Buying right the first time: need some advice

Canadian_Sapper

Canadian_Sapper

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So, I'm looking to get into reloading (like you haven't heard that one before!). I have a few questions that I haven't been able to find answers to:

1. Do RCBS Carbide 9mm die sets (or any die sets for that matter) come with 9mm shell holders or do I absolutely need to buy Lee's Universal Shell Holder Set?

2.a) Would the RCBS, Hornady, or Lyman etc, powder measures fit on a Lee Classic Cast Turret Press or do I have to buy a Lee powder measure? The reason I'm asking is I've heard that the Lee powder measures are somewhat less accurate than the more expensive RCBS, Hornady, or Lyman versions, and it seems to me the one place I do not want to be inaccurate is in the amount of powder I'm throwing.

2.b) Which powder measure would you recommend?

2.c) Also, when set up on a turret press, is throwing the powder an additional stage or can it be set up on the resizing stage or what (this has me a bit confused)?

3. Everyone seems to say that all you need to reload is a press, some dies, a scale and a powder measure, but I see all of these other reloading accessories such as chamfer/deburring tools, primer pocket cleaners, cutters, calipers, and bullet pullers that seem like they might be pretty indispensable too. What do I really need? I don't want to start reloading and realize I need this or that accessory.

So, then, this is a rough list of kit I'm piecing together. I'm very open to criticism and input, that's kind of the point!

Essentials:

-Lee Classic Turret Press
-RCBS carbide 3 die set, 9mm
-Powder measure (undecided, see question 2b)
-Hornady powder scale
-Lee universal shellholder set
-Lee Autoprime
-Calipers
-Inertial bullet puller
-Chamfer/deburring tool
-Lyman Reloading Handbook
-ABC's of Reloading
-Trays and storage boxes

Non-essentials:
-Powder funnel
-Lee cutter tool
-Primer pocket cleaner
-Brass tumbler

So, I'm really looking forward to hearing your suggested modifications to the above list, keep in mind I'm trying to keep costs at a minimum. Are there any items that are in the non-essentials list that should be in the essentials, or vice versa? I've looked at kits but haven't really found one that had what I wanted.

Thanks for taking the time to answer my many deviously newbish questions!

Canadian_Sapper
 
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Canadian_Sapper said:
So, I'm looking to get into reloading (like you haven't heard that one before!). I have a few questions that I haven't been able to find answers to:

1. Do RCBS Carbide 9mm die sets (or any die sets for that matter) come with 9mm shell holders or do I absolutely need to buy Lee's Universal Shell Holder Set?

- They usually don't come with shell holders...may be you can find a deal that does. RCBS/Lee are usually interchangeable...what kind of press do you have or are you considering?

2.a) Would the RCBS, Hornady, or Lyman etc, powder measures fit on a Lee Classic Cast Turret Press or do I have to buy a Lee powder measure? The reason I'm asking is I've heard that the Lee powder measures are somewhat less accurate than the more expensive RCBS, Hornady, or Lyman versions, and it seems to me the one place I do not want to be inaccurate is in the amount of powder I'm throwing.

- Powder measures to be used with Lee Turrets (or pro 1000 or Load Master) all need a Lee powder through/expander die in the calibre you are loading...the other powder measure needs to securely screw into this powder through die.

2.b) Which powder measure would you recommend?

- Lee auto disk...cheap and it works (plus its red like your turret press;))

2.c) Also, when set up on a turret press, is throwing the powder an additional stage or can it be set up on the resizing stage or what (this has me a bit confused)?

- Powder needs to be dispensed through the powder through die....I've tried may combinations however here is my set up:
1) deprime/resize
2) powder drop
3) bullet seat

I then have another turret head for the factory crimp.

Anyhow, you can do some testing of your own to find what best suites you...I had to do it this was because I draw the press up and down with my right hand and if the bullet seat was anywhere other than the 3rd hole, I could net put the bullet in quickly or effectively.

3. Everyone seems to say that all you need to reload is a press, some dies, a scale and a powder measure, but I see all of these other reloading accessories such as chamfer/deburring tools, primer pocket cleaners, cutters, calipers, and bullet pullers that seem like they might be pretty indispensable too. What do I really need? I don't want to start reloading and realize I need this or that accessory.

- depending upon what calibre and cartridge type you're reloading for (i.e. 9mm pistol), you may not need all the stuff you mentioned above. However some are nice to have some I recommend purchasing (mind you this is for pistol reloading):

Recommend:
- bullet puller - you'll make mistakes (on your own or by accident...you'll want to be able to save some of the items such as the case, possibly the primer or powder and even the bullet).
- calipers - to get the right OAL (Over All Length)...you'll need to test what OAL what best with your pistol (do a search on the forum and you'll probably get some suggested OAL).
- safety glasses.
- ammo storage boxes (after you reload, you're going to have to put the reloads in some type of container).

