I am thinking of getting into reloading, need some advice.

[chrismcdonald]

Hey everybody, I am thinking of getting into reloading, and I am trying to do it for as cheap as i can. I can't necessarily afford a dillon or an RCBS. I am looking at two kits, the Lee Challenger http://www.midwayusa.com/product/121744/lee-challenger-breech-lock-single-stage-press-kithttp://, or the Lee 4 Hole Turret Press with Auto Index http://www.midwayusa.com/product/622290/lee-4-hole-turret-press-with-auto-index-value-kit. Does anybody have any experience with these kits. Which one would be the better pick for a beginner.

I will be reloading 7.62x54r, 6.5mm Carcano, 9mm, 9x18, 7.62 nagant, and maybe some 7.62x39 & 7.62x25.

Any advice on accessories not include in kits I may need to get (obviously dies will be needed), or powders. Will i end up with a powder for every load, or is there some that may work for multiple cartridges

Any advice will greatly be appreciated.

 

[Joe_Atlanta]

A good single stage press is always handy to have and is the best choice for a beginner. It lets you focus on one task at a time and get it perfect.

 

[Chuckdog]

The Lee presses are fine quality. The inexpensive Challenger will be much more rifle length friendly. The newer Classic cast turret has a longer stroke than the one you're considering. The auto advance isn't much needed doing full length sizing anyway. Loading rifle cartridges, other the short .223 length and such will be much better on the Challenger. I hope this helps. Loading is natural progression for anyone that loves to shoot. CD

 

[Clarke123]

Anyone considering a Lee Turrent should get the Classic Cast ... It is one that you will KEEP and use extensively for pistol reloading.
I also load .308 and .223 on mne, butbe aware that the Auto Disk Powder measure is limited in its application to heavier loadings.

 

[RELOADER]

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/622290/lee-4-hole-turret-press-with-auto-index-value-kit

This is the press that I use and I have enjoyed it very much. You can remove the rotational pin and use it as a single stage press as I do if you like. I just prefer to do each stage with all my rounds at once for accuracy. I load 38spl, 357, 40sw, 9mm, and 45 colt with this and it works great.
The only complaint I have with it is the powder hopper has two small screws and dont last very well when swapping out the powder measures so I suggest buying you 3 extras since they are only around 3 bucks each.
I would also get another type of digital powder scale of some type, the scale with the kit works but its just extra work compared to the low prices of digital scales.
As far as powder goes .... everyone has their own favorites and dislikes so you will have to do your home work and find what you like. My choice was HP38 since its the cheapest and most versatile powder I have found with my wheelgun loads and Its just what I started out with so I am comfortable with it. My advice is to study, study and study some more. You will find alot of information on the internet, but take it with a grain of salt and do your own homework.
Be safe and enjoy. I suggest the RCBS hand priming tool if you intend to do hand priming.

 

[JHV2]

I love my Lee turret press. It can't be beat for quick volume of handgun cartridges with reactively forgiving powder loads.
That said, if I was going to load for Rifle I'd get the Lee Classic. and skip the lee scale and auto disk power measure.

 

[JHV2]

The only complaint I have with it is the powder hopper has two small screws and dont last very well when swapping out the powder measures so I suggest buying you 3 extras since they are only around 3 bucks each.

Reloader have you tried the "updated" powder measure kit. This hopper is far better than the "original" using bolts and knurled knobs instead of the screws. The adjustable charge bar, and swivel adapter are very nice too. IMHO Lee should just scrap the old hopper altogether.

http://leeprecision.com/pro-auto-disk-update-kit.html

 

[RELOADER]

Reloader have you tried the "updated" powder measure kit. This hopper is far better than the "original" using bolts and knurled knobs instead of the screws. The adjustable charge bar, and swivel adapter are very nice too. IMHO Lee should just scrap the old hopper altogether.

http://leeprecision.com/pro-auto-disk-update-kit.html

Looks good thanks for the info I didn't know they had a newer one. I agree on junking the previousl one .

 

[Clarke123]

Tribal Knowledge: Before first using, always wipe out a new powder measure and powder trail with a dryer sheet; this to prevent "static kling"!

Also, in addition to Midway, before purchasing check out the prices on Lee products here (just remember that most suppliers are currently low on availability due to heavy demand):

http://factorysales.com/index.html

http://www.titanreloading.com/

http://www.fmreloading.com/

It's your money ... sometimes a little wait is well worth it!

 

[chrismcdonald]

Guys I really appreciate all the advice. I think I am going to pickup a copy of Lee Modern Reloading 2nd Edition this weekend and read up on reloading. I also think I am going to go with the challenger kit, and maybe up grade to a classic turret later.

RELOADER: I love the Eddy pic