New to Reloading - First dumb question

Deanx

Deanx

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
22   0   0
Location
Beamsville, Ontario
OK. I got a good deal on a lot of reloading equipment, far more than I really need. I obtained two presses (a rockchucker and a hollywood) and a bunch of powder, brass, dies, primers, lead etc etc. I am up and running with my 38 special and I am ready to start on 223 and 303. So here's my first uninformed question.

Are the shell holders and dies interchangeable between different manufacturers ? In other words could I use Lee dies and shell holders on my Rockchucker or Lee dies and RCBS shell holders?

More dumb questions to follow :)
 
Deanx said:
In other words could I use Lee dies and shell holders on my Rockchucker or Lee dies and RCBS shell holders?
Click to expand...


Yes


.......... and for what it is worth there is no such thing as a dumb question. Things that may seem simple to experienced people often are confusing to novices. The only way to learn is through trial & error - not a great method BTW - or by asking questions.
 
You may notice the numbering system's are different between the Lee and the RCBS. For example, a #2 Lee is different to a #2 RCBS, each will hold a different case.
 
Dean, when I first started I got an RCBS rock chucker press and the LEE shell holder kit, which lists the applicable holder/cartridge combos on the back of the case. After awhile you will know which matches which.
The LEE #5 works for your 303 Brit. Not familiar with the rest.

Enjoy your new hobby!

Noel
 
.... The only dumb question, is the one you don't ask ! ... your question seems to have been answered, and welcome to reloading ! You never stop learning and refining your reloads ! The manufacturers are a good source of information, as are the powder manufacturers.. some will provide free guides to powder's and loads ..... David K.
 
I buy a shellholder with each set of dies whether I already have one or not. They're less than $5 - I keep them together with the dies, and never have to try to find the one I need.
 
DEANX;
Welcome to one on the greatest hobbies going,have been reloading for 45 years and still enjoy "playing" with a new caliber now and then.
And I AGREE with all the fellows here, there are NO dumb questions just dumb people who don't ask any questions at all....
John
 
Make sure you use the right one, after loading thousands of rounds I got only my second stuck case yesterday. I started doing case prep beofre sizing, my wife came out and started talking to me and I forgot to change form Lee #5 to #2, now the decapper is stuck in the 260 case.
 
there is no such thing as a dumb question...we all learn from the replies...its just that some of of us are to chicken poop to ask the same thing...but we all want to know the answer;)
 
Most dies have a thread that's 7/8-14. So, yes, they can be used in different presses. Shell holders aren't always the same size though. However, like Steeleco says, it's not that a shell holder won't fit in the press, it's that the shell holder may be for a different case.
One thing to remember is that some cases use the same shell holder. For example, any case based on a .30-06 or .308 uses the same shell holder. The manufacturer's web sites usually have a list of what case needs which shell holder.
 
Slavex said:
pics of the Hollywood press would be cool. I haven't seen one in ages.
Click to expand...


Here it is.


hollywood001ye0.jpg



It would have been on last night but I was playing Barbies with my Grandaughter :redface: :redface:
 
Last edited:
My advice: Buy all the reloading manuals you can afford - and read 'em! Forget the videos and DVD's - too much fluff! The best advice I was told when I started out was: if your'e unsure, start with a low pressure and work your way up. That way you can avoid blowing up a nice firearm. :p
 
Proberbly your grandaughter was playing with you and the Barbies; I love my grandkids. BTW don't hesitate in asking ANY questions, the guys on CGN have helped me immensly. Have fun reloading,...and the Barbies!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom