Author Topic: List of first time reloading materials... (Read 855 times)

evan1395 · « **on:** January 25, 2013, 02:01:57 PM »

So after some looking aorund on Midwayusa, I think I got the basic essentials for my .45-70 reloading. Please let me know if anything seems out of whack, or unpreferred by you guys!

Lee Single Stage Press
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/807734/lee-reloader-single-stage-press
Lee Dippers (Just for the hell of it)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/943305/lee-improved-powder-measure-kit
Loadbooks USA for .45-70 Load Data
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/694314/loadbooks-usa-45-70-government-reloading-manual
Lee Primer Pocket Cleaner (Simple and Effective?)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/467111/lee-primer-pocket-cleaner
Lee 3 Piece Die Set (These will fit my Single Stage Press Right?)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/818681/lee-steel-3-die-set-45-70-government
Lee .45-70 Shell holder
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/596364/lee-universal-shellholder-8-348-winchester-416-rigby-45-70-government
Lee Powder Funnel
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/974498/lee-powder-funnel-22-to-45-caliber
Frankford Arsenal 6" Caliper
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/604242/frankford-arsenal-electronic-caliper-6-stainless-steel
Lee Handheld Case Trimmer W/Ball Handle
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/136199/lee-case-trimmer-cutter-with-ball-grip

Now, if you've been keeping track, I believe I left one essential item out of my list...the scale! I heard the ONLY way to go, is a single beam scale. No use in buying a digital if I intend on being real accurate with my grain count. What do you guys suggest for this category? I'm trying to keep this as cheap as possible, without effecting my accuracy. Any thoughts on which would be best for me?
I also have my eye on a specific loading manual at a local sporting goods store that I will purchase prior to purchasing all this stuff. So that is covered. I will be buyin' this tomorrow and start reading.
Again, please inform me of any bad moves or selections on this list. I'm trying to do this right without having to spend TONS of money. Thanks again guys, really do appreciate it.
-Evan

twoshooter · « **Reply #1 on:** January 25, 2013, 02:25:04 PM »

I have used a beam scale for 45 years now, and it has done a good job. After you get the hang of it you can probably use the dippers just fine for light and medium loads. Any 505 gr scale will do. Just make sure you create a routine and then adhere unerringly to it.

evan1395 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 25, 2013, 03:13:12 PM »

Quote from: twoshooter on January 25, 2013, 02:25:04 PM

I have used a beam scale for 45 years now, and it has done a good job. After you get the hang of it you can probably use the dippers just fine for light and medium loads. Any 505 gr scale will do. Just make sure you create a routine and then adhere unerringly to it.

Did everything on that list look up to par?
Let me know if I left anything out!

YRUpunting? · « **Reply #3 on:** January 25, 2013, 04:36:10 PM »

Before you buy equipment get a new reloading manual and read it. Make sure you understand it. Remember, you will only blow your hand off once.

I personally like Lymans manual and I would also suggest you pick up The ABC's of reloading. It takes you step by step to reload just about anything.

As for the actual equipment, you have a good start on a list. The Lee die set will come with a shell holder and dipper. You don't have a priming tool on the list, or a powder trickler. The loading manual will have load data and all that is available on the powder manufacturer's website.

Personally, I would look on Craigslist in your area as well as the yard sale classifieds for the equipment to get started. A 20 year old RCBS, Redding, or one of the better Lee presses will be close in price (probably a little more) and be a much better press. You may have to clean it up a bit. The dies have been universal for many decades.

Now this is going to make some people upset, but it's just my opinion. Overall I don't care for the Lee products. I like some of the specialty dies like the decapping die, collet neck dies, and the collet crimp dies. As for the rest of it, you will be better off with a 20 year old anything RCBS or one of the other manufactures that has been used and taken care of. And if you buy a used RCBS product at a yard sale that is 20 yrs old and break it, they will fix or replace it.

You are going to need a bullet puller. If you make a load that your rifle won't shoot you can just waste the ammo or tear it down and start over. There are two types, the inertia hammer type and collet type that is mounted in the press like a die. The press mounted one will run you about $30 or so the inertia about $10. Send the extra bucks and get the collet press mounted one.

