Shotgun shell reloading help...

[rue]

Hi,
I need a little help over here. Please don't flame me I'm super broke after buying my last OLL and building it but I'd like to get into reloading. I sometimes go to garage sales and while going through an estate sale this weekend I found in a box in the back of a garage what looks like a shotshell press and a shot/power loader? The guy wanted $20 so I bought it but I have no idea how this stuff works or what else I need to load my own shells.
I noticed the top of the press has a pin sticking out and I assume this is to deprime the shells. The bottom of the press has a metal die? that says 12 gauge. Under that is a inverted cone looking thing.
The other thing looks like it mounts to a bench and it has the typical two tubes one marked "s" and one marked "p" which I assumed shot and powder.
The handle only moves 180 degrees is that normal? How is the powder metered?
It doesn't have a brand on either parts.

I can post pics if it helps.

[Blue]

Post pics, I'm pretty sure that most of the shotshell loads work in a very similar way. Somebody here will know WTF to do because I sure as hell don't

[rue]

Okay thanks hold on I'll take some pics

[CSACANNONEER]

You're in Sac. so, why don't you drive over to Sportsman's Warehouse, look at complete presses and ask questions. I bet someone will help you.

[rue]

Here's the shotgun tube thingy...All cast and I found it says "herters inc" on it.

[rue]

Here's the other press thing.

[rue]

You're in Sac. so, why don't you drive over to Sportsman's Warehouse, look at complete presses and ask questions. I bet someone will help you.

I was thinking about it but I doubt they'll help me with some old equipment.

[rue]

[CSACANNONEER]

It's worth a shot. You want to buy components from them, right?

[anyracoon]

Herters made good equipment in the old days. You would probally be better off selling that stuff on GunBroker or Slease-Bay. Should bring you alot more than what you payed for it. Than get a MEC shotshell reloader.

[rue]

I'd rather use this stuff if I could...

[sargenv]

That is a way old machine. I think herters stopped selling shotshell presses and the like back in the 60's or 70's. I still have some collectable components from that era. I'd do like someone else mentioned, sell it and purchase something a bit more modern, you won't be able to find replacement parts for this thing and that could make a difference between making ammo and being able to only think about making ammo. I've never actually seen one of these presses in my 20+ years of shotshell reloading.

[JG2000]

It looks like its ready to de-prime but unless there are other die's I see no way of loading a new primer or crimping the shell. The powder and shot tubes look cool but there doesn't seem to be a way to adjust the loads from those photo's. You might not have the complete set there but its so old and i've never seen anything like it so can't be sure. If your looking at getting in on the cheap you might look at the Lee Load-All. Less then $40 for the set up and it will get the job done. You might be able to sell that stuff and get a newer system that will make consistent and safer ammo.

[rg_1111@yahoo.com]

Rue,
Take anyracoons advice. Go buy a Mec.
you can find used Mec 600jr for $50.
What kind of shells are you going to reload?

[JG2000]

Mec would be a great way to go if you can find a deal. You just mentioned being on a tight budget. Sleaze-bay still sells reloaders but I just haven't seen many great deals lately. Keep your eyes open and you can find a machine that was made after plastic wads were invented