All the other stuff is a nice to have.

So, then, this is a rough list of kit I'm piecing together. I'm very open to criticism and input, that's kind of the point!

Essentials (absolutely cannot reload without):

-Lee Classic Cast Turret Press
-RCBS carbide 3 die set, 9mm
-Powder measure (undecided, see question 2b)
-Hornady "M" Deluxe Powder Scale
-Lee Universal Shell Holder Kit (see question 1)
-Lee Autoprime
-Lyman Reloading Handbook
-ABC's of Reloading

- I think you you may want to review you list...I don't believe there is such a thing as a "Lee Classic Cast Turret Press"...either it is a "Lee Classic Cast Press" or a "Lee Classic Turret Press"...can't have a "Cast" and "Turret" in the same model name...

Non-essentials (can reload without, but dandy to have):
-Lyman Stainless Steel Calipers
-RCBS Powder Funnel (see question 2c)
-Inertial Bullet Puller
-Chamfer/Deburring Tool
-Lee Cutter Tool
-Reloading blocks
-Primer pocket cleaner
-Brass tumbler

So, I'm really looking forward to hearing your suggested modifications to the above list, keep in mind I'm trying to keep costs at a minimum. Are there any items that are in the non-essentials list that should be in the essentials, or vice versa? I've looked at kits but haven't really found one that had what I wanted.

Thanks for taking the time to answer my many deviously newbish questions!

Canadian_Sapper
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Send me a PM and I'll help you out.

thanks,
 
You will deff need a Chamfer/Deburring Tool! & a set of Calipers, they need not be "-Lyman Stainless Steel Calipers" as long as there not cheapy plastic ones. I prefer the Dial type as I feel they are more accurate but many guys live just fine with digital ones.
 
smokingunns said:
Send me a PM and I'll help you out.

thanks,
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Thanks for you advice, Smokingunns!

I guess I should have made it more clear that I was going to be reloading 9mm to begin with. The press I was referring to is actually called Lee Classic Turret Press, which is the cast version of the their normal turret press, I guess I confused the terms.

You will deff need a Chamfer/Deburring Tool! & a set of Calipers, they need not be "-Lyman Stainless Steel Calipers" as long as there not cheapy plastic ones. I prefer the Dial type as I feel they are more accurate but many guys live just fine with digital ones.
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What about a primer cleaner? Actually the Lyman calipers seemed to be the least expensive ones I could find, hence why I listed them.
 
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Unless you're using new brass, I'd put the tumbler under needs, instead of just handy to have. It's hard to inspect dirty brass, and it gets cr@p all in your dies, jams them up, etc.
 
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If you want to buy right the first time this might help. Look at the Dillon 550B presses for reloading pistol and rifle. For rifle get yourself a RCBS Rockchucker (New or Used).

You will save a ton of money in the long run, have equipment you can sell and recover your money quickly if you find reloading is not for you and both presses mentioned will last you a lifetime.

Dillon presses are the most popular presses out there for reloading pistol ammo in volume. The RCBS Rockchucker is a good a single stage press as you will find.

Just my two cents worth.

Take Care

Bob
 
Dont discount the lee single stage press... the breach lock and anniversary press are great... I have never heard of one breaking they are so simple that I cant see how it would be possible... does the rockchucker have quick change dies I went to RCBS site but couldnt tell if they do...

Again my question how many rounds do you plan on shooting... if you going to be shoot alot of rifle per month it may pay to invest in something faster from either hornady or dillon
 
msg.drew said:
Dont discount the lee single stage press... the breach lock and anniversary press are great... I have never heard of one breaking they are so simple that I cant see how it would be possible... does the rockchucker have quick change dies I went to RCBS site but couldnt tell if they do...

Again my question how many rounds do you plan on shooting... if you going to be shoot alot of rifle per month it may pay to invest in something faster from either hornady or dillon
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I don't know for sure how many rounds I'd like to shoot, but I think it'd be in the neighborhood of 500-750 (maybe even a thousand) a month, based on how much I shoot and how often I can go to the range. Mostly pistol, but I plan on shooting some rifle calibers by next summer.

If you want to buy right the first time this might help. Look at the Dillon 550B presses for reloading pistol and rifle. For rifle get yourself a RCBS Rockchucker (New or Used).

You will save a ton of money in the long run, have equipment you can sell and recover your money quickly if you find reloading is not for you and both presses mentioned will last you a lifetime.

Dillon presses are the most popular presses out there for reloading pistol ammo in volume. The RCBS Rockchucker is a good a single stage press as you will find.

Just my two cents worth.

Take Care

Bob
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I used to think I'd want to start with a single-stage press, but I've realized that I can run a turret press as a single stage until I get the hang of it. I don't think I really need a progressive press, especially not as a first press, but I'd be interested in hearing your arguments for it.

