Considering getting into Reloading

[GTN]

DONE - Lee 4000 progressive reloader - $225 (Champlain)

Lee 4000 progressive reloader, complete ready to load. Has 9x19 dies mounted but for another $75 will set you up with 38/357 dies. $225 for press with either die set or $300 for both sets. Like new condition, have original shipping box.

nygunforum.com

 

[Acer-m14]

this is what got me started ..

just a little lee 3 hole press .. manual indexing .

i got when my dad passed away .. it sat in a box for few years .. then NYS started there BS ..

and out it came .. .. i have like 5 turrets now all set up for ammo .. rifle and pistol

9mm 10mm , 270 win , 223 , 300BO ..

all done on that press ..

 

[Acer-m14]

old Redding 12ga press on the far right behind the shop vac hose LOL ..

really far right bottom is a lee single universal press .. use it for decapping mostly

 

[Acer-m14]

loading up 270 win

 

[Zerex]

I have two Lee progressive presses that I shitcanned years ago, due to "problems". Had to pull down 400 rds of ACP due to powder measure automatic mistakes...............I will not use a Lee powder measure again and I have 4. Lee dies are good, however.

I have Forster, RCBS, and Redding presses for serious reloading...one case at a time.....
I use my resized cases that have been checked in either a Wilson case gage, or RCBS precision mictoo.........the I load 50 at a time with powder, checking regularly on another scale,.........and visually.

I have a RCBS electronis measure/scale powder measure and scale, a separate elect scale and the beam balances........
I have many powder measures but the big Hornady is among the best, even compared to Redding and RCBS and definiltely Lee.

I have Lee single stage presses for decapping, and case trimming only.,,all they are worth using for.

It is your head face and eyes. Learn on a single stage, not a progressive.

I do have a MEC progressive for shotgun shells...........one of the good progressives...........

Dillion is about your only choice in progressives..............I have seen Lee, Hornady and others simply shit the bed with bad ammo.


READ THE BULLET MFG RELOADING BOOKS..I have a dozen and regularly refer to older Lyman books....AND cast bullet editions...............

Zediker books tell the truth about bad ammo and how to avoid making it.

Amazon.com

 

[Robin]

There are very few things in life that don't give a man some degree of regret. Reloading is not one of them, give yourself a merry little Christmas, and just do it.
Robin

 

[Depick]

There are very few things in life that don't give a man some degree of regret. Reloading is not one of them, give yourself a merry little Christmas, and just do it.
Robin

Oh I will be. I really like the idea of being able to produce my own ammo.

 

[Depick]

I ordered the Rock Chucker supreme kit. I added a digital scale, powder trickler and picked up a digital caliper from Amazon. I’ll post up some pics after everything arrives and I get it set up.

 

[FP1201]

Reloading becomes like a Meth-Lab to an Ammo Junky.

 

[dsdmmat]

Lyman Turret press is also a good press if you are only looking at a couple of calibers.

Brass-Smith® All-American 8™ Turret Press

The eight station Brass Smith All-American 8 Press is the most feature-packed, rugged turret press on the market! .mgz-element.yfmkrku .mgz-element-heading-text{color:#000000;}Starting at the top, the extra-large 8 station turret is machined out of heavy duty cast iron. It is equipped with an...

www.lymanproducts.com

 

[dsdmmat]

Reloading becomes like a Meth-Lab to an Ammo Junky.

Lol everybody says, “I want to get into reloading to save money.” Cost per round may come down, but that quickly turns into more rounds down range each range session.
You are still spending a 100 bucks per range session, the only difference is you remain at the range longer per 100 bucks of ammo.

 

[FP1201]

Lyman Turret press is also a good press if you are only looking at a couple of calibers.

