NOOB wanting to get into reloading...please help!

Until the Angels Fall

Until the Angels Fall

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I am new too reloading and NEVER have done any reloading before but I am starting to shoot more and more and would like to get into it. I plan to reload for 9mm, .45ACP, .223rem and .308win mostly. How do I get started in this, what should I buy? What is needed besides the press? I DO NOT NEED top of the line/big brand, I want something that works well, I think I would reload quite a bit but I don't think I'd be doing 1000s of rounds a month.

Much thanks, sorry if this is asked alot but I couldn't find anything I could make sence of on getting started in reloading.
 
I like the Lee Turret Press (its cheap too:))

Check videos on youtube, the equipment will make more sense afterwords.

The Basics (besides the press)

-Calipers
-Scale
-Dies
-reloading manual
-priming device (safety prime)

Have a look at the Lee site and wholesale sports
 
Until the Angels Fall said:
something like this work? and does it include everything I will need?

http://www.wholesalesports.com/stor...lock-challenger-reloading-kit/prod247145.html
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Short answer: yes with a but; long answer: no with an if.

I have the breech-lock challenger press, and I'd personally just purchase the Lee Classic Cast press or the Lee Turret if I was to do it again (purchasing Lee).

Here's a WSS link for you, so you can compare:
http://www.wholesalesports.com/storefront/hunting/reloading/presses/classic-cast-single-stage-reloading-press/prod204301.html

HOWEVER, the breech-lock challenger is just fine for a beginning reloader, and I don't mind mine a bit. The plus side is that - as a kit - it DOES come with a lot of little goodies that you would have to buy separately. Chamfer/debur tool, primer pocket cleaner, safety powder scale, etc.

One of the best values for your money is the 50th anniversary kit:
http://www.wholesalesports.com/storefront/hunting/reloading/presses/lee-50th-anniversary-kit/prod252150.html

You can just buy a few extra shellholders for the calibers you want to reload, add a case lube pad or buy spray lube, and buy the case length studs for the case trimming tool ("cutter and lock stud") that comes with the kit. These are usually located near the "bits and pieces" by the reloading dies; just ask one of the personnel there for the Lee case length gauges to be used with the cutter/lock stud and pick out the one(s) you want. Don't worry that the 50th Anniversary kit doesn't come with a separate priming tool; it comes with two tools to prime on the press automatically, or you can just feed primers manually as long as you keep somewhat clean hands.

The Lee Safety powder scale is fine for a beginning reloader, but it's probably one of the first things you'll upgrade.

Then, just add whatever die sets you need - anything that's semi-auto needs a crimp die, so a "3-die set"; anything bolt you can get away with just a 2-die or even a neck sizer die if you just want to re-use cases in the same chamber.

Any more questions, feel free to PM! Reloading is one of the most rewarding things I've done with my single-projectile firearms; the possibilities are virtually endless!

-M
 
Oaky, MUCH thanks for the info...so the point of a "die" is that they go into the empty casing to reshape it and pop out the spent primer right? So why do they also need to be trimmed if they are reshaped already?
 
UTAF, no disrespect but I suggest buying or downloading a reloading manual.
check out this link to download free copy, though I'm not sure about the legality of a free download....I just quickly googled "Lee Reloading Manual" and this site appeared. Try your local gunstore, or you can go online and order the book...

http://nowdownloadall.com/servers.a...2410a3ee&wstyle=1&q=lee reloading manual&cr=1

Read and if you need clarification, post your question here. Reloading is simple once you understand it. Lots of experts in this forum who will gladly help you, but you need to do your homework and read up first, just so the nomenclature for example, is quite clear to you.

If you are not familiar with the terms used, it will be very difficult to explain.
Take your question below
so the point of a "die" is that they go into the empty casing to reshape it and pop out the spent primer right? So why do they also need to be trimmed if they are reshaped already?
Click to expand...

The die does not go into the empty casing...the empty casing goes into the die.

If you were in Vancouver, I'd help you personally.
 
Before you buy a press and equipment....

Go to Amazon and get a copy of "The ABC's of Reloading". A must read for all reloaders.
It walks you step by step through every step of the reloading process and gives you the reasons why you do the steps you do.

I also reccomend a you get a copy of a "Lyman Reloading Handbook" (I currently have the 48th edition, I do belive the 49th ed. is available). It is not manufacturer specific, so it has a bunch of useful generalized info, but they do try to sell you Lyman stuff the whole way through.

Then ask your questions here, buy a press and equipment and get started on reloading.

After you have those things you will probably want to pick up manufactures specific manuals based on the bullets and powder you are using.

Cheers!
 
Agreed with all of the above; pick up a hard copy at your local gun shop and read the introductory section - typically the manuals cover a lot of what you need to know/do to reload safely and properly.

