Author Topic: Noobie wanting advice (Read 771 times)

jack19512 · « **on:** August 29, 2005, 06:42:31 AM »

I am going to get into reloading. I have decided to purchase a used(or maybe new) press off Ebay. I am pretty sure I will like reloading but do not want to start off putting a lot of money into this until I am sure it is for me.

I have checked on some of the presses offered and have come up with some of the choices I could bid on.

1.RCBS JR-2
2.RCBS Rockchucker
3.Lee Progressive 1000
4.Lyman S-T
5.Lee Anniversary Reloading Kit
6.RCBS 11 press
7.Hornady PRO 7
8.RCBS Rockchucker Supreme

If anyone has any input on any of these presses I would appreciate it. Also if you know what would be a fair price to pay for your choice in used condition would be very helpful. I should add that I am interested in quality, not quanity of ammo. I would start with 223 and hopefully Swiss 7.5X55 calibers. Please stick to the ones listed and be kind in helping a noobie get started in reloading. Thanks

pffft · « **Reply #1 on:** August 29, 2005, 07:10:28 AM »

I was fortunate when I first started reloading to have a local gun shop where I could use their equipment.
Don't know if they will do that anymore, but it got me familiar with the equipment and how to use it before purchasing my own.
There is considerable difference between the prices then as compared to now, and I don't foresee any slowdown in rising costs in the shooting sports.
I would suggest starting out small, with just the basics, and improve as necessity dictates.
There are a couple of Lee packages that will provide everything necessary to load your own ammo, and a book is included for instructions on how to use the equipment. The complete kit can be found for $75 (or less), which is very reasonable these days.
Although not the best there is, the press supplied with the package can easily become a second if wishing to replace it with one of the more expensive types. It might take some time before recognizing what all to watch for when setting up and using the more expensive turbo presses.
As is, your grand kids will probably still inherit whatever you get, and it will still be fully functional.

jack19512 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 29, 2005, 08:10:18 AM »

I have been doing some research and trying to learn some in order to get started. I have read several recommendations about the LEE Anniversary Reloading Kit and have found it at a site called 10 ring for $78.99. That is cheaper than what they are selling for used on Ebay.

If someone familiar with a good reloading supplier knows where I could find it cheaper please let me know. I guess I just wanted a few suggestions before I buy. Thanks

Ifishsum · « **Reply #3 on:** August 29, 2005, 08:24:42 AM »

The Lee anniversary kit will get you started with almost everything you need for a great price. Be sure to get yourself a good reloading book as well. I think single stage is the way to go when you're starting out, you'll learn the process more thoroughly. It's a great hobby - have fun and be safe.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #4 on:** August 29, 2005, 08:40:34 AM »

The Lee Anniversary kit is available from Cabelas for $77 shipped...

Lee Anniversary kit

It's also on sale at Midway for the same shipped price and they have the kit with the manual for $82 shipped...

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=149097

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=820810

JBMauser · « **Reply #5 on:** August 29, 2005, 04:26:46 PM »

I bought a lee kit at a gun show and was happy with it for pistol. I next bought a "outfit" on ebay which had a RCBS Jr and a bunch of needed gear like dies, scale, and other gear. I sold off what I did not need and over time bought other lots, and sold off excess. I sold that RCBS jr for $10 less than I paid for a Rockchucker. I now have 2 rockchuckers, One lee turret press, two Saeco luberasizers, 2 RCBS powder measures one large and one small and a Lyman 45 powder measure. all bought in lots and mainly paid for with selling off excess. Go for it. JB

Dave in WV · « **Reply #6 on:** August 30, 2005, 05:21:03 AM »

I suggest Lee's cast iron press. It costs less than one from RCBS/Lyman/Redding/Hornady will hold up for many years.

jack19512 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 30, 2005, 11:52:14 AM »

I think I might go either the Lee Anniversary or a RCBS Rockchucker. The Lee Anniversary sounds like a good start-up kit. Like I said, I am more interested in quality ammo rather than quantity.

Do those of you that have experience with the Lee Anniversary think it will produce good quality ammo if I do my part? Thanks

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 30, 2005, 01:37:30 PM »

Just look at my bench and all you see is LEE , I've been loading over 20 years and it holds up very well .

As for a new loader i feel that a single stage perss is the way to go , if you do your part the lee press will do its.

Stimpy

shoots4fun · « **Reply #9 on:** September 03, 2005, 03:38:29 PM »

I am looking at getting in to reloading as well. Glad I found this thread. Think I'll try a Lee loader as well.

