New Reloader

[CALI SHOT DOC]

I'm new to reloading and need some advice. I know Dillon is the "king" of reloaders but I don't have the money for it right now (College student). I've been saving every piece of 9mm i shoot and pick up any 9mm, 40 and 45 thats around (with permission of course of the shooter). Over Christmas Break, I am planning to start cleaning them.

For learning, and just starting out is the LEE Turret a decent press? Would you recommend anything else?

With the February ammo bill, does that apply to reloading components too so is reloading going to be even more important or maybe impossible to do?

I'll only be reloading 9mm right now

thanks

[Divernhunter]

I am not a Lee fan. That said since you are in the shoes I was many years ago I suggest a single stage KIT to start with. AFTER you get a Lyman Reloading book and read it. It will answer many questions. If you feel a need(like you are too lazy to screw one die out and another in) then a turrt press would work. If you batch process your brass you can turn out alot of ammo. I still do not use a Dillon I can use to but have 2 single stage presses plus one just for 50bmg. I load alot of ammo also.

You may decide to get Lee but an RCBS/Hornady/Lyman/Redding will be better. IF you must get lee dies buy lockrings from RCBS/hornady/lyman/redding and throw out the POS ones with the dies. Also get carbide type dies for your pistol(straight walled) brass.
Then you do not have to lube the brass. This info is in the Lyman book.

If you want some help contact me if you want

[vico512]

While there is nothing wrong with a Dillon, you don't need one to turn out perfect reloads. Dillon owners will tell you otherwise, however...

As far as turret presses go, I believe that the Lee Classic Turret is a great value for the money. However, you can churn out a lot on a singe-stage press.

I'm in the camp that thinks the Lee equipment is very good, and will turn out rounds just as good as any other press. As mentioned, however, get the carbide dies. It eliminates the messy lubricant & cleaning steps. The Lee anniversary kit is a good value, but the powder scale is the weak link. I'd use a better scale.

Just shop around -- there are some good values & specials out there.

[zfields]

The lee works fine. I load .45 with lee regularly. Lots of people load with dillion, they work fine also.

A ford and a lexus will both get you the same place, one just looks nice, is a bit more refined. Same with loading set ups.

And no, the law has nothing to do with reloading.

[joelogic]

I know your question was about reloading but depending on how much you shoot you really cant beat Miwall's reloads for $140 per 1k. Even when you average out equipment cost.

[Fjold]

Buy the Lee turret and don't install the auto index feature until you get used to reloading.

[jwest]

Take a look at this before making your decision:

http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/9/pid/25792/catid/1/BL_550_Basic_Loader

[Fyathyrio]

Here's a comparo of the three major progressives. May help in your decision.

[stphnman20]

I started off with a Lee turret. Guess what? I still have it. It's been almost 4 years now.

[Fjold]

I started off with a Lee turret. Guess what? I still have it. It's been almost 4 years now.

Ditto,

But 29 years ago.

[CALI SHOT DOC]

I know your question was about reloading but depending on how much you shoot you really cant beat Miwall's reloads for $140 per 1k. Even when you average out equipment cost.

Yea thats what i'm getting now but it's become a hassel because they are so popular. I went to the Vallejo Gun Show yesterday to get a couple thousand and all they had were 125 grain 9mm rounds and i prefer 115g for competition. They didn't bring any because they were all out, the last show i went to they were sold out the first 4 hrs of the show so i missed out then too.

Mainly I want the freedom to produce a load that works for me too. Also it's $140 for a thousand plus $5 parking, $5 bridge toll and $10 entrance fee so it's more like $160 once everything is said and done lol

[WILDMAN442]

I am also a new reloader. I purchased a LEE single stage breech lock kit from midway for about 100 bucks. Came with all the essentials except for Dies and brass cleaning equipment.

BUT

You need to go get the Lyman 49th and the ABC's of reloading BEFORE you buy anything else. Read all of the information in the front (not the recipes just yet).

THEN start assembling your gear. I prefer LEE dies. Not expensive, not the best, but they do make damn good ammo that goes bang.

However, do your self a favor and purchase a better scale. The lee scale definitely gets the job done, but it would be nice to have a sturdier and more robust scale.

Hope this points ya in the right direction bud.

Justin

[CEDaytonaRydr]

For learning, and just starting out is the LEE Turret a decent press? Would you recommend anything else?

For learning and starting out, I recommend a Rock Chuckar but that's just me...

With the February ammo bill, does that apply to reloading components too so is reloading going to be even more important or maybe impossible to do?

No

I'll only be reloading 9mm right now

Meh... You mentioned .45 earlier. I'd start off reloading for that. Have you seen 45 prices lately?!?!?!

[WILDMAN442]

Really wont see the cost effectiveness with 9mm if your buying all new components.

To see the benefit you would need to get brass free and maybe even cast your own boolits.... AND get good deals on primers. But YMMV bud

Justin

[CEDaytonaRydr]

Really wont see the cost effectiveness with 9mm if your buying all new components.

To see the benefit you would need to get brass free and maybe even cast your own boolits.... AND get good deals on primers. But YMMV bud

Justin

I have to agree...

Unless 9mm prices go through the roof in the next few months (which, in lieu of AB962...maybe?), you could save more money loading for .45 or even .40 S&W. Even .40 is still fairly reasonably priced, though...