Author Topic: Need help getting started reloading (Read 1444 times)

vick · « **on:** March 26, 2004, 01:44:28 PM »

I know this probably isn't the correct spot to post this, but you guys seem to really have a lot of knowledge on the topic. AND I will be reloading for my NEF's so it kind of fits :-) .
I am looking to get started in some basic reloading. Nothing extravagant, or high volume. I would like to be able to work up some accuracy and hunting loads for a couple of my rifles. Most of my high volume shooting is done with bulk ammo anyway. I only have a couple of rifles that I would like to really dial in.
So, I guess my question is what would be a basic setup, and what should it set me back. I'm asking because when I usually get into something new I spend way too much on a lot of stuff I didn't really need to begin with. The calibers I want to get started with are .308 and the .38/.357 family. Thanks for the help.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #1 on:** March 26, 2004, 02:05:46 PM »

Start with a Lee Loader for each caliber, one for .38/.357 and one for .308. Some bullets, primers, powder and a plastic hammer or wooden hammer handle, small baseball bat or even a chunk of 2x4 to hit the deprimer with and your all set. Lee Loaders cost about $15-$18 apiece, you can buy them new or try to get a deal on e-bay. New is probably the way for you to go, cheap enough and you want to be sure you get the instructions. Easy to do and even if you get deeper into it later you will always have them to take to camp with you or as a back up...I still have my.38/.357 Lee Loader I bought 40 years ago and it still works great!!! Have fun, it's a great hobby as well as a money saver!!!....<><.... :grin: (P.S. - buy and try the .38/.357 first, it's a straight case and easy to load, get the basics down and you can load anything...)

Major · « **Reply #2 on:** March 26, 2004, 02:17:13 PM »

I say go with a Lee Loader too. I still use mine for my .30-06 after almost 40 years. I never found a reason to use anything else based on the number of shells I shot in that caliber. It will start you out cheep so you can see if you even like reloading.

JPH45 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 26, 2004, 02:23:49 PM »

The Lee loader is a nice tool, but as you mention the 308 as well, it is likely that you would get more enjoyment from the Lee Anniversary kit. This can be had these days I believe for about 70 bucks and all you need to add is the appropriate dies at about $20 a set. You can get more expensive equipment, but for the loading you are looking at, I doubt you would be better served by the extra dollars spent. Start by getting a reloading manual or two, read them throughly, and then get your reloading set up. You will need the manuals anyway, so you are not buying something you don't need.

vick · « **Reply #4 on:** March 26, 2004, 02:32:43 PM »

Thanks for the replies. I have been asking around, and the "starter kits" around here have been $250-$300. The Loaders and Anniversary kit are much more along the lines of what I was looking for. I knew there had to be a better way. Thanks again.

Deadeye47 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 26, 2004, 03:39:52 PM »

The newest Lee manual I have has a form in the back that one can fill out on the "HonorSystem" and get a complete set up from Lee for a reduced 2nds price. By seconds it is equipment that has a scratch or the paint has a run in it or some other insignificant blemish( BIG DEAL!!)...you would have to wait till the 2nd showed up..but you could get everything you need for a REALLY reduced price....as if 70 bucks is not cheap enough for a set up!!! You can make up your wish list and mail it in to them and they would send you what you needed..maybe having to wait for a couple items but hey this is a good deal!!!! The Lee Reloading Manual was about 20 bucks I think but you have that "form" in the back to get you started....by the way you have to use the form in the book....copies are not accepted... :wink: Course you just can't go wrong with the LEE hand tong loader....how old is that technique now?

? :-)

Paul5388 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 26, 2004, 04:26:56 PM »

Vick,

I think you will find the volume of reloading you will do with the .38/.357 will justify a little better rig than what has been suggested.

