Potential reloading newbie

[jrdudas]

I am considering whether I want to try doing some reloading.  I am a long-time shooter but I have absolutely no experience reloading.  My initial research convinced me that the Dillon 550 was the equipment for me, but since budget is a consideration I shelved the entire idea.  At a shoot the other day one of the participants suggested I try reloading with a less costly unit and mentioned that Cabela's has the Lee Anniversary Kit at a reasonable price.  I checked and their price is $67 plus shipping.

I know that some folks don't like the Lee equipment, but it seems that there are just as many who think it's fine.  Here's my question; is this a kit for a newbie with zero experience.  Is everything you need included in the kit.  I got a reloading book from the library and it seems that you also need some way to clean and debur casings.  Once you have all the pieces-parts and learn how to use them, how many shells (.38 Special) can you expect to load in an hour.  Can you suggest another unit that is better for a newbie; or should I just forget it until I can afford the Dillon.

Thanks in advance,  JR

[ricciardelli]

There are three ways to do something:

1) Do it;
2) Do it right;
3) Overdo it.

I think that starting with the 550 is overdoing it for a beginner.

I think that Lee equipment is okay for a beginner who has one caliber to load, and doesn't plan on loading that much.

That being said, I usually tell anyone who is getting into reloading to go with the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme kit and the RCBS Accessory kit.

That will give you everything you "need" for the rest of your life (but you will see stuff that you will "want").

Shop around and you can get those two kits for under $300.

[mg66]

I bought a Lee Anniversary kit and I thought it was just what I needed as I was only going to load 38 special. It was not long after that I decided to also reload 357mag and 9mm.

I bought a Lee 4 stage turret press with auto index. Here is the user review I put in at midwayusa.com:

I bought this press to replace a single stage Lee Challenger press. I wanted to leave dies setup to switch between 38, 357 and 9mm. I figured to probably use this as a single stage with the convinience of having the 4 dies always set up for each caliber on there own turret plate and to this end it works ok.

PROS:

1. Can have dies setup always and no adjusting.
2. Swap between different calibers easily.
3. Low price (but you get what you pay for).
4. Feel of press operation is quite good.

CONS:

1. Sometimes would index past next stage (when used as auto-index).
2. Sometimes would just not quite index (when used as auto-index).
3. Primer attatchment is awkward and has no feel (would definitely suggest Lee's auto prime tool).
4. Vertical play in turret die disk and press locking lugs which can kick each process a tad from square.
5. Depriming causes a lot of used primers to go on floor but this is eliminated by putting a trash bin right up under press for this operation.

CONCLUSION:

Cheap and does an ok job if absolute precision and large volumes are not an issue. Works fine when auto index is not used and I like to do a batch of about 300 rnds through each stage anyway so I removed the auto-index bar and also I dont use the attached primer tool. If precision and high volumes are required then be willing to spend more money. But this does what I need it to do as a manually rotated press with convenience of not having to setup the die for each stage as for my old single stage press.

It does axactly what I need it to do in my situation. Pictures of it setup are on my web site.

[jcunclejoe]

I'll have to agree with Steve on the RCBS equipment, it is of excellent quality and their customer service/support is the best in the world.

Having said that, it is not cheap. If you are on a limited budget the Lee products will get you started. I think one of the most important things for a beginning reloader to do is to learn on a single stage set-up. It really hammers home the basics and will provide you with equipment that can always be used for short runs, special projects, back-ups etc.

My advise would be to get with your local gun club and ask a responsible and knowlegeable reloader to show you the ropes. First get a quality reloading book and read it three times. Then work with your mentor two, three, a dozen times until you are comfortable. They can answer your questions and once you start, the reading you have done will begin to make sense.

Good luck and welcome to reloading.
Joe

[VTDW]

1.) Deluxe Turret Press Kit-Four-Hole Turret with Auto-Index ( 1x$79.19 )
2.) Modern Reloading Manual "Second Edition" ( 1x$10.00 )
3.) 444 Marlin* Pacesetter Dies ( 1x$17.39 )
4.) 35 Remington factory Crimp Die ( 1x$7.79 )
5.) 444 Marlin Factory Crimp Die ( 1x$7.79 )
6.) 35 Remington Case Length Gauge ( 1x$2.99 )
7.) Cutter only with Ball Grip ( 1x$3.59 )
8.) 444 Marlin Case Length Gauge ( 1x$2.99 )
9.) Resizing Lube-2 oz. tube ( 1x$1.16 )
10.) Auto Prime ( 1x$9.59 )
11.) Update Kit including Free 4-Hole Turret ( 1x$12.00 )
12.) Perfect Powder Measure ( 1x$17.99 )
13.) Set of Auto Prime Shellholders ( 1x$11.99 )
14.) M-2 Case Tumbler 110 Volt ( 1x$55.46 )
15.) Media Sifter ( 1x$8.29 )
16.) Large-.264,30-06,.375,7mm Rem Mag-Clr Smoke ( 2x$1.10 )
17.) Frankford Arsenal Bullet Puller ( 1x$9.47 )
18.) Powder Funnel ( 1x$1.79 )
 
 
Subtotal: $261.68
S&H: $28.92
 
Final Total: $290.60


This is what I just ordered.  Bose didn’t list PaceSetter dies for the .35 so I still needed that and media.  Now to look at that green powder scale.

Oh yeah, Primers?  Powders & Bullets

I reload for the 444, .35 Rem and just ordered dies for the 44Special/Mag

Did NEED it all.  Did I want it all...yes.

