Author Topic: If I'm only reloading for one rifle... (Read 1669 times)

84jeepj10 · « **on:** April 23, 2007, 07:01:26 AM »

If I'm only reloading for one rifle a 30-06sprg. Is the Lee Anniversary Reloading Kit good enough? I'm heavily weighing price, and that kit is under $70 before s&h. If I get that kit what else will I need to purchase to reload for 30-06sprg hunting ammo? I read in "The Definitive 'New to Reloading' thread" that the Lyman Reloading Manual is right for me. Prior to that I was set on the Sierra manual, but find the the Lyman will be easier for me to understand at my current level.

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 23, 2007, 07:32:10 AM »

jeep

For someone just getting into loading the Lee kit will work fine , you will need a set of dies , powder , primers and bullets . all this can be had for about another $70 bucks or so depending on which dies you chose and what bullets you get . Speer , Sierra and Hornady are all good bullets at a desent price .

The Lyman will also be a good choice to start with , granted the Lee book is ok but reads like a Ad. for Lee products , also it will have a lot of info that you will not need at this point .

I have been using Lee for over 25 years with very few complaints other than the scale , i'm not a big fan of it , BUT it will work .

stimpy

MnMike · « **Reply #2 on:** April 23, 2007, 05:16:45 PM »

If your rifle is a bolt or a single shot, you could get the Lee Classic Loader for 30-06. It costs less than $20 and produces accurate ammo. It is not convenient to use, but to do enough ammo for hunting, it is workable.

mike

quickdtoo · « **Reply #3 on:** April 23, 2007, 05:22:00 PM »

Mike makes a good point, if you're operating on a budget and space is limited, the Lee Classic Loader is a good way to start out, millions of newbie reloaders have started with one, many still use it, it will make very accurate ammo, albeit at a slow production rate.

Tim

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/51

beemanbeme · « **Reply #4 on:** April 24, 2007, 02:02:50 AM »

Another vote for the Lee Loader. Getcha a Lee loader, a pound of 4350 (powder), 100 Lg Rifle primers, 100 165gr Remington Core Lokt or Hordady bullets and a plastic mallet. And you are ready to go. I assume you have salvaged range brass; if so, sort it by head stamp for uniformity and wipe it down good with a soft cloth before you start. While it's not necessary, I recommend the Lee Auto Prime to avoid the excitement when you pop the occasional primer with the Lee outfit.
I own or have owned most of the foolish "stuff" and thingies made to separate a reloader from his money but I still like to run up a batch of ammo using a Lee loader every so often. Helps me realize that most of the stuff I have is "nice to have" not gotta have.

dw06 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 24, 2007, 03:21:40 AM »

+1 on what beemanbeme said,I've got lee loaders for every caliber rifle I own and use them a good bit.Just add a powder scale to the list and then you can work up the best loads for the rifle you are eorking with.

Questor · « **Reply #6 on:** April 24, 2007, 03:28:17 AM »

Forget about the price of cheap new equipment, shop for good used equipment on e-bay. There's plenty of good stuff there for low dollars. You just need to research what you need to buy.

OR-E-Gun Bill · « **Reply #7 on:** April 24, 2007, 06:01:17 AM »

"Forget about the price of cheap new equipment, shop for good used equipment on e-bay."

I am so happy that there was no internet when I started handloading.
The Lee Anniversary Kit was the best I could afford back then and if I had heard all the negative garbage about LEE that I see on this & other handloading forums, the years of enjoyment that I have had with my "cheap equipment" would have never happened and I probably would have just bought factory ammo instead.

Handloading for a beginner can be confusing enough, so why make it even more so by adding negativity to it and turn them off from even starting?

Bill

dw06 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 24, 2007, 07:08:48 AM »

Good point Bill,Since I've been online,I've seen everything from short barrels won't shoot to using graphite to lube case necks will blow you up!Got to watch these keyboard 'EXPERTS"

Questor · « **Reply #9 on:** April 24, 2007, 07:26:15 AM »

My point is that you can get top quality RCBS and similar equipment on e-bay today for the cost of low-end equipment. Having good equipment pretty much guarantees that you won't get frustrated by the quirks low-end equipment, like the famous lee powder scale and powder measure.

dw06 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 24, 2007, 07:38:18 AM »

I was meaning in general terms of things you run into on the net,didn't mean you Questor,and sure hope you didn't take it that way.True there are some good buys on used equipment on ebay,but sometimes the shipping on heavy items like a pree will negate the savings.

Questor · « **Reply #11 on:** April 24, 2007, 07:57:36 AM »

My tack on the buying of reloading equipment is to get something good in the first place. Not great, just good. I remember I got started in handloading with a Lee Loader for 12 gauge shotshells and produced such poor ammunition that I was turned off for decades from handloading. Now I have a low-end MEC machine, and it's great. It gives me sensational ammo with not a lot of effort, and the cost was reasonable.

