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Author Topic: what else do i need to start reloading?  (Read 454 times)

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Offline sachel.45

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what else do i need to start reloading?
« on: August 01, 2006, 09:42:15 AM »
ok i'mm looking at getting in to reloading i have an idea of what i need but what else here what i'll be getting in the near future.
Lee hand press
Lee collet 2-die neck sizer set
Lee auto prime hand primer tool
Lee auto prime shell holder #2
this is for an 30-06 is there anything i should change? the handpress i need cause i don't have that much space and it should work a little better than the classic loader you use with a hammer. sorry for all the questions i want to do this right the first time. also i know about getting a few reloading manuals first.
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Offline davem270win

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Re: what else do i need to start reloading?
« Reply #1 on: August 01, 2006, 10:03:36 AM »
You will need some way to measure powder. Probably a simple balance scale will work for starters. Don't depend solely on the Lee plastic measuring cups, though they're handy to have. A powder funnel to get the powder into the case. You will also need a caliper (for measuring OA and case length among other things), and a deburr tool for the case mouths. You will need some way to lube cases before resizing (a tin of imperial sizing wax or a spray-on lube, and a neck brush). You will also need to be able to trim cases, and I think Lee offers something for that.

Eventually, you'll also want some way to clean your brass. You can start with one of the chemical solutions.

After that, if you like what you're doing, you can spend all kinds of money on reloading gear.

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Offline oznbolivia

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Re: what else do i need to start reloading?
« Reply #2 on: August 01, 2006, 10:17:26 AM »
Sachel.45 hello,  I just started with a LEE system.  Their scale is not the best for the tenth of a grain but usable. Their carbide set of dies are good but I did find the work better with a very little lub on the case. I was loading 38 Specials and that is not listed as needing lub. Setting up of the dies instruction is not really clear. Flaring can get you into trouble because it is easy to flare to deep.

Oz 
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Offline Randy_che

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Re: what else do i need to start reloading?
« Reply #3 on: August 02, 2006, 02:54:40 PM »
A scale is handy to have. The Lee scale is fine. You might be able to find a cheap one on ebay. The capacity is limited on them though, and you might be happier in the long run with an RCBS 505 or similar scale.

For 30-06, you'll need lube. Imperial Die Sizing Wax is very good.

Seems like I'm repeating here.....

The Lee trimmer that chucks into a drill works well, and a Lee chamfer tool.

The mentioned carbide dies and flaring are for handguns. Don't worry about that yet if you are just doing 06 for now.


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Offline PaulS

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Re: what else do i need to start reloading?
« Reply #4 on: August 02, 2006, 05:21:02 PM »
For starting out use the dippers - get the whole set if you want to have more flexibility in your loads. do NOT get the Lee scale! I was given one for free and I looked it over and it looked cheep to start out with. I set it for 30 grains of H414 and then started to run some powder through it. When I checked the powder charge with my Lyman scale it was off by 1 1/2 grains.
I rezero'd the Lee scale made sure it was zero'd before I started. I set it for 30 grains and trickled powder in it. I checked the load and it was off by 1/2 grain. I went back to square one and rezero'd it again. ran it up to 75 grains and put a test wight on it - I adjusted it to match the 75 grain test weight. it was off by 3 grains. I zero'd it at 75 grains (adjust the scale to read right at 75 grains. I removed the weight and set it to zero and it wouldn't zero with the ball and slide!
Maybe I got the one bad scale out of all the scales that Lee ever made - maybe my eyes are too old to use that vernier scale on the slide. I think that the Lee scales are not to be trusted. I can be more accurate with the dipper set that I have. At least they error on the safe side!
Use the dippers until you can buy a real scale - the RCBS 505 is a good beginner scale - I am betting that you can find a good deal on a new scale that won't cost you as much as the doctor bill from using a Lee scale. Like I said - maybe I got a bad one - I don't think it is any differnt than the rest.
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PaulS

Hodgdon, Lyman, Speer, Sierra, Hornady = reliable resources
so and so's pages on the internet = not reliable resources
Alway check loads you find on the internet against manuals.
NEVER exceed maximum listed loads.

Offline snuffer#1

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Re: what else do i need to start reloading?
« Reply #5 on: August 02, 2006, 05:52:55 PM »
Best bet, is to get a Lee Aniversary kit with manual. You can get this for about 82.00 dollars from midway. If you have manuals you can get the kit for 69.99. That is what I've got and it serves me well. ;D It's ( the kit) all I need for what I do, and I reload for a 270, 30-30, 45-70, and 223. Starting soon, I'll reload for my 38 special. I've heard good and bad about Lee but that's with everything. ;) I got started about 7 months ago and I love it. Maybe for CHRISTmas, I'll get myself a turret, but for right now I've got everything I need. Just my 2 cents worth.
                                                                                           snuffer
 BTW, there are some real experts here, and they are more than happy to answer your questions. Believe me you will have some.
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