reloading equipment compatibility

[thepitchedlink]

OK, time for some newbie quiestons. I'd like to try hand loading and buying 2nd hand from CGN only seems smart. Quiestion is, are all these dies, and tools and presses compatible with each other. Can I get a RCBS press, use Lee dies and someone elses primer tool. Also any thoughts on the Lee Hand Press. Is it a piece of junk or not. I work way up north and like to take hobbies with me to have something to do. The hand press looks much more portable, it that true? I work with an experienced handloader so he should be able to help me out a bit. In my reading about loading gear am I right in saying that the hand press cannot resize cases? Only necks? Or did I get that wrong. thanks in advance

 

[prosper]

For the most part, all the gear is cross-compatible. Some of the more specialty tools aren't, but the basic press/die/primer setups are.

I like the hand press for seating bullets. For FL or collet sizing, a bench press is much much nicer.

 

[NWTHunter]

I use a mixed bag of equipment and have found only one issue so far, Lee shell holders do not seem to be compatible with my Lyman press.

 

[nognog]

One of the press I know, which does not use the standard-inter-changeable standard 7/8 x 14 die is the Dillon Square Deal B. It uses the proprietory Dillon Dies designed ONLY for the Square Deal B.

If you intend to use universal dies, which are the standard 7/8 x 14 dies, stay away from Dillon SDB.

Good Luck and reload safely