Reloading equipment

[AIRret]

What brand of reloading equipment would you folks recommend;
hornady, lee, etc.....
Thanks!

[dkmatthews]

Lee's dies are less expensive than others, from what I've seen, so I use them in my Lyman T-Mag II single stage turret press.

[ilmbaba]

I have a Lee Turret Press. Got a great deal on a kit at Cabela's - Press, scale, funnel, Primer auto-feed, Auto-disk powder measure, and a few tools. I think I paid just over $100 for the whole deal. It makes my cartridges and they go bang (every time except one with a dead primer). The only thing you would need to buy at that point would be the die set, powder, and whatever components you will reload (go for the carbide dies; they are more expensive, but you don't need to use case lube then).
That being said, I have had some annoying little things with it that make me wonder if I would have been happier with an RCBS set-up. Of course, I was new to reloading when I bought this, and these little things may just be part of the process. Most folks who buy one have nothing but good things to say.
Cabela's has the kit on sale for $114.95 (link below). If you don't live near a Cabela's, they usually run free or very cheap shipping specials.
Also, there are a lot of helpful videos and info out there in case you don't have an experienced reloader to help you (that was my situation). There is also a very helpful Board called the Handloaders Bench. I got a great deal of help there, and they are friendly folks, just like this Board.
Enjoy, and let me know if you have any questions.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Lee-D...h-All+Products

[ilmbaba]

Actually, when you go to that link, it says there is free shipping on orders over $99, so you're good to go if you want.

[Longitude Zero]

Definitely get carbide dies. Case lube is a royal pain. I am partial to Lee reloaders.

[DKD]

I like Lee Dies, however for the actual press I have both Lyman and RCBS. Both are built like a rock outouse. My Lyman "C" press is over 36 years old and as good as the day I bought it. For my rifle loading I now use my RCBS "Rock Chucker"...you might want to look into either a turrent press or a simple progressive press if you are going to shoot alot, especialy for pistols.

[Bawanna]

I used the RCBS Rockchucker set up for many many years and still do for rifle or testing loads.
Couple years ago I got a Hornady LockNLoad progressive. It's the cats posterior and I wish I'd got it long long ago. Very good machine.

Carbide dies for sure. A digital scale is nice but the old balance beam works ok too.

I like hand priming using a Lee tool which I can't do with the progressive but I still use it on the single stage.

[pitandkahr]

I have the Hornady Lock n Load Kit. Now I just need the confidence to try it. LOL


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[dkmatthews]

I have the Hornady Lock n Load Kit. Now I just need the confidence to try it. LOL


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if you can read and follow directions, you'll be fine. The bullets won't make themselves.

[ilmbaba]

I have the Hornady Lock n Load Kit. Now I just need the confidence to try it. LOL


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Don't sweat it. Start with load data on the lower end of the spectrum and you'll be fine. The only one I was ever nervous about was the first one I made. After that, just be patient and don't do anything extreme. You'll be fine.

[Bawanna]

I shared your reservations when I got the Hornady even after loading for years and years. There's an awful lot happening each time you pull the handle.
The thing I like about the Hornady is I can pull the case at any station and see if whats suppose to be happening is happening.

What screws me up is like running out of primers or miss something and you try to feed it back in at the right station to fix it. Goofs me up every time. I just leave them out now and run those last by themselves.

I took the stick that rides on top of the primers and put a piece of blue painters tape on it where it sits when it's out. Just glance at it from time to time and know when I'm getting low.

Mounted a dental mirror over the case in the seating station and I can easily see if there is powder in every case.

It sure is fast yet accurate and reliable when the operator does his part. Can load in a couple hours what used to take all day and then some.

[pitandkahr]

Thanks guys for your input. Can I bug you sometime with my more detailed questions. I really want to start loading because my ammo costs are getting up there with all these Kahrs. LOL


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[ilmbaba]

Anytime on the questions. When I load 45ACP, I save a ton. Where I lose money is when I buy more and more stuff. I figure sooner or later, I'll be set for life.

[dkmatthews]

I figure I save about 50% per box (or more, depending on the caliber) by rolling my own pistol ammo.

I'm not trying to save money when reloading rifle, though. I'm trying to make sure I've got a supply of milspec M2 ball ammo to feed my old surplus rifles.

[pitandkahr]

I'm looking forward to it and want to pick up the brass and bullets (online probably). However, trying to pick the right stuff is confusing. Tonight I want to pick up primers and powders (locally to avoid HM charges) but not sure which and how much. I have a discount at the range that expires today. :-)


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