Brass-Smith® All-American 8™ Turret Press

The eight station Brass Smith All-American 8 Press is the most feature-packed, rugged turret press on the market! .mgz-element.yfmkrku .mgz-element-heading-text{color:#000000;}Starting at the top, the extra-large 8 station turret is machined out of heavy duty cast iron. It is equipped with an...

www.lymanproducts.com

I've got a Redding T-6 that's about identical to the Lyman and it's great for what I'm going to call "Processing" ammunition: what I mean by that is the Case has already been fully sized, trimmed, reamed, chamfered, flash-hole, and primer pocket done, so all you're really doing is flaring the case mouth (if required) dropping a charge, seating a bullet, and crimping (Factory Crimp) if used. I DO use the "Factory Crimp" dies on a lot of cartridges, and really like the Bulge-Buster for rounds like 10mm.
You can do about everything on a single stage, but as you improve and load more, invariably you'll switch to multi-station and semi-automated Presses, especially for rounds you shoot a lot of....Right now I'm doing .50BMG and that shit take a long time and a lot of work, but is so satisfying ripping the shit out of 5/8" steel plates!

 

[FP1201]

Lol everybody says, “I want to get into reloading to save money.” Cost per round may come down, but that quickly turns into more rounds down range each range session.
You are still spending a 100 bucks per range session, the only difference is you remain at the range longer per 100 bucks of ammo.

EXACT;Y!
With ammunition such as 30'06 for M1 Garands, 7.62x51 for M1A, 8mm, 7.5 Swiss, and others that we used to buy cheap surplus for now going a buck or more a round, suddenly that get's to be damned expensive to burn through a Bandolier...sure, you're going to drop some coin on Primers & powder, but it's still a lot less than a buck a round.
Pound of Powder is 7,000 grains; divided by say 50gr. for an ought six, you should be able to get 140 rounds from a can, even the obscene price of $15. for a Tray of 100 primers, and fifteen cents a bullet for pulldowns should keep you below .50 cents per round.

 

[gun_slinger_boy]

Can't believe they discontinued the Lee Load Master.

 

[Depick]

I’ve been watching a bunch of reloading videos on YouTube. I can’t wait for my press to be delivered.

 

[JunkBoxFull]

I’ve been watching a bunch of reloading videos on YouTube. I can’t wait for my press to be delivered.

Only thing`s i can add, now that you`ve got your equipment coming...(good brand choice by the way) MAKE SURE you check EVERY single powder charge in EVERY case, BEFORE, you seat the bullet into the case! Check your powder scale often, too, for proper and perfect powder charges too.

I myself, use a couple scales (one digital, and my RCBS/OHAUS 10-10) just to make sure of the powder measure drop accuracy. Depending on the caliber, i`ll lot check my powder measure every 10 drops to make sure it hasn`t changed. Install a baffle in your powder measure. The powder baffle keeps the drops alot more consistent. The powder baffle wants to sit all the way down to the bottom inside the powder reservoir.

GET A GOOD CASE GUAGE (DILLON!) to check your rounds when you`re done loading. A case guage is a very cheap investment, and it will save you from having to wonder if they will chamber in your barrel, or not. You should also do a plunk test with the barrel as well, just to make sure it fits whatever gun you`re reloading for. Once your dies are set & locked down, plunk tests really don`t matter much, to me, because my case guage checks every round when i`m done. Make a dummy round to check & set your dies with. A used case with no primer and whatever bullet you`re using makes for quick set up`s. Check the bottom of the dummy case to make sure it has no burrs and is in good condition.

Wipe the inside of the powder measure out real good with a dryer sheet BEFORE you put the powder in it, it will knock the static down. Clean your powder measure every time when your done using it. DON`T leave powder in your powder measurer, it will eat the clear plastic reservoir (just trust me on this, i learned the hard way).

Invest in a bullet puller. We are humans, we make mistakes. Anyone who tells you they`ve never made a mistake reloading, is lying to you.

Invest in a GOOD pair of safety glasses for reloading. Protect your eyes, you NEED them eye`s! You need to go slow, and be safe! Don`t become complacent. I`ve been reloading for well over 50+yrs, and i am still very careful. Make sure you have NO DISTRACTIONS during your reloading sessions. It`s to easy to forget where you left off at.

And, make sure you bolt that press down real good to your bench. And check those press mounting bolts often, they CAN loosen up!

ALWAYS ask alot of questions too! There are some very knowledgeable fella`s right here in this forum, any one of them will be very happy to help you in a heartbeat. Use caution when watching youtubers. Some of them i wouldn`t ever let them load a grocery bag.

