Poor Mans Reloading

[NapalmCheese]

Would this be an adequate scale?

Understanding that you are going for inexpensive that scale will work, but you WILL have issues getting consistent charge weights. Trying to trickle an accurate charge weight in a digital scale is painfully slow and prone to error as the scale is likely to drift while you're using it necessitating frequent calibration. That is my experience with the Frankford scale anyway.

You can use it and it will get you up and running quickly and inexpensively (I did it for years) but precision reloading will be frustrating with that scale. Remember to err on the side of caution and, when in doubt, dump the powder into the case, recalibrate the scale, and dump the powder back into the pan to re-weigh it, perhaps twice.

And perhaps THIS DIE set?

That's the die set I was referring two above that comes with a shell holder, and powder scoop (that might work for your application) and a crimp die.

[wes.crockett]

OK. My cabelas cart is as follows:

Lee Hand Press Kit
Lyman Pocket-Touch Scale
Lee Pacesetter Dies

This puts me at $111. I will order that now.

I have a digital caliper already. I can get some of the nice-to-haves any time (like the reloading tray). As far as bullets, primers, and casings... Where should I look to get up and going for my first 100 rounds (or so?)

[SixPointEight]

Get a Lee hand press, RCBS small base dies, a Trim-it trimmer, a decent analog scale and a shoe box to keep it in. You'll be able to make high quality and SAFE ammo. With the Lee classic kit, you would still need a scale and trimmer to make consistent and safe ammo. Yea, I know about the scoops and have used them but, you need to have a good technique to use them properly and they still limit you to a fixed volume of powder.

This is great advice. I started with a Lee Hand Press, and the dippers myself. I find that they work relatively fine, but you have to have consistent technique to get consistent results, and you're limited to the volumes that LEE offers, unless you shave the cups, which you can do.

Sizing 308 on the hand press can be a bit of a workout. You certainly won't be doing any volume loading. 223 on the hand press it pretty easy and fun though, and all pistol loading is a breeze.

[Ugly Hombre]

Great thread great info thanks OP

[NorCalFocus]

Oh get a tube of this for lubing the brass when you size it.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/758495/hornady-unique-case-lube-4-oz-tub

Then wipe the outside of the case with a cloth and the inside of the neck with a q-tip before dropping your powder.

[tonyjr]

I have a Lee hand loader for every caliber I have [ right now - 15 , maybe 14 - can't find the 25 ACP ]
Don't worry abut case length - most of time a case is OK 2 or 3 reloads .
I also started with the 270 and 45 ACP - I could reload a couple for wind , brush / conditions - it worked great for 270 and I never had a problem with the 45 .

[JackEllis]

As someone who has fallen deep into the rabbit hole of hand loading, I can tell you this is not going to turn out well. What happens is, you get hooked, and the more calibers you shoot the worse it gets. Thankfully I only have to worry about three very common calibers, but I'm eventually going to be loading at least two projectiles for each one (lead for practice, lead-free for hunting) with all of the load development that's required. If you're at all curious, you'll want to experiment with seating depth, powders and different cases. You'll need a chronograph. You'll want an accurate scale to ensure your loads are reasonably consistent.

The good news is, there's lots of interesting stuff to learn about if that's your thing. I'm an engineer by training. 'nuff said.

I started hand loading for two reasons. First, factory loaded lead-free ammunition is quite expensive, and second, buying ammunition in bulk through the mail will no longer be the good deal it once was beginning next January.

[wbunning]

Here's another you tube vid of the Lee Handloader:

https://youtu.be/KMN2ZtCEgWk

[Milsurp Collector]

As far as bullets, primers, and casings... Where should I look to get up and going for my first 100 rounds (or so?)

Primers will have a haz mat fee. Buy powder and primers locally.

The cheapest source of brass is picking it up at the range, if it is allowed. Make sure it is abandoned brass (brass left on the ground when there is no one shooting in the immediate area). You can ask people who are shooting nearby and seem to have no interest in collecting their fired brass if it is OK for you to pick up their brass.

I get most of the brass and bullets that I buy from Grafs

https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/category/categoryId/768?

https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/category/categoryId/920?

[CSACANNONEER]

Would this be an adequate scale?

And perhaps THIS DIE set?

I strongly suggest getting an analog scale instead of an electronic one. You can get an electronic balance later but, you need to understand all the potential problems that come with them.

Also, since you want to reload for a semi auto, I will again strongly advise you to get a set of RCBS small base dies. You'll end up getting them if you get a set of Lee dies anyway so, why not just save your money and get the small base dies first?

[CSACANNONEER]

I have a Lee hand loader for every caliber I have [ right now - 15 , maybe 14 - can't find the 25 ACP ]
Don't worry abut case length - most of time a case is OK 2 or 3 reloads .
I also started with the 270 and 45 ACP - I could reload a couple for wind , brush / conditions - it worked great for 270 and I never had a problem with the 45 .

You don't worry about case length? Do you understand that if a case is too long it could blow you and your gun up? Case length is a SAFETY ISSUE! as well as a consistency issue.

[wes.crockett]

You don't worry about case length? Do you understand that if a case is too long it could blow you and your gun up? Case length is a SAFETY ISSUE! as well as a consistency issue.

How is http://m.basspro.com/Lyman-EZee-Trim...for a trimmer?



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[wes.crockett]

How is http://m.basspro.com/Lyman-EZee-Trim...for a trimmer?



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Sorry...

This:

http://m.basspro.com/Lyman-EZee-Trim-Hand-Case-Trimmer-Rifle-Set/product/1212171303/

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[Jjwisled]

+1 for the Lee hand press. As I'm a little short in space it's the only press I have at the moment. I'm loading 7 different calibers with it. Soon to be 8. Good luck with it and hopefully you enjoy it as much as I do. Also don't forget to get an actual hard copy manual. The small Lee bench mounted press kit is a good value too

[kevins750]

Get your powder and primers at sportsmans wharehouse. Go Tuesday or Thursday morning as I hear they stock in the morning on those days. If you do not have the cash, then get what you can on the cabela's card. I would suggest getting the lee trimmers in the caliber's you need. I personally wouldn't use a "cheap" digital scale anymore, a "cheap" beam scale and some patience is better.

Start looking on here in the for sale section for a single stage or turret and use it as a single stage until you become proficient with it. You can check backpage and CL also. Bullets I buy from Graf and sons and midway when they go on sale.

Seriously, I didn't listen to all the guys on here and bought "cheap" stuff and it was money wasted and sets on shelves now, probably never to be used again.