Author Topic: What do I need? (Read 1371 times)

DalesCarpentry · « **on:** November 30, 2007, 09:08:26 AM »

Hi guy's. I am new to this forum and never posted here. Many of you probably know me from being around GBO for some time. I really need to get into reloading. I have a tack driving Remington 700 SPS Varmint 243. I bet I spent at least $700.00 ( Probably a lot more ) in ammo this past summer at the range and shooting Groundhogs. With the cost of ammo going up and up with no end in sight I will need to do this just to be able to shoot next year. I have been looking at the Lee Anniversary Reloading Kit and feel it would be a low cost way to get into reloading. http://www.natchezss.com/category.cfm?category=475&brand=LE&catLevel=2 I will end up reloading for other calibers some day. Is it worth all the extra money to buy a press that you pull the handle once and you have a finished round ready to go. I really have no experience at all in reloading and any input would be helpful. After I buy this kit what other items are a must have to turn out a round. I sure could use a complete list of everything needed. Money is a factor for me. That is why I am steering toward Lee products. I hear they are not bad and get the job done. I don't need all the latest most expensive stuff. I just need to turn out decent ammo. Thanks in advance Dale.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** November 30, 2007, 09:18:57 AM »

Dale, that Lee kit is discontinued, it's been replaced by their new Breech Lock Challenger kit. Please read the sticky for new handloaders at the top of this forum.

Tim

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0000690030

http://leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1196453906.4536=/html/catalog/anivers.html

myronman3 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 30, 2007, 09:51:09 AM »

if you spent $700 in ammo, you NEED to get into reloading. i hope you saved your brass. and if you spent that much, go and get a dillon 550. for 700, you will have a quality press, enough bullets and powder to shoot much, much more with ammo made to suit your exact purpose. i know it seems like alot, believe me you'll thank me.

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #3 on:** November 30, 2007, 10:06:42 AM »

Yes I have saved every piece of brass I have fired in the past 2 years. I have hundreds of 204 and 243 brass saved up because I knew I was going to have to get into someday. Dale

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #4 on:** November 30, 2007, 10:56:36 AM »

Through the end of the year Hornady is running the deal giving 500 or 1000 free bullets
http://www.hornady.com/get_loaded.php

KN · « **Reply #5 on:** November 30, 2007, 11:08:07 AM »

Dale, I reload close to 3000 rifle rounds each year, all on a single stage press. It really doesn't take that long if you break it up into 200-300 piece lots. Personally I use a Forester Co-Ax press. A little pricey but well worth the money. But any quality press will do. My opinion, stay away from Lee products. I've thrown more of it away over the years than I ever kept. RCBS, Hornady, Redding, Dillon,Lyman, Forester,are all good products. KN

beemanbeme · « **Reply #6 on:** November 30, 2007, 11:47:15 AM »

This happens every time someone asks about getting into reloading. You have the "there's no need to take a second mortage to reload" group and the "I spent more money on my stuff than you did" group.
If you can afford it, get the RCBS STARTER kit. If not, the Lee kit will take you where you want to go. Forget the specialty dies. To start, stick with simple Full Length resizing dies. Your first add on purchase should be a good scale. A 5-5 or a 10-10. Your next purchase should be a Chrony. Those two items will open up your reloading horizons more than anything else.
Stick with a single stage press. At least until you are well grounded in the fundementals of reloading. Then if you want to go to a turret press or one of those automatic things, you can sell your rig or pass it along to a beginner. I've reloaded for over 45 years and still use single stage. It how good you can make it, not how fast.
Once you've got your basic kit and your feet on the ground you can start buying some of the "nice to have" items and gadgets. Of course, you want your very first purchase to be a good reloading book or two to read, cover to cover, before you load your first cartridge. The .243 has been around for quite a while so you could probably pick up a reloading book or two on Ebay for half price that doesn't have all the latest cartridges in it. It would still have everything you'd need about reloading and everything you'd need to know about reloading the .243.

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #7 on:** November 30, 2007, 12:01:15 PM »

Thanks guy's for the info so far. Dale

The Sodbuster · « **Reply #8 on:** December 01, 2007, 05:55:36 AM »

There are a few items that do not come with typical reloading starter kits that I find extremely valuable. These include calipers, a case trimmer, and a case cleaner. Additional manuals are worth the money. You can find manufacturer's reloading data on powder manufacturer's web sites, though generally not on bullet manufacturer's websites. Good luck with it. It's a good hobby to get in to.

mnmoosehunter · « **Reply #9 on:** December 01, 2007, 07:18:38 AM »

I'm in the same boat as you, Dale. Although I have no spent brass yet...