 

[fresch]

How I run my old manual powder thrower.
Pull down smoothly then do a tap tap (up/down slightly) with the handle so the powder fills the meter no bridging.
push up again tap tap dumping the charge.
Get a rhythm going then periodically check with both the beam scale and digital.
Then always , even with my progressive loader, eyeball the level in the shell case.
If you do enough you can tell under over charges depending on the case pretty good.

 

[FP1201]

Only thing`s i can add, now that you`ve got your equipment coming...(good brand choice by the way) MAKE SURE you check EVERY single powder charge in EVERY case, BEFORE, you seat the bullet into the case! Check your powder scale often, too, for proper and perfect powder charges too.

I myself, use a couple scales (one digital, and my RCBS/OHAUS 10-10) just to make sure of the powder measure drop accuracy. Depending on the caliber, i`ll lot check my powder measure every 10 drops to make sure it hasn`t changed. Install a baffle in your powder measure. The powder baffle keeps the drops alot more consistent. The powder baffle wants to sit all the way down to the bottom inside the powder reservoir.

GET A GOOD CASE GUAGE (DILLON!) to check your rounds when you`re done loading. A case guage is a very cheap investment, and it will save you from having to wonder if they will chamber in your barrel, or not. You should also do a plunk test with the barrel as well, just to make sure it fits whatever gun you`re reloading for. Once your dies are set & locked down, plunk tests really don`t matter much, to me, because my case guage checks every round when i`m done. Make a dummy round to check & set your dies with. A used case with no primer and whatever bullet you`re using makes for quick set up`s. Check the bottom of the dummy case to make sure it has no burrs and is in good condition.

Wipe the inside of the powder measure out real good with a dryer sheet BEFORE you put the powder in it, it will knock the static down. Clean your powder measure every time when your done using it. DON`T leave powder in your powder measurer, it will eat the clear plastic reservoir (just trust me on this, i learned the hard way).

Invest in a bullet puller. We are humans, we make mistakes. Anyone who tells you they`ve never made a mistake reloading, is lying to you.

Invest in a GOOD pair of safety glasses for reloading. Protect your eyes, you NEED them eye`s! You need to go slow, and be safe! Don`t become complacent. I`ve been reloading for well over 50+yrs, and i am still very careful. Make sure you have NO DISTRACTIONS during your reloading sessions. It`s to easy to forget where you left off at.

And, make sure you bolt that press down real good to your bench. And check those press mounting bolts often, they CAN loosen up!

ALWAYS ask alot of questions too! There are some very knowledgeable fella`s right here in this forum, any one of them will be very happy to help you in a heartbeat. Use caution when watching youtubers. Some of them i wouldn`t ever let them load a grocery bag.

100%
I use mostly Wilson Case Gauges and they're very good, the Lyman ones...eh, I have three (.450BM, .458SOCOM, .50 Beo.) and have had less than the expectations I've had with the Wilson's. Dillon makes outstanding equipment.
Mounting your Press: Do as you will, but I found a 5/8" mild steel plate of the right size, Drilled & Tapped 5/16" holes for the Press and some extra 1/4" holes to mount Powder Measure Stands to, then locating the Frame under the Bench, drilled holes for Lag-Screws in the Plate; same for Bolts to pass through the bench top...Don't skimp on your mount; take some real time to think the layout and make sure nothing interferes with anything else like the handle or ram hitting the Bench, or the base covering holes for screwing it to the Bench...AMHIK.

 

[Depick]

I forgot to mention earlier I picked up a Lyman 9mm case gauge along with the rest of the equipment.

Once I get everything set up this weekend I still need to round up the consumables and a set of dies. I am going to go with a set of Lee dies.

Then I will make a very small batch of 10 rounds just to get a feel for what I am doing. I’ll take it slow and be methodical. I’ll test out those 10 in the PC carbine before making a large quantity

 

[JunkBoxFull]

I forgot to mention earlier I picked up a Lyman 9mm case gauge along with the rest of the equipment.

Once I get everything set up this weekend I still need to round up the consumables and a set of dies. I am going to go with a set of Lee dies.