I think the real question is how to help this new fellow get the most out of what is inexpensively obtainable in such a way that it really encourages him to stick with it. I think the best advice so far has been to try the Lee Loader. Try it. Get a feel for handloading. See if it's worth your while, then skip the Anniversary kit and upgrade to a Rockchucker kit or something like it. That will minimize the initial investment and pave the way for a frugal but sensible upgrade.

burntmuch · « **Reply #12 on:** April 24, 2007, 08:08:56 AM »

The Lee loader will do everything you need. I load for my 06 & 4570 with them. They work great. As far as manuals, I liked the lee, but I also read the lyman. Get them both ,that will give you a few more loads for your 06, Also get a scale or a set of dippers. Im still working on my 06. still in the 2 inch groups. but Ive got my 45/70 dialed in ragged holes at 50yds 1inch at 100 All my reloading gear fits into a tool box.
Jay

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #13 on:** April 24, 2007, 12:22:23 PM »

nothing wrong with the aniversary kit. Id go that route rather then the lee loader. There SLOW and only neck size brass.

qajaq59 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 26, 2007, 01:46:39 AM »

There's nothing wrong with the Lee loader, but if you have a reloading shop close by check and see if they have any used presses. The one near me usually has several and some of the prices have been dirt cheap. Plus, generally those guys can help you along with the hobby.

beemanbeme · « **Reply #15 on:** April 26, 2007, 06:22:26 AM »

Questor, Ebay can be a gold mine of good "stuff" but the only problem I would have in sending a newby to Ebay is how would he know what was good stuff and what was bad? What was needed and what was nice to have if you're loading for bench rest, etc. You and I may know that a RCBS Rock Chucker is a good press (so I've heard, I've never owned one as the RCBS Jr press I bought used 40 years ago is still going strong) but how would a newby know this?
My suggestion of starting with a Lee Loader was so he could learn the nuts and bolts of reloading while becoming familar with what sort of equipment would fit his needs and pocketbook.
Knowing what I know now (ain't hindsight great) I would buy a lee Loader and then buy a good scale and an auto prime before I'd even invest in a press if funds dictated.
Of course, when we're spending other peoples money, we always go for the top of the line. But does your average reloader really need a Rock Chucker? And, of course, a Dillon is all the way off the chart.

Questor · « **Reply #16 on:** April 26, 2007, 08:06:18 AM »

Beemanbeme:

This is the eternal struggle, isn't it? My main objection to the Lee equipment is that I've been down that road and the result was deep, deep dissatisfaction and total distrust. Simply changing the equipment solved all the problems permanently. Some of the Lee-related problems I had were quite expensive.

Considering the detailed nature of reloading, if a newbie isn't willing to do a little research, then it's probably not a good hobby for that person. I wish I had had e-bay when I started reloading.

skarke · « **Reply #17 on:** April 27, 2007, 05:31:39 AM »

Get yourself a Lee Loader, it'll do a great job, teach you the process, and it's lots of fun. By the way, it's built pretty well, contrary to what you might have heard. LOTS of people get started with this, and many nationally competitive shooters use certain Lee products (i.e. the Lee Collet Die). The difference between handload accuracy with a lee loader that is properly used and that done with equipment costing 10 times as much is usually less than a quarter inch. Huge if your a competitive shooter, insignificant if you are a deer hunter.

The one piece of equipment that you really need for safety is a decent dial caliper (20 bucks at your nearest Harbor Freight Tools) a case length trimmer (Lee cutter with ball grip is <$5 and a Lee case length gage and shell holder to go with it for the 30 06 is another 4 bucks), and a neck chamfer tool (again, 3 or 4 bucks). Brass stretches when it is fired, especially in high pressure centerfire cartridges. You don't want case lengths, especially at the neck, that are longer than your chamber. That is dangerous.

Most of all, handloading is very fun and addictive, you'll love it, all of us reading this forum do

skarke · « **Reply #18 on:** April 27, 2007, 05:41:43 AM »

PS to my previous post. When using the Lee sizer, you'll need to insert the sizer all the way to the primer flash hole. These holes often have a burr on the inside that comes from when the hole was stamped. Because of this, you'll want to make doubly sure that the case length gage is fully seated (just wiggle it, you'll get the feel).

For $30 bucks more, you can get a Lyman Accutrimmer which uses a standard case holder (cheap) For $40 out the door, and you can get within .001"

Just a thought, this is the most important safety issue that some people overlook when getting into handloading.

