Minimalist reloading setup?

[baker3gun]

Oh, IMO, the Lee Factory Crimp Die (LFCD ) used with any system that doesn't already have a neck tension consistency device,
reduces SD on every lot of everything.

IMO.

 

[41mag]

If yer an actual 'shooter' vs 'talker about shooting' minimal for me would be Square Deal Dillon in choice pistol calibers.

 

[RVTECH]

With regard to 'minimalist' an excellent option for press that offers a lot of versatility is the Forster CO-Ax. It is on the 'higher end' price wise for a SS but has some advantages that offer versatility for someone who may have 'significant variation in loading'.

The quick change die holder and the universal shell holder are two advantages that really allow for this versatility when changing calibers, or for short run case preparation or small load quantities. It's dual ram design allows for unobstructed access to the shell holder and die holder opening.

Also a shorter handle can be bought (or made) for the Co-Ax and it probably speeds up usage of the press on all operations probably close to 50%.

 

[P7M13]

Any particular caliber?

Reason is several years ago I was given, literally, a pickup load of reloading equipment - which included about 20 Lee Loaders and I might have a couple still hiding out and will send you one if I do!

If you have one in 44 Mag, I'll buy it! (I know, unsolicited...)

With regard to 'minimalist' an excellent option for press that offers a lot of versatility is the Forster CO-Ax.

Trick is finding one!

 

[raindog]

Lee also makes hand presses...they're a step between the Lee Loader and a true mounted press:

Breech Lock Hand Presses

The new Lee Breech Lock Hand Press. The world@s most popular hand press, more convenient than ever, now includes the Breech Lock Quick-Change Die Feature, so you can instantly change dies with just a twist of the wrist. One Breech Lock Quick Change Bushing included.

leeprecision.com

For anything hand-powered like that you have to consider how much upper body strength you have.

 

[RVTECH]

Trick is finding one!

I am almost ashamed to say mine was given to me - but it took a bunch of work to get to operational and looking 'normal' - it was rusted solid!

 

[waltermitty]

If you have one in 44 Mag, I'll buy it! (I know, unsolicited...)

Trick is finding one!

It's hard to find a Forster Co-Axe ?

 

[ma96782]

Having owned a Lee hand press.
Well, I tried to get my .308 Win brass resized so that it could at least fit into my resizing gauge. I couldn't do it. Maybe, if I were satisfied with "neck sized brass" it might have worked for me. But, whatever. I gave up and sold it off.

That all being said....the Lee hand press could probably do straight walled pistol cartridges.

So then, my choice would be.....
A simple O press. I feel that the extra leverage that you get with a ram and handle, forcing the brass case into a mounted die, which is in a stationary press is just way better. A Lee C press could/might probably do it too.

Aloha, Mark

PS.....I offered my son my RCBS Partner Press. I found mine at a gun show awhile back and paid very little for it.

So far, my son has declined my offer to give it to him. Perhaps, it's because he realizes that components are practically non-existent. And that there are many other things that he'll need. Anyway.....I wish that RCBS had included a better used primer catch system with it. BTW, there is an aftermarket guy (on eBay) that has a "better idea" on how to solve that problem.

Additionally....
IMHO, the re-priming system sucks. I'd rather use a hand primer tool w/reservoir. It's way faster and easier.
And.....I'm no fan of power through the expansion die. I prefer a reloading tray and a power thrower (powder measure). Don't forget to check powder weight every once in awhile. And check the brass (while it's in the reloading tray) for powder (just look into the cases).

 

[Steel Head]

Lee classic turret
Powder throw
Mechanical scale

 

[GWS]

It's hard to find a Forster Co-Axe ?

Yes, they seem to be on back order everywhere. You can try e-bay, but expect to pay 50% above what Midway, Brownell's or Optics Planet is asking
Frankford Armory appears to have made a co-ax clone, but the reviews are decidedly mixed.

 

[Caveman Jim]

The problem is there seems to be a large range between basic reloading and precision reloading so the components one decides to buy need to fit the individual goal of the reloader. For example, even if I just wanted to crank out 9mm its hard to know as a beginner whats the most efficient, vs cheapest.

I dont mind having to buy more than I thought, Im just trying to avoid buying more than I need. It doesnt seem like there is an easy way to get advice on what one needs as there are different ways people setup to reload the same goal. For example do you neck or full re-size? Can you size dirty brass or do you now need a tumbler, if you full resize do you need a case trimmer? This list of what to do so one knows what to buy has been an endless cycle for me. Im still trying to figure it all out. I think this is what the OP is after too with his question.

I believe that the first thing a new reloader needs to buy is a reloading manual, preferably the Lee manual and read the thoroughly to get an idea of the proper process of "Reloading".
If they get the most pertinent (correct) information drilled into their brain first then they can decide what direction they want to take with procuring equipment for their desired tasks.

Good luckon your quest.

 

[Caveman Jim]

And of course.....like with most people.....there is usually a budget and time issue.

For me, the answer was a single-stage press and multiple progressive presses (Lee M1000s). Why a multiple of progressive presses?

Well.....I got them cheap enough (complete with dies and powder measures). This way.....I merely switch out the press from the bench when I wish to change calibers. But of course.....I rarely change the settings.

Aloha, Mark

You too??? I may have more presses than complete die sets...

