Given a older reloading kit.

[98ssuck]

I was given this reloading equipment for 12 guage. I have never reloaded before and was hoping to find out if I could use this equipment. I don't have any shot or shells.

It looks like the powder measuring cup it is 2.5cc

Says it is the shot measuring cup.

Two full boxes of primers the federal box says non corrosive the cci doesn't say wether it is.

I don't know what this is.

I have a bag of about fifty of these.

 

[cosmic]

You've got a long road in front of you if you've never reloaded. The gizmo in the last pic is a wad. Personally, I wouldnt bother for 12 gauge, it'll cost you more than factory loads.

 

[TargetAcquired]

Well, since he's got all that, it look to me like there's only hulls and shot to buy, aside from some reloading data. I don't reload shot shells, so correct me if I'm wrong. Could be a good learning experience and a gateway into other reloading.

OP: I shoot 12g, but I haven't considered reloading it because factory ammo is pretty cheap, and I don't shoot it enough to make it expensive. But, if I were in your position I'd give it a go for at least the balance of the materials I got for free.

I'm sure someone with more knowledge can chime in and help out better.

Enjoy,

 

[DFarmer]

The black piece is the crimp starter. It is for 6 star on one side and 8 star on the other side. It fits onto the press at the fourth station. You will be able to make useable loads with this Lee junior press. There should be a load chart with it. The powder scoop is 2.5 cc and the shot scoop is adjustable from 7/8 to 1 1/2 ounces. It is a step up from the lee handloader. Have fun.

 

[BattleRife]

The stuff you have looks reasonable. Green Dot is used for 12 gauge field and heavy target loads and for 20 gauge.

To get going you will need a loading manual (unless there's a detailed loading booklet with the press, which could be), hulls and shot. The problem is that the shot alone will cost you as much as (or more) than buying loaded ammo.

 

[BattleRife]

The problem is that the shot alone will cost you as much as (or more) than buying loaded ammo.

I should clarify my above comment. Last time I looked around here an 11kg bag of shot was about $55. Assuming 32g target loads, you would get 340 shells for your $55, which works out to $4.05 per box of 25 just for the lead shot. So you would save a bit of money per box.

Now, some people out east claim to getting 25lbs bags for $40. If you loaded light 12ga or 20ga shells you could get 400 (1oz) or 457 (7/8oz) cartridges for your $40, which works out to just $2.50 or $2.19 per box for the lead. So it really does depend to a big extent on your market and on what you intend to load.

Of course, if you do buy a bag of shot you'll only load a fraction of it before you have to go buy more wads. And you'll get half way through it before you have to go buy primers. You don't say how much powder is in the can, but a bag of shot takes very close to a full pound to powder.

Add it all up and it's easy to understand why two weeks ago I saw two Ponsness Warren shotshell loaders in excellent shape sell for $120 each. Those machines would have cost nearly a thousand bucks new.

 

[98ssuck]

After reading what you guys have said. I think I am going to see if lee has any manuals or associated info on my press. If they do I am going to read about reloading. I understand that the economies of reloading target load just doesn't make sense, a case of 250 rounds is $80 locally. I would like to see if I can do buckshot or another load that is more expensive to buy. I want to do enough to use up what supplies I have. Then revaluate if reloading is something I want to get into with rifles.

 

[otis]

Reloading is a very satisfying hobby, and I'm sure you will enjoy it. Get the correct manual for your press,( you can likely find it on the web and print it off ). You are correct that there is not much money to be saved reloading 12 ga target shells, but just take a look at the price of field shells, and especially any of the sub guages. If you own say a 16 guage, and want to shoot it a fair bit, you pretty well have to reload, unless you happen to have a lot of cash around.

 

[BattleRife]

After reading what you guys have said. I think I am going to see if lee has any manuals or associated info on my press. If they do I am going to read about reloading. I understand that the economies of reloading target load just doesn't make sense, a case of 250 rounds is $80 locally. I would like to see if I can do buckshot or another load that is more expensive to buy. I want to do enough to use up what supplies I have. Then revaluate if reloading is something I want to get into with rifles.

I have loaded buckshot and slugs with decent success.

Of course, if you want to get into loading slugs, you pretty much have to take up casting, too. Oh, vicious circle!

 

[sniper58]

The black piece is the crimp starter.

I'd have to disagree with this statement. I believe that the black thing is your wad guide. Use it after re-priming and charging the hull with powder. Place it over the hull, insert the new wad on top and press it into place.

Easiest way to see if I'm correct is to attempt to press a wad through it with your finger.

 

[pointandshoot]

From a cost savings stand point there is a greater margin of $$$ savings loading for rifles, combined with the fact you can customize a round to better suit your needs as a shooter/hunter/plinker so if shotshell reloading doesn't workout as planned I would still take a good look at reloading for rifles.

 

[DFarmer]

I'd have to disagree with this statement. I believe that the black thing is your wad guide. Use it after re-priming and charging the hull with powder. Place it over the hull, insert the new wad on top and press it into place.

Easiest way to see if I'm correct is to attempt to press a wad through it with your finger.

Wrong. The wad guide is attached to the square tubing that the reloader moves up and down on. I have one of these reloaders and have loaded many shells with it in the past.

 

[willisjake]

You've got a long road in front of you if you've never reloaded. The gizmo in the last pic is a wad. Personally, I wouldn't bother for 12 gauge, it'll cost you more than factory loads.

I cant agree more! Well kinda.......12g reloading is worth it if you are casting your own buck and slugs. Off the scale worth it! However, you should buy some new powder and wads that you can easily get load data for. Takes a bit of the mystery out of it and lets you learn the press and process before experimenting in the unknown.

 

[sunray]

Pitch the powder and the scoops, but otherwise you'll be fine. The powder may be too old to ignite reliablely. The scoops can vary the powder charge plus or minus a full grain. Use a scale.