Beginner: Reloading .45 ACP

That was my very first reloading setup, and I still use it. It's great for loading pistol calibers or short rifle cases (around 7.62x39 - .223 length), but for longer cases (.30-30, .30-06, etc.) I disable the auto-indexing. I can knock off about 200 .45 ACP rounds per hour with it if I put my mind to it (and if all the case prep is done before).

Make sure you get the Carbide dies, they last longer and you don't need to lubricate.
 
Great kit to start.

Also, a suggestion for your first can of powder is to use Trail Boss. It will be a couple dollars more expensive than a more "efficient" powder, but it is designed as a very bulky powder. What it will do is give you confidence that you have not double charged a case, or missed a case. It is also a fast enough powder that it is efficient in the 45ACP, and clean burning.

Fast powders just fill up a tiny portion of the case, and it is much easier to miss a double charge. After your first pound of powder, you will have gotten the "rhythm" of reloading and any errors will become instantly obvious.
 
make sure and get the 4 hole for 2 reasons- 1 so you can add the factory crimp die if you want /need it later on, and 2 for some reason, my old 3 holer goes through those nylon auto- index ratchets like water- maybe that's why they're 50 c /per retail- 1.50 for a package of 3- you'll be cranking away, and then all of a sudden, you'll get a clunk, and it won't line up , in spite of doing the adjusting thing with a screwdriver- replace the ratchet, and sh'es back to normal- and yes. i have replaced the action rod as well- i figured it might be warped- i have yet to replace the ratchet on the 1000 , and it uses a similar advance- and the same ratchet- that's why i say go to the 4 hole
 
My buddy has that one and he really seems to like it. I , however, went with the Progressive 1000 and really like it. I know that some people in the past have had problems with the priming system, but I find that as long as you keep it clean and free of powder that it works great. So, in closing, I would definately recommend both the turret press and the Progressive 1000. Both are inexpensive and work well.
 
Thanks a lot for the input everyone. Based on the small price difference I may look at the Progressive 1000 Hammer, thanks again!
 
I prefer the Lee Classic Cast Turret over the "regular" aluminum based Turret.

It is much much stronger because the frame and linkage are made from steel. I have the Lee Classic Cast Single Stage Press. It is one strong machine and the frame is the basis for the Classic Turret.

Unfortunately the Classic Cast does not come as a kit. Which is fine because The Kit does not include an Auto Prime as well, but is a necessity IMO. You may also want the better Powder Measure, the Pro Auto disk.

Buying the separate components will cost a little more but it is worth the money. Anyway I don't like the Lee Powder scale that comes with the kit because they work different than the RCBS and Dillon scales I am used to. If you have no preference regarding powder scales, then the Lee is fine.

The Classic Turret also comes with the 4 hole turret which is an advantage because you can use the Lee 4 die pistol sets.
 
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