Then I will make a very small batch of 10 rounds just to get a feel for what I am doing. I’ll take it slow and be methodical. I’ll test out those 10 in the PC carbine before making a large quantity

Loading for the 9mm PC carbines may stump you for a minute, until you figure out that there is a difference in what type powder you`ll want to use in it for it to function really well. I find that a slower burn rate with the powder in the carbine is the ticket. You want to think about the burn time in rifle barrels when loading pistol cartridges for them. And GOOD on yah, make just a few and try them before loading a whole bunch!

I`m following your thread. So post often on how you`re doing. I really enjoy seeing new reloaders succeed.

 

[JunkBoxFull]

I forgot to mention earlier I picked up a Lyman 9mm case gauge along with the rest of the equipment.

Once I get everything set up this weekend I still need to round up the consumables and a set of dies. I am going to go with a set of Lee dies.

Then I will make a very small batch of 10 rounds just to get a feel for what I am doing. I’ll take it slow and be methodical. I’ll test out those 10 in the PC carbine before making a large quantity

When you get your LEE dies, throw those LEE locking rings in the garbage, and buy a few of the hornady lock rings. Thank me later

You can buy them individually, or buy the six pack at Midsouth Shooters Supply

Sure-Loc Die Lock Ring (6 Pack)

Sure-Loc Die Lock Ring (6 Pack) by HORNADY Product Overview: The Hornady Sure-Loc Lock Rings let you make precise adjustments on all standard 7/8"-14 dies and accessories. They feature wrech flats to allow for easy removal and installation of your dies into your press. The split ring...

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

 

[JunkBoxFull]

I forgot to mention earlier I picked up a Lyman 9mm case gauge along with the rest of the equipment.

Once I get everything set up this weekend I still need to round up the consumables and a set of dies. I am going to go with a set of Lee dies.

Then I will make a very small batch of 10 rounds just to get a feel for what I am doing. I’ll take it slow and be methodical. I’ll test out those 10 in the PC carbine before making a large quantity

Another very good product, is a quick change bushing for your dies. This Hornady kit WILL fit your RCBS Rockchucker. Makes changing dies a breeze. I have this Hornady L-N-LOAD kit on all my single stage presses. Best thing since sliced bread. Once you convert your press with the bushing that comes in the kit, you`ll never have to worry about setting your dies up ever again. Just pop the die in, twist, ready to go. The bushing in the top of your Rockchucker will come right out easily. Clean the threads with brak-kleen, couple drops of blue loctite on the new bushing, screw it in, done!

Lock-N-Load Press Conversion Kit

Lock-N-Load Press Conversion Kit by HORNADY Product Overview: The easiest way to get the most out of your reloading press. To take advantage of Hornady’s Lock-N-Load technology, simply insert a Hornady LNL Conversion Bushing into your RCBS Rock Chucker or other reloading press that uses...

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

 

[Depick]

Another very good product, is a quick change bushing for your dies. This Hornady kit WILL fit your RCBS Rockchucker. Makes changing dies a breeze. I have this Hornady L-N-LOAD kit on all my single stage presses. Best thing since sliced bread. Once you convert your press with the bushing that comes in the kit, you`ll never have to worry about setting your dies up ever again. Just pop the die in, twist, ready to go. The bushing in the top of your Rockchucker will come right out easily. Clean the threads with brak-kleen, couple drops of blue loctite on the new bushing, screw it in, done!

Lock-N-Load Press Conversion Kit

Lock-N-Load Press Conversion Kit by HORNADY Product Overview: The easiest way to get the most out of your reloading press. To take advantage of Hornady’s Lock-N-Load technology, simply insert a Hornady LNL Conversion Bushing into your RCBS Rock Chucker or other reloading press that uses...

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

So basically the L N LOAD set up would allow me to set up the dies once and after the initial set up they would basically be quick change after that ?

 

[FP1201]

So basically the L N LOAD set up would allow me to set up the dies once and after the initial set up they would basically be quick change after that ?

YEP!
You take the center bushing out of the Rock Chucker and thread an insert in its place, then there are individual sleeves that you thread you dies into. lock the rings down (after adjusting) then its a simple 1/8th turn to unlock and change dies...MUCH faster than threading dies in and out .
I have a Rock Chucker with this set up and generally use it for de-capping cases and Collet-Pulling loaded rounds. (you'd be amazed at how many junk or questionable rounds happen along) The Bushings themselves aren't all that expensive, and if you're just doing a one-off, keep a sleeve empty, thread whatever die you need at the time into it, then snap it in....really, it's too easy!