One question though. Once I buy the Lee Loader Kit, then I have to by a die set for whatever caliber I want to load, correct?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #10 on:** September 03, 2005, 04:28:47 PM »

Each Lee Loader is caliber specific.

http://leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1125800909.768=/html/catalog/cleeloader.html

shoots4fun · « **Reply #11 on:** September 03, 2005, 04:36:23 PM »

I was just browsing Cabela's, didn't realize how many kits Lee makes. I should have mentioned I want to get the Lee Anniversary Loading Kit. It appears that along with the Anniversary Kit, I need a set of Dies. I'm a bit confused when looking at Cabelas assortment of Lee Dies. They show, Paceseter Dies, Collet Dies and Crimp Dies. Then they also offer the Deluxe Riffle sizing die set. What do I need to get for dies? All help appreciated.

shoots4fun · « **Reply #12 on:** September 03, 2005, 04:38:25 PM »

Here is the link to the page of dies I'm looking at.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/pod-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20712&rid=&indexId=cat20847&navAction=push&navCount=42&parentType=index&parentId=cat20847&id=0012803

shoots4fun · « **Reply #13 on:** September 04, 2005, 08:51:46 AM »

OK, I think I figured it out.

I bought the Lee Anniversary Loader Kit, 2 sets of Lee Pacesetter Dies (.243 and .30-06), the Handy loader and a case length gague for both calibers. Also got the Lee Modern Reloading book. If I like it, I'm sure I'll get a set of dies for my .40 S&W

Slamfire · « **Reply #14 on:** September 04, 2005, 05:23:22 PM »

The Lee Loader is different than others, it doesn't require a press. You use a plastic faced hammer to neck resize and seat bullets. It used a dipper to thow moderate loads, and only costs about $20. I still have one in 257 Roberts that I can use the seating die as a straight line seater in my 6.5s. :wink: Lee makes several presses and conventional dies like all the other companies. I use a Turret Press, which is a semiautomatic, performing a different operation on each pull of the handle. You still add primers, powder and bullets by hand.

MnMike · « **Reply #15 on:** September 06, 2005, 04:10:02 PM »

You are off to a good start.

If you get bit by the accuracy bug, you may want to add the collet die for one or both of your rounds. Neck sizing increases accuracy and doesnt require lubing the cases. There is also less case stretching and therefore less trimming.

I keep thinking about upgrading pieces of my aniverary set, but I never do, It all works.

mike

shoots4fun · « **Reply #16 on:** September 06, 2005, 04:33:58 PM »

Thanks for the heads-up on the Collet Dies. I'm sure I'll add them to my set once I start using a bench rest for a little target shooting. Looking forward to receiveing my loader and supplies.

7x57mm · « **Reply #17 on:** September 07, 2005, 12:27:29 PM »

I began with a simple little Lee Loader in .284 Winchester in 1964 and several years later moved up to the Lee Anniversary Kit, which included the press, powder measurer, powder scale, Lee Auto primer, a set of Pacesetter Dies and a caliber specific trimming tool along with a set of shell holders for the primer. For each caliber I had to buy another set of dies and trimming tool (about $3 to $4). I have to admit it really filled my needs for the moment. I later bought some Hornady Dies and lastly some Foster Dies, gave the lee set away and bought the Lyman Single Stage Orange Crusher reloading kit. For the money the Lee kit is about as good as it gets and while you don't dump a lot of money into the hobby, you can determine if you really like it. I would highly recommend some additional reloading books, specifically the Lyman Metalic Cartridge Reloading Manual. You will also do well with a set of dial calipers to determine overall length of your cartridge. Like I said, it is one heck of a hobby to get into, but it does not save you any money. You just get to shoot a heck of a lot more. Have fun. Tom Purdom

TCBrian · « **Reply #18 on:** September 14, 2005, 07:33:43 AM »

I use a RCBS rockchucker and have had no problems, but it is all I have ever known, there may be better out there, but it works for me.

I use dies from several manufactuers, but most are RCBS. I really like the lee collet dies for loading thompson center rounds. They require no lube and only necksize, which is all you need in a single shot. For straight wall cartridges, get carbide dies. No lube required!

For trimming, I have found the lee lock stud and trimmer sets to be by far the easiest way to trim. You use an electric drill and it takes seconds to trim a case. All of my lee trimmers trim right to the proper trim to length with no hassle and ajustment. My other trimmers now sit and rust.

Lots of good info on here, hope that helps and doesn't confuse you further. I know getting into reloading is a daunting task. I remember how baffled I was when I first got started.

Best advise anyone can give is get a really good reloading manual and read it front to back before you buy any equipment. After that, keep it simple and safe and it will be easy.

Brian

rrdaniels · « **Reply #19 on:** September 17, 2005, 08:09:52 AM »

I notice in your replies none of you guys mention a scale. You really need an accurate scale with check weights to safely reload. One of the double or triple beam balances work fine or electronic scales may be a little faster, but it is more important than the press and dies.

Although manufacturers keep the density of their canister grade material remarkably consistant, there is a variation from lot to lot. Volumetric loading is only safe IF you have checked the charge thrown on an accurate scale. Check a sample during each session. I like to check each of the first 10, then one out of ten for the remainder of the session. For critical applications such as load development I will weigh every charge.

If you don't weigh you don't know how much powder you put in your round.