Beginning Reloader

[djbooya]

I saw the Reloading 101, but still require some assistance here.. Here's some links of items from MidWay USA. I'm wondering what I'm missing to get started. This first case is assuming I'm reloading 9mm.

Primers:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=137331

Powder:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=156097

Bullets:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=570492

Brass:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=926411

Reloading Kit:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=622290

Tumbler:

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

I think I still need dies because they don't come with the kit, but what else is an ultimate requirement vs. nice to have? E.g., I know bullet trays and such are nice, but I have spare plastic trays I can use for that sort of thing right now.

Thanks for any input. Also, any feedback pros/cons on the specific reloading kit would be great.

[gottarollwithit]

You still need dies. Get carbide ones for non bottle neck cartridges. Don't really need the tumbler immediately, but it keeps things clean and shiney.

You'll probably need a 9mm shell holder as well.


Oh and.. the press is fairly good. It's easy to learn on and simple to make good pistol ammo relatively quickly.
What Randall says is true, Lee reloading supplies are like cheap Chinese tools... They work, but you get what you pay for... Dillon is where it's at for an excellent reloading setup. Ask yourself how much you're gonna load though before you spend that much $$$.

[djbooya]

Will this lee setup get me through:

7.62x39mm
.45
.30-06
.223s

I eventually plan on reloading all those sizes, but wanted to start with the gun I shoot the most.

I'd probably like to learn what I'm doing on this cheaper setup and then upgrade to a Dillon if I can handle it and long term I'll probably pay off the Dillon on the .30-06 alone..

Thanks for the feedback so far.

[.454]

Excellent choices. Lee is making excellent, affordable, reliable no-nonsense equipment. I started reloading with exactly the same Lee Classic Turret kit and later somebody gave me a more expensive RCBS press. Guess what. I am still using the Lee. Dillon may make the best, more sophisticated reloading gear but trust me on this: the resulting product -your reloaded ammo is the same. Better spend your money on primers, powder, casings and bullets in the beginning and if later on you want to upgrade from the Volkswagen of reloading tools to Mercedes, you'll do it when the time comes.
More advice: start with the 9mm, it is the simplest round of all you posted. Go to the range shoot, reload again, gain some experience, then start reloading bottlenecked cases. You will also need a case trimmer and trimming length gages for all calibers, deburring and chamfering tool, caliper, primer pocket brush.

There is one thing that you forgot to add to your list and in my opinion it is the most important of all: one (or more) reloading manuals. My favorite is Lyman. Don't even think to start reloading without reading one otherwise you are playing Russian roulette with your own life.

[NotSoFast]

The Lee Turret Kit is an excellent choice. I started like you, with the 9mm, and have gradually begun to reload for .223 as well. I also intend on adding .30-06 and .40 S&W to my loading skills.

Enjoy the process and stay safe.

[Sunwolf]

There is alot

Of flex in a Lee turret press.Not ideal for the larger rifle calibers,I went to a Lee Classic cast press instead.The turret press will serve for pistol calibers on my bench.

[J-cat]

Don't buy kits.

Kits suck.

Each manufacturer makes some useless crap that always makes it into their kit. If you assemble your own kit, it will retain only the best of what each manufacturer has to offer. That way you won't cry later.

With that in mind, here's my press:



I use Redding and RCBS dies, Hornady priming tools (one for large and one for small primers), Forster and Wilson trimmers, a Harrell's powder measure, a RCBS Chargemaster powder dispenser, Starrett calipers, RCBS bullet puller, Hornady primer pocket cleaners, Sinclair carbide primer pocket uniformers, etc.

I only use two Lee dies: the adjustable case mouth expander (it is universal for all calibers with a handy knurled adjustment knob on top) and the Lee bullet sizing die (for reducing commercial .4525" bullets down to .4515". I also use five Lee hand presses (for loading on the range). The rest of Lee's product line sucks, especially their FCD.

I have one Meecham hand press. I have to say it is probably the most precise reloading press on the market. It is made like a Stolle Panda benchrest action, but it costs four times as much as Lee.

The above equipment is what I feel is the best and most useful of whatever is available. I like to try new things, and do try new things. The above bunch is what I have KEPT. You would not believe some of the crap I broke, thrown away, or sold... from reputable manufacturers too.

So don't buy a kit. Put together your own.

[oso grande]

Will this lee setup get me through:

7.62x39mm
.45
.30-06
.223s

I eventually plan on reloading all those sizes, but wanted to start with the gun I shoot the most.

I'd probably like to learn what I'm doing on this cheaper setup and then upgrade to a Dillon if I can handle it and long term I'll probably pay off the Dillon on the .30-06 alone..

Thanks for the feedback so far.

IMO Dillon stuff is no better than a host of other, more affordable, products.
I think your going to be happy with your Lee for a long time. If you do out grow it, have a look at all the products from RCBS; Forster; Lyman; Hornady and Redding...all great names in reloading.
Good luck,

Oso Grande

Oh...one more thing. Before deciding on a powder...get a reloading manual and see which powders are recommended for your 9mm. I like the Speer or the Sierra manuals because,Speer and Sierra being a bullet makers cover a lot of powders. Manuals from powder companies, of course, have loads based on just their own products.

[What Just Happened?]

Yeah, I'd suggest getting the instruction manuals first and reading up on which powder, primers, and bullets to get.

Oh, and when you do get around to those items, try to get the powders and primers either at local stores / gunshows or in group buys to lower / eliminate the hazmat surcharge.

[scarry scarney]

My 2 cents

I would suggest visiting your local gun store to purchase your primers and powder. Buying local avoids the $20 hazmat fee on top of your purchase. Check around where you live, in my neighborhood, Longs Drug store even sells powder and primers. Plus, they come close to the price for powder and primers that you purchase mail order.

If you have a C&R FFL, send it to Midway before you order. It will save you a few bucks as well.

Good luck and enjoy.

[xrMike]

Here was my choice:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showpost.php?p=493470&postcount=27

This press is great for pistol rounds, and so far it's making very accurate .223 rounds too. Haven't tried it for anything bigger than that yet.

[djbooya]

Thanks all, based on everyone's feedback I think my first step will be to pick up a manual and then maybe I'll piece together a kit similar to what xrMike did. Thanks again for the input.