FWIW: I used a plastic screwdriver handle that just fit the Bushing (part into the Press) to tighten it down; hasn't gotta be torqued or super tight, just enough so it doesn't back out when removing a Die/Sleeve assembly.

 

[JunkBoxFull]

So basically the L N LOAD set up would allow me to set up the dies once and after the initial set up they would basically be quick change after that ?

Yes sir! Best money i ever spent converting my single stage presses with.

 

[JunkBoxFull]

YEP!
You take the center bushing out of the Rock Chucker and thread an insert in its place, then there are individual sleeves that you thread you dies into. lock the rings down (after adjusting) then its a simple 1/8th turn to unlock and change dies...MUCH faster than threading dies in and out .
I have a Rock Chucker with this set up and generally use it for de-capping cases and Collet-Pulling loaded rounds. (you'd be amazed at how many junk or questionable rounds happen along) The Bushings themselves aren't all that expensive, and if you're just doing a one-off, keep a sleeve empty, thread whatever die you need at the time into it, then snap it in....really, it's too easy!

FWIW: I used a plastic screwdriver handle that just fit the Bushing (part into the Press) to tighten it down; hasn't gotta be torqued or super tight, just enough so it doesn't back out when removing a Die/Sleeve assembly.

Absolutely this ^^^^^^^

Only thing i can recommend, is that you use a couple drops of blue loctite to secure the bushing into the Rockchucker. Once you go to the Lock-N-Load bushing in your Rockchucker, you`ll never go back to screwing dies in an out ever again.

 

[Acer-m14]

Another very good product, is a quick change bushing for your dies. This Hornady kit WILL fit your RCBS Rockchucker. Makes changing dies a breeze. I have this Hornady L-N-LOAD kit on all my single stage presses. Best thing since sliced bread. Once you convert your press with the bushing that comes in the kit, you`ll never have to worry about setting your dies up ever again. Just pop the die in, twist, ready to go. The bushing in the top of your Rockchucker will come right out easily. Clean the threads with brak-kleen, couple drops of blue loctite on the new bushing, screw it in, done!

Lock-N-Load Press Conversion Kit

Lock-N-Load Press Conversion Kit by HORNADY Product Overview: The easiest way to get the most out of your reloading press. To take advantage of Hornady’s Lock-N-Load technology, simply insert a Hornady LNL Conversion Bushing into your RCBS Rock Chucker or other reloading press that uses...

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

that is Awesome .. i was wondering about that for the Rock Chucker ..

i have cheep lee single press that is the lock n load type ..

man does it make it easy to pop out

the universal decapping die and toss in a crimping die or what ever ..

and there all set up ready to go to go to work .,.

i did the same with my old lee manual turret press .. i got like 8 turrets all set up for different calibers ..

pop out and pop in .. do a few tests to make sure all is good ..

 

[Acer-m14]

How I run my old manual powder thrower.
Pull down smoothly then do a tap tap (up/down slightly) with the handle so the powder fills the meter no bridging.
push up again tap tap dumping the charge.
Get a rhythm going then periodically check with both the beam scale and digital.
Then always , even with my progressive loader, eyeball the level in the shell case.
If you do enough you can tell under over charges depending on the case pretty good.

my buds Wife is OCD .. and one hell of manual powder measure ..

if i had a scalpel in the room she would be cutting flakes in half ..

when i and we all get togethers .. its a manual drop from the powder measure and on the scales to double check ..

take some out .. put some back in .. then to the powder funnel to fill the case ..

 

[Acer-m14]

@Depick

when you get all set up .,.

don't forget to post here ..

Let's see your reloading room! (Pics only please!)

Reloaders: Post pics of your ultimate man (and women) caves! This will be a great place to get ideas from others who are as passionate about reloading, as you are! Let's try and keep this to photos and descriptions only, with as little commenting as possible. (OK, "some" commenting may not be...

nygunforum.com

 

[MothMan]

Don’t forget the other stuff.