcoz]

Lee Classic Turret

Sorry for the duplicate post guys.