Several noob reloading questions

TheCoachZed

TheCoachZed

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I'm curious about reloading, and every once in a while I sit down and think about getting into it and then I have a whole bunch of questions.

Here's a few.

1). Lee Loaders (the old hand-loaders) are panned because they only neck size brass. But, is that a problem if you want to reload 12 gauge shells with them? And, I am guessing that the 2 3/4 Lee Loaders will not work for 3" shells, and vice versa.

2). I imagine I'd be better off getting the Lee Classic package than buying Lee Loaders if I want to get into reloading rifle shells, even though I only plan on reloading .30-30 and maybe .303 someday (and maybe my buddy might try reloading .30-06). But I have a pump-action Savage 170 in .30-30. Will the lack of full-length sizing capability be a problem here, if I decide to go to a Lee Loader set-up? The KISS principle really appeals to me, and I'm guessing the Loaders would last forever if SHTF.

3). Will the Lee Classic press reload shotgun shells with different dies, or only rifle shells?

4). Can I buy reloading tools (dies, presses, measures, etc.) in the US and ship them to Canada?
 
Since im a newb myself and pondered the thought of getting into reloading, I took the advice of others here and picked up a copy of the Lyman Reloading Handbook 49th edition. FANTASTIC manual!! It covers every single step of the process from equipment, procedures and general do's and dont's. I had much misconception about reloading before reading this book, and now I'm feeling much more confident about getting into the hobby after reading it, and for a mere 24 bucks.. was worth every cent.

Sorry i didnt answer any of your specific questions ( i'm sure the experienced reloaders can answer ) but I thought to pass on this advice before going any further.

Cheers!
 
You'll need a press and a set of dies(a diff. set of dies for ea. cal.), I recommend Redding, Forster or RCBS, for the dies and press. For shotshells you need a different reloader, and for starting out I would recommend a Mec Jr. press. This equipment is good quality and should last for you.
 
TheCoachZed said:
1). Lee Loaders (the old hand-loaders) are panned because they only neck size brass. But, is that a problem if you want to reload 12 gauge shells with them? And, I am guessing that the 2 3/4 Lee Loaders will not work for 3" shells, and vice versa.

2). I imagine I'd be better off getting the Lee Classic package than buying Lee Loaders if I want to get into reloading rifle shells, even though I only plan on reloading .30-30 and maybe .303 someday (and maybe my buddy might try reloading .30-06). But I have a pump-action Savage 170 in .30-30. Will the lack of full-length sizing capability be a problem here, if I decide to go to a Lee Loader set-up? The KISS principle really appeals to me, and I'm guessing the Loaders would last forever if SHTF.

3). Will the Lee Classic press reload shotgun shells with different dies, or only rifle shells?

4). Can I buy reloading tools (dies, presses, measures, etc.) in the US and ship them to Canada?
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1. I don't think you can reload shotshells with LeeLoaders or Lee Classic (I assume you are referring to the Lee Classic Cast Single Stage press). You need a Shotshell Reloader like the Lee Load-ALL shotshell reloader. It was cheap plastic reloader but it worked for me. If you are a serious skeet/trap/hunter, go for the MEC.

2. The LeeLoaders are too slow and primitive and require a lot of muscle and/or a big hammer:D:D.

IMO, the most basic KISS system I would use for regular reloading duties of pistol and most rifle calibers, is the Classic Turret (the newer version with 4-holes and Cast Iron base with Steel linkage). Very reasonably priced and virtually indestructible. A complete set-up with Pro-Auto Disc Powder Measure and Safety Prime for large and small primers, for one pistol caliber (4-die set) cost about US$250.00 shipped from Lee Factory Sales in the US.

Or you can check out this link on the EE: http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=303548

4. Yes. Do not ship UPS because they will suckerpunch you with outrageous brokerage fees. Go with USPS because they don't charge brokerage fees.

And go get a Reloading Manual. I don't know which particular one to get because I never got one and I like to learn the hard way,LOL.
 