Keep an eye on Ebay and Gunbroker.com. Good deals do appear now and then. And look into plated bullets or cast for plinkers.

Last thoughts. There is no best this or that in reloading. It's what works for you, your firearm and your own situation and satisfaction. And you are not going to save any money. You'll shoot more so this is actually going to cost you more money than buying factory. Not to mention you will always be looking out for components, and maybe a different powder will get you to the holy grail you will never find.

Welcome to reloading.

Ranger99 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 25, 2013, 04:46:40 PM »

you've already got what i was going
to suggest- fourth one down.
i believe it's very important to clean
pockets. takes all of a milisecond
and you're done.
then again, i know folks that have
loaded for years that don't and won't
clean and scoff at me for doing it.
again personal choice, but i think
you're better off doing it.

revbc · « **Reply #5 on:** January 25, 2013, 04:49:28 PM »

Don't forget the case length gauge and the shell holder ought to come with the lee dies. After using a few scales, the RCBS, hornady, or dillon are all good. You going to prime with the press?

Ranger99 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 25, 2013, 04:52:02 PM »

the dippers?
i have a set here and in the country.
they're priced right-don't break- always
accurate. i have some loads that i use
dippers for to keep from fiddling with
the uniflow since the dipper load is
what the chosen load is. the lee manual
has a section on dipper capacity with
different powders listed on the chart.

MNSHOOTER · « **Reply #7 on:** January 25, 2013, 06:57:31 PM »

why not buy the lee anaversary kit for around 100 bucks and all you have to add is the dies

it has the scale and all! I have been loadinge fore 50 years and have 4 scales- 3 beam and - 1dig. the old plastic lee is still scary accuraate.and there powder dump is good also...............mark

goodconcretecolor · « **Reply #8 on:** January 26, 2013, 02:51:39 AM »

The Lee anniversary kit is hard to beat for ease, speed and completeness. My 50+ eyes found the Lee scale impossible to use but if others have found it accurate I cannot dispute them. Used a Lyman beam scale for 25 years myself. The advise on the used RCBS equipment is not wrong but reflects a common bias found on these boards against Lee equipment. Many of these folks have had bad experiences with Lee but I have used the press you listed for almost 20 years and fired consistant sub moa roups and occasional 1 hle 3 shot 100yd groups out of a standard 30-06 hunting rifle so i t obviously works.As for manuals, my list is Lee, Lyman, Loadbook and the manual from the manufacturer of the bullet and powder you use. Powder company data is usually available free on line so the powder company manual is often not needed but I enjoy comparing data and seeking reasons for the differences.
Welcome to the handloading fraternity. Be safe, good luck and good shooting.

evan1395 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 26, 2013, 06:07:10 AM »

So this here is the reccomended kit huh? Does it come with EVERYTHING I need? i realize I will still need to buy the dies. But as for everything else, i'm golden, right?
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/423081/lee-challenger-breech-lock-single-stage-press-anniversary-kit

Seems like it would be a cheaper route, and just as effective as buying every individual part. I plan on buying a hand primer tool. I saw one that I really liked, very simple. When it actually comes down to buying the bullets and powder. I don't do any shooting with my Handi Rifle out past 100 yards (since I took my scope off). So I really plan on sticking with ONE variation of bullet and powder combination. I love the 405 grain slugs, and plan on shooting these as long as I reload. For me, there is no need to find out "how hot" or "how fast" I can push a bullet. This is simply me trying not to spend over a dollar around from stores for my .45-70 ammo. All I really want to do is load my 405 grain bullets a send them down range at a desent velocity.

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 26, 2013, 07:56:03 AM »

Evan

If all you want is rounds down range , shoot cast , their cheap to buy and fun to shoot , load them over either TrailBoss or Unique @ about 1400 fps and your set to have fun

mild recoil and that big/slow bullet will drop just about anything you need to shoot at .

stimpy

revbc · « **Reply #11 on:** January 26, 2013, 10:44:24 AM »

Kit is ok, I started with one...........still need the case length gauge and dies.

evan1395 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 26, 2013, 11:12:44 AM »

Quote from: revbc on January 26, 2013, 10:44:24 AM

Kit is ok, I started with one...........still need the case length gauge and dies.