I would suggest the Lee Classic in cast iron at $60 (Lee press) from Midway, a set of Lee carbide .38/.357 dies for $20 (Lee .38 dies), the deluxe Lee .308 dies at $25.99 (Lee .308 dies) and a decent set of scales. I have used a Ohaus/RCBS 505 mechanical scale for 30 years, but I am seriously thinking about the new Hornady 1000-GS digital. Of course, a Lee Safety powder scale ($19) is better than nothing.

bull b 25-06 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 26, 2004, 05:14:08 PM »

Also if you can get the LEE collet 2 die set instead of the three die set. This set does not require case lubing,and the collet type resizing allows the same brass to be loaded many many more times than the 3 die set.

later bull b 25-06

Paul5388 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 26, 2004, 05:45:28 PM »

bull b 25-06,

The deluxe Lee set has the collet die in it, but it also has the full length die, just in case you get some once fired brass from another source.

vick · « **Reply #9 on:** March 28, 2004, 01:49:13 PM »

You guys have definately helped a lot. I'm going to have to study on this for a little while. Seems the more I look up yall's suggestions, I find three more possibilties. Right now I am leaning toward the anniversary kit with the deluxe die set. I also plan on getting the lee loader for at least .308. I really like the idea of being able to load ammo at camp or out and about ( I work night shift on patrol, I think I just found something to do on those looong Sunday nights.). Has anyone had any problems with the Lee equipment? Is there glaring reason they're so much less expensive? I guess I'm finally learning that I'm too broke to be cheap, BUT I do know that sometimes less expensive doesn't mean cheap. Any opinions are greatly appreciated.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #10 on:** March 28, 2004, 04:23:53 PM »

All of my equipment is Lee and I've no real complaints to speak of. I know there is much better avalible but I can't afford it right now, I also could'nt afford to shot as much as I do without the Lee stuff. IMO Lee will serve you well till you know if you want to or can afford to upgrade.

Haywoods wife and I shot almost three hundred rounds of .357 at a cowboy shoot today with zero malfunctions that I loaded on my Lee turrent press. Lee works.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #11 on:** March 28, 2004, 04:26:30 PM »

Oh yeah I still want a Dillion when my wallet says I can have one

:blaster:

Paul5388 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 28, 2004, 04:46:51 PM »

Vick,

All of my reloading equipment is RCBS or Redding, except for the Lee dies I am replacing my RCBS dies with. The Rock Chucker I paid $35 for 30 years ago is now $120, but the Lee Classic cast iron is probably a better press for half the money. I had an RCBS Autoprime and didn't like it (it had design problems) so I got a Lee Autoprime for half the money that I like. There's nothing at all wrong with Lee, but I prefer cast iron presses. I guess because I make .35 Whelen brass from .30-06 brass and other heavy duty operations.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #13 on:** March 28, 2004, 05:14:56 PM »

I gotta agree with ya Paul, My pardner Haywire just got one of those cast monsters and it looks stout, I load mostly straight walled pistol cals and small rifle cals and no wildcats so for now the Lees still working.

Got some DW .360s loaded up, gonna lite'em off tommarow iffn it don't rain.

Paul5388 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 28, 2004, 06:54:32 PM »

Bob,

I assume you'll let us know how the .360 DW works out? I ordered 100 from Midway last night.

Deadeye47 · « **Reply #15 on:** March 28, 2004, 07:22:02 PM »

LOL I just got thru ordering 200 from Midway tonight myself and I don't even have any of my reloading stuff down here in Texas yet!! :agree:

Paul5388 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 28, 2004, 08:25:57 PM »

Deadeye,

You still have Tulsa, OK listed for your location. Where are you in Texas? It's a big place, but you could be close to where some of us are and we have reloading stuff set up!

vick · « **Reply #17 on:** March 28, 2004, 09:48:14 PM »

Sounds like for my level of work the Lee equipment will be perfect. I can't say thanks enough. Before yall's advice, I had no clue where to start on this. Now, between the suggestions and the leads, I think I have a real good angle on the topic. Not an expert mind you, but I know where to start without getting ripped off. Now, to trade some steaks for Ramen noodles for a little while, and I'll be set. Thanks again for all the help.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 29, 2004, 06:18:02 AM »

Vick:

The Lee equipment is a good start for a first time reloader who is unsure as to where to start..a-lot can be said for thestart-up cost factor and some as you see are perfectly happy with just about everything they make.However..I personally use only 1 die of theirs and that is the Factory Crimp die..there just isn't a better die out there,that works as good as this one does.

