reloading starter kit

[captain_chau]

hey guys I'm going to start reloading in a couple of months and was wondering what type of supplies do I need? I'm thinking about getting a hornady progressive press and only reloading for 30-06, .303 and 7.62x54r

[five.five-six]

for starters, I would get a reloding manual, lyman's is nice, you can never have to many reloading manuals












oh, and before I forget, it helps to read it, the part before the recipes. we will be here to help with any questions you may have some of us will even invite you over to show you the ropes

[damndave]

Other than the press, you will need the following.

Shellplate for each caliber
Trimmer
Chamfer/deburr tool
Caliper
Case gauge
Powder Scale
Dies for each caliber
Case lube
Tumbler and media
Bullet Puller
Powder Funnel
Trays

Don't forget to get a manual like Lyman's 49th or something similar. Learn each step as you will be loading on a progressive to start off. You will be doing bottleneck cases, so majority of the work will be done on brass prep. Bottleneck cases are a whole different ballgame from straight walled.

[nagorb]

Other than the press, you will need the following.

Shellplate for each caliber
Trimmer
Chamfer/deburr tool
Caliper
Case gauge
Powder Scale
Dies for each caliber
Case lube
Tumbler and media
Bullet Puller
Powder Funnel
Trays

Don't forget to get a manual like Lyman's 49th or something similar. Learn each step as you will be loading on a progressive to start off. You will be doing bottleneck cases, so majority of the work will be done on brass prep. Bottleneck cases are a whole different ballgame from straight walled.

Best advice I can give, DON"T GET A LEE MANUAL.

[damndave]

Oh and if your primer pockets are crimped, you will need a swage or reamer. You can use the chamfer/deburr tool, but you need ot be careful using it.

[stand125]

Tumbler is nice but is optional and just makes your brass shiney. You can save some money by just wiping down your cases. Now if you have a lot of money then go ahead and get yourself a tumbler and enjoy cleaning 100 cases at a time. How much rifle will you be shooting? I do not own a progressive, but the vast majority recommend loading rifle rounds on a Single stage.

[BigBronco]

If you are loading for rifle only I would not go with a progressive. Because you need to trim after resizing. Also if you need to swage primer pockets after decapping you will have to batch prep your brass. you will only be able to prime, charge. seat and possible crimp in the progressive mode. Much better to learn and do on a single stage.

[bumpo628]

If you are loading for rifle only I would not go with a progressive. Because you need to trim after resizing. Also if you need to swage primer pockets after decapping you will have to batch prep your brass. you will only be able to prime, charge. seat and possible crimp in the progressive mode. Much better to learn and do on a single stage.

Seconded.
Or, you could use a turret press with the auto-index removed.

[popeye4]

If you are loading for rifle only I would not go with a progressive. Because you need to trim after resizing. Also if you need to swage primer pockets after decapping you will have to batch prep your brass. you will only be able to prime, charge. seat and possible crimp in the progressive mode. Much better to learn and do on a single stage.

I'll third this. Progressives are great for pistol rounds, but you won't really save any time reloading for bottleneck rifle cartridges. Most of your work will be done off the press, so save your money on the progressive and get the power case trimming equipment that makes life worth living. You'll want a single stage press even if you get into high volume loading, they are very versatile, particularly for load development.

[rumblebee]

Listen to the guys who are telling you to go single stage...they are wise and all knowing (and I mean that!)

I'll third this. Progressives are great for pistol rounds, but you won't really save any time reloading for bottleneck rifle cartridges. Most of your work will be done off the press, so save your money on the progressive and get the power case trimming equipment that makes life worth living. You'll want a single stage press even if you get into high volume loading, they are very versatile, particularly for load development.

[captain_chau]

single stage it is but what brand to use? I've been hearing that rcbs and hornady are really good companies while lee is questionable

[nagorb]

single stage it is but what brand to use? I've been hearing that rcbs and hornady are really good companies while lee is questionable

For single stage lee is good. I don't have any experience with their progressives or turret presses.

[Ukiahgunnut]

Any of today's presses are good. It is mostly a matter of your choice. I have a couple of Lees and they are good also. Which ever press you choose will do the job well. You might compare pricing and the dies of what you will be loading. You don't have to get the most expensive press out there to start with.

Dave

[nagorb]

Any of today's presses are good. It is mostly a matter of your choice. I have a couple of Lees and they are good also. Which ever press you choose will do the job well. You might compare pricing and the dies of what you will be loading. You don't have to get the most expensive press out there to start with.

Dave

Very true.

I went with the lee anniversary kit when I started as it had everything i needed except dies to start. I HATE the lee perfect powder measure, it leaks and won't throw consistent charges unless I knock it every time.

[stand125]

Very true.

I went with the lee anniversary kit when I started as it had everything i needed except dies to start. I HATE the lee perfect powder measure, it leaks and won't throw consistent charges unless I knock it every time.

I have the 50th anniversary kit as well and use it in the living room when it is to hot to load on my LEE classic turret press in the garage. I will Size/ prime, then flare the case and then My 7 year old charges the cases and then I seat the bullets. We will knock out fifty 45ACP rounds in 30 minutes start to finish. You may want to contact LEE about your powder drop and have them send you a new one. Mine has never leaked and works great.