Go/No-Go for reload kit purchase.

kavity · August 4th, 2007, 02:51 PM

I want to make sure I have everything I need. I am looking at a single stage (for now) Lee Kit for $69 + the dies I need for $21

Press Kit
Dies for .38spl .357

What else do I need besides powder, casings, and bullets? Any special "make my life much easier" tools or equipment?

I will be picking up "Modern Reloading" later today at the bookstore.

P95Carry · August 4th, 2007, 03:02 PM

You'll need some form of scales - ahh, see that is included, good. They are adequate for now but some RCBS or Lyman beam scales would be better later. Altho powder dippers are fine if used correctly there is nothing that will replace a good weighing system. You'll need some small pistol primers too.

You may see quoted drop weights for a powder and dipper (also for powder measure disks) but they need checked IMO. Keep loads below max - usual deal is start at 10% below max and work up as needed.

Otherwise - get that book - and read well - it will help you add to your list of useful additions. What you have on order should do to kick off.

Redneck Repairs · August 4th, 2007, 03:02 PM

Go for it , It is a cheap intro to reloading where you really learn the basics . It will stand good stead untill you are ready to upgrade .. just like a first pistol . I just picked one up myself at a garage sale , I dont know if i will keep it or give it to a bud wanting to start someday .

Edited to add : The red line in a reloading manual is not like the red line on a car tach. STAY WELL CLEAR OF MAX LOADS .

kavity · August 4th, 2007, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redneck Repairs

STAY WELL CLEAR OF MAX LOADS .

Well now I gotta try it.

Redneck Repairs · August 4th, 2007, 03:35 PM

Kav ... lol its your eyes , fingers , ect... do what ya want .. but max is max in the manuals for a reason . Hot rod rounds at your own expense , I am fortunate in that i only ruined a couple of rifles learning the lesson .

Edited to add , apparently there is a reason a Remington 22-250 load isnt rated at 4k+ fps lol .

sisco · August 4th, 2007, 04:45 PM

Dial calipers so you can measure overall length. You can get them from Midway USA reasonably priced.
kinetic bullet puller.
More books. Any place that sells powder should have the freebie manufacturers pamphlets lying around.

P95Carry · August 4th, 2007, 04:50 PM

Good thinking sisco - knew there was something bugging me! Indeed dial calipers are a good investment and just the job to monitor the OAL.

The kinetic puller too - inexpensive but handy if mistakes made. That device BTW - tho most probably know - is a hammer-like dealie and the round is placed in a holding collet and the other end whacked on a form surface. Inertia gradually pulls the bullet and that and powder drop out into the hollow interior.

Miggy · August 4th, 2007, 10:41 PM

You are already familiar with Midway I see.

Scale:
Frankford Arsenal Micro Reloading Electronic Powder Scale 750 Grain Capacity
Love the little thing.

Besides the caliper I recommend a Case Length and Cartridge Overall Length die as a quick & dirty way to check your reload's dimensions.

Reloading trays are also a must you don't go around spilling stuff

How about tumblers & cleaning media?

rocky · August 4th, 2007, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P95Carry

The kinetic puller too - inexpensive but handy if mistakes made. That device BTW - tho most probably know - is a hammer-like dealie and the round is placed in a holding collet and the other end whacked on a form surface. Inertia gradually pulls the bullet and that and powder drop out into the hollow interior.

I think Chris means WHEN mistakes are made. No doubt sooner or later you will need to pull a bullet or 2............or 3,4,5..........

aus71383 · August 4th, 2007, 11:14 PM

Reloading trays are a must. Boxes for the ammo would be nice - sometimes I just recycle the plastic bags from the produce department. Tumbler and media are a convenience thing - not really neccessary. You won't have to clean your dies as much if you clean your brass first - but you can clean it by hand if you want to save money.
+1 Dial calipers and bullet puller.
Buying your components ahead of time won't hurt anything - can't really go wrong with Unique, whatevers cheapest for primers and bullets to start out with is what I'd recommend.

Austin

August 4th, 2007, 02:51 PM	#1
kavity Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Virginia Tech Posts: 591	Go/No-Go for reload kit purchase. I want to make sure I have everything I need. I am looking at a single stage (for now) Lee Kit for $69 + the dies I need for $21 Press Kit Dies for .38spl .357 What else do I need besides powder, casings, and bullets? Any special "make my life much easier" tools or equipment? I will be picking up "Modern Reloading" later today at the bookstore.