To answer your question, as mentioned the fired cartridge goes into the die, which resizes it to "new" specs (from SAAMI, usually - a standards organization governing sporting arms and ammunition). After this, the cartridge elongates as the sizer button is withdrawn (and because of brass flow when being sized and the shoulder is being set back), and needs to be trimmed.

For example, reloading .308 Win, I find that my cases (fired) measure out at 2.014" on average; when full-length resized, they're usually 2.026" or above - which is .011" over the SAAMI maximum of 2.015". Hence, I trim them to an acceptable length to ensure safe function in my rifle.

-M
 
x2 - what UTAF said. I bought the anniversary set, to get started. I might just add to it - a good deburing tool (the RCBS one is perfect) and a Lyman primer pocket cleaner. Also the best/inexpensive cast trimmer is the lee all you have to do is buy the cutter stock and the different gauge for the different calibers. only a few $ each, and you can mount it to a cordless drill. Also as far as reading material, the one that comes with lee is great, but the ones I use mostly are the nosler and my bible is the Hornady 2 volume read it from cover to cover and you will be amazed.
Please realize that this will only get you started, your b-days and xmas's will be how you keep fueling the addiction. As over the last few years I have added $$$ to my reloading but it's all worth it.
read the hornady book it's my best advice to you.
good luck.
 
You're missing one extremely important piece of information in your request.

You didn't say the production level you're looking for.

How many rounds per month do you need / planning to make?
What's your spare time worth / how much of it do you have?

What do you do with those pistols? Bullseye, plink, IPSC :eek:, IDPA - each discipline consumes a certain amount of ammo, that is directly related to the type, brand and capacity of your reloader.

A Lee Breech lock kit ain't gonna do it if you plan to shoot 150+ rounds a week at your local range - that is, unless you're unemployed.
 
Good point, FV...

I'll say that my Lee Loadmaster is great for cranking out buckets of .45ACP... I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking to make reliable handgun rounds en masse.

For my .308 though, it's single-stage press all the way... but I'm a bit of a precision rifle nerd. :D

-M
 
The recommendations so far are for Lee Equip. which is usually bottom line equip., I'd suggest you do some shopping and look at Dillon equip. if you decide to go for speed reloading of handgun cartridges. You might also want to look at RCBS, Redding, and probably the best single stage press, the Forster Co-ax. You may as well start off with what you will end up with, don't scrimp on something as important as your ammo making. Not everyone is content driving a Hyundai.
 
Lee Turret!!!! I do about 200 rounds a week, and it only takes about an hour of my time. You don't need a dillon for that kind of volume. You will not be disapointed with the Lee Turret. I have had one about a year now and love it. You should buy the safety prime though. Speeds things up a bit.
 
I agree that Dillon really is top-end stuff, but the Lee is far from "a Hyundai" in my experience. Instead of spending $600-700 on a Dillon, he can get into reloading for less than $300 with a Lee (or less, if he gets a single-stage... which won't be a lot of fun if he's doing 500 rounds a month).

For a new reloader, I just find Lee hard to beat. However, I can see where you're coming from with the Dillon angle - and I respect your position. I just know I love where I'm at with my two Lee presses (but, again, as a precision rifle geek, will probably upgrade to something like an arbor press to load at the range or get a higher-precision/stiffer press in the long run for my bench).

-M
 
I just ordered my Lee Pro 1000 in 9mm from reloaders.ca, $230, comes with everything you need! I also purchased a dillon 650 6 months ago, with some extra parts it cost me almost $2000. I've heard great things about the Lee Pro 1000 progressive press, hopefully it will work fine for me.

if it works nearly as good as my dillon 650, i would get another one for a different caliber. that's the nice part of this press, it's fairly cheap, and you can buy a few of them set up in different calibers for the same price as buying 1 dillon 650.

i don't know about you guys, but i really don't like changing calibers on 650 and then tweaking it!
 
Florin can u do me a favor and keep me updated on the lee pro. I was thinkin of getting one for 9mm as I just bought a 9mm ar and my glock is a hungry beast as well. Pm me with your initial thoughts and experience with it. I am very interested. Or you could just start a thread. And to the op if florin gives me the go ahead on the lee pro ill sell you my turret cheap. Lol.
 
mlehtovaara said:
Florin can u do me a favor and keep me updated on the lee pro. I was thinkin of getting one for 9mm as I just bought a 9mm ar and my glock is a hungry beast as well. Pm me with your initial thoughts and experience with it. I am very interested. Or you could just start a thread. And to the op if florin gives me the go ahead on the lee pro ill sell you my turret cheap. Lol.
Click to expand...

no problem, i should be getting it soon! i've seen vids on youtube for the Lee Pro 1000 and the guy reloading is pumpin' out those rounds pretty quick.

$230 - NOT BAD, you'll make up that money in the first 1000-2000 rounds!

will let you know how she goes!
 
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