BC_Guy said:
Unless you're using new brass, I'd put the tumbler under needs, instead of just handy to have. It's hard to inspect dirty brass, and it gets cr@p all in your dies, jams them up, etc.
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Thanks, I was wondering about this, and that sounds like pretty good advice. I figured just cleaning them in soap and water wouldn't be very efficient. Which tumbler would you recommend?

Also, I can't seem to find the Lee powder through expanding die in carbide apart from in sets. Are Lee die sets as good as more expensive sets like RCBS?
 
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Canuck44 said:
If you want to buy right the first time this might help. Look at the Dillon 550B presses for reloading pistol and rifle. For rifle get yourself a RCBS Rockchucker (New or Used).

You will save a ton of money in the long run, have equipment you can sell and recover your money quickly if you find reloading is not for you and both presses mentioned will last you a lifetime.

Dillon presses are the most popular presses out there for reloading pistol ammo in volume. The RCBS Rockchucker is a good a single stage press as you will find.

Just my two cents worth.

Take Care



Bob
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x2 with the Dillon press if you are going to load 9mm:dancingbanana:
 
Canadian_Sapper said:
I figured just cleaning them in soap and water wouldn't be very efficient. Which tumbler would you recommend?
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Soap and water sounds like a pain. As for which tumbler, I've only had experience with lyman, but that question's probably tied into how much volume you're thinking of doing, like msg.drew said. For a hobby shooter, one of the lyman one's should be enough. If you're shooting a lot, you might want to look at one of the big dillon ones. They come up cheap in the EE sometimes.
 
BC_Guy said:
Soap and water sounds like a pain. As for which tumbler, I've only had experience with lyman, but that question's probably tied into how much volume you're thinking of doing, like msg.drew said. For a hobby shooter, one of the lyman one's should be enough. If you're shooting a lot, you might want to look at one of the big dillon ones. They come up cheap in the EE sometimes.
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That sounds like a good idea. I'll look into a Lyman tumbler.

Edit: Oops, meant to edit, not quote, sorry for the doublepost.
 
Buying right the first time....

Canadian_Sapper said:
1000 a month would be the high-end of it. Mostly of 9mm and later .40 and maybe some .38 special. Probably some .223 and some .308 this summer, but in much smaller quantities
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Get yourself a Dillon 650 with a case feeder, roller handle & strong mount.
 
yah 1000 a month is a job for a progressive press... I would get a progressive for pistol ammo and a single stage or turret for rifle ammo
 
msg.drew said:
yah 1000 a month is a job for a progressive press... I would get a progressive for pistol ammo and a single stage or turret for rifle ammo
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Honestly, I think it'll be closer to my original estimate of 500-750 rounds of 9mm/.40, since my range is only open three days a week, one of which I work on. I'm thinking I'll shoot maybe 100-150 rounds per trip, and that I'll go at the very least once a week. I still don't think I'd need a progressive for that kind of turnout, especially since it means I have to buy another press for rifle reloading.

I'm still thinking I should get a turret press but I'm opening up to the idea of investing a little bit more than in a Lee Classic Turret. I'm looking at the Lyman or RCBS turret presses. What do you guys think?
 
If you are going to be loading 500 to 750 rds per month get a Dillion 550 or if only pistol a Dillion Square Deal is a less expensive option though it uses proprietory dies.

Basically I have found I do more of my rifle prepatory work on my RCBS Rockchucker as speed is not a concern. For volume pistol loadings though a Progressive Press is the only way to go.

Take Care

Bob
 
Canadian_Sapper said:
Honestly, I think it'll be closer to my original estimate of 500-750 rounds of 9mm/.40, since my range is only open three days a week, one of which I work on. I'm thinking I'll shoot maybe 100-150 rounds per trip, and that I'll go at the very least once a week. I still don't think I'd need a progressive for that kind of turnout, especially since it means I have to buy another press for rifle reloading.

I'm still thinking I should get a turret press but I'm opening up to the idea of investing a little bit more than in a Lee Classic Turret. I'm looking at the Lyman or RCBS turret presses. What do you guys think?
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Skip the single stage and maybe just go with a Dillon 550 then. The 550 will do both the rifle and pistol (you'll have to pass on the case feeder though - as the 550 case feeder won't handle rifle).

You will only need to churn out a few hundred rounds of pistol ammo on a single stage to realize you should have bought a progressive.
If you want to do it right the first time Dillon is your choice. You really can't go wrong with one.
 
Canadian_Sapper said:
What about a primer cleaner? Actually the Lyman calipers seemed to be the least expensive ones I could find, hence why I listed them.
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Any small screwdriver will work fine for a primer pocket cleaner, I use one ground down to resemble a fine punch, it has a variety of uses & a quick swirl in the pocket works fine.
 
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