Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
#189756
02/15/2018 2:24 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 123
ScoutV2
OP
member
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OP
member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 123 |
Hey Guys
I have never used or even seen a reloading press other than on youtube.
That said I have talked to several guys at the LGS that have decades of experience.
They suggested a turret press setup because I'm only looking at two calibers 444 Marlin and 357 Maximum most of what I shoot is not worth the time it would take me to reload. However these two calibers are the ones I'm interested in. I have 2 444 Marlins and am looking at getting a TC 10in pistol in 357 Max.
I don't care if its a kit or if I have to buy in pieces.
What do y'all think would be best for my needs. What book(s) should I get and read prior to this adventure?
Also I have a room already designated to my gun stuff that I will be building a fixed workbench that I can mount items to. and also have garage space.
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: ScoutV2]
#189757
02/15/2018 2:39 PM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
Shooting Master
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Shooting Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625 |
There is a lot of this type of stuff in the archives if ya do a search. That's where I learned a lot. I still asked questions as well. I went with a Dillon progressive because you set the dyes one time, and ya never touch them again. Can get little cartridges that hold the dyes, and all ya do is switch cartridges when you switch calibers. Dillon 550 is the model. They do cost a little more, but I absolutely love it. Get at LEAST two different manuals as cross reference. I use one by a bullet maker, then one by a powder maker. Stay in those lines, and you'll be fine.
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#189760
02/15/2018 3:54 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 860
karl
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 860 |
I think a turret press would be a good solution for those loads. If you were shooting bottle neck cartridges 1000 yards, I would recommend a single stage. The turret will be slower then a progressive, but that's a lot of outlay to get things started and it will give you the set it and forget it feature. A couple reloading manuals are good ideas. If you can find them, the small pamphlets compiled from lots of sources are nice once you have one or two of the larger books. I would do a little investigation to see what books have the 357 Max data and/or Contender/Encore specific loads. One book I have at home has the second, but I've never looked for the first.
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: karl]
#189771
02/16/2018 12:07 AM
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 97
N-Frame
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 97 |
A very simple, inexpensive single stage set up will work just fine for what you are doing. I have loaded many thousand rounds on such a set up. You will be loading in batches so you only change dies 3 times. It takes me about 12 seconds to spin one die out and another die in, not that much of a burden. If you buy a kit and it has a electronic scale I would buy a balance beam scale to go with it. Check out Hodgdons loading site if you haven't already. I think you will find this is a lot of fun.
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: N-Frame]
#189773
02/16/2018 1:16 AM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 97
big spruce
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 97 |
A very simple, inexpensive single stage set up will work just fine for what you are doing. I have loaded many thousand rounds on such a set up. You will be loading in batches so you only change dies 3 times. It takes me about 12 seconds to spin one die out and another die in, not that much of a burden. If you buy a kit and it has a electronic scale I would buy a balance beam scale to go with it. Check out Hodgdons loading site if you haven't already. I think you will find this is a lot of fun. Dido on the Single Stage. I actually have 2 of them I got at garage sales. I wish I could find an old Lyman turret. I had one and gave it up like a dummy. I also comb the local shops for used stuff. Just today I hit a batch of old lyman AA dies in brand new condition I bought all of them for $10 each. Really great deal. Don't get me wrong Progressive presses are nice I use my Buddies Dillon for mass loading when needed, but my old single stages turn out match quality ammo with aplomb.
Last edited by big spruce; 02/16/2018 3:26 AM.
Meat Hunters Do It For Dinner
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: N-Frame]
#189774
02/16/2018 1:46 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715 |
A very simple, inexpensive single stage set up will work just fine for what you are doing. I have loaded many thousand rounds on such a set up. You will be loading in batches so you only change dies 3 times. It takes me about 12 seconds to spin one die out and another die in, not that much of a burden. If you buy a kit and it has a electronic scale I would buy a balance beam scale to go with it. Check out Hodgdons loading site if you haven't already. I think you will find this is a lot of fun.
Life member-NRA-SCI Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067 Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s "I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: ScoutV2]
#189776
02/16/2018 1:59 AM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
I load all my pistol rounds on a 3 hole Lee turret press, although I use it as a single stage. The advantage is the ease of changeovers as all three dies of a set fit in each turret. I just pop out one turret and pop in another and I am ready to roll.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: s4s4u]
#189777
02/16/2018 2:19 AM
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,596
racksmasher1
veteran
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veteran
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,596 |
I do 26 different cartidges, and do them all on RCBS single stage presses, the progressive presses are not my cup of tea.
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: racksmasher1]
#189787
02/16/2018 4:29 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 123
ScoutV2
OP
member
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OP
member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 123 |
Ok so single stage press is something I will look into. I will only be doing 444 to begin with as I do not wish to load for my other firearms. This will be for my single shot pistol and my Marlin lever gun. I think I have found the bullets I want to try.
Cast Performance 430/320Gr Cast Performance 430/300Gr
What Brand Single stage press should I look at?
Thanks for the help guys! I have been in the search box here all week and have been reading up as much as I can.