For this stage of your reloading...wanting to do both pistol and rifle..and staying with the Lee equipment..I would urge you to go with their new heavy Cast "O" press not the much cheaper "O" press or the "C" press...while these are relatively inexpensive to purchase..they aren't the best way to start.

If you wanted to for around $100-$125..you could get a heavy duty Turret type press that would allow you to have 6-7 dies in place at one time and with a simple turn of the turret switch between them.This isn't extravagent but it certainly will make your reloading much more enjoyable and save you a considerable amount of time in the process.

One other thing to bring up to you..besides from having a good supply of current reloading manuals to utilize...I suggest that you don't skimp on buying a scale...either a top quality beam type or a better digital one.This will become invaluable to you over time as you find yourself weighing your charges or veryfying bullet and ,case weight.While the old way of using the little dippers may be fine for some and posibly even you..you'll still need to verify their accuracy...this is one thing you should do...never take someones word for charge weights...check it yourself...it's the only way you'll know.

Mac

vick · « **Reply #19 on:** March 29, 2004, 09:26:32 AM »

I am looking at this set up right now:
http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/381484

Or possibly this one, with a powder measure and digital scales (fairly easy to come by for me):
http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/317831

Am I mistaken in that with the turret press I can set up my dies on a disk and just change out the disk to change calibers? Also, does this press include priming as part of the sizing process? Right now, these are the big points over the single stage.
I will be going with the Lee deluxe die sets for my calibers. I want to try the neck size only, since I am laoding primarily for single shots. I have read that this does wonders for accuracy.

I know I should buy the manuals and read them first, but I'm the guy who drowned after reading every book in the library on swimming. I promise not to introduce any powder or primers into the house until I get the steps down. Unfortunately if I try to figure this out without having something to reference to in front of me, I really will mess it up.

rmtaylor · « **Reply #20 on:** March 29, 2004, 01:09:56 PM »

If you go with the Lee Turret Press go with the 4 hole. That way you can add a factory crimp die and have a place for it. I have one and it works fine. I load 270,223, and 45/70. I did pick up a real cheap Hornady lock and load press that My local store wanted to get off their shelves. I am now using it if I have to full length size any brass for the 270. But the Lee was working, just required more effort. By the way I started with the Anniversary Kit as well.

Richard

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #21 on:** March 29, 2004, 03:41:48 PM »

Vick, on the Lee Turret presses, you can buy spare heads for about $8 and change the whole head in seconds without having to reset the dies. I have never liked any of the priming setups that prime as the ram comes down. I am now using something called the Lee AutoPrime II that fits in the press head or in a spare turret. Its big advantages are that it uses the same shellholders you use in your regular operations and it is made of steel. The handheld AutoPrime is wildly popular, but it takes special shellholders and the body is of zinc and cracks after a few years.

The Turret Press is great for pistol cartridges and acceptable for rifle if you don't need to do much heavy resizing. The single stage O presses are better for heavy resizing, but much slower for pistol and if you do short lots of different cartridges.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #22 on:** March 29, 2004, 07:14:52 PM »

Vic:

This might be more than you want to spend starting off but give it a good look over and read the reviews.I have the older version of this press and will be using it as soon as I start loading for pistol rounds again.It's not as fast as a Dillon...but it's a whole lot cheaper.If I were going to be shooting several hundred rounds a week...I would get a good progressive press.

This kit has more than your basic starters kit...but eventually you'll wind up with what's offered in this one.

www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/305282

It's rock solid and you can resize or case form some of the largest calibers on it with ease.

I have used the Lee hand auto prime for the last 20 years and I have loaded several thousand assorted rifle and pistol rounds with it with out anything breaking or falling apart...This is another of their products I'll swear by...Yes Lee does make some good products and if they ever come out with a heavy cast 6-7 hole turret press I'll be getting one of those to replace my aging Sparten T press...I just don't like their 3-4 hole turrets or their progressive presses that's all.. I've seen their heavy cast "O" frame press and it looks like it will be a winner for sure.

Which ever road you take ...Welcome to wonderful World of Handloading...you can't imagine the things you'll learn in a very short amount of time.

Mac