 

[RVTECH]

Frankford Armory appears to have made a co-ax clone, but the review are decidedly mixed.

I was unaware of this and looked at a couple reviews and I'm in the 'decidedly mixed' group......

 

[Koda]

I believe that the first thing a new reloader needs to buy is a reloading manual, preferably the Lee manual and read the thoroughly to get an idea of the proper process of "Reloading".
If they get the most pertinent (correct) information drilled into their brain first then they can decide what direction they want to take with procuring equipment for their desired tasks.

Good luckon your quest.

I actually did buy that book and honestly wasn't impressed, there isn't a step by step guide its more of a discussion where the beginner has to piece together the steps embedded in long winded stories promoting Lee's equipment and why they are so good. The answers are there but its a long winded lesson, I learn best given the answer first ( I think most people do too...).
Ironically... my first press arrived yesterday and included is this huge foldout banner with, detailed steps. Literally everything came together the moment I read it. I should have thought to look, its the same as on their website.

Step by Step Reloading | RCBS

Learn how to reload your firearm-step by step.

www.rcbs.com

 

[Caveman Jim]

I actually did buy that book and honestly wasn't impressed, there isn't a step by step guide its more of a discussion where the beginner has to piece together the steps embedded in long winded stories promoting Lee's equipment and why they are so good. The answers are there but its a long winded lesson, I learn best given the answer first ( I think most people do too...).
Ironically... my first press arrived yesterday and included is this huge foldout banner with, detailed steps. Literally everything came together the moment I read it. I should have thought to look, its the same as on their website.

Step by Step Reloading | RCBS

Learn how to reload your firearm-step by step.

www.rcbs.com

Nice first setup, can't go wrong with an RCBS.

I mentioned the Lee manual because it has the same instructions as your RCBS pictures but they are hand drawn...

 

[Koda]

Nice first setup, can't go wrong with an RCBS.

I mentioned the Lee manual because it has the same instructions as your RCBS pictures but they are hand drawn...

I thought it was interesting how Lee went into clear step by step detail on how to use his original Lee Loader but only gave a 4 step hand drawn illustration on modern reloading. Now to backpedal a bit its a good book, the information is there but you just have to read the whole book to put it all together.

I got the RCBS Rebel press and my first thought was how heavy and beefy it was. More than I expected. Its funny that Lee mentioned other presses were overkill and thus his more affordable. I don't know if it needs to be so beefy but my non-engineering brain is confident to say its not gonna flex, and I imagine thats a good thing.

 

[Caveman Jim]

I thought it was interesting how Lee went into clear step by step detail on how to use his original Lee Loader but only gave a 4 step hand drawn illustration on modern reloading. Now to backpedal a bit its a good book, the information is there but you just have to read the whole book to put it all together.

I got the RCBS Rebel press and my first thought was how heavy and beefy it was. More than I expected. Its funny that Lee mentioned other presses were overkill and thus his more affordable. I don't know if it needs to be so beefy but my non-engineering brain is confident to say its not gonna flex, and I imagine thats a good thing.

I know, many people nowadays will only read what's on their phone or computer, very seldom will they pick up a book and read the whole thing and gain the knowledge within.

I'd much rather settle for beefier than say something like they are RCBS partner press. I've had both and I think the partner is the lowest I'd ever want to go with a single stage press.

Partner Press | RCBS

Buy Partner Press at RCBS, the leading producer of high-quality reloading equipment supplies for over 60 years.

www.rcbs.com

You made a great choice IMHO.

 

[Koda]

I'd much rather settle for beefier than say something like they are RCBS partner press. I've had both and I think the partner is the lowest I'd ever want to go with a single stage press.

Im sure the partner press would meet the minimum needs, but it makes me wonder how much does flex affect reloading?

 

[RVTECH]

but it makes me wonder how much does flex affect reloading?

Kind of depends on the degree of the 'flex', and exactly where the flex is taking place.

There is 'good' flex and 'bad' flex in a lot of mechanical operations but with reloading there is a lot of 'feel' involved and the less flex the better.

If the entire press is flexing a bit on the mount but lever action is solid with a firm, solid 'stop' at TDC this is much better than say if the handle, or any other part of the press was flexing after reaching TDC.

Excessive flex would get aggravating with potential inconsistencies in sizing, bullet seating etc.

 

[Koda]

Kind of depends on the degree of the 'flex', and exactly where the flex is taking place.

There is 'good' flex and 'bad' flex in a lot of mechanical operations but with reloading there is a lot of 'feel' involved and the less flex the better.

If the entire press is flexing a bit on the mount but lever action is solid with a firm, solid 'stop' at TDC this is much better than say if the handle, or any other part of the press was flexing after reaching TDC.

Excessive flex would get aggravating with potential inconsistencies in sizing, bullet seating etc.

this makes sense, my guess was mostly concerned with bullet seating including concentricity since many of the O frame designs are beefier on one side I wasn't certain if that induces an arc into the flex.
Of course, I havent used my Rebel yet but its cycle seems to have a camming feel to it at the top of the stroke ending in a solid feeling stop at TDC. I think of all the entry level presses to choose the Rebel will have the least issues if any with flex. Im glad I got it for my first press though somewhat a bit of luck landing on it as a first time buyer.