so I bought a press...

Davy Crockett

Davy Crockett

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I haven't got it yet but I've got a Hornady Lock&Load AP on the way with plates and dies for .45 ACP and .223, 9mm and .308 to follow soon.

Just thought I'd forewarn y'all to prepare for the noob questions :redface:


Given I have only the most basic concept of reloading does anyone have any words of wisdom? No not that kind, real wisdom :D Tips, pointers, warnings?

I haven't got a scale yet or a tumbler. Cash is a bit tight so good value for the dollar is a must. Suggestions?

Also looking for input on powder and bullet choices for any of the above calibers but .45 and .223 will be my go to rounds. I'm not looking for match ammo, just to ease the wallet pain of blasting through large amounts of ammo.
 
Measure your powder regularly, it may get thrown off a little now and again. I like to do it every 5 to 10 rounds.

Start with a light laod and work your way up to see what gives best result. make 5 or 10 rounds of each going up in 0.5 grain increments. Compare groups and chose what load you want to keep and duplicate. Edit- Write this down in your (black book) reloading book so you remeber your load next time around.

Wear eye protection (just in case, your only blessed with two)

-clean brass
-shape brass
-prime
-powder
-bullet
 
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Theres a guy selling a Lee scale for $25 on EE. They take some getting used to but work fine.

You don't need a tumbler to start.
 
The press comes with 5 die bushings, each die set contains 3 dies, you'll need extra bushings to make your life easier. Ideally, you'll need a bushing per die. They usually come as 2pcs -US$8 but I think they have 4pcs and 8pcs sets too.

You'll use 4 bushings at least - decapping die, powder measure, flaring, seating.

Scales and tumblers can be bought almost everywhere, the ones I have are: electronic scale - US$30 and tumbler - US$50; one bought at Cabelas and the other at Sportsman's.
 
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Davy Crockett said:
Given I have only the most basic concept of reloading does anyone have any words of wisdom?
[...]
I haven't got a scale yet or a tumbler. Cash is a bit tight so good value for the dollar is a must. Suggestions?
[...]
Also looking for input on powder and bullet choices for any of the above calibers but .45 and .223 will be my go to rounds.
Click to expand...
In order:
- as someone else suggested, get a good manual. In fact, get two (lyman and sierra perhaps). Then have a look at the various youtube videos of LNL AP's in operation.

- scale: rcbs 5-0-5 will last a lifetime, and is reasonably priced. For a bit more, the 10-10 settles faster and has a built-in cover to keep dust off. Keep an eye out in the EE. For tumblers, they all work... but the Lyman Turbo Auto-Flo manages the media better.

- the key thing in a progressive is good powder flow, suggesting a ball or very short-stick powder. Since you also want inexpensive: titegroup for handgun (it's somewhat universal), WC735 (a surplus powder from Higginson powders that may also work in 308) for 223. AFAIK, WC735 is the cheapest powder available for .223 by a long shot. Higginson has data for 223.
 
acrashb,
will varget work in the l-n-l?
I bought the lnl ap after reading your article.

DavyCrockett
where did you get the #1 or the #45 shell plate? I've looked all over for one. I just bought a #6 and am going to re-machine it for .45acp

You might want to buy meter inserts for the powder measure for each cal. Push of a button and you're set.
 
twoshots said:
acrashb,
will varget work in the l-n-l?[...]
You might want to buy meter inserts for the powder measure for each cal. Push of a button and you're set.
Click to expand...
If a short stick, yes - but I've never seen Varget. Some manuals have charts / pics that would tell you this - or someone else will chime in.

Regarding multiple inserts... I would just get the micrometer insert and spin-up the setting you need. Cheaper in the long run. I find them completely repeatable.
 
DOn't feel bad about the questions, I have hosed this forum for information relating to reloading, everyone here is very very helpful.
 
Well i just started reloading and I will add a few words of wisdom.

reload in silence. Double loading could reult in a broken gun and/or face.

Get a bullet puller. as with my first point ; pull a bullet if you even have a sneaking suspicion that you may have double loaded or not even put powder in.

if you are going to do different loads at the same time mark you brass with a black felt marker. put 1 ring for the smallest load and then 2 for the larger and so on and so forth. this will help in case you drop or mix up your brass and are not sure what you loaded it with. marker will wash off easily after you have fired your brass.
 
thanks for the advice guys

twoshots said:
where did you get the #1 or the #45 shell plate? I've looked all over for one. I just bought a #6 and am going to re-machine it for .45acp
Click to expand...

I haven't actually got it yet twoshots but it's on order from w ww.bcredneck.com and he didn't say there'd be any problems. Expect it this week.
 
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