Advice

[Beekeeper]

I'm thinking of getting a Lee Anniversary Reloading Kit.  I have no experience in reloading so I figured youins could tell me if this is a good idea.  I have heard from a couple people that you need to full length size your brass for the handi rifles or you will have stuck cases-is this true, or can I just neck size them?  I'll probably have a gazillion questions for you guys later, but figured I get to looking for what I wanted.  Figured the Reloading kits would be the best way to start.  
Any help would be appreciated.
Zach :grin:

[Ed Hill]

Zach, I got out of reloading 25 yrs ago, and six months ago bought a Lee Aniversary kit. It works and is inexpensive but... I already wish I had a better press, the primer catcher on the anniversary press is a pain and I dislike the Lee scale. The other tools are just fine. Were I starting from scratch, I'd get the Lee cast press, case tools and dies from Midway, and buy an O'haus or RCBS scale and a Lee (or RCBS) powder measure on Ebay. Make sure you know prices before you bid as some folks seem to bid over mail order prices, but there are some real bargains.
My other advice would be to buy a good reloading manual or ABC's of reloading and read it first to help you decide on equipment. Good luck!
E.D.

[Fred M]

Zach.
Don't go cheap on a press. By the best and the strongest you can afford.
Don't  buy kits either, rather pick bits and pieces that are most suitable and work well. I use a Redding Ultra Mag press had others which either broke or sprung. For light duty work most presses work good enough but are not much good for full sizing or brass conversions for wild cats.

A press is a life time tool.

A good scale and a powder measure are indispensable. The  Lee hand Auto prime is cheap and unbeatable and lasts for years. Lee dies are pretty good too. Shop careful. Fred M.

[Paul5388]

E.D. has some good advice about the press.  The Lee Classic Cast Iron press looks as good as the RCBS  Rock Chucker that I use and cost about half as much.  

RCBS bought out Ohaus over 20 years ago, but the 505 I have is just a accurate as it was in 1973 when I bought it (I just checked it against a Dillion electronic scale tonight).

I use a Redding #3 powder measure with the universal micrometer that I bought on Ebay to replace my old Redding.

After 30+ years of using RCBS dies, I have switched to Lee dies.  You get more features for less money and you don't need an extra "stuck case remover".

Get a reloading manual (or two or three) that has the powders and bullets listed that are available around your location.  Bullets can be ordered, but the weigh a lot and shipping gets high real quick.  Powder has a $20 Haz Mat fee added to it, so it's better to get it locally or buy enough to make the fee less per pound.

[Wlscott]

Zach, I bought a Lee Classic Cast press on Ebay.  It was new in factory box and I gave $46.00 with shipping for it.  

This press is a large O-Frame press much like the Rock Chucker, but the opening is larger.  

You might look around on Ebay.  Check Midway and Midsouth and find out how much it costs with shipping from them, then start bidding on one.  Make sure it says that you're bidding on a "new in box" item and that's what you'll get.

[JohnDY]

I did some reloading in the past but got out of it. Then most of reloading stuff was stolen out of my garage. But I recently took it back up. I ordered the Lee Anniversary kit along with the dies and the Lee case trimmer. I also bought a Lee bottom pour lead furnace and bullet casting mould. I'm happy with everything but the scale.  I find it hard to adjust.

Still, for the cost of some other manufacturers kits. I am both casting bullets and reloading ammo.

[Beekeeper]

Thanks for the tips guys.  I'll start looking around, and go from there.
Have Fun :grin:
zach

[Paul5388]

Here's a review on the Lee Classic.
http://webpages.charter.net/bchannell/lccp.html