Reloading suggestions for a newbie?

spectra · Dec 5, 2012

salmonriverjohn said:
Bravo deadshot2! Well said.

X2 on that one :s0155:

I myself being a newbie to reloading enjoy these threads. I have asked a few times about this also. Seems like everyone has there own opinion and we all know how that works :s0114:

But I will say one thing I always see is a post by deadshot2 and the info is great to read!

Oh and for the OP I have looked at all the kits and yes there are a few. But after looking I decided on a Lee Cast Classic and then just get all the parts you need from there. I would rather get the parts I want rather than what they think you need then just have a few items sitting around collecting dust. Plus the Lee stuff is made in the USA. I know a few products now are made overseas or outsourced. Good luck with your adventure!

juanito chingas · Jan 6, 2013

I cut my teeth on a lyman single stage turret press I still have today! It's older than my 70 year old dad. You have to learn the mistakes we all do. Don't let that discourage you. I seriously recommend the hornady lock n load classic single stage kit. You get a press, a scale , manual, (READ IT!) ask a lot of questions of the dealer. They want you to believe me. I have that press for my match grade rifle and pistol rounds. And I have the hornady lock n load ap progressive press, after 20 plus years I still goof off a few rounds, but ive learned to catch em in time. Start off with that single stage. Hornady makes the most forgiving easiest to understand presses in the biz.

juanito chingas · Jan 6, 2013

I cut my teeth on a lyman single stage turret press I still have today! It's older than my 70 year old dad. You have to learn the mistakes we all do. Don't let that discourage you. I seriously recommend the hornady lock n load classic single stage kit. You get a press, a scale , manual, (READ IT!) ask a lot of questions of the dealer. They want you to believe me. I have that press for my match grade rifle and pistol rounds. And I have the hornady lock n load ap progressive press, after 20 plus years I still goof off a few rounds, but ive learned to catch em in time. Start off with that single stage. Hornady makes the most forgiving easiest to understand presses in the biz.

M67 · Jan 6, 2013

Many years ago, i started with a Lee single stage classic cast press. But, i then ended up with 2 Lee pro 1000 presses. One of the pro 1000 presses is set up to run small primers and the other for the large primers.

I can easily load 500 rounds of handgun ammo per hour on th pro 1000's.

I did have a toggle break last year, so i contacted a very nice lady at Lee and i purchased the roller handle upgrade kit, since the toggles are solid steel and not cast. Well not only did she send me the roller handle upgrade kit i purchased, she also sent me a new set of old style toggles, a new shell plate carrier and other assorted parts, free of charge.

I ended up with enough extra parts to rebuild a press when needed, now that is some excellent customer service.

If i was to purchase another press, i would seriously consider a Lee Load Master, since it has extra stations, so i could use the Lee factory crimp die at the same time.
But, as it is now i or my kids run the progressive press and the other uses the single stage lee press for the factory crimp dies.

KidJavelin · Jan 6, 2013

Well I scored a Lee hand press from the Wifeoid for Christmas, plus a full set of .308 Win dies and the primer loader thingy. I also got as part of the package a sweet little scale that will do just about everything I need it to for now. Definitely a cheap way to get introduced to it, plus it's something I could drag along with me places should I need to.

deadshot2 · Jan 7, 2013

KidJavelin said:
Well I scored a Lee hand press from the Wifeoid for Christmas, plus a full set of .308 Win dies and the primer loader thingy. I also got as part of the package a sweet little scale that will do just about everything I need it to for now. Definitely a cheap way to get introduced to it, plus it's something I could drag along with me places should I need to.

Make sure you properly lube cases when sizing using the Lee Hand Press. If you get a case stuck in that press you'll need a friend that can bend #5 Rebar with his hands to get it unstuck. That's the one thing I hate about mine. It's not fun for Full Length Sizing. I use mine with a bushing die and expander mandrel. THAT's manageable.