Getting closer to reloading.

Pyd

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
2   0   0
Location
Ontario
Sold off my never used MEC shotgun re loader, and picked up a Lee classic turret press.
Now what do I need? Bullets and powder aside, I need some help here.
I will be loading for my 17 rem, 220 swift, 204 ruger.
I have lots of brass for each, the 204 is once fired, Remington and Swift are unknown. They were handed down with lots of ammo, so I don't know how many times they have been used.
I need to gear up, dies are a given, but what else do I need? Does the press pop old primers?
I won't be long before I get the hang of this, but right now I need some advice to get started.
I have a Hornady digital scale, but guessing a case trimmer and some other goodies are in my near future.
Anyone care to assist?
 
Some advice I was given was to get some reading material and read it a couple times first. I went with "ABC's of Reloading" and "Modern Reloading". Plenty of time to read while waiting for your tumbler, media sifter, carbide dies, trimmer, etc.
I am still too new to offer advice, I have most of the gear, waiting on powder, so don't take my advice, wait for some experienced re-loaders and hand-loaders to chip in. The more you read and learn the safer and more enjoyable experience you will have.
 
A bullet puller is a good idea but first you need to read and watch some videos. The ABCs of reloading is a good start and the Lyman manual is an easy read. For videos, I suggest you checkout youtube: TheLocknLoadchannel reloading 101.

Stay safe, enjoy and as they say: Welcome to the addiction!
 
Thank you gentlemen.
I have a funnel, an old tumbler that needs new media, but books I do not have.
I shop at triggers and bows, there is a dude there that seems to know his stuff. He is going to stop by and look at my brass and guide and bit.
You guys have done a lot for me since my firearm journey began, and I appreciate every word.

I am going to buy everything you guys recomend, rather have the tool and not need it. I seen a book today, hatd cover, that is apparently pretty awesome. I read my Lyman shotgun book a few times, that is what gave me a foundation for the accuracy and consistency of what we are about to do.

Right now, I need a tool list. That way I don't have to look back.

Is the Lee classic 4 hole turret a good start?
 
This is what I posted in another thread.

I bought the RCBS Supreme Master kit acouple years ago and also picked up along the way

Dies for your caliber
RCBS powder trickler
Forster case trimmer
Princess Auto dial caliper
and a primer pocket reamer

That should pretty much get your rockin for reloading

I also got a brass brush to brush off the case necks before resizing because I read somewhere that can mess with your dies.
 
I also have the rcbs kit mentioned above. Added a tumbler, trimmer, power prep center, trickler, dies and components. There are more tools I want to add but I don't really need them. I am a tradesman so I always liked having the best tools for the job. I have also added books for the bullet manufacturers I am shooting. Good luck
 
You're going to want more than one source for loading data. A great book to have is the Lyman Reloading Manual. In the opening chapters is a pretty good how to on what you need and what each of the things do. Get one before you buy any more equipment and read the guide in the front end.

The local library can often be a good source of books on reloading and you don't need to buy them and have them taking up space after you don't need them anymore.

A good second source of loading data to go with the Lyman book is the online Reloading Data web site at Hodgdon.com . Of course it's only THEIR powders. But still covers a pretty good selection.

Yes the press pops the old primers as part of the sizing operation. You also want to figure out if you can use neck sizing only or if you need to do full length sizing.

The mystery brass you have is rather "shocky" calibers. Likely it would be a wise move to anneal the throat areas and check it for length. You may need to invest in a case trimmer early. Either way you'll need one sooner or later when shooting necked ammo. Check You Tube for lots of good videos showing how to anneal rifle casing necks.
 
Back
Top Bottom