Shopping list for beginner.

[RNE228]

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=229221

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=158086

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=108907

[divingin]

I have several Lee powder dispensers. I have never had a problem with inconsistency with any of them unless I tried to use big bulky powder like 700X.

I've used the measure that comes with the Hornady AP, an RCBS measure, a Harrel's measure and several Lee's. If you were to take, say, 50 drops from each and put them on a scientific balance to track consistency of throws, you wouldn't be able to tell which measure threw which batch, no matter what powder you were using.

[pennstater]

All OP's bud needs is a single stage for both loads. Also, for .38spl, if Unique isn't available, get a pound of BE-86. It will work fine for that. If whatever manual he gets[Lyman #50-51] doesn't have BE-86 data, go to the Alliant site and show him how to find his data. The kit that "golfish" listed would be about perfect. Will outlast the loader.


MLC

[pennstater]

Also, primers might be a little difficult to get. Maybe he'll get lucky in his area.


MLC

[sigstroker]

I have several Lee powder dispensers. I have never had a problem with inconsistency with any of them unless I tried to use big bulky powder like 700X. But powders ;ile that give problems in any dispenser.

What do you consider inconsistent? How big of an error are we talking about?

Digital scales are great. I bought a Frankford Arsenal that stays plugged in all the time. For years before that I used a small battery powered Frankford Arsenal scale. I still take it to the range in my reloading box.

I don't like the mechanical scales because the slightest amount of air movement throws them off. So in the summer you can't load or you have to sweat a lot. A lot of digital scales come with a cover, or you can use almost any transparent bowl or whatever. You don't have to dink with a poise like a mechanical one. For that reason I wouldn't necessarily want a kit with a mechanical scale unless it was on sale and a screamin deal. Those sales happen often btw.

I trickle and weigh every centerfire rifle load. It doesn't take as long as you might think. He's not going to be loading a hundred 7mm Magnum rounds at a time anyway.

[bigbossman]

Also, primers might be a little difficult to get. Maybe he'll get lucky in his area.
MLC

SP and SR are pretty easy to find - LR is still scarce.

[sghart]

I've used the measure that comes with the Hornady AP, an RCBS measure, a Harrel's measure and several Lee's. If you were to take, say, 50 drops from each and put them on a scientific balance to track consistency of throws, you wouldn't be able to tell which measure threw which batch, no matter what powder you were using.

That reflects my experience exactly.

Lee gets a bum rap because they are affordable. Peer pressure in reloading is immense.

If a guy doesn't spend a ton of money on the most expensive stuff somehow it doesn't work.

I shoot MOA and sub-MOA groups every week at Sac Valley. Several different calibers and rifles. All loaded on Lee equipment.

The dead game animals I have collected weren't any less dead because the ammo came from a Lee and not a Dillon.

At the risk of offending my fellow forum members, here goes.

If anyone's accuracy is suffering I doubt it is their equipment. They either don't know how to use it. Or they are not very good shots.

[smoothy8500]

If anyone's accuracy is suffering I doubt it is their equipment. They either don't know how to use it. Or they are not very good shots.

No truer words written...

[pennstater]

No truer words written...

Agree!^^^


MLC

[bigbossman]

That reflects my experience exactly.

Lee gets a bum rap because they are affordable. Peer pressure in reloading is immense.

If a guy doesn't spend a ton of money on the most expensive stuff somehow it doesn't work.

I shoot MOA and sub-MOA groups every week at Sac Valley. Several different calibers and rifles. All loaded on Lee equipment.

The dead game animals I have collected weren't any less dead because the ammo came from a Lee and not a Dillon.

At the risk of offending my fellow forum members, here goes.

If anyone's accuracy is suffering I doubt it is their equipment. They either don't know how to use it. Or they are not very good shots.

LOL - So true!!!

I bought a Lee 1000 way back in 1996, when I was just starting. Lots of folks assured me it was junk. I still have and use that press, and I have two more just like it. They are easy to use, inexpensive, and work well....... and I have a full freezer as well as a room full of trophies, buckles, and medals to prove it.

Rifle stuff gets loaded on a second-hand RCBS RockChucker that I bought for $50 years ago.

[Clickjack]

That reflects my experience exactly.

Lee gets a bum rap because they are affordable. Peer pressure in reloading is immense.

If a guy doesn't spend a ton of money on the most expensive stuff somehow it doesn't work.

I shoot MOA and sub-MOA groups every week at Sac Valley. Several different calibers and rifles. All loaded on Lee equipment.

The dead game animals I have collected weren't any less dead because the ammo came from a Lee and not a Dillon.

At the risk of offending my fellow forum members, here goes.

If anyone's accuracy is suffering I doubt it is their equipment. They either don't know how to use it. Or they are not very good shots.

I essentially only usually LEE. I do have other dies, but I am overall very impressed with the Lee dies. And I make a killer 77gr 556 that I?m very proud of.

I can not get the case activated powder measure to throw a consistent charge with the powder I was using, So I use a charge master. The Lee?s issue may be my fault, or the powders but either way I didn?t have the desired result.

[Clickjack]

Read and reread the stickies at the top of this reloading sub-forum. Great info

I have. I started with those lists and modified it for my friend

[Clickjack]

I have several Lee powder dispensers. I have never had a problem with inconsistency with any of them unless I tried to use big bulky powder like 700X. But powders ;ile that give problems in any dispenser.

What do you consider inconsistent? How big of an error are we talking about?

Digital scales are great. I bought a Frankford Arsenal that stays plugged in all the time. For years before that I used a small battery powered Frankford Arsenal scale. I still take it to the range in my reloading box.

It?s been three years since I messed with it. I think the main issue was the powder I was using didn?t meter well, I just remember it scared me and I got tired of tinkering with it. - I?ve only been reloading since 2020 and I don?t feel like I understand what acceptable variance is in a powder charge is.

[Clickjack]

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/...d.php?t=229221

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=158086

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/...d.php?t=108907

Read those. Started there. Even ran my list by Randal.
Doesn?t really apply to what my beginning friend needs. I have tried to modify the lists for a beginner but with nice equipment he can expand on

[Clickjack]

LOL - So true!!!

I bought a Lee 1000 way back in 1996, when I was just starting. Lots of folks assured me it was junk. I still have and use that press, and I have two more just like it. They are easy to use, inexpensive, and work well....... and I have a full freezer as well as a room full of trophies, buckles, and medals to prove it.

Rifle stuff gets loaded on a second-hand RCBS RockChucker that I bought for $50 years ago.

I am just now looking at progressive presses. Though my Lee Turret is great, I?ve heard the Lee progressive stuff is pretty finicky?