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new guy

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Posted: Mon Jan 22nd, 2007 03:55 AM

1shot1kill
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just found the board i am thinking of learning to roll my own... i own several milsurps and a few modern cartridged rifles... am thinking of getting a lee 4 hole turret press kit .. any thoughts on this or suggestions on another press????? thanks

Posted: Mon Jan 22nd, 2007 04:55 AM

Mickey Rat
Handloading Master

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Do it NOW! I use Lee stuff exclusively now. Check out prices at Midway on kits. New dies are less than a box of ammo. I just bought a Marlin 444ss in 444 Marlin and ordered dies, brass and bullets.

It is cheaper to by dies and reload than factory ammo (except milsurp). Cheap ammo = more shooting = better shooting.

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Posted: Mon Jan 22nd, 2007 12:29 PM

Charley
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If you are leaning towards a Lee turret press, I suggest the Classic turret.

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Posted: Tue Jan 23rd, 2007 05:28 AM

Mickey Rat
Handloading Master

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I really love the Lee presses. I would recommend starting with a single stage press and learning how to do every step properly. A single stage press is great for small batch reloading. If I went into reloading more, I would then do the 4 hole kit.

This is a link to the Midway Lee Kit which includes a reloading manual. Read it. Read it again. I had been reloading for 25 years when I read the Lee book and I learned a lot. I would also order an electronic scale and a digital micrometer caliper.

KIT:

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=820810

SCALE: I paid 25.00 for this same scale at Midway on a sale. Use it to quickley set up the powder measure for loading and checking weights (is that a 150 or a 165 grain bullet?).

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=713372

CALIPER: measuring cartridge overall length (COL) and cases for length and expansion at the web (shows unsafe/safe loads).

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=604242

POWDER MEASURE KIT: use to verify scale and trickle powder.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=943305

I would order the reloading kit, caliper and powder measure kit to start along with dies (Lee runs about 20.00 ea). If you get into a lot of reloading (pistol), go with the 4 hole turrent press.

Last edited on Tue Jan 23rd, 2007 05:30 AM by Mickey Rat

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Posted: Tue Jan 23rd, 2007 05:37 AM

Mickey Rat
Handloading Master

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[size=Here is my die list, almost exclusively Lee:]

[size=]

[size=RIFLE                          ]PISTOL

[size=01. 22 Hornet                  ]01. 25 ACP

[size=02. 223                           ]02. 32 ACP

[size=03. 243                           ]03 32 S&W Long

[size=04. 6.5 JAP                     ]03. 7.62 Tokorov

[size=05. 6.5 Carcano               ]04. 7.62 Nagant

[size=06. 6.5x55 Swede            ]05. 380 ACP

[size=07. 25-20                        ]06. 9mm

[size=08. 32-20                        ]08. 38/357

[size=09. 30 Carbine                 ]09. 40 S&W

[size=10. 30-30,                       ]10. 44 SPL/MAG

[size=11. 300 Savage                ]11. 45 ACP

[size=12. 308                           ]12. 45 Colt

[size=13. 30-06]

[size=14. 7.62x39]

[size=15. 7.62-54R]

[size=16. 7.5 Swiss]

[size=17. 303 British]

[size=18. 8x57]

[size=19. 35 Whelen]

[size=20. 375 H&H]

[size=21. 444 Marlin]

[size=22. 43 Spanish]

[size=23. 45-70]

[size=]

[size=Here is how you load a 300 Weatherby Magnum when you don't have a die for it and want to shoot that new gun today, and all you have is 18 cases you picked up at the range years ago:]

[size= ]

[size=1. Lee Decapper to deprime]

[size=2. Lee Hand Primer to prime]

[size=3. 32 ACP resizer to neck size]

[size=4. 43 Spanish to seat]

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Posted: Tue Jan 23rd, 2007 05:48 AM

wolfkill
Master Ballistician and Handloader

Joined:	Sat Oct 14th, 2006
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I've been using a multi hole turret (Lyman) for 30-06, 223, 44 mag, 10 mm, 25-06.

I leave some dies on constantly, and keep an eye on them with a shot of oil inside if they're going to sit awhile.