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To my way of thinking, there are two 'things' that would be of considerable value to you starting out.
  • 1st, get a couple of the more product general manuals such as Lyman and read through the actual reloading process or steps. Later on once you get into the game, the more manuals for reference the better.
  • 2nd, and probably of equal benefit or really of more benefit starting out, get someone that's been at it for a while to act as a mentor for you. It falls in line with the old adage a picture is worth a thousand words and someone to physically walk you through the process will be invaluable.
 
FMP said:
Since im a newb myself and pondered the thought of getting into reloading, I took the advice of others here and picked up a copy of the Lyman Reloading Handbook 49th edition. FANTASTIC manual!! It covers every single step of the process from equipment, procedures and general do's and dont's. I had much misconception about reloading before reading this book, and now I'm feeling much more confident about getting into the hobby after reading it, and for a mere 24 bucks.. was worth every cent.

Sorry i didnt answer any of your specific questions ( i'm sure the experienced reloaders can answer ) but I thought to pass on this advice before going any further.

Cheers!
Click to expand...

I also needed info on reloading and on advice of a friend I picked up the Lyman manual as well. Great book that explains everything you'll need to know.
 
TheCoachZed said:
I'm curious about reloading, and every once in a while I sit down and think about getting into it and then I have a whole bunch of questions.

Here's a few.

1). Lee Loaders (the old hand-loaders) are panned because they only neck size brass. But, is that a problem if you want to reload 12 gauge shells with them? And, I am guessing that the 2 3/4 Lee Loaders will not work for 3" shells, and vice versa.

2). I imagine I'd be better off getting the Lee Classic package than buying Lee Loaders if I want to get into reloading rifle shells, even though I only plan on reloading .30-30 and maybe .303 someday (and maybe my buddy might try reloading .30-06). But I have a pump-action Savage 170 in .30-30. Will the lack of full-length sizing capability be a problem here, if I decide to go to a Lee Loader set-up? The KISS principle really appeals to me, and I'm guessing the Loaders would last forever if SHTF.

3). Will the Lee Classic press reload shotgun shells with different dies, or only rifle shells?

4). Can I buy reloading tools (dies, presses, measures, etc.) in the US and ship them to Canada?
Click to expand...

1. There is no economic advantage to reloading 12 ga shotshells since lead shot prices skyrocketed, if you price out components you can see for yourself.

2. If you plan on doing more than one caliber then a press kit is the way to go, besides reloading is addictive and you will get one anyway. :)

3. See #1. There were some single stage presses that could do shotshells but I don't remember which or when but they are no longer around.

4. You can but it is usually some hassle and doesn't usually save you a bunch of money. You can sometimes see good bargains on the EE but as new "kit" is probably your best bet.

Good luck
 
Go here. http://www.leeprecision.com/
"...Lee Loaders..." Rifle(bolt actions only) and handgun cartridges only. They're slow, but will reload serviceable ammo for a bolt action or handgun. Pitch the scoops and buy a scale. The scoops can vary the powder charge plus or minus a full grain. Getting kind of pricey too. MSRP is $33.98US. Different Loader for each cartridge. Mind you, you need different dies for each cartridge too.
Lee Load-All II for shotgun reloading.
"...require a lot of muscle and/or a big hammer..." Nope. A plastic mallet works just fine. No excess muscle power is required. Did .243 and .45-70 with 'em, long ago, myself.
"...a pump-action..." Requires FL resizing, just like a semi-auto or lever action. None of these actions have the camming power needed for neck sized only cases. Neck sizing only works with brass that was fired out of one rifle. New brass and once fired has to be FL sized first.
You can buy reloading equipment Stateside, but no components. Not all makers or retailers will/can ship here either.
 
I started out with 3 different Classic Lee Loaders for rifle, and I can assure you they are capable of making very accurate ammo.

This only issue with them, as already mentioned, they only neck size, therefore you need fireformed brass from the particular rifle you will be reloading for. In my case I had always saved my brass knowing I would one day reload.