[Questor]

Jrdudas:

I think the Lee kit would probably be OK for you. The reason I think that is because you're a long-time shooter who hasn't seen the need to reload so far. That means you're probably not burning enough ammo to really need a Dillon machine and something to dabble with may be a good idea.

Go get the Lee Anniversary kit and see what you can do with it.  Just monitor your expenses and see where it takes you.

I use a Dillon 550 and a RCBS Rockchucker. The Dillon is dedicated to large batches of 45ACP only. The Rockchucker, a single stage press like the Lee anniversary press, is for everything else.  

Generally my advice would be something like "forget the budget, spend the $600 you need to get into a Dillon machine and be done with it". But in your case, it may be counterproductive to go that way.

From my experience as a confirmed and certified lazy bum, I found that 100 rounds per week was the maximum I could reload before I felt that I was spending too much time reloading (I work and have little kids). At that point, the Dillon made sense and was worth my while to pay for.

[Questor]

JRDudas:

I load about 50 rounds of 38 special per hour with a single stage press like the Lee.  One method I like to use is to do a few hundred cartridges in a batch, but spread the work out over three evenings. I'll resize on one night, then prime the next night, then charge and seat the bullets on the third night.  Unless you're shooting timed or rapid fire, 300 rounds will last quite a while.

You will find people who say they can load faster, but I suspect they're not factoring in all the incidental steps. My timings are from the time I walk up to the loading bench until I have finished washing my hands and am truly done.

Since you asked for a suggestion on better equipment, I have to answer you with some questions:
1) How many rounds do you need? See my timings and estimates above as a gauge. If you want 500 rounds at a session and don't want to reload again for a month or two, then you really need a progressive press unless you've got a lot of time on your hands.

2) How many calibers are you going to reload? If it's just 38 special, then you're a good candidate for a progressive press like the Dillon. If you're loading a multiplicity of calibers in relatively small batches of ammo, then you're probably better off with a single stage press.

My own preference for single-stage presses is the RCBS Rockchucker kit. It came with everything except Dies, primers, powder, shell holder, bullets, brass, shop goggles, and a precision caliper.  The quality is superb and is built to last a lifetime.  

(A case tumbler is nice to have, but you can live without it forever if you choose, it's really just a convenience. A darned nice convenience, but a convenience nonetheless.)

Let us know what you decide. Adios.

[t3shooter]

I went with the Lee classic cast press, Pacesetter dies (223, 7-08, 45-70), Lee trimmers/case length gauges, an RCBS scale, a lube kit and some manuals.  Eventually I'll get a tumbler.  Cost not bad (I was paying tuition too).  I say go for it.  You'll be spend less than with the factory ammo and get out to shoot more.

[stimpylu32]

Got to throw my .02 worth in here. If it was me and was starting out this is the kit i would buy.

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1123965095.4941=/html/catalog/anivers.html

That being said YES i like LEE products it,s all i have used for over 25 year.

I am a firm believer in anyone starting with a single stage press for the simple fact that it makes you do all the steps one at a time --more attention to detail that way

And first and foremost get a good manual or two and read - read - read before you ever try to load a round

[Savage]

Lee now sells a single stage press called the "Classic". A friend of mine has one. It looks to be at least as heavy duty and well made as my Rockchucker and sells for much less. That is the one I would buy if I were just getting started in reloading. The turrets and progressives will come later.
Savage

[beemanbeme]

I have to agree with Steve.  Up to a point.  There has only been about a gazillion rounds of ammo loaded with introductory equipment.  But, since we have pretty much "been there, done that", we realize that if you start with the most basal equipment, you will progress from there.  And to buy a better grade of equipment will be a cost savings to you in the long run.

 FYI: I have been reloading for over 40 years and still use a single stage press.  I have little interest in how much ammo I can load; but rather, I am interested in how GOOD I can reload.  But then, if I were a pistol shooter at competitive bowling pin shooting or such,  I may very well have a different attitude.

Point to be made:  I have never owned a Lee press nor very much of their "stuff"  (I do think their priming gizzie is the greatest) but I have heard too much good stuff about their stuff to pass up the opportunity to get my feet wet on reloading for @ $100 when the next step up is @$300+ if I were just startng out.
 :grin:

[jrdudas]

Thanks to all for the good advice so far.  Someone asked about my needs as far as amounts of ammo.  I'm using .38 caliber in Cowboy Shooting. Not counting practice, that means roughly 120 rounds at every shoot.  Right now I'm only shooting one match a month, but that may change since I found a club that's much closer to home that also has a monthly match.  

I originally decided to forget about reloading since the break even point in my expenses seemed to be a couple of years out.  Another factor is the time I have available to actually do the loading.  Since I am now retired one would think that I have plenty of time available.  Actually, I am far busier now than when I was working.  Apparently I either take on more jobs or do more things that are helping friends and family members.  In any case, time seems to be an issue to be considered.  

My revisit to the reloading decision is sparked by the fact that I found a Winchester model 1894 in .30-.30 that I just had to have.  Of course the down side of that gun is the cost of ammunition.  I can buy .38 caliber for $6.99 for 50 off the internet.  .30-.30 shells from the same supplier however are $8.99 for 20.  Certainly I will not be shooting as much .30-.30 as I will .38 caliber so maybe the 4 stage Turret model Lee that was suggested is for me.  

Thanks, JR

[Badnews Bob]

I use a Lee turrent press to load .357s for cowboy shooting, It works great. As far as how cheap its made... Its over 25 years old and still puttin out alot of ammo it will also do .30-30 just fine.

  That being said I've bought a Lee classic cast single stage and its as good as any RCBS press made.

  If you feel like a couple 3 or 4 hour drive there are several Cowboy shoots just south of you here in Kentucky, Come on down.