Dan

beemanbeme · « **Reply #19 on:** April 27, 2007, 02:12:04 PM »

See how many "thingies" you "must have" for "just a few dollars more". ROFLMAO!! A fellow can save his way into the poor house.

skarke · « **Reply #20 on:** April 27, 2007, 04:09:02 PM »

As you can see, there are many opinions. What is true is that safety is of paramount importance. I'm sure that there is consensus that case length is an important issue. No matter what you use to reload your shells, you'll need something to ensure proper case length. The Lee loader and a simple case trimmer is sufficient to load safely. You can spend $250 getting rigged with a bunch of "quality" equipment to load your shells, but......

Bottom line, you'll still need a dial caliper and something to trim cases.

So, you can spend $20 on a Lee loader and between $15 and $40 more to trim cases, or you can spend $250 (which if you decide you love it, you can get over time as you need it), plus the same $15 to $40 bucks for a case trimmer.

I've given you a couple of options that will do the job well, and are affordable. Start small, learn the process and see if you like it, and move forward from there.

Just MHO

84jeepj10 · « **Reply #21 on:** April 29, 2007, 10:02:27 PM »

Whew, alot more replies than I'd expected. I think I'll test the water with this Lee Classic Reloader kit ya'll we're talkin about. That way if I don't like it or give up on it I won't have lost much $$. Thanks for all the great advice!

totallycustom · « **Reply #22 on:** April 30, 2007, 08:16:07 AM »

I think a lee loader is gonna be my next purchase with the trimmer/ lock stud, chamfer tool, and primer pocket cleaner like what is shown on beartooth bullets. He has an excellent article on loading with the lee loader. 45/70 Ammo is expensive and i hope i can shoot a little more for about the same cost as buying ammo, and if not at least have a little fun making my own ammo.

-TC-

burntmuch · « **Reply #23 on:** April 30, 2007, 01:27:56 PM »

I just started loading for my 45/70, withe the lee loader. I was shooting the rem 300 gns at 27.oo a box. with reloading 20 rounds with the same bullet is costing me 7 or 8 bucks. & im getting 1 inch to inch & half groups, plenty good for hunting

skarke · « **Reply #24 on:** April 30, 2007, 02:21:32 PM »

:)You are going to be thrilled. It is fun, and most people get hooked.

I thought a short explanation on case length might be in order, FWIW. As cartridges are fired, the brass stretches. If it stretches so far as to allow the case mouth to contact the end of the chamber, it'll pinch the brass into the bullet, in effect crimping it and not allowing it to easily release the bullet upon firing. This can happen after just a couple of firings, especially with a high pressure cartridge like a 3006. This causes dangerous pressures.

That's why case length is important.

Have fun, we all do.

84jeepj10 · « **Reply #25 on:** May 03, 2007, 01:51:51 PM »

What are the tolerances for 30-06 sprg case length? I have a set of good dial calipers from my machining days so I can keep a good eye on it.
Also, I had someone tell me that 165 grn would be overkill on a deer, however I thought that 165 grn would be a perfect all around med/big game round. What do yall normally load for a general purpose one shot med/big game load?
I'm thinking Sierra GameKing .30cal 165grn HPBT at 2700 fps with Federal brass and Federal #210 primer, don't know what kind of powder I need to achieve this though, this may well be my first load, any ideas? UPS delivers my Lee Loader tomorrow (4 May)

burntmuch · « **Reply #26 on:** May 03, 2007, 03:25:52 PM »

the lee loader will have a couple loads for ya. Im using IMR 4064. You need to get you a manual. I liked the lee 2nd edition. It seemed easier to follow for me. I personally dont think 165 grn is over kill. Ive never seen a deer thats too dead The lee loader is all I use & Im just starting out. It can be kinda intimidating at first. just follow the instructions & you cant go wrong. I bought a set of lee dippers ,that gives me a couple different loads for each bullet weight. But if you use the dipper in the lee loader & powder the list for that load ,im sure youll end up with a descent group.
Jay

beemanbeme · « **Reply #27 on:** May 04, 2007, 03:56:25 AM »

I've probably shot more 165gr bullets thru my 30-06 than all the rest combined. It works well with the '06 IMO. I use the Rem core lokt bullets myself but that's what my rifle shoots best. One nice thing about the '06 is you don't need a boutique bullet for it to do its job. My powder of choice is 4350 but again, the '06 is pretty darned democratic toward powders.

dw06 · « **Reply #28 on:** May 04, 2007, 06:17:29 AM »

Like beemanbeme,I've shoot more 165gr than all others.They are a great weight for the 06 and perform well.I also use nothing but IMR 4350 with them,and also 150s or 180s.Don't know why but after using the 165s for years I started using the 150s last 4 years,the partition and last year the accubond.They all do great.As for powders,they is a bunch of them that will work thats for sure!I just like have one that does well like 4350 and buy it in 8lb kegs

burntmuch · « **Reply #29 on:** May 04, 2007, 12:20:56 PM »

I ve been using 150s but I may try some 160 partitions.