I'm seriously considering the RCBS Supreme kit. It's their famous single stage press combined with a bunch of other needed goodies. It's quite reasonably priced as well....

Savage · « **Reply #10 on:** December 01, 2007, 01:11:36 PM »

If I were buying reloading start up gear, and wanted to get in inexpensively, primarily loading for rifles, and wanted the best equipment for my money---------. I don't think I'd buy a kit. I'd put together what I consider the best available at the best price from multiple manufacturers. I'd buy the Lee "Classic" single stage press, a scale and powder measure from RCBS, measuring instruments and tumbler from Frankford Arsenal, case trimmers from Lee, dies from RCBS or Redding, case lube/prep gear from RCBS or Lyman, RCBS hand priming tool, and the Lee/Speer loading manuals. That would be a reloading setup that would still be producing good ammo 50 yrs from now.
Savage

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #11 on:** December 01, 2007, 01:33:32 PM »

Quote from: Savage on December 01, 2007, 01:11:36 PM

If I were buying reloading start up gear, and wanted to get in inexpensively, primarily loading for rifles, and wanted the best equipment for my money---------. I don't think I'd buy a kit. I'd put together what I consider the best available at the best price from multiple manufacturers. I'd buy the Lee "Classic" single stage press, a scale and powder measure from RCBS, measuring instruments and tumbler from Frankford Arsenal, case trimmers from Lee, dies from RCBS or Redding, case lube/prep gear from RCBS or Lyman, RCBS hand priming tool, and the Lee/Speer loading manuals. That would be a reloading setup that would still be producing good ammo 50 yrs from now.
Savage

I have to say that sounds like a good idea also. I have been reading up on the Hornady Lock N Load and with their free bullets look great. The thing is I won't be able to buy any of this stuff till spring. I have been talking about doing this for some time now and am really going to take the plunge when funds come avaible. Dale

beemanbeme · « **Reply #12 on:** December 02, 2007, 05:16:09 AM »

Savage has a good idea and I go along with his choices. Reloading component companies enjoy some strong customer alligence and usually if you ask what is the best xxx, it turns into a pissing contest.
Most kits have some good stuff and some junque that you never use. But if you ask someone for a list of what you need, it can get tedious.
If you're not gonna buy your rig until spring, start a list now of what you NEED and what you would like to have. And refine it over the winter. Start out thinking of how simple a Lee Loader is and how many gazillion rounds of ammo have been loaded with them and go from there. I don't know if Ebay still lets presses and such be sold or not but a used RCBS Jr or a Lee Champion might be picked up cheap or a set of calipers.
Doing it Savage's way, your expense can be spread out instead of in a lump.
The only problem with Savage's way is not knowing what you need or what's best. You've been around long enough to pretty well know what's good and what's not.

Chilachuck · « **Reply #13 on:** December 02, 2007, 05:44:02 AM »

I have to brush up on reloading because it's been about 10 years, so I'm not going to get real specific.

Beginner kits are good because they give you what you need to start. That's the way I'd go in your shoes. Some companies have Christmas sales, but I take it you have a post-Christmas wallet now, eh?

Just some thoughts, what I'd be doing in your shoes right now:

Pick up lead now, as much as you can. Lot's of people are going over to studded tires, so the tire shops should have a fresh supply of weights. Get the bullet casting stuff later.

Brass from $700+ ammo all used once. I hope you put the brass back in the ammo strips and blocks? You can start punching out used primers now if you have a pin punch. Some people use sockets as a base to hold the brass. You will want to clean the primer pocket and make sure the flash hole is good, that's discussed here. I only cleaned the pocket with a cut down .22LR shell, and never thought to do any of the other stuff you will read about here.

You don't need a case cleaner just yet, but that should go on your list of stuff to get.

The best wives tend to be protective of the kitchen counters and the table you eat at. Don't use them for reloading or you gonna end up head down in the stinky stuff.

rbergum95 · « **Reply #14 on:** December 02, 2007, 09:21:46 AM »

dale,
since you are not planning on reloading till spring i would say you should start doing all the research you can NOW. buy at least 3 reloading manuals and read them. this will help you immensely. ask questions here if you need to. of all the equipment i have the most valuable to me is the manuals. over the winter you can read and start getting equipment and familiarize yourself with it before you ever assemble a round.