I intend on buying that kit, a caliper, another (better)scale and of course my set of .45-70 dies.

cudatruck · « **Reply #13 on:** January 26, 2013, 12:16:43 PM »

+1 on the Lee kit to get you started. You will find you'll want/need a few more things. A bullet puller is a must! I have the lyman impact one, looks like a plastic hammer. it works. A trickler if you are going to get close to maximum loads or are trying to be super accurate. digital scale is much easier for working up ladder loads. I have found i really like the lyman M expander dies. oh and get a couple of loading blocks that fit your cartridge. they make life much easier. you are going to need a shop vac at some point. spilled powder is a bitch to get out of carpet.

jparedes · « **Reply #14 on:** January 26, 2013, 12:18:27 PM »

Excluding the reloading equipment cost, you'll find that 45-70s will cost about $0.45 cents each, which includes the cost of shells (10x use), bullet, powder and primer. Bullets are the single most expensive part, primers come out to about $0.03 each, powder around $0.08, case use about $0.04, so it is very important to shop wisely for bullets.

evan1395 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 26, 2013, 02:18:13 PM »

Quote from: jparedes on January 26, 2013, 12:18:27 PM

Excluding the reloading equipment cost, you'll find that 45-70s will cost about $0.45 cents each, which includes the cost of shells (10x use), bullet, powder and primer. Bullets are the single most expensive part, primers come out to about $0.03 each, powder around $0.08, case use about $0.04, so it is very important to shop wisely for bullets.

I already have a bunch of shells, once fired. Atleast 150+.
I really don't think I will be buying new shells for quite sometime. Alot of them are Starlines, then a few boxes of Hornadys Brass and atleast 20 Federal's. Does brass have a play in the reloading data? Can some brass handle more/less then others?
Does anyone have any popular or favored load combo's for those 405gr Flat Nose Slugs? Or maybe a preferred powder type? Stimpy already suggested Trailboss, R7(?), and Unique.

.

mdi · « **Reply #16 on:** January 26, 2013, 02:41:44 PM »

I too, recommend your first purchase be "The ABCs of Reloading" and "Lyman's 49th Edition Reloading Handbook". Read these first, and you'll have a good idea of what equipment suits your reloading needs. For example, 95% of my reloading is for handguns and I haven't trimmed a case in 25 years, so a case trimmer wouldn't be on my list. I either prime on the press or use a Ram Prime, so a hand held primer isn't needed for my reloading. Some will say a tumbler to clean your brass is needed, but I reloaded for nearly 12 years before I got a tumbler. Read the books on how to reload and you'll see what tools you'll need...

evan1395 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 26, 2013, 03:03:15 PM »

9th Edition any good? Does it contain reloading data for the .45-70 as well? OR is that seperate literature?

http://www.amazon.com/ABCs-Reloading-Definitive-Novice-Expert/dp/1440213968#_
$15.99 a reasonable price for such a book?

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 26, 2013, 03:13:32 PM »

evan

You woln't find any data in the ABC's , its strictly a " How to " book , your best bet is to break down and spend the $30 and buy the Lyman 49th edition manual , it has the how to as well as more data that you could use

in a year .

One other thing , if the Hornady brass is from thier Ev ammo , then the case's will be shorter than the others and must be figgered in to your load data as the bullet can be seated deeper than normal ( less case capisity )

stimpy

evan1395 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 26, 2013, 03:59:11 PM »

Quote from: stimpylu32 on January 26, 2013, 03:13:32 PM

evan

You woln't find any data in the ABC's , its strictly a " How to " book , your best bet is to break down and spend the $30 and buy the Lyman 49th edition manual , it has the how to as well as more data that you could use in a year .

One other thing , if the Hornady brass is from thier Ev ammo , then the case's will be shorter than the others and must be figgered in to your load data as the bullet can be seated deeper than normal ( less case capisity )

stimpy

EV as in their Evolution ammo? Well, it is.
I believe I have far more Starline brass than Hornady. I will just keep them seperate and use my Starline. For the time being, i'm just trying to keep this as simple as possible.
The casing measurement should be 2.095" right? While a completed cartridge should measure 2.495"?