Economical reloading startup
- Thread starter aroundpg
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Lee anniversary kit will get you going. Been using my single stage for about 4 years now and it hasn’t really needed to be upgraded untill recently. Looking for a turret press just because I load 10 diff cartridges now unlike when I started. Electronic scale is nice and a pilot trimmer. Other then that I still use pretty much everything that came with the kit.
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I have a Partner Press kit. For the $99 I paid at Cabelas its great. But I don't use most of the other stuff that came with it - the scale, the thing that lets you prime on the press, or the lube pad rarely or never get used around here.
I just googled the press and apparently they're damn near $300 now!?!??! HOLY ####. I don't think I'd pay anything close to that, I'd get A Lee Press for ~$150 instead.
I just googled the press and apparently they're damn near $300 now!?!??! HOLY ####. I don't think I'd pay anything close to that, I'd get A Lee Press for ~$150 instead.
Now to be fair I don't use the other stuff that came with the press because I already had other stuff I like more: I use a Lee Hand Prime to do my priming, so I can do it away from the bench if I choose. I also have a Lee Safety scale, which I trust to be more consistent/accurate than the cheap digital scale that came with the kit. And tumble lube with Lee lube, rather than use a lube pad.
If I was just starting out all that stuff is useable, but I started with a Lee Hand Press so I had already amassed various other stuff for reloading before I got a bench-mounted press, and at $99 the Partner Press Kit was significantly cheaper than any other presses other than the cheapest one Lee makes, and even then it was only a bit more money.
If I was just starting out all that stuff is useable, but I started with a Lee Hand Press so I had already amassed various other stuff for reloading before I got a bench-mounted press, and at $99 the Partner Press Kit was significantly cheaper than any other presses other than the cheapest one Lee makes, and even then it was only a bit more money.
Lots of good ideas. A decent press is likely the best investment. Many years ago, I started with a second hand Lee Loader, then bought a new LYMAN Spar-T, then LEE Progressives in 9mm, 45acp, 44mag, 38/357, some other LEE presses, and finally a new LYMAN turret. I still hand prime all my rifle cases with a LEE hand prime tool. I deprime them all with the little punch and base found with LEE loader kits. I now use a Frankfort Arsenal digital scale, having gone through a couple of LYMANs.
I would like to have a dollar for every round loaded on a LEE press in North American. Heck, I'd like to have a dollar for every round I've loaded on my presses. I love reloading and fiddling with my stuff. I avoid loading when someone else is present. Company can lead to distraction, and possibly a serious mistake. My little shop is right along the CP main line, and usually go to the door to wave and watch the trains go by. That led to a double charged "light" load in my 8x57 M70 Zastava. No damage done, but was a rude awakening.
I would like to have a dollar for every round loaded on a LEE press in North American. Heck, I'd like to have a dollar for every round I've loaded on my presses. I love reloading and fiddling with my stuff. I avoid loading when someone else is present. Company can lead to distraction, and possibly a serious mistake. My little shop is right along the CP main line, and usually go to the door to wave and watch the trains go by. That led to a double charged "light" load in my 8x57 M70 Zastava. No damage done, but was a rude awakening.
I tend to agree; however, I'd wager for a lot of people, depending on what and how much they shoot, a starter kit is just fine.
There's tedious bits that you may dislike and want to upgrade here and there - it can be good to take a walk then run approach.
It can overwhelming to make all the right for you equipment choices right off the bat, unless you have an unlimited budget- aka no spouse to answer to as to why another box arrived that's 4"x4"x6" and costs $250 and why you sell it a month later on here for $100 shipped.
I say that as someone who was gifted a lee set years ago, and loaded many rounds. I think back to the bits and pieces I bought along the way as I learned the whole process of reloading and thought I needed...btw have you seen my ee ad for a lyman trimmer and rcbs 4-1 prep station
Today; the I think the only part of that lee kit that resides on my bench is one of the cartridge holders that my friend threw in with it to get me started.
Yes, if I could go back, starting from scratch and buy all the stuff I have on my bench now, I likely would; although I'd be homeless with a really nice set up.
The fancy bits and pieces do let you load faster and can make the process more enjoyable but it comes down to this: do you shoot to reload, or do you reload to shoot.
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I picked up a used Partner press off a buddy awhile back, I use it for certain things. Mainly with my universal decaper or other random single operation tasks like pulling bullets with a collet puller etc, it’s not a bad press but I prefer my bigger Hornady single stage press. It’s more robust and has more leverage when pulling crimped surplus ammo down.
I’ve primed on my Partner and it does that well, I prefer priming on a press vs a hand primer though.
I’ve primed on my Partner and it does that well, I prefer priming on a press vs a hand primer though.
Good advice, so far. Nothing wrong with kits. Only real hard part is picking the brand that suits you and your budget, best.
