Reloading for the first time

[Supertankerm60a3]

OK, I have been reloading for less than 2 years.

Here is my personal recommendation.

Get the Lee TURRET press. Classic or economy. (I have/like the Classic)

THEN, pull out the operating rod and use it as a regular press for the few dozen sessions. AFTER that start using it as a turret press. Makes you take your time, catching mistakes AND lets you grow later without buying MORE equipment. It also costs less than the press you showed in post #1 of this thread.

I have done all three types. My standard press in on extended load to a friend. My progressive (a Lee Pro 4000) is very twitchy and only works pistol stuff, my turret is my favorite.

Anyway, just a new reloader's .02.

[pennstater]

Plus, no battery to worry about. Ever.

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Roger that. Ever!

MLC

[madstyle1]

I got the RCBS Rebel pressing coming tomorrow. My Lyman 50th edition book came today. Those are my first two purchases lol. Excited about getting this started

[Donny1]

When I started reloading 40 years ago, I wanted to go as slow as possible. Just so I could check and recheck everything.

It took me a year to trust a powder measure, "Trust, but verify".

[JagerDog]

Are you shooting 223 out of a semi? If so you're gna spend a LONG time reloading that with a single stage.

Right! I was just going to add that speed should NOT be the first priority for someone entering the reloading arena. Safety, quality control and understanding the process should be.

I agree. I wouldn't be doing this in a hurry. Rather to do it right

Progressives make mistakes really fast. Also harder to catch mistakes.

The safest loading is batch processing (single/turret). When you have 50 shells lined up in a loading block charged with powder and you shine a flashlight in the mouths, you can pick up on even very small powder variances.

[madstyle1]

Progressives make mistakes really fast. Also harder to catch mistakes.

The safest loading is batch processing (single/turret). When you have 50 shells lined up in a loading block charged with powder and you shine a flashlight in the mouths, you can pick up on even very small powder variances.

Awesome good to know.

[madstyle1]

I also researched interchangeable brand dies can anyone verify?

(i.e Hornady dies on a RCBS press)

[WartHog]

You will need some calipers, but the cheap HF brand is ok to start out - they are as accurate as the expensive ones for your use. Eventually you will want to trim your brass too, but this kit will get you going.

I replaced my cheap Harbor Freight calipers as the digital display was dim despite replacing the battery. Bought a Clockwise Tools DCLR-0605 based on recommendations from other Calguns members and it is a nice unit for only $25.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B018D9JPPA?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

[WAP]

[Strafer]

I use Hornady carbide dies on my RCBS Rockchucker w no issues. I also use Redding dies, again w no worries. I have used Lee as well. They all work as long as they are 7/8" - 14 threads, IIRC.

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[ar15barrels]

I also researched interchangeable brand dies can anyone verify?

(i.e Hornady dies on a RCBS press)

Standard dies are all threaded 7/8-14 so that they will screw into a standard size press regardless of manufacturer of the dies or the press.

There are some non-standard dies such as Dillon Square deal or very old Lyman 310 that are smaller and there are larger dies like 50bmg that require a larger press but some presses will accept the larger dies if you remove the threaded insert that comes in the press.

[madstyle1]

Standard dies are all threaded 7/8-14 so that they will screw into a standard size press regardless of manufacturer of the dies or the press.

There are some non-standard dies such as Dillon Square deal or very old Lyman 310 that are smaller and there are larger dies like 50bmg that require a larger press but some presses will accept the larger dies if you remove the threaded insert that comes in the press.

Right on thank you

[ysr_racer]

OP, buy a bullet puller.

That said, I always use Lee dies in my Dillon. I have for the last 35 years. My buddy was married to Mike Dillon's daughter.

He gave me a set of Dillon dies. I still use Lee

[madstyle1]

OP, but a bullet puller.

That said, I always use Lee dies in my Dillon. I have for the last 35 years. My buddy was married to Mike Dillon's daughter.

He gave me a set of Dillon dies. I still use Lee

Right on thanks for the heads up. Appreciate all the insights and recommendations.

[cz74]

I am also just starting to get ready to reload hobby, still procuring equipment and setup. Do I really need a wet tumbler? Can I just wash them with hot water, dish soap, I don't need shiny new brass, just clean is good enough for me. Thanks for any feedback.