Help and advice for wanna be reloader

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winchester

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I recently came into some dies for reloading some of my oldtimers.
These are RCBS dies. I dont have a press and have a chance to pick up one of three presses , none of which are RCBS. The question is-- Will all dies fit in all presses ?
The only re-loadeing I have been involved in is with the old winchester hand loaders and some Lee handloaders.
Any help would be appreciated.
Winchester
 
The dies use a standard thread and can be used interchangeably. You will need to get other equipment as well, and may want to consider one of the reloading kits sold by several of the manufacturers.
 
Buy at least 1 reloading manual. Most beginner type questions are answered. But do ask as many questions as you want here.
 
for sure number one is to read tons of manuals..the dies you have ,have a tread pattern of 7/8 in diameter with 14 threads per inch..
or 7/8-14 as most know of it by..
if the press you buy.has this threading on it..your good to go;)
good luck and have fun..
 
Reloading

If I'm going to reload and start putting money into it, I dont want to be upgrading from time to time. Experience has taught me to buy the best you can afford. Should I be going fo a 3 stage press or is it too complicated to start with ? Is there one re-loading manual that is bettter for beginners?
I'm not , at this stage, looking to work up performance loads, but to be able to shoot some obsolete amo at an affordable price. Just want to keep it simple and enjoy shooting some of my old Winchesters , for tin-can-type target and fun. I do have a copy of "cartridges of the World" which seems to offer the basics.
I will print and file all the info you can offer . Thanks
 
First thing you should invest in after a press( I am a RCBS fan) is the best scale you can afford. Follow that up with a trickler for powder.
You can make a scoop to get close and then trickle to final wt.
Case lube pad, inside neck lube brush, and a powder funnel should get you going.
Everthing else ie auto priming tools and charge throwers are about speed, not precision.
OAL trim die to fit your press (you just file the brass flush with the top) will be necessary as you progress.
It is all about precision assembly.
Biggest hazard will be the "experts" who are eager to spew loading data with little or no provocation, and generally suggest that "the manuals are just a guideline. I have this super load of 794 gr of fairy fire powder ............. you should try it."
Remember.... the wind makes the most noise when it blows over an empty bottle.
Use data only from a credible source.

I have been loading metallic cartridges for over 40 years.

It continues to fascinate and reward me.
Enjoy !!!!
Thegunnut
 
Buy the Speer reloading manuel. It has lots of info on reloading as well as loading data. Also a decent scale designed for reloading is a must. If you are just going to load smaller quantities of rifle ammo., a single stage press is probably your best bet. They are way less complicated to use if you are just starting out. A RCBS rockchucker press is hard to beat for a single stage press. Very solidly built and will handle most cartridges with ease. You should be able to get one for under $200.00. There are some less expensive presses avaliable including Lee, Hornady, and RCBS. But the Rockchucker will last you a lifetime. You will also need case lube [spray type], case neck brushes, loading blocks, [these can be homemade] safety glasses and probably a powder trickler to trickle your powder onto the scale. You can add a powder measure later. You will eventually want to obtain reloading manuals from the other bullit manuf. later. Sierra, Nosler, Hornady to name a couple. Remember to use the bullit manufacutures data. ie. Speer data for Speer bullits. Remember to start your reloads on the lower end of the data and work your way up to your desired load.
 
Good advice

All advice and info very much appreciated including one on a PM.
Keep them coming guys . I'm eager to learn.
Is there one particular powder that is sort of universal for the old Winchester levers ? ( I wll get some manuals)
 
Although imr 3031 works well in the 30-30 there is no one powder does all,or one best manual,although that could start an arguement.Everyone has theree own idea of what is best in a manual,I personally like the lee manual it has very easy to read newbie information and lots of load info.If you are not on a tight budget get one of the better starter kits like the r.c.b.s kit.If you are buying one piece at a time the new lee classic cast press single stage is very well made.And progressive presses are great for lots of rounds in a hurry but if you are looking for precision rifle loads a single stage is much better IMO.
 
One of the problems of buying a manual sold by a bullet manufacturer is they only list data for their bullets and products. I would buy the LYMAN 48th EDITION RELOADING HANDBOOK or LYMANS CAST BULLET HANDBOOK 3rd edition. The LYMAN Manual lists data for most manufacturers bullets and LYMANS lead bullets but Lymans lead bullets weigh the same as anyone elses so the data can be used for other bullets of the same weight. Lymans manual covers most cartridges out there but thumb through it to make sure it covers all the cartridges you plan to reload for. You will get other manuals as you go but THE LYMAN HANDBOOK covers just about everything you need.
 
winchester said:
All advice and info very much appreciated including one on a PM.
Keep them coming guys . I'm eager to learn.
Is there one particular powder that is sort of universal for the old Winchester levers ? ( I wll get some manuals)
Click to expand...
What cartridges?
"Old winchester levers" covers a hell of alot of territory.
Could be anything from a 38-40, through the 32-20, 30-30, right up to the 45-70, or even 45-90?
Some even in that boring old 30-06.
depending on your deffinition of "old" it could include some high stepping numbers too.
 
4759 is the most flexible powder for use in those cals., 4227 also can be used in most of 'em. Don't scrimp on your equip. as you want to be making good ammo. for many years, I would recommend RCBS and esp. the Rockchucker Kit. Cast bullets for all the oldies avail. from M T Chambers Supply.
 
winchester said:
John Y Canuck
I have 73s, 76s ,85s, 92s, 94s ,95s,87s, 1901s in
25-20, 32-20, 38,40, 44-40, 45 colt, 45-75, 220 swift, 22 hornet, 218 bee,
30-40 krag, 30-06, 405, 12 ga, 10 ga, 30-30, 38-55, 32-40, 25-35, 32 spec
etc, etc. Do you have some ideas for me ?
Thanks


Ben Hunchak,
Thanks for the info.
Click to expand...


That's it!?!?!? That's all the Winchesters you have?

Huh. Say, where did you come up with that user name anyway? ;)
 
x2 on getting good equpiment. i bought the lee kit and its ok but in the long run it sucks.

so far ive upgraded to a lyman scal the lee one is crap, im looking at another press lee one is ok . pwoder measure is ok but their is better one. i like the lee priming tool it comes with tho.

if i could do it ovr again id probably get a rockchucker kit.

just my 2 cents
 
I don't know what calibers you will be interested in, but W/W748 will work in .223, .30/30, .308 and even 30-06, Not my favorite power, but a good place to start. If you want cheaper, you can always use surplus power. Higginsons IS the source for most reloading suuplies. So, go get a single-stage press, a a manual, scale, book, lube, caliper, trimmer, champfer and other components. Even if you go to a progressive press, you will still likely use the single stage press from time-to-time.
 
beginning re-loader

Well, this has been great and a real learning experience.
Thanks for all of the excellent advice to all and a big thank you to 88 man
who generously loaned me his press and books !!
Gunnutz are a friendly bunch !!
 
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