Suggestions for a beginner kit

[Bill Steele]

Ok, so I get the Lee classic (turret) press. What all do I need to go with it to get started? (other than primers, cases, bullets and powder)

As Divernhunter pointed out, you need to get a reloading manual and read it through. It will teach you everything you need to know, as well as everything you will need to buy to finish your first rounds.

The Lyman book is very good, the Lee 2nd Edition is also very good.

Again, youtube is a very good source when you have questions, I think there are about 30 videos on each and every possible subject regarding reloading.

Have fun, good luck.

[stand125]

I know that people will laugh ( always do ), but if you want to try reloading for the absolute minimum and always have a backup and be able to resell for practically the same price you paid.

LEE classic loader ( 1 round per minute or a little faster once you get good ) $28.00 shipped from Cabelas
Cheapo plastic end mallet $2.00 Harbor freight
Cheapo slide caliper $1.99 Harbor freight

Use the powder that is recommended in the load chart for the bullet type and weight and you are good to go. I recommend a scale so you can vary you powder charge, but not required if you use the load chart with the Reloading kit. Check it out on Youtube. Keep in mind that the You tube videos are very long winded except for the one where the inventor loads a bullet in under 40 seconds.

This is exactly how I started. It produced very accurate ammo and I still have it today for load development.

[twoforme2]

As has been said buy this:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Lyman-49th-Edition-Reloading-Handbook-150-Softcover-Edition/705892.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dlyman%2Bmanual%26x%3D0%26y%3D0%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=lyman+manual&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

Read it then proceed.

[jonzer77]

Like others have stated, get the Lyman 2nd edition, Lee, or ABC's of reloading first before you buy anything else. Read it a few times and it will all make sense.

[iano1]

I bought this in October as my first attempt at reloading. I've made 9mm, .40 and .45- I've been happy with the kit

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Reloading/Presses-Dies|/pc/104792580/c/104761080/sc/104516280/Lyman-T-Mag-II-Expert-Deluxe-Reloading-Kit/731912.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FN%3D1100195%26WTz_l%3DSBC%253BBRprd728426&WTz_l=SBC%3BBRprd728426%3Bcat104516280

[Cowboy T]

Another vote for Lyman's 49th. Lee's book is also good. I have both and use both. A buddy recently loaned me his Speer #13 book, and I find it to be a good reference as well.

BigMak911, you really, *REALLY* should pick up a good reloading manual and not just read it, but *study* it, before you ever engage in a single act of reloading. Learn the theory FIRST. This is known as "KaBoom Prevention Medicine."

Now, once you've studied your reloading manual(s), then here's what I did to see if I liked reloading and wanted to continue (turns out I love it).

1.) Lee Reloader Single-Stage Press Kit. This includes their little C-frame single-stage press and their reloading book, Modern Reloading. Best $37 I ever spent. That little "cheapie" press made my first 1,000 rounds, and it now does cast-boolit-sizing duty and initial load development. Still goin' strong after close to 20,000 pulls of its handle.

2.) A set of dies. Start with one cartridge. In my case, it was .357 Magnum, so I got a set of 38/357 dies. If you get Lee's set, don't bother with the 4-die set, as the "Factory Crimp Die" turns out to be unnecessary.

3.) A good scale. I would recommend a beam scale. While my personal choice was an RCBS 10-10, but a Dillon Eliminator is way less money and just as good. Don't bother with the cheapie "MTM" digital pieces of junk; I speak from experience.

4.) A hand primer. My choice was Lee's original Auto-Prime, but they stopped making those last year and replaced it with a "newer" model. I haven't tried any others, but RCBS's seems to get high marks.

5.) Something called a "kinetic bullet puller". Looks just like a plastic hammer and kinda operates like one. This is so when (not "if") you do make that "OOPS!" round, you can pull the bullet out and re-use that case. Frankford Arsenal's $14 one is what I use, so I can speak for its effectiveness and longevity.

Some others might suggest a case tumbler, and most of us have 'em, but for your first box or two, just wipe off the cases with an old towel or some Scotch-Brite. That's good enough at first and is what I did.

I would strongly recommend you not spend a lot of money starting out. See if you like it. If you do, the vendors will be GLAD to take your money six months down the road, I assure you. :-)

[Cowboy T]

Actually, another question, I notice that it says in the description that I need dies and shellholders. Could someone recommend dies and shellholders for the RCBS kit if what I'm looking to reload (at least to kick things off, and please suggest if I should NOT be reloading any of these calibers) are:

1. 40 S&W
2. 9 mm (9 x 19)
3. 380 ACP
4. 38 sp (+P?)
5. 357 Mag

EDIT: Thanks XDRoX -- question though, if it ends up that reloading IS for me, will I have invested poorly if I buy the Lee kit?

No, you won't have. A single-stage press is never a bad thing to have on your bench, even if you end up loading progressively as both XDRoX and I mostly do nowadays.

As I mentioned in my previous post, you're good to start off with one cartridge at first. Less hassle and less expense.

I see you've got .38 Spl and .357 Mag on there. That has got to be the *EASIEST* cartridge family in the world to reload. For that reason, I'd recommend that be your first cartridge--.38 Spl. or a light .357 Magnum load. You can get started with cast bullets to save some $$, and as long as your gun is working properly, you shouldn't have lead-fouling issues. I've been shooting cast bullets exclusively for the last couple of years w/ no problems.

[Coyotegunner]

I suggest the RCBS.I have been using their stuff for a long time and their customer service is the best.I reload mainly rifle so single stage is the way to go for me.You on the other hand mentioned all pistol,than like someone else said,invest in a progressive.First though,learn all you can from someone that has some time into doing it.Many folks will be glad to teach/assist you.The man that I bought a progressive from told me THE HAND YOU LOOSE WILL BE ONE OF TWO THAT YOU HAVE.Reloading is a wonderful pastime.When not shooting,be reloading.