Help me with a reloading setup

[pepsi2451]

I have been wanting to get into reloading for a while now and I think I'm finally ready to get started. I want to reload .45 acp and maybe 9mm in the future. I was looking at the "Lee Pro 1000 Progressive Press Kit 45 ACP" from MidwayUSA. http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=351321

Besides brass, primers, powder and bullets, what else will I need to buy to actually start reloading? I know there is lots of stuff to make it easier but what is the bare minimum I need to start? I want to figure out how much this is gonna cost to get started before I start buying stuff. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[stphnman20]

The very first thing you need is a manual. Not just one but a couple. Thats the first thing you should have before starting anything.

The Lee pro 100 seems good but I would get the Loadmaster.

[pepsi2451]

Thanks for the reply I'll definitely get some manuals first thing. I'm just trying to figure out how much the initial setup is gonna cost so I can decide if I can even afford it right now. If I'm just going to reload .45 and 9mm is the loadmaster worth the extra money? What manual would you recommend for a beginner?

[Bruce3]

save up a little more and get a dillon 550B. when i started i spent around $400 bucks which got me everything i needed, i bought a lee classic turret press. now im upgrading to a dillon 550B

[AlexBreya]

The very first thing you need is a manual. Not just one but a couple. Thats the first thing you should have before starting anything.

The Lee pro 100 seems good but I would get the Loadmaster.

I guess you need a manual if you reload for accuracy, but you don't really need one if you're just making plinking rounds.

punch primer
clean brass
trim brass (if needed)
lube it
full length size it
put a primer in
put powder in
seat bullet

when you get a lee die set, it comes with a manual of the min/max lengths and powder loads and the suggested loads for that caliber. there's really nothing else you need (in terms of books).

[bohoki]

I guess you need a manual if you reload for accuracy, but you don't really need one if you're just making plinking rounds.

punch primer
clean brass
trim brass (if needed)
lube it
full length size it
put a primer in
put powder in
seat bullet

when you get a lee die set, it comes with a manual of the min/max lengths and powder loads and the suggested loads for that caliber. there's really nothing else you need (in terms of books).

just curious do you trim before sizing?

ive been sizing then trimming am i doing it wrong?

[AlexBreya]

just curious do you trim before sizing?

ive been sizing then trimming am i doing it wrong?

Actually i think you're order is right. i shoot .308s with minimum loads in a bolt action, so i never even have to trim, basically its been so long since i've trimmed, i forgot the order. (my case length is always perfect without trimming)

[What Just Happened?]

You don't need to trim straight-walled cases.
You should lube brass before sizing it. The sizing die is the one that really works the entirety of the brass.

[AlexBreya]

You don't need to trim straight-walled cases.
You should lube brass before sizing it. The sizing die is the one that really works the entirety of the brass.

amen to the full length sizer being to most important part of reloading

[cleanguy46]

just curious do you trim before sizing?

ive been sizing then trimming am i doing it wrong?

Trim after sizing.

[pepsi2451]

save up a little more and get a dillon 550B. when i started i spent around $400 bucks which got me everything i needed, i bought a lee classic turret press. now im upgrading to a dillon 550B

If it cost you $400 to get started with the lee classic turret, I probably can't afford to start with a Dillion right now.

If I get something like the Lee Pro 1000 .45 ACP kit, what else will I need? I assume a case tumbler, scale and calipers are a must. Do I need a case trimmer or a Deburring tool? I have absolutely no experience reloading so I have no idea what all I will need. I can find lists of stuff online, but I'm not sure what I really need for .45 ACP.

[gunboat]

If you are just loading for two calibers and not hundreds of rounds save yourself a ton and just get a lee c press -- Buy a dillon or? later go into hi production. The c press iwill still be useful. Manuals are good but your local library has lots of reloading info -- The hi cost of getting all the fancy tooling can be a turn off - Fancy tooling only saves time not better quality of ammo. my ha-penny

[smokingloon]

If you want a bare bones setup for straight-walled pistol ammo, you will need:

Press
Dies
Shell holder/shell plate
scale
dial caliper

A tumbler would be a nice addition to the list but you could simply wash or wipe down the used brass.

[pepsi2451]

So if I get:

Lee Pro 1000 Progressive Press Kit 45 ACP - $149.99

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=351321

Frankford Arsenal Electronic Caliper 6" Stainless Steel - $12.99

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=604242

Frankford Arsenal Micro Reloading Scale - $34

http://cgi.ebay.com/Frankford-Arsenal-Micro-Reloading-Scale_W0QQitemZ390022617980QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

Thats only $196.98 (plus shipping). Will I need anything else to start reloading .45 acp? Is there anything else that I really should get?

[22popnsplat]

Get 2 reloading manuals and read them before you start buying equipment .The ABCs of reloading is good and acutally the Lee book is pretty good but of course will push their products . I like some of thier stuff , some of it I dont .
I never suggest a progressive as a first press , Their is a lot going on . A turret press is ok but If you start with the rockchucker supreme kit and then buy a progressive later I will bet you will still use the rockchucker at times.