The second issue is that eventually you will need to full length size your fireformed brass, which the Classic loader cannot do.

I think the Classic Lee Loader is a great way to get introduced to reloading with out a huge start up cost. You can pick up a loader for $19.99 in the U.S, here in Canada they are wayyyyy over priced. They are also over priced on the Lee website.

Keep your eye open in the EE for a scale, and Crappy tire always has a sale a few times a year on a digital caliper for around $15 Other than that all you need is a hard nylon tipped hammer.

As for reloading 12ga., Lee no longer makes a Lee Loader for shotgun ammo, but they used too.
 
There's a few Lee Loaders for 12 gauge on E-Bay.

I have probably a hundred rounds of fireformed brass. I save all my .30-30 brass.

Is there a way to full-length size the brass without a bench press? I am guessing you need the individual dies for each caliber, so the answer is no, unless you are trimming the case . . . ?
 
Yeah, I'm not even really that concerned about the cost - I mean, I don't have the cash for a RockChucker, but most of the Lee stuff is in my price range. I just want something I'm . . . comfortable . . . with, I guess. And something easily portable.

The Loader seems pretty intuitive. Not that any of it is rocket science, I'm sure.
 
I've used Lee, Hornady, Lyman, RCBS and Redding equipment and have had no trouble with any of it. You don't need to spend great amounts of money, though in time you might. Look for a good deal but don't try to be cheap. Buy and read the manuals; most of them are good as others have pointed out. Most important is safety, so glasses are a must. Ask others as many questions as you need to; most reloaders are happy to help. PM me if you like.
 
TheCoachZed said:
There's a few Lee Loaders for 12 gauge on E-Bay.

I have probably a hundred rounds of fireformed brass. I save all my .30-30 brass.

Is there a way to full-length size the brass without a bench press? I am guessing you need the individual dies for each caliber, so the answer is no, unless you are trimming the case . . . ?
Click to expand...

Read up a little more as to what all is involved in reloading either 30-30 or 12 gauge or whatever you are setting out to do.
I cant think of worse economy than loading 12 gauge at todays prices.
If 12 gauge slugs seem to justify the exercise than consider the cost of moulds and furnace and raw lead vs the amount of "pumpkin balls" you will ever shoot out of your 12 gauge.
If I were you just starting out I would find a good used RCBS,Lyman,Pacific or any other single stage cast iron press and start building on that.
Second hand dies are readily available at gunshows and small shops at about 50% of the cost of new.
Invest in the best powder scale you can afford.(new)
Buy a trimmer as soon as you can and you have the volume of brass (once or thrice shot) to justify it.

If you really feel the need for a 12 gauge shotshell press they shouldnt be that hard to find as there are hundreds gathering dust all across the country.
(Ask me how I know)
 
TheCoachZed said:
The Loader seems pretty intuitive. Not that any of it is rocket science, I'm sure.
Click to expand...

:rolleyes: NOOo ,, but, the devil is in the details, as they say. FMP is sharing some good advice. I'd take it.

Speaking of advice, we reloaders are generally pretty guilty of seeing the economic benefits of reloading through rose colored glasses. In other words, we overstate the economic benefits. Several posts here uncharacteristically warn you that you are unlikely to save $$ reloading 12 ga. I'd take this as a virtual guarantee you won't save $$ ;). Kudos to these guys for not presenting the "reloading saves money" idea as a slam dunk. It isn't.
 
Hahahahha, thanks for the advice about costs. And yes, I realize the devil is in the details, so to speak. Half the reason I haven't gotten into this before is paranoia about mistakes - I don't know anyone around here who reloads, so it's not like I have anyone to show me how. I realize a manual would go a long way towards helping me figure it out, though.
 
If you read the manual(s) carefully you will have no difficulty making quality loads. The manuals stress safe procedures so if you are careful and don't "freelance" any loads your loads will be as safe as factory loads. Once you gain experience you will be able to produce loads superior to almost any factory ammunition.
 
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