I agree with Mickey Rat regarding manuals. They cost as much as a die but each one has different info regarding re-loading for those of us that indulge in this self taught hobby.

I've had buddies that like to pump things up to the max always until the bolt sticks, but I'd rather buy the next caliber up whatever. I only load one rifle past max loads recommended (25-06) but it had special needs and could handle it.

Most of my guns always seem to shoot better with less than max loads.

Last edited on Tue Jan 23rd, 2007 06:00 AM by wolfkill

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Posted: Tue Jan 23rd, 2007 04:17 PM

Mickey Rat
Handloading Master

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If yo notice my list of dies, it's pretty big (35). I just upgraded from 3 hole to 4 hole turrent (15.00 kit) but the shellplates are 8.00 a pop (ouch). The new factory crimp was the reason. I do love to be able to change dies in 10 seconds. I am bad to run batches of mixed cases (found @ range) because I am a "brasshopper". I pick up anything, deprime, polish and store for future use. Works so far.

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Posted: Tue Jan 23rd, 2007 11:57 PM

Force_Recon_Marine
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I agree with Mickey, Pick up all the brass you can find. If you cant use it, someone you know can. I have a Lyman T-mag II and a Lee Classic for .50BMG. I use all Lee carbide dies for my handgun loads and I have been very pleased. However, my rifle dies are all RCBS. They both make a great product. RCBS has a little better customer service. I recently broke deccapping rods in an RCBS die set and in a Lee set. I called Lee and the rod was $3.00 plus $4.00 shipping. I called RCBS and they sent me a new rod, ball, and three new deccapping pins for FREE! No charge. I asked them why they did that and the response was, "Because it says RCBS". That kind of customer service is hard to beat.

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Posted: Wed Jan 24th, 2007 01:45 AM

1shot1kill
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:wink:

thanks for the info guys i think i may start with the single stage kit as suggested i can't wait for the manuals i ordered to arrive my thought has always been read, read, read some more then ask questions of people who have hands on experience and listen... has worked in every hobby i've taken up so far thanks again and ill be back with some more ?'s...

Posted: Wed Jan 24th, 2007 01:54 AM

Force_Recon_Marine
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Read, ask, and use those calipers a lot...

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Posted: Wed Jan 24th, 2007 02:14 AM

Charley
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Joined:	Fri Sep 9th, 2005
Location:	San Antonio, Texas USA
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Ditto on the suggestions about books. More information is good! the 'net is a double edged sword, there is a lot of experience and knowledge in cyberland, but there are a fair number of pretenders, too. I would have no issue taking recommendations from any here on HLB, Baitshop, or Cast Boolits. I have not noticeed any pretenders on these boards.

I would be leary of any information that is dogmatic about "this brand is pure crap" or this other brand "is the finest tooling produced by humanity". Most equipment produced today works, and works well. Some is faster, or more convenient, or longer lasting than another brand, but it is all built to a specific market and price point. Buy what you are comfortable with, and recognize that any equipment has limitations.

Loading for milsurps makes a lot of sense. You can tailor a load to a rifle, you can load down for plinking, you can even load gallery rounds that are almost silent beyond a few yards. It is also one hell of a lot of fun.

I load for a bunch of differnt rifle and handgun cartridges. Rifle from .223 to 577/.450 Martini, and handguns from .32 ACP to .45 Colt. My dies are a mixed lot, Lee, RCBS, and Redding or two, and a couple of Lymans. They all work.

BTW, don't count on saving any money from handloading. You won't. Ever. You will be able to shoot a lot more for the same amount of money, though.

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Posted: Wed Jan 24th, 2007 03:09 AM

1shot1kill
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thanks guys i now am trying to decide between a lee classic kit as suggested or a rcbs supreme rockchucker kit.... is it worth buying the rcbs??? is the quality that much better????? 90.00 compared to 250.00 apples to apples??? i have alway's said you get what you pay for is this the case here?????? thanks for all the input

Posted: Wed Jan 24th, 2007 03:53 AM

Force_Recon_Marine
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I use my Lee Classic for .50 BMG. I promise you, it will be fine.