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #15 on:** December 02, 2007, 09:25:04 AM »

Thanks that is what I am trying to do now. Do some reading and try to learn something before spring. Dale

OR-E-Gun Bill · « **Reply #16 on:** December 02, 2007, 09:44:10 AM »

Dale, this may be a bit premature, by all indications you will be getting into the reloading addiction soon, but have you given much thought into where you will be setting up your reloading bench and how you will set it up? I'm sure, with your woodworking skills, you will end up with an awesome bench. I've seen some great looking setups here on GBO, maybe some of those can give you good ideas on what you might want. Might make for a good winter project...
I'll be looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

Bill

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #17 on:** December 02, 2007, 12:33:56 PM »

I believe I will set up a bench in the corner of the bedroom. I have a very large bedroom. Just have to figure out how to get that past the wife. Dale

SM Bob · « **Reply #18 on:** December 02, 2007, 02:18:14 PM »

Quote from: Savage on December 01, 2007, 01:11:36 PM

If I were buying reloading start up gear, and wanted to get in inexpensively, primarily loading for rifles, and wanted the best equipment for my money---------. I don't think I'd buy a kit. I'd put together what I consider the best available at the best price from multiple manufacturers. I'd buy the Lee "Classic" single stage press, a scale and powder measure from RCBS, measuring instruments and tumbler from Frankford Arsenal, case trimmers from Lee, dies from RCBS or Redding, case lube/prep gear from RCBS or Lyman, RCBS hand priming tool, and the Lee/Speer loading manuals. That would be a reloading setup that would still be producing good ammo 50 yrs from now.
Savage

Good advice Savage!
Dale,
I started reloading with my Dad when I was about 6 years old. When I was 18
I got a RCBS Rockchucker kit. I still have all of the equipment and it still works
fine. If I had to do it all over I would probably go with Lee equipment. A single
stage press is all you need. I have loaded many thousands and thousands of
rifle and handgun ammo with mine over the years. Lee has a good kit that will
work just fine for you. I would also get a case tumbler right away. I use a Lyman
Turbo. There are other brands out there that work just as well. You need to
work with clean brass to start off with. For case lube I like Hornady One Shot.
I have never had a stuck case with it yet and it is easy to clean off afterwords.
Some case lubes are like axle grease. What a mess! One Shot make your
reloading much more enjoyable. I would also get a case trimmer. Lee has a case
trimmer setup that is inexpensive and it will get the job done. You will need a
couple of small things like a primer pocket cleaner and an inside/outside champhering
tool. Many of these things come with the kit. You will need a set of calipers to check
case lengths and cartridge overall length. A 6" dial caliper from Harbor Freight runs
less than $15 and will work just fine. The Lee kit comes with the Lee Auto Prime
hand priming tool. This is a great tool! I can prime 300 cases in an hour with the Auto
Prime without even even breaking a sweat. Other companies make hand primers
similar to the Auto Prime. I'm sure they work well too. As for dies, I have bought
a lot of dies from various companies over the years. RCBS, Lee, Redding, and Lyman.
They are all good and I honestly can't say one brand is better than the other
quality wise. They are all good. Lee is definitely the most reasonably priced of
the bunch. When I reload straight walled handgun ammo I only use carbide dies.
The great thing about carbide is no case lube is necessary. What a god send
these dies are! Reloading manuals are a must! Speer, Lyman, Lee, Sierra.
Take your pick. I also get a lot of information from the powder companies
web sites. Hodgdon, Alliant etc. have lots of good load data. I would stay
away from some sites where people post loads for different calibers. These
haven't been verified and could be dangerous. The loads listed in the reloading
manuals and on the powder companies websites have all been tested.
Reloading is a lot of fun and it saves you a ton of money. I know you will
enjoy it.

Robert

http://leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1196453906.4536=/html/catalog/anivers.html

LHitchcox · « **Reply #19 on:** December 03, 2007, 02:23:12 AM »

A kit is a good way to get in all at once, but as has been mentioned some of the equipment in a kit may be worse than other manufacturers products. The Lee kit has everything you need except dies, but I don't like their scale very much. It works, but it settles slowly and is not the easiest to set. The press works well, but seems to have some overtravel. I would not be without a Lee hand priming tool.

If I were starting today I would buy a Lee Classic Cast press or a Classic Turret(I replaced my Rockchucker with one recently), Lee dies (they come with shell holder unless you buy the RGB line_ and powder measure(unless I was shooting a lot of ball powder) and a Lyman scale, The Lee hand trimmer that chucks into a drill is great and fast too. Add a hand priming tool and you would be set.