A good press always makes a strong foundation, for any loading set up. The basic Lee Challenger press, for example, is a real work horse. I have one sitting on my bench right now, that has been along for the ride for nearly fifty years. Aside from replacing the original aluminum yoke with the stronger steel upgrade, it has never let me down, in all that time.
While you're at it, consider adding one or more, of the inexpensive Lee C-type Reloader presses to your bench. You'd be surprised how handy these can be, for tackling extra tasks when reloading, ie: bullet seating, crimping, case flaring, and so on. Like Suther, I also have one of the handy Lee Hand presses, too. Versatile.
Here's a tip: Mount your presses on a board, or piece of plywood. Can then be easily swapped on and off the bench, using C-clamps. Even at the range, for those folks who like to tinker at the bench.. Or, bolted down. Makes setting up fast and easy.
Always a great press....The RCBS Rockchucker. One of those occupies a permanent spot on my bench, too. Another good foundation for a loading setup, that will last a lifetime. By the way, the Partner is a good, solid press and well worth the investment.
I missed a few other excellent brands. But, any good quality press is at the core of a solid reloading set up.
.As already mentioned, the addition of a decent powder scale will make life a lot easier. The Lee Safety Scale...though disparaged by some....is quite accurate and a good bargain. RCBS 505 and it's larger capacity sibling: 1010, are also excellent.
I prefer a simple, but accurate beam scale, like those mentioned above. For new reloaders, I recommend learning on one of these. The less complicated you can make the learning curve, the better. Also, a lot less
frustrating.
Along the way, you'll a acquire other small tools, etc.. Case length gages, chamfering tool, primer pocket cleaner, hand primer tool, etc. The list goes on. Lee makes a variety of these essential little tools, that are inexpensive and very durable. As mentioned, some of the stuff in the kit you'll use...some of it you might not.
Since every reloader creates their own personalised setup, geared to their needs and likes, often time it's better to acquire some of the pieces separately. But...a kit has pretty much all the basic stuff you need, to get started.
My .03 cents.
Al
A good press always makes a strong foundation, for any loading set up. The basic Lee Challenger press, for example, is a real work horse. I have one sitting on my bench right now, that has been along for the ride for nearly fifty years. Aside from replacing the original aluminum yoke with the stronger steel upgrade, it has never let me down, in all that time.
While you're at it, consider adding one or more, of the inexpensive Lee C-type Reloader presses to your bench. You'd be surprised how handy these can be, for tackling extra tasks when reloading, ie: bullet seating, crimping, case flaring, and so on. Like Suther, I also have one of the handy Lee Hand presses, too. Versatile.
Here's a tip: Mount your presses on a board, or piece of plywood. Can then be easily swapped on and off the bench, using C-clamps. Even at the range, for those folks who like to tinker at the bench.. Or, bolted down. Makes setting up fast and easy.
Always a great press....The RCBS Rockchucker. One of those occupies a permanent spot on my bench, too. Another good foundation for a loading setup, that will last a lifetime. By the way, the Partner is a good, solid press and well worth the investment.
I missed a few other excellent brands. But, any good quality press is at the core of a solid reloading set up.
.As already mentioned, the addition of a decent powder scale will make life a lot easier. The Lee Safety Scale...though disparaged by some....is quite accurate and a good bargain. RCBS 505 and it's larger capacity sibling: 1010, are also excellent.
I prefer a simple, but accurate beam scale, like those mentioned above. For new reloaders, I recommend learning on one of these. The less complicated you can make the learning curve, the better. Also, a lot less
frustrating.
Along the way, you'll a acquire other small tools, etc.. Case length gages, chamfering tool, primer pocket cleaner, hand primer tool, etc. The list goes on. Lee makes a variety of these essential little tools, that are inexpensive and very durable. As mentioned, some of the stuff in the kit you'll use...some of it you might not.
Since every reloader creates their own personalised setup, geared to their needs and likes, often time it's better to acquire some of the pieces separately. But...a kit has pretty much all the basic stuff you need, to get started.
My .03 cents.
Al
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Based on my own experience, these are what I have going on.
I can reload for .223/5.56, .308, .30-06, .303, 8mm mauser, 7.5 Swiss, 7.5 MAS, 6.5 Swedish, 6.5 Carcano, 6.5 Arisaka, 7.7 Arisaka, .455 Webley, 7.62 Nagant, 7.62x54r Russian, 7.62x39 Russian.
For the rifle calibers above, I use IMR/Hogdon 4895.
Minimum must haves:
Recommended accessories:
You can purchase pre-made kits, but in my experience I didn't have access to a work table to drill and mount a traditional press, so I went with the hand press. If you can mount a press, then I'm sure the others' recommendations are fine.
