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I am in the beginning stages of starting to handload. I just need a scale, priming tool, and components and I'm all set. Here is my opinion. It will vary from some.
Press
Dies
Up to date load manuals; at least one from bullet maker and powder co. you are going to use
scale
case trimmer
calipers
powder measure
powder funnel
primer pocket cleaner
neck brush
case lube and pad
priming tool, either handheld or press mounted
case deburring tool
pliers; if you find a cracked or bad case when inspecting, crimp the mouth shut so you don't load it by mistake, then toss it in the trash
Case tumblers only make your brass shiny. You can clean your cases by simply wiping them off with a rag.
Then, primers, powder, brass, bullets. Use the SPECIFIC components in the load data. Do NOT substitute any component for another, except brass is pretty much brass. Some have tighter QC, but you can load a specific load in either Remington, Winchester, or Starline brass and not have ballistics change enough to matter. Basically, if the data calls for IMR4350 DO NOT SUBSTITUTE H4350 or Alliant 4350 as they are not the same. If the data calls for CCI 200 primers, DO NOT SUBSTITUTE WLR primers just because you are out of the CCI 200 ones. This is dangerous. Your fps might be alright, but your pressure is what matters.
Basic steps are:
Case prep: clean, inspect, decap, trim if needed, deburr, clean primer pocket
Prime
Size/expand neck to accept bullet
Charge with powder
Seat bullet
Crimp bullet if needed
Final inspection
For your first press, I discourage a progressive press. Yes they are faster. However, you are learning and need to watch each and every step and procedure that you do. Weigh every powder charge, yes even for pistol. Once you get the hang of it, then upgrade to a progressive or turret press.
Turret presses are the in-betweens of single and progressives. On a turret, such as the Lee Classic, there is a stationary postion where you place the case. The turret head holds three to four dies which rotate around the single case being loaded. The Lee turret presses have auto index so basically four pulls of the press handle equals one loaded round. You only concentrate on one case at a time versus 5-6 on a progressive.
Progressives have five to six shell stations, each advancing with a single manipulation of the handle. You start an empty fired case in station one and start pulling the handle. You raise the ram up and lower it and place a new shell in the first station as the previous one advances to the second station and so on. For every 5th or 6th pull on the handle is a new round.
Dillons are crazy expensive, but have a no-BS lifetime warranty. If it breaks, they fix it no problem. I personally can't justify spending in excess of $330 on a press when I can get a good quality turret press for $80 that will last a lifetime.
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