Hope this helps.

Leon

myarmor · « **Reply #20 on:** December 03, 2007, 11:27:43 AM »

Dale there has been some good advise given here.
But sense you won't be loading till spring and have a few months on your hands, my suggestion is for you to go pick up a good reloading manual like from Speer, or another reputable company right now.
Read a little each night till you get to the actual load data and look at the calibers you are planing on loading.
When the time comes to pick up your Kit or what ever way you decide, you will be ready and informed to get rolling. Be cautious about load data on the internet, unless it's from a reputable source such as the manufactures of the powder, bullets, etc..

-Aaron

LHitchcox · « **Reply #21 on:** December 03, 2007, 11:38:35 AM »

I agree with Aaron about reading. Buy (or borrow) at least 2 manuals and read and reread. If you have only one manual it might be easy to take their data as gospel, but with 2 or more you will see that there are lots of differences in guns and you will also be more likely to see trends (such as when 3 manuals recommend the same powder).

I personally like to have manuals by the companies that produce the bullets I shoot most and from the companies that produce the powders I use most. That is just a personal thing.

Leon

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #22 on:** December 03, 2007, 01:46:10 PM »

I have been doing a lot of reading the past few days. The more I read the more I like Hornady or Rcbs as far as a start up kit goes. The one thing I like about Hornady is Every rifle I have ever owned shot their ammo real well. My Remington 700 SPS 243 shoots 3/8'' groups or less at 100 yards using factory Hornady 58 grain Molly coated ammo. If I buy The Hornady load manual and the 58 grain Molly coated bullets can I reproduce these results with my hand loads? Will they tell me the exact power charge they use in their factory ammo? Will they tell me the type of powder they used in their factory ammo? I don't see me being able to hand load something better than I am shooting from them now. I just want to save money. I really know how my rifle shoots. I really like Hornady ammo. If I see a Groundhog or Crow out to 400 yards you can consider them a mist in the past with this ammo. I do get a little iffy past 400 yards though. I am going to be working on that though. Dale

beemanbeme · « **Reply #23 on:** December 03, 2007, 06:44:06 PM »

The short answer is no. The reason is the large ammo manufacturers buy powder in large lots and only specify a general burn rate. Once they have it, the guys in white coats decide how much they need in each case to produce xxx velocity. This is why store bought ammo can vary from lot to lot. The powder is seldom a canister powder like you and I can buy.
The up side is that with a little care and tinkering, you can come up with a load that is superior to any store bought ammo.

PartsMan · « **Reply #24 on:** December 04, 2007, 07:01:31 AM »

If you can find someone that still has the anniversary kit in stock I would recommend it.
I am still learning but it is very simple and has good instructions with pics.

bulzaye · « **Reply #25 on:** December 15, 2007, 02:08:22 PM »

I have been reloading for a few years now. I started with a Lee anniversary kit. For under 100 bucks you are pretty much good to go with the exception of dies. I have changed and added equipment as I have moved along and could afford it. I now have a Lee turret press with the 4 hole turrets. I also replaced the scales that came in the set with a lyman dps. This was the best thing I ever did as far as reloading. I have 4 manuals now but I find myself mostly looking at the sierra manual. I purchased calipers and some extra case holders so I can have different cases at different times. Bottom line get what you can afford and make the best of it. I have made great accurate shells with the lee set up as I have with anything else. I mean moa is moa regardless.

Nightstalker6117 · « **Reply #26 on:** February 22, 2008, 02:49:09 PM »

dale what did you end up getting I am REALLY wanting to get into reloading just waiting for the funds to say i can.... anyways what did ya get and do you wish you went another way... thanks for the info

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #27 on:** February 22, 2008, 03:53:12 PM »

Quote from: Nightstalker6117 on February 22, 2008, 02:49:09 PM

dale what did you end up getting I am REALLY wanting to get into reloading just waiting for the funds to say i can.... anyways what did ya get and do you wish you went another way... thanks for the info

So far I have pretty much all Lee equipment. I have yet to load a round yet. I have resixed my brass though. I am happy with it so far. Dale

colocowboy76 · « **Reply #28 on:** February 22, 2008, 05:25:02 PM »

you will be very happy with your Lee equipment, I am. Even with the hand press kit I started with I was able to load ammo that was able to group under 1" at 200.