[Laser Sailor]

I'm looking to start reloading for both rifle and pistol. I'm going for a single stage turret reloader as i think this will be easiest to use. So here is my shopping cart so far.

1. Lee 4 hole turret press with auto index kit

"This Deluxe Kit includes: Turret Press with Auto Index, Auto Disk Powder Measure, Safety Scale, Primer Pocket Cleaner, Cutter and Lock Stud and Chamfer Tool."

I adding to this the lee auto disk riser, universal and rifle powder charge die, micro adjustable charge bar, and large and small safety primer holder

2. Electronic Caliper/Micrometer

3. Dies for 30-06 and 9mm

4. Electronic Powdder Scale

I'm just worried about tools right now, I'll get to powder, primers, cases and bullets later. It's all sitting in my Midway USA shopping cart at a grand total of 288.99 minus shipping.

What do you think, is that a pretty good set up for the price?

 

[OldVet]

Shell holders, etc.?
I'm not familiar with Lee equipment other than their hand primer, which works fine, but it sounds like a decent setup for getting into the game.

I'm still using an assortment of Hereters (try find that in your Funk & Wagner), Lee, RCBS, etc. accumulated since 1975. I don't mass reload so it works for me. It's my theraputic time when I reload.

.38, .357 Mag, .41 Mag, .45 Auto, .223, .30-06; they've all been through my setup, and they've worked well. One misfire in the batch.

 

[MoMike]

Nice start! I, personally anyway, prefer a hand priming tool over any press mounted one.

 

[Laser Sailor]

Shellholders come with the dies, I made sure to have that covered. I agree that priming by hand does look better than on the press, but I can always add a primer later if i ddecide to go that route. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Archie]

Sounds good so far.

Sounds pretty solid to me, Sailor. You will want a bullet puller sooner or later. You will need lubrication (there are some great spray lubes available) for the rifle case sizing and it won't hurt for pistol.

You'll find other goodies as you go on, but don't worry about buying them all at once.

The other major item you need is a bench upon which to mount the press. It doesn't have to be large, but it has to be solid and firm. A section of 2x16 solidly mounted against wall studs will do nicely, as will a work bench. But a free standing work bench has a tendency to move when cranking the handle.

 

[boscobeans]

A good reloading manual is essential.

If you are going to use the setup as a single stage press (good way to start and get things set up the way you want), a few loading blocks will come in handy.

As stated above by MoMike I like to hand prime rather than use the press.

bosco

 

[TheShadow]

I'm just getting started into reloading myself.

Ordered the Lee Classic 4 hole turret kit yesterday from Kempf Gunshop.
On my research I've read the classic press is a bit more robust and the ram has a longer stroke which helps with the rifle cartridges. Doesn't have the primer pocket cleaning tool or safety scales but comes with the deluxe 4 die set with new the factory crimp die plus a few other goodies and a couple up grades.

It was a tossup between the Lee Deluxe Turret and the Classic Kit from Kemfp

Keep us posted on your progress!

https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=630&category_id=26&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41&vmcchk=1&Itemid=41

 

[Tom G]

I would choose the carbide dies. It's worth the extra money.

 

[Laser Sailor]

I did overlook the reloading manual, but I want to base it on whichever brand of bullet I choose to use right?

Bullet puller, good idea thanks.

Case Lube comes in the kit I think, but I'll double check.

I'll look into the carbide dies, they only mean I dont have to lube cases right? This keeps the cases cleaner right?

I plan to add a case tumbler and media later. And I have the most solid workbench a guy could ask for.

 

[coffeecup]

The carbide dies are for reloading straight wall pistol ammo. The case lube is to keep bottleneck ammo from sticking in the dies, in which case you will really need a stuck case remover !!!!!

 

[Colin]

The Lee turret press is very useful. I use mine to load .45acp, .455webely, 357Sig, 223Rem. .308 and .303. I use a Loadmaster for .40cal and 9mm.

A solid mounting base is important

 

[OldVet]

I did overlook the reloading manual, but I want to base it on whichever brand of bullet I choose to use right?

Bullet puller, good idea thanks.

Case Lube comes in the kit I think, but I'll double check.

I'll look into the carbide dies, they only mean I dont have to lube cases right? This keeps the cases cleaner right?