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: ScoutV2]
#189788
02/16/2018 4:35 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 123
ScoutV2
OP
member
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OP
member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 123 |
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: ScoutV2]
#189789
02/16/2018 8:53 PM
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,057
Gary
Distinguished Master
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Distinguished Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,057 |
I load everything on a single stage press that is over 40 years old.
You can't wait any longer. Join the NRA and start writing your Congressmen and Senators.
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: ScoutV2]
#189792
02/16/2018 9:53 PM
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Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 97
N-Frame
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 97 |
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013036852/rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-master-single-stage-press-kit
How about this one? I've been using an older version of that for 43 years. Ya, it should work.
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: ScoutV2]
#189797
02/17/2018 12:39 AM
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,596
racksmasher1
veteran
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veteran
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,596 |
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: racksmasher1]
#189811
02/17/2018 11:31 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 860
karl
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 860 |
The Rock chucker press has a strong following. suppose to be exceptionaly strong and reliable. You cant go wrong with one.
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: karl]
#189812
02/17/2018 11:35 PM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
Shooting Master
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Shooting Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625 |
Check eBay. Used ones there now and then. Dyes too.
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#189816
02/18/2018 3:47 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 366
JDK
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 366 |
For years I used a Lee nut cracker hand press. It wasn't fast, but worked Well. The Lee site lists factory second full-sized loading presses for $33.
John
But for the grace of God, there, I go.
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: JDK]
#189817
02/18/2018 4:30 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 89
cessna
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 89 |
I've been using a Lee single-stage press for years. just another option.
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: JDK]
#189827
02/19/2018 1:23 AM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 601
PsTaN
addict
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addict
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 601 |
For years I used a Lee nut cracker hand press. It wasn't fast, but worked Well. Exactly what I use now. Great little tool.
Last edited by PsTaN; 02/19/2018 1:24 AM.
PsTaN
-Smith & Wesson Model 69 -Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter -Encore Pro Hunter
"Hold your horses, the elephants are coming, and out stamped Alabama"
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: PsTaN]
#189832
02/19/2018 3:18 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 123
ScoutV2
OP
member
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 123 |
Thanks for the heads up on the Factory Second Lee presses. They have a couple different ones on there. I will definitely look into one of these to get me started!
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: ScoutV2]
#189869
02/21/2018 7:00 PM
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 206
FA834ME
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 206 |
Started with RCBS Junior in 1972. Still have it and use it if I am working up loads at the bench on shooting range. Then came the Rock Chucker. Excellent gear. Then came the Dillon 450 and finally the Redding Turret. A beast of a press. I use the Redding the most now and the Rock Chucker the least for the ability to set up dies and forget. Mostly rifle stuff. I like the Dillon No B.S. guarantee. I wore the 450 out loading for pistol competition and after 25 years of use they rebuilt it for . . you guessed FREE! The 550 is the new and improved version of the 450 with interchangable head for dies. The Rock Chucker is excellent press as well. I am no fan of electronice scales. I stick with the beam scales practicing K.I.S.S. Electronic scales can get messed up without warning. A beam scale rarely does. I use a specific bullet to check calibration every now and then.
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: ScoutV2]
#189892
02/23/2018 11:28 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,556
junebug
Gun Slinger
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Gun Slinger
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,556 |
Basic reloading setup .Reloading Manual,Lee, Hornady, Speer,RCBS, Nosler WHICH YOU READ!Better yet two different manuals WHICH YOU READ! Press, RCBS LEE Hornady Lyman all are good presses. I have had an RCBS for 40 plus years. So Press, Scale, beam type RCBS, dies RCBS or Lee, funnel,case lube pad,bullets, powder,primers,and a book to write down all the particulars for every load you try. What powder what primer,what case,bullet how it shot, ETC. Keep records and DO NOT TRUST ANYTHING TO MEMORY. And if you have questions ask away.
junebug
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: junebug]
#189907
02/24/2018 3:37 AM
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625
Raptortrapper
Shooting Master
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Shooting Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,625 |
You're gonna love reloading. Behind Falconry and fly fishing, reloading is one of the most relaxing things I do.
A lot of people are like a slinky: Not much fun till you push them down the stairs!
Lifetime Member of the NRA! Wish I'd a done it sooner.
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: Raptortrapper]
#189977
02/26/2018 3:37 AM
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,669
Chance Weldon
Distinguished Expert
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Distinguished Expert
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,669 |
Lots of great advice here.
I'd recommend a single stage press kit from either Hornady or RCBS. The kits will have much of what you need, then you can add to them.
Formerly TN Lone Wolf
"We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided." - J.K. Rowling
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: junebug]
#190087
03/01/2018 3:30 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 123
ScoutV2
OP
member
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 123 |
Ask away I shall do... I am looking at the Lee Breech Lock Challenger kit. I can't afford the RCBS due to recent gunsmith work. Would this be a waste of money?
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Re: Noobie Wanting to Start Reloading
[Re: ScoutV2]
#190093
03/01/2018 7:14 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608
s4s4u
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,608 |
Would this be a waste of money? Oh, heck no. I sill use Lee presses. They work great. I prefer the Lee turret press so I can leave my dies set up and just swap out the entire turret when I need to change over. I don't utilize the auto indexing feature, as I use the press as if it were a single stage.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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