Help a Noob out.

[slick39]

Ok so I have limited knowledge here, I have reloaded a bit of 9mm on my Lee Pro 1000. That is about the extent of my knowledge...

I want to get into reloading for .243 and maybe .223. So at the moment I am looking for a single stage press.

If you had $150-200 to get into reloading for rifle what equipment would you buy?? Is my budget even do-able?

If you could list the required equipment etc for me that would be fantastic! (And if anyone is looking to sell a noob some inexpensive equipment please PM me)

Thanks,
Josh

 

[Freyr_255]

In that price range you're looking at Lee equipment.

If starting from scratch one would buy the Lee 50th anniversary kit, dies, case gauge(for trimming), and a caliper. Total should be about $200.

If you already have everything for case trimming, powder measuring, etc then just get a Lee classic cast iron press and some dies/trim gauges. The cast aluminum is also a good press and half the price, but the cast iron is a lifetime purchase.

Best prices are from factorysales.com but shipping is usually about $50 so make it worthwhile when you order. Lee 50th kit is about $80 vs $125 in stores so it's cheap if you're ordering more than a few pieces.

If you want really cheap they have the hand press as well but for a few extra bucks I'd get the full size cast aluminum press just because it's easier/faster. Hand press is portable and small which is where it shines.(reloading in front of the tv...)

 

[HKMark23]

Hi Josh

Sorry to single out your thread but yours is by no means the first "constrained budget" post I've read and now I've gotta ask; "what if you waited"?

In time, whatever you did to get $ 150-200 would result in there being $ 200-300 or $ 300-400 until you're shopping based on features not price, no ?

From a personal standpoint I can tell you I own absolutely nothing reloading related that I regret having bought because the price went down. Can't say the same about my laptop(s),, or the stock market .

 

[slick39]

I had been looking at the lee 50th anniversary set up and so I went for it from factorysales! I got everything I should need minus the obv components like powder etc. Also going to need to pick up a tumbler. Thanks for the information it was very helpful with getting me on track and purchasing the correct items!

I decided to get the lee deluxe die set with the collet dies so we will see how that goes! Can't wait for it to arrive.

Thanks again!

 

[Freyr_255]

I had been looking at the lee 50th anniversary set up and so I went for it from factorysales! I got everything I should need minus the obv components like powder etc. Also going to need to pick up a tumbler. Thanks for the information it was very helpful with getting me on track and purchasing the correct items!

I decided to get the lee deluxe die set with the collet dies so we will see how that goes! Can't wait for it to arrive.

Thanks again!

No worries

Just remember though that as you reload you'll be like "oh hey this would be easier if I had X tool/part" until you have too much crap.

When you can afford it I highly recommend a digital scale. For anything decent quality expect to pay $150 as a minimum as cheap scales are inaccurate and have lots of drift. This is one item where you don't cheap out as cheap scales are dangerous(too inaccurate and you can overpressure your gun).

Also when using an automatic powder measure(and scoop for that matter) with a large grain powder the charge can vary a fair amount as it's a volume measurement. Two ways to combat this are to only load the charge in the measuring tube right when you plan to load so no vibration causes things to settle, or to tap the powder measure so everything settles. With fine grain powders for pistols it's pretty much a non-issue, but this is why I recommended the digital scale when you can afford it. Oh, and the lee scale has a lock for the sub grain weight on the balance arm. Most people miss it and complain the scale is useless.

*edit*

And loading blocks...I always forget them. Use a 2x6 board and drill 1/2" holes in it about 3/4" deep. 50 of them spaced about 1" apart from the center of the hole. Very important part. And a cordless drill for the case trimmer(nothing fancy). I never think of them because I just assume people have things like this.

For 223 you should be able to use smaller holes. Just size it to your case so it fits. 1/2" does most rifle/pistol calibers.

 

[slick39]

Awesome thanks for the info! Ya I have a half decent Electric one that I paid somewhere around $80 for a while back? But it is nice to know that the lee scale isn't complete crap because I just figured I'd end up throwing it away if it was that bad.

Our battery has died for our cordless drill which is kind of annoying, maybe I will see if my Dremel can pick up the slack hahah. Also I like the idea for the loading blocks, I will have to try your method and save myself 10-20 bucks or whatever it is from the stores.

 

[444shooter]

The only Lee press I would recommend it the classic cast. Regarding power scales, maybe look at the new Hornady digital. It is quite similar to the RCBS Chargemaster.