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Posted: Wed Jan 24th, 2007 04:14 AM

Poacher
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1shot

Get into the loading game buy using your money for what you can. The Lee will get you going. Some here only use Lee and have had the same press for years, it loads what you need it to load. You can use the extra money to buy good calipers and scales. If you decide in a year or two to step up to the RCBS then go for it. I will go out on a limb and say that most of us have at least two presses, some, more. The money you spend on a good set of scales is worth every penny. Bad scales make bad loads and those can end up costing you a weapon or worse. The extra money you save on presses will also buy you a fair amount of powder and lead.

Welcome to the wide world of reloading..... you are about to become poor. :lol:

:lol:

Take care Be safe Poacher.

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Posted: Wed Jan 24th, 2007 05:41 AM

Rockydog
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1shot, Should listen you well to Obie Wan Poacher!

The only thing I would add would be to check out e-bay for used presses. There are some good bargains out there if you know what they cost new. Occassionally I've seen guys pay more for a used one than they'd pay for a new one on sale at Midway or Natchez. If I'm not mistaken Lee had a deal on a beginners press that was free with the purchase on the new Lee reloading manual. Don't forget a set of check weights for the scale. RD

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Posted: Wed Jan 24th, 2007 01:22 PM

Force_Recon_Marine
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Good scales are a must have. Dont skim there. You can also contact Lee and RCBS about factory seconds. I dont have the invoice in front of me, but when I ordered a new deccapping rod, they sent me a factory seconds list of what is available. There were some substantial savings over list price. They are all mechnically perfect with cosmetic flaws. That could save you a little coin if you dont mind a scratch or two.

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Posted: Wed Jan 24th, 2007 05:36 PM

Mickey Rat
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The cost of Lee vs Others. Lee builds a good product, period. It (aluminum) will not do what the big iron presses will do, but it loads and works great. It is also a great learning tool. I use an aluminum (25 years old) 3 hole converted to 4 hole. I also have 2 (yes two) of the little "C" presses that cost 20.00. I use it for just decapping and some priming. I also use them for small batch loading of rifle ammo. I only keep dies on a dieplate for stuff I load a lot (223, 308, 30-06, 300 Savage) the rest I just load small batches.

I have a Lyman Digital Powder Measure/Dispenser (233.00) and what do I use most? A Lee Perfect Powder Measure (19.00) and a Frankfort Arsenal digital scale (62.00 go on sale for 24.95). I use the digital scale to set my measure and have at it. It is just faster and easier. The big dog is for doing PRECISE loads (I am not that picky). I also have both of the Lee disc measures. They work great for pistol ammo, and HUGE batches of 223, but are difficult to get JUST RIGHT for the 223 loads (getting just the right charge instead of just close like 23.7 not 22 or 25), but once figured out repeatable and FAST.

Never forget that you can always trade up. Lee even made one for 50 BMG.

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Posted: Thu Jan 25th, 2007 01:02 AM

1shot1kill
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great insight guys thanks

.... i will be making my decision real soon on witch one to go with i think i am definaley getting a digital scale at least maybe a measure/scale combo...

Posted: Thu Jan 25th, 2007 01:12 AM

Force_Recon_Marine
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Scratch the idea on factory seconds. I compared the price list to my new Cabelas, and the Cabelas new prices were cheaper.

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Posted: Thu Jan 25th, 2007 07:51 PM

creekwalker
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Mauser...

Everyone has their on opinions regarding equipment, but here you've received the plane unvarnished facts. I have several presses and plan on keeping all of them as I find each of them useful. Whether to start on single stage or a turret depends on you and your own attention to detail. Charley provided good advice regarding the Lee Classic Turret and Mick Rat on Lee Turrets. I plan on purchasing a Lee Classic Turret for myself within the next few weeks, one of the beauties of this press is that though its an auto index press, this can be disengaged and you can instead use it as a single stage. The low cost of its turrets etc is also a plus. Does this make it better than others. No. Send bilt a PM and ask him about his Redding T7. You must pick your equipment based upon your own individual needs and budget.

Good luck and God Bless

creekwalker

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