I can reload for .223/5.56, .308, .30-06, .303, 8mm mauser, 7.5 Swiss, 7.5 MAS, 6.5 Swedish, 6.5 Carcano, 6.5 Arisaka, 7.7 Arisaka, .455 Webley, 7.62 Nagant, 7.62x54r Russian, 7.62x39 Russian.
For the rifle calibers above, I use IMR/Hogdon 4895.
Minimum must haves:
- Lee breech lock hand press - $95
- Frankford Arsenal hand primer (comes with set of priming shell holders) - $120 (or Lee Ram Prime - $40 but shell holders are sold separately)
- Lee Shell holder set (for press) - $59
- Lee Improved powder measure dipper set (comes with slide rule chart)- $20
Recommended accessories:
- Brass tumbler (wet or dry) - wet is cheaper in the long run, but drying takes time. Dry requires tumbling media and can be dusty.
- Frankford Arsenal hand depriming tool
- Reloading Tray to hold the cases while you prep
- Chamfer and Deburr Tool
- Micrometer
- Electronic Scale
- Case Lube
- Case trimming tools (I recommend Lee's individual case length gauge and shell holder sets)
- Rubber mallet, pliers, electric drill (for case length gauge and trimmer)
- Reloading book (alternatively, search online - bullet and powder manufacturers provide reloading recipes for free on their websites)
You can purchase pre-made kits, but in my experience I didn't have access to a work table to drill and mount a traditional press, so I went with the hand press. If you can mount a press, then I'm sure the others' recommendations are fine.
That's great advice, I appreciate it. Can I get away with just a good single stage press and a good scale? What else do I really NEED other tha dies to get me going? Just found a good used set of dies at my local shop!
aroundpg: Another essential piece of kit, is a good quality vernier caliper. Your choice, whether analog, or digital. A lot of other gadgets you can get along without....at least for the first little while. But, I consider a vernier caliper a must, for reloading.
When considering dies....take a look at those offered by Lee. These are very economically priced, very good quality, and will offer many years of service. Though I own reloading dies of just about every brand, I also own and use a wide selection of Lee dies. Lee Precision also has excellent customer service (Just like all the other major brands, ie: RCBS, Lyman, Hornady, etc.).
Also, be sure to have some case resizing lube on hand. You'll understand why, the first time you get a "dry" case stuck tight in your resizing die! There are any number of good lube brands to choose from. Imperial sizing wax, always being a top choice. Still, I prefer Lee lube. Have used it for many years. Inexpensive and gets the job done.
Al
When considering dies....take a look at those offered by Lee. These are very economically priced, very good quality, and will offer many years of service. Though I own reloading dies of just about every brand, I also own and use a wide selection of Lee dies. Lee Precision also has excellent customer service (Just like all the other major brands, ie: RCBS, Lyman, Hornady, etc.).
Also, be sure to have some case resizing lube on hand. You'll understand why, the first time you get a "dry" case stuck tight in your resizing die! There are any number of good lube brands to choose from. Imperial sizing wax, always being a top choice. Still, I prefer Lee lube. Have used it for many years. Inexpensive and gets the job done.
Al
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A press, dies, and components are obviously a requirement. (Actually, you can even get away without the press if you get a Lee Loader, but as you mentioned wanting to do multiple calibers that route doesn't make much sense to me, plus they probably don't have a 348win one)
Beyond that, there really isn't a lot you NEED, especially for your first loads. Priming on a press is usually possible, so you can resize, prime, and seat your bullet. Those are the steps you need to do EVERY time. You'll need to lube before priming, but that can be done in an old margarine container or a ziplock bag depending what you want to use for lube.
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/lubing-brass.497891/
You'll need something for measuring powder, Lee dies come with a scoop that could get you started, but its far from ideal. A scale of some sort will be wanted if not needed. Cheap digital scales are finicky and tend to drift pretty quickly/easily, so I'd look towards a used beam scale.
You will also have to trim sometimes. Cheapest way for that is Lee case length gauges. I highly recommend the ball head cutter, its much nicer to hold onto after a few cases and doesn't cost much.
aroundpg: You have a good collection of quality dies to start with. Can't go wrong, with Redding. If your local shop doesn't have the Lee dies you're looking for in stock, Higginson Powders is a major Canadian distributor, for Lee products. Always worth a look.. Also, if in western Canada, be sure to check out Rusty Wood Trading.
Al
ps: Suther offers some solid advice. The Lee ball head cutter, is very easy to use. A good investment. Also true: Lee scoops are far from ideal. But, are a good, basic reloading tool, capable of delivering a safe and reliable powder charge. A good scale can't be beat, though.
Al
ps: Suther offers some solid advice. The Lee ball head cutter, is very easy to use. A good investment. Also true: Lee scoops are far from ideal. But, are a good, basic reloading tool, capable of delivering a safe and reliable powder charge. A good scale can't be beat, though.
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