Starting Reloading, Advice?

[fireblast713]

So I picked up a couple of Lee Pro 1000 presses in used condition, they both have some surface rust which I'm hoping to clean up but they seem to work. However both of them are incomplete as they lack a priming tray and case feeder? They both came with die sets and the Lee auto powder trickler, I'm thinking of getting the following items so I can get them up and started, I've heard the case feeder is optional so I was curious what you guys thought about it, would I need it?

Also since I'm getting the lee priming kit I don't need a priming tool right? I did some reading and they recommended I get a set of calipers so I just chose the cheapest digital ones I could find (they have dial ones for $25 but they can't do metric/english units). The case tumbler/media seperator were just the cheapest ones I can find.

I'm really looking just to start reloading to see how I like it so I've just really been picking mostly the cheapest things, however I do want to get decent parts so I won't have to rebuy them all if I do end up liking it. Any opinions or suggestions on reloading equipment/reloading manuals would be helpful. Also if I've forgotten something that I really need to start reloading I'd really appreciate it if you could mention it as I'd like to hopefully just make one order and be able to get started.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=300548&t=11082005

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=514327

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=414369&t=11082005

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=604242&t=11082005

[Gunsrruss]

It's good that you have two

I have a pro 1000. I found them to be not real good. I turned mine into a single stage loading press. The plastic primer was the first thing to go then it wouldn't index properly. Got tired of my multi purpose press right away. I would use one in the garage to decap and size brass. The other I would set up so you can set the bullet to AOL. Your best bet is to get the RCBS hand primer and a digital scale if you want half way decent loads.

[762cavalier]

My first suggestion to start reloading is - Get A Manual! I recommend the Lyman manual as it has lots of info on how to start. Another good manual is the Lee manual. Get both of them and read them.

[fireblast713]

I have a pro 1000. I found them to be not real good. I turned mine into a single stage loading press. The plastic primer was the first thing to go then it wouldn't index properly. Got tired of my multi purpose press right away. I would use one in the garage to decap and size brass. The other I would set up so you can set the bullet to AOL. Your best bet is to get the RCBS hand primer and a digital scale if you want half way decent loads.

Humm :-/ so I'm guessing I don't need the primer feeder/case feeder if I do a single stage loading press. Should I just try it anyways? Do you want to sell your unused parts? heh

[ar15barrels]

My first suggestion to start reloading is - Get A Manual! I recommend the Lyman manual as it has lots of info on how to start.

+1 on both recommendations.

I would also try to find someone local to teach you the basics.

[Stockton]

Yeah try it...why not...its already in your hands. You'll either like or get something else. Definitey buy a few reloading books(usually all have the steps) and if someone around you that has been reloading can walk you through the steps is even better.

Mac

[Blue]

If you're near San Jose I think I've got some of those plastic index bushing things for your press. Once it stops auto indexing you've gotta change the bushing out. I had one of those presses a couple years back before it found its way into the trash can. If I can find them I'll let you know.