I plan to add a case tumbler and media later. And I have the most solid workbench a guy could ask for.

You can go online and get load data from most powder makers ( I'm currently using H-38). The problem with bullet manuals is they only list their bullets and powders they used. A 185 grn HP is pretty much a 185 grn HP, regardless of maker. Do your research as to what bullet, what powder you want to use, then pick your manual. Keep in mind that a lot of data in most manuals is based on a particular gun barrel or test barrel, and your results may not be the same.
Lubing cases is a drag, so for straight-walled cases, carbide is the way to go for dies.
I've been using an el cheapo rock tumbler for cleaning cases for years. Works as well as any $80 case tumbler.
"Surplus" bench? I had one that was rock-solid. Unfortunately it's gone now.

 

[Stevew]

You might want to go ahead and start getting your hands on some primers. You probably already have brass. Bullets and powder are readily availabe. Just thinking that once you get your loading gear in you are going to want to do some loading. The primer situation is getting better, but they can still be hard to find. I have panic attacks if I don't have primers stock piled.

 

[Matador]

I would get the Lee Classic Turret press over the regular Lee Turret press. It is built like a tank and spent primer disposal is better.

 

[isme]

Start collecting manuals to cross reference with. Also check out Hodgdon for loading data they cover all Hogdon, Winchester, and IMR powders. Handloads.com also has a lot of good info.[URL="http://www.handloads.com/"]http://data.hodgdon.com[/URL]

 

[Laser Sailor]

I added a bullet puller to the list and placed the order. I cant wait to set up my bench!

I'm going to try to find powder and primers locally, anybody know a good place in San Diego?

 

[Ragin Cajun]

Get one of the spray bottle case lubes. So much quicker and easier.

 

[frankmako]

i would start out with a single stage press. carbide dies for stright wall pistol are a must, they don't cost much more over standard dies. you will need the other stuff, i.e. rifle dies, scales, lube and lube pad for rifle cases, a solid workbench, safety glasses, manual, bullet puller, plastic case blocks, and some other odds and ends. some companys make a starter kit with most things need to start reloading. you can build on the kit. i would also look for some old reloading manuals, they got some good information that you can not find in todays manuals.

 

[alnitak]

I'm looking to start reloading for both rifle and pistol. I'm going for a single stage turret reloader as i think this will be easiest to use. So here is my shopping cart so far.

1. Lee 4 hole turret press with auto index kit

"This Deluxe Kit includes: Turret Press with Auto Index, Auto Disk Powder Measure, Safety Scale, Primer Pocket Cleaner, Cutter and Lock Stud and Chamfer Tool."

I adding to this the lee auto disk riser, universal and rifle powder charge die, micro adjustable charge bar, and large and small safety primer holder

2. Electronic Caliper/Micrometer

3. Dies for 30-06 and 9mm

4. Electronic Powdder Scale

I'm just worried about tools right now, I'll get to powder, primers, cases and bullets later. It's all sitting in my Midway USA shopping cart at a grand total of 288.99 minus shipping.

What do you think, is that a pretty good set up for the price?

Why do you need the electronic scale when the kit comes with a balance beam scale (or am I reading that wrong)?

I don't find I use the caliper all that much. Generally, the bullets have a crimp cannelure, whichs defines the OAL of the bullet. You don't need one to measure brass (you have the trimmer). The only time you need one (in my experience) is when you use over-sized bullets (e.g., 310g for my .44mag) or plated bullets like Berry's that don't have a cannelure (I just measure against a factory TC round; there is a lot of variability in 9mm length between JHP, TC and RN ball ammo...just about anything works in that range).

I have a bullet puller and have only used it a couple of times in three years.

The biggest thing you are missing is a vibratory cleaner for your brass. I have gone down the homemade remedy/solutions path any number of times. Just save yourself some time and effort and get the Frankford Arsenal setup for ~$60 and be done with it.

I agree with the Lee AutoPrime.

Make sure you get the carbide dies for 9mm, including the Lee Factory Crimp Die. Don't bother trimming 9mm brass. Not worth the effort and it doesn't stretch like the longer and necked cases. The FCD die allows you to taper crimp cases that slightly differ in length.