Just starting out realoading need your opinion

[jager247]

hey guys i got the go ahead from the wife to sink into the world of reloading.  I had bought a lee 1000 a while back but was stuck in a apt. and never set it up.  Now i have my own home and a somewhat understanding wife.

so here we go.  I want to stay with Lee.  i will be loading 308, 357/38, 45apc and 45/70.

as for presses i was just going to get a single stage challenger press but the more i was looking the more i liked the Turret,  which is where i am stuck.  i cant decide between the classic 4-hole Turret w/indexing or the 4--hole Turret deluxe kit.  is there really a big difference in them. 

Thanks

[LaOtto222]

This is just my opinion - Since you want to stick with Lee get their cast iron press single stage press. It costs a little more, but it will last you a long time and is not that much slower than a turret. You have to screw out a die and replace it with another, instead of indexing the head. I started out using a single stage press and I am still using it. A kit usually includes other things, like a scale, reloading manual among other things. I have heard not so good things about Lee scales. As far as dies are concerned get carbide sizing dies for the straight walled cases - it will save you a bunch of head aches - mostly no case lube is needed. Since you want to use Lee dies as well, get the deluxe set for your bottle necked cases (308). They do not cost a whole lot more and they include a neck sizing collet die. Get a Lee Classic cast press and Lee dies, their trimmers are not the best, but are cheap and work and a Lee priming tool down the road. That is about as far as I would go with Lee equipment - but like I said that is my opinion. I just got a 7-08, I wanted to go as cheap as I can and still get good quality reloads. I got Hornady dies and a Lee neck collet die for it. Good Luck and Good Shooting

[carbineman]

The best advice I can give is to get several reloading books and read them and then read them again, if you haven't already done so. While reloading isn't rocket science, to a certain extent it is. If you gain a bit of book learning at the get go, you are way better off. Good Luck.........

[Kurt L]

I agree with the single stage as above.
I also agree that lee scales are a bad deal (HAD ONE)
don't waste your time or money,get a Hornady,Lyman,Rcbs,
something you can TRUST.
I have a Redding case trimmer but have found that I like the
Lee trimmers,I put the cutter in the drill press and I can do
lots of cases in no time.
I also tried the collet dies as above and I have had good luck
with them.If you shoot a bolt action these use no lube also.
I will also add: I have got a couple parts from Lee that broke.
= no problems,also had them in hand 4 days latter.
it took me 4 months to get a primmer catcher for one of my
Rcbs press that broke.
Good luck with your new hobby and by by extra cash

[jager247]

Thanks for the replys guys.   But in no way did you guys even touch the topic at hand.   Anyways I went ahead and ordered the kempf/classic turret press kit. As for the dies the kit came with the pacesetter dies and I can just add a neck sizing die down the road if I wish.

[sk330lc]

They all Touched It well...
When starting out the Single stage press is Priceless...    The Turret press Will Give you too Much to think about. Thats a Good way to Screw up Untill you get the hang of it and the Order Of things..   
So yes they TOUCHED it well!       

[tc scout]

I think everyone gave their best recommendations for someone who is just starting out.

IMHO you have just complicated your learning experience.

Wish you Luck 

[jager247]

My plan is to take the auto index out which will turn it into a single stage press. Once I get the hang of it I can put the auto index back in and now will have a Turret press. Saves me from having to buy another press

The question was, what are the big differences between the  classic turret and the 4 hole turret that comes in the deluxe kit.  That was never touched in the above replys.  I was looking for anwsers like the classic's ram is drilled thru to catch the primers as it's being deprimed.  Or the stroke of the classic is longer and will allow more hand room while placing the bullet on the neck and allows for cases over three inches long to be loaded.  As you can see I have found the answers I was looking for and as I said before. Thanks for the replys   

[Glanceblamm]

I would be looking for a good spot to build a Mutha reloading bench. Mine is just 19" deep but a full 8' long and the height tailored for my step stool.

[Dand]

Very good idea to use the press as a single stage until you are well practiced. If you are talking about the cast iron, classic turret, I think ONCE YOU ARE EXPERIENCED say a couple years of steady loading, the auto index will be very nice for building handgun ammo. I don't know the difference between the kits. I use Lee dies for 40 S&W, 7.62x 39 and have been happy.  I LOVE the factory crimp dies for lever cartridges and handgun ammo.

[Badnews Bob]

The classic is a way tougher press than the four hole deluxe being made from cast steel, the deluxe is made of aluminum. They are otherwise pretty much the same. I have owned both and the classic is much nicer, That's what I would recommend if you don't want a single stage.  In a single stage the Lee classic cast is very tough to beat and can't be beat for the money outlay.

[jager247]

I went with the classic 4 hole turret. Seems like it should last for years of use.  Thanks for the info guys

[beerbelly]

I have the four hole lee and remove the indexing rod to load rifle rounds. I was just worndering if it has enough clearance for those big ol 45-70 founds?
                                 Beerbelly

[Badnews Bob]

I have the four hole lee and remove the indexing rod to load rifle rounds. I was just worndering if it has enough clearance for those big ol 45-70 founds?
                                 Beerbelly

Yes.

[Lloyd Smale]

you probably wont like this advice but here it is anyway. The lee 1000 is a very finiky press that is not a good press for a beginner. Its easy to get in trouble with one and usually by the time a loader gets some experince he realizes that the 1000 is just not a good progressive press. What i would do in your case is sell it. Take the money and buy yourself a good rcbs, lyman or hornady single stage press. Sure they cost a bit more but if you figure you will be using it for the rest of your life the differnce in cost is minor. To me turnet presses are not the way to go either. Sure they load a bit faster then a single stage but not enough faster to really make a differnce. Sure you can keep dies set up but with something like a hornady lock and load you can do the same. If you want faster save your money and by a progressive or a 550 dillon. Theres one thing your going to learn whether it be from others experinces or your own is that you get what you pay for in reloading gear probably more then anything else you will buy. I know money doesnt grow on trees but over the years you use you will not be able to put a price on the lack of agravation using good tools.