Bronze Supporter
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I started loading 30.06 around 1976 with a Lee Loader.
Links are to the Lee Loader, no press involved, $40 each, just add powder, primer, bullets, mallet, time.
.380 auto====== base: .374" primer: small pistol .1745-.1765"
.223 5.56 ====== base: .378" primer: small rifle .1745-.1765"
9mm Luger ==== base: .394" primer: small pistol .1745-.1765"
.45 ACP ======= base: .4734" primer: large pistol .2100-.2120"
I'm also looking at getting in to reloading. I checked out the links you have above, one rather important point I noticed is that they all say they're not recommend for semi-auto, pump or lever guns because they "neck size only". Is this really an issue? I don't know that many folks have bolt action rifles or revolvers in 9mm or .45acp, so what good would these be otherwise? Or do they function just fine, that's just Lee being overly cautious?
I was also wondering that. While i was looking through their site i came upon another page that said
"The Lee Loader neck sizes only, use only with brass fired through your gun. You can reload a round in 30 seconds. "
Here is that page.
http://leeprecision.com/reloading-kits/lee-loader-pistol/
Ttuck "has way more time than money", got a Lee Loader in 9mm Luger.
After de-priming, clean the primer pocket. Lee Primer Pocket Cleaner $4.19
Don't scrape too deeply, just clean out the black crud.
Check that the flash hole is clear of debris.
Clear any junk from inside the case (rocks, spiders, etc).
"my next question is what's a cheap way to wash the brass?"
Water and soap won't clean it. Steel wool (0000) splinters get in your skin.
Money vs time: I wouldn't bother making it look pretty.
"I noticed is that they all say they're not recommend for semi-auto, pump or lever guns because they "neck size only". Is this really an issue?"
Semi-Auto-loading guns are picky about their ammo. They jam if the cartridge is too tight in the chamber.
If you run into jamming, a Max Cartridge Gage $23 will check for oversized cases.
I like the suggestions in post 16 by BlindedByScience. The C press will work well with pistol cases.
Just add the shell holder. Inexpensive, too.
"New Brass" will need to be sized before loading
I think that little C Press with a decent set of dies would do just fine, if a bit slowly, as a starter press. Should be very serviceable for many years. I'm sure Lee sold a ton of them over the years, nice way to get started.