Another Noob W/Questions

[Heatseeker]

I recently dug out and went through some reloading stuff a friend gave me several years ago. I was told that this is a complete set-up, everything I would need to get started. I had stored the stuff in a less than optimum place and had to do some major rust removal. Once the rust was removed, I cold blued and oiled all of the bare steel parts to try and better preserve the components. The photos look rusty, but I don't see it when I'm looking at the stuff.

Here's some photos of what I've got:





Not pictured is a RCBS powder scale, a bullet removal hammer, various small brushes and such and a couple of sets of dies. The press itself is marked "JR3".

I've spent some time on the RCBS website(they have a very comprehensive step by step guide to reloading) researching the process. I feel that I have some basic Idea of what needs to be done and I have an experienced reloader that is going to help me get started when I'm all set up.

I will be primarily be reloading .38/.357 & 9 MM and later on .223/5.56, 30.06 & .303.

First question. I have a Lube-A-Matic. I found no reference to this piece of equipment in the RCBS step by step guide. At what stage would I need this?

Second. I've seen "Progressive Conversions" like this one for sale:

Would a kit like the above be compatible with my press?

And finally, what are the advantages/disadvantages of setting primers in the separate station? Obviously, it would add another stage to the process, but why do it that way?

I'm sure I'll have more questions once I get started, but any info on the above subjects is appreciated.

Thanks.

[Pokey]

Heatseeker wrote:
<snip>

First question. I have a Lube-A-Matic. I found no reference to this piece of equipment in the RCBS step by step guide. At what stage would I need this?


**Not familiar with the Lube-A-Matic, but you lube cases before sizing/decapping step (I use Hornaday One Shot). If you use too much lube you will get 'lube dings' in your cases (more with bottleneck cases than straight cases).

Second. I've seen "Progressive Conversions" like this one for sale:

Would a kit like the above be compatible with my press?

**I'm no help here (I'm a Dillon junkie)

And finally, what are the advantages/disadvantages of setting primers in the separate station? Obviously, it would add another stage to the process, but why do it that way?

**No real advantage to doing it seperately that I know of. Disadvantage of dong it seperately in more time/more handling.

I'm sure I'll have more questions once I get started, but any info on the above subjects is appreciated.

**#1 is get at least one (if not more for cross reference) good reloading manual and a note book to record your "experiments" and to remember your favorite loads. Good luck

[Fjold]

The lube-a-matic is used for the final sizing and applying solid lubricant to cast lead bullets. If you cast your own lead bullets you need this, if you buy bullets you don't.

[Heatseeker]

**Not familiar with the Lube-A-Matic, but you lube cases before sizing/decapping step (I use Hornaday One Shot). If you use too much lube you will get 'lube dings' in your cases (more with bottleneck cases than straight cases).

And finally, what are the advantages/disadvantages of setting primers in the separate station? Obviously, it would add another stage to the process, but why do it that way?

**No real advantage to doing it seperately that I know of. Disadvantage of dong it seperately in more time/more handling.



**#1 is get at least one (if not more for cross reference) good reloading manual and a note book to record your "experiments" and to remember your favorite loads. Good luck

Thanks for your input. I have a case lube pad for case lubrication(no lube yet). I also have some old manuals but will be locating more modern books shortly.

The lube-a-matic is used for the final sizing and applying solid lubricant to cast lead bullets. If you cast your own lead bullets you need this, if you buy bullets you don't.

Thanks for that info. At this point, I think I'll stick with manufactured bullets.
Maybe I can sell off the Lube-A-Matic and the primer station to help fund other needs.

Thanks to you both!

[JeffM]

Priming on that RCBS press can be a PITA, so I'd recomend getting a hand held priming tool such as the one Lee sells. The name escapes me right now, but I need to get one myself.