August 4th, 2007, 03:02 PM	#2
P95Carry Assistant Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: South West PA Posts: 25,366	You'll need some form of scales - ahh, see that is included, good. They are adequate for now but some RCBS or Lyman beam scales would be better later. Altho powder dippers are fine if used correctly there is nothing that will replace a good weighing system. You'll need some small pistol primers too. You may see quoted drop weights for a powder and dipper (also for powder measure disks) but they need checked IMO. Keep loads below max - usual deal is start at 10% below max and work up as needed. Otherwise - get that book - and read well - it will help you add to your list of useful additions. What you have on order should do to kick off. __________________ Chris - P95 NRA Certified Instructor & NRA Life Member. "To own a gun and assume that you are armed is like owning a piano and assuming that you are a musician!." If a BG dies as the result of pointing a gun at me, then he has merely succumbed to an occupational hazard of being a thug

August 4th, 2007, 04:45 PM	#6
sisco Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Kansas, GCK Posts: 585	Dial calipers so you can measure overall length. You can get them from Midway USA reasonably priced. kinetic bullet puller. More books. Any place that sells powder should have the freebie manufacturers pamphlets lying around. __________________ I'm a child of the 60's, but I got over it.

August 4th, 2007, 04:50 PM	#7
P95Carry Assistant Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: South West PA Posts: 25,366	Good thinking sisco - knew there was something bugging me! Indeed dial calipers are a good investment and just the job to monitor the OAL. The kinetic puller too - inexpensive but handy if mistakes made. That device BTW - tho most probably know - is a hammer-like dealie and the round is placed in a holding collet and the other end whacked on a form surface. Inertia gradually pulls the bullet and that and powder drop out into the hollow interior. __________________ Chris - P95 NRA Certified Instructor & NRA Life Member. "To own a gun and assume that you are armed is like owning a piano and assuming that you are a musician!." If a BG dies as the result of pointing a gun at me, then he has merely succumbed to an occupational hazard of being a thug

August 4th, 2007, 10:41 PM	#8
Miggy Moderator Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Miami-Dade, FL Posts: 4,545	You are already familiar with Midway I see. Scale: Frankford Arsenal Micro Reloading Electronic Powder Scale 750 Grain Capacity Love the little thing. Besides the caliper I recommend a Case Length and Cartridge Overall Length die as a quick & dirty way to check your reload's dimensions. Reloading trays are also a must you don't go around spilling stuff How about tumblers & cleaning media? __________________ You have to make the shot when fire is smoking, people are screaming, dogs are barking, kids are crying and sirens are coming. Randy Cain. GunFreeZone.net

August 4th, 2007, 03:02 PM	#3
Redneck Repairs VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 5,141	Go for it , It is a cheap intro to reloading where you really learn the basics . It will stand good stead untill you are ready to upgrade .. just like a first pistol . I just picked one up myself at a garage sale , I dont know if i will keep it or give it to a bud wanting to start someday . Edited to add : The red line in a reloading manual is not like the red line on a car tach. STAY WELL CLEAR OF MAX LOADS .

August 4th, 2007, 03:35 PM	#5
Redneck Repairs VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 5,141	Kav ... lol its your eyes , fingers , ect... do what ya want .. but max is max in the manuals for a reason . Hot rod rounds at your own expense , I am fortunate in that i only ruined a couple of rifles learning the lesson . Edited to add , apparently there is a reason a Remington 22-250 load isnt rated at 4k+ fps lol .

August 4th, 2007, 11:14 PM	#10
aus71383 Distinguished Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: United States Posts: 1,696	Reloading trays are a must. Boxes for the ammo would be nice - sometimes I just recycle the plastic bags from the produce department. Tumbler and media are a convenience thing - not really neccessary. You won't have to clean your dies as much if you clean your brass first - but you can clean it by hand if you want to save money. +1 Dial calipers and bullet puller. Buying your components ahead of time won't hurt anything - can't really go wrong with Unique, whatevers cheapest for primers and bullets to start out with is what I'd recommend. Austin

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