Recommendations for a reloading virgin
- Thread starter jory
- Start date
A single stage is very helpful in processing rifle brass in batches before running it through the progressive press. I'm using all Lee. Classic cast single stage and a Loadmaster. Thousands of rounds, equipment has paid for itself. 223 and 243
I just got into the reloading game. After working out the price of 9mm it makes no sense to reload if you are buying as new components. I managed to pick up all my bullets, primers and powder privately so if I can find enough brass for free ill break even after 8k rounds. If I have to buy brass it's allot more than that.
Cameron SS
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Ground Zero
Reloading doesn't really ever save you money, unless you are an ultra high volume reloader. At best its a wash on price, but you should end up with better quality ammo.
I load 223 on a Lee Classic Turret with the Lee Auto Drum powder measure on the turret. I verify every 10th powder charge on an RCBS M500 beam scale. All my case prep work is done with the Lee trimming tools and it's the only part of the process that I really dislike. I prime off the press with an RCBS hand primer just because I like doing it that way. I could certainly prime on the press but I just prefer hand priming.
It works well. It's not as automated as a full-blown Dillon set up but it works well for me. I recommend it if you just want to try progressive-like reloading on the cheap to see if it's for you. You can always upgrade to a better system and sell some of your experimental stuff on the EE.
Just for fun, here's a list of the tools and prices for all the stuff that should get you started with turret press semi-progressive loading. Other than the specific digital calipers listed below, I have everything here and find that everything here works. For prices I looked up everything at X-Reload, just for convenience. I've ordered from them in the past and they are good to deal with, but here I just used their site for convenience. The links below go to the manufacturers' websites for each item.
So, here we go:
Lee 223 Case Gauge: for case trimming.
http://leeprecision.com/gage-holder-223-rem.html
$8.31 at X-Reload
Lee Case Conditioning Kit: used with the gauge for case trimming and prep work.
http://leeprecision.com/case-condtioning-combo.html
$15.89 at X-Reload
Lee Classic Turret Press: for sizing and loading operations.
http://leeprecision.com/4-hole-classic-turret-press.html
$177.58 at X-Reload
Lee Auto Drum: on-press powder dispensing.
http://leeprecision.com/auto-drum-powder-measure.html
$55.67 at X-Reload
Lee Auto Disk Riser: for raising the Auto Drum to clear the dies. May not be needed with 223 but my Auto Drum is always set up with it.
http://leeprecision.com/auto-disk-riser.html
$12.38 at X-Reload
Lee 223 Dies: sizing, bullet seating, crimping.
http://leeprecision.com/pacesetter-dies-223-rem.html
$47.71 at X-Reload
RCBS M500 Scale: to verify powder charges by weight; used to set up and verify the Auto Drum.
http://rcbs.com/Products/Powder-Measures-and-Scales/Scales/Mechanical/M500-Mechanical-Scale.aspx
$125.78 at X-Reload
Digital Calipers: for measuring case length to determine if you need to trim, for measuring cartridge overall length, and for other measuring tasks.
https://x-reload.com/caliper-stlss-elec-lcd-eng-or-met-001-acc.html
$33.28 at X-Reload
Hornady Handbook: reloading reference and data. I use a lot of Hornady bullets so I like this one. I also have the Lyman and Lee books. You can never have too many of these books.
https://www.hornady.com/reloading/handbook
$49.93 at X-Reload
Total: $526.53
I assume that priming is done on the press using the primer arms included with the Lee Classic Turret. I've not included the Lee Safety Prime kit ( http://leeprecision.com/safety-primer-feed-small-and-large.html ) in this list. People use the Safety Prime things and they work, but I've not included them here as I don't think they are absolutely necessary.
I've not included a case tumbler or washer or cleaner. When I started out, I just cleaned my fired cases with a cloth dampened with methyl hydrate. This gets particulate crap off the brass but does not make make them shiny. I now use a case tumbler but I don't think you need one to start.
I've not included a case lube product. Any of the common commercial products will work. I've always used a lanolin-based leather conditioner that I just happened to have on hand. I apply it with my fingers and consider this "feeling up" of the brass to be part of the inspection process.
Hope this helps. Would be interesting to see what others might have on their "bare minimum for semi-progressive" lists.
Last edited:
- Location
- Calgary, Alberta
A lot of the beginner die sets come with one or more dies that you may likely never use or use occasionally before switching up to something more in line with what you really want or need, e.g., many do not use the factory crimp die while others will not want to use the full resizing die but simply prefer to resize the neck on previously fired shells because they are more accurate if used again and again in the same rifle. For smaller calibres the volume powder measures are typically not as accurate as you may prefer and will need some tweaking to correct the powder weight for each shell reload.... That slows down the process as does correct bullet seating depth especially when you want to offset the bullet ogive from the rifle land 0.01 inches for increased target accuracy..... Just keep in mind that the entire process involves a learning curve. As far as saving money.... in general you should be able to save about 25% to 33% reloading in the 223 caliber and more with larger calibers IMHO. You can also better match the bullet grain weight to your rifle and twist etc. Jumping from one caliber to the next will slow down your progress in finding that magic sweet spot for powder type, powder grain, bullet grain, brass type etc.
Personally I like to reload bullet as fast and as accurate as possible which is why I prefer a compact Gen6 digital powder system in conjunction with an Ogive comparator and micrometer type bullet seating die. Avoid the turret press devices and keep that simple. Better to have two separate single stage reloading presses since you may only need to work with two dies unless you need factory crimped bullets.
Finally after removing spent primers, clean shells in a good ultrasonic cleaner, use basic vinegar mixed with filtered water 50/50.... then switch over to clean water with a sprinkle of baking soda. each stage 20 minutes in the ultrasonic cleaner.... finally rinse thoroughly and swab out the insides with a q-tip spinning the shell on your electric drill with a shell holder.
- Location
- Halifax - NS
For your quantities you're looking at, get a Lee Turret or (more capable) Dillon 550.
RUN from Lee Progressives; Loadmaster and 1000.
No sense starting with something you have to use youtube to fix before you finish setting it up.
RUN from Lee Progressives; Loadmaster and 1000.
No sense starting with something you have to use youtube to fix before you finish setting it up.
