Considering reloading

[PT7]

I seldom read posts in reloading areas, because I have never done reloading. Most of the threads really leave me in the powder, ah - dust. But I'm considering starting, and looking for some input from all you reloading experts.

Square one for me has been to find a single-step reloader, which I think will suit my needs. I would primarily reload .357 Magnums and .38 Specials since I have a Big Boy and SP101 in those calibers. But I would not reload very much, guessing maybe 100 rounds or little more each month? I found this Lee Precision Inc. reloader because I've read good comments about this company's products: http://leeprecision.com/breech-lock-hand-press-kit.html My choice is because I live in a very small apartment and have zero available space -- couldn't do another table, or set up a work area with shelves. I currently do all my firearms cleaning, polishing, any sight replacements, etc., using a shoplight that hangs over the washer & dryer. This hand-held reloader is my cup of tea.

So my question since I'm on square one is, has anyone used one of these Lee reloaders? If so, any comments would be appreciated, either plus or minus. On one web marketing sight there were 68 comments on this exact reloader, and 88% of those were at the top rating of their chart. So that's always good to hear, with that many people voicing their opinion.

I look forward to any other reloading suggestions you might have for this complete newbie. Thanks!

[Travlin]

I have used the Lee hand press briefly when someone I was helping get started brought it with them. It seemed to be a good useful product. I would suggest getting a good reloading manual. The LYMAN CAST BULLET HANDBOOK is good for lead bullet info .Also the LEE POWDER DIPPER SET and a good powder scale.The first thing you should do is read,read ,read. Save your brass and don't try to magnamize your loads.I started reloading in 1969 and I will be glad to help you any way I can. To me it is a relaxing experience and I don't try to hurry up to produce a lot of ammo.

[JEBar]

you know what they say about opinions .. .. I've owned a Lee Precision since the 70's .... it works but for me it has proven to be a specialty item .... I take it to the range to put together a few rounds when trying to develop a load .... for that it works well but for a 100 rounds a month, no way .... when you purchase the Lee, you still need several other items like a powder measure to go with it .... I recommend you take a look at a kit with most everything you need like the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Single Stage Press Kit -- http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/937051 ... ck+chucker .... that isn't to say you want purchase additional equipment (like a shell tumbler) but you don't have to .... we bought basically the same RCBS kit back in the mid '60's and it is still in operation .... with it you can certainly turn out the volume of reloads you have mentioned .... unless something really odd should happen, the items in the kit should last to be passed on to subsequent generations

[adirondack]

You can never go wrong with any RCBS product. I bought the Hornady lockn load package. I works very well but continually buying the die collars has cost me lots. I have 10+ sets of dies. many take 2-3 collars. Also the dies don't fit back in the box after installing the collars. It would be pointless to remove them every time you finish loading.

[JEBar]

You can never go wrong with any RCBS product. I bought the Hornady lockn load package. I works very well but continually buying the die collars has cost me lots. I have 10+ sets of dies. many take 2-3 collars. Also the dies don't fit back in the box after installing the collars. It would be pointless to remove them every time you finish loading.

a couple of years ago our family's volume of ammo used in punching paper and knocking down silhouettes reached a level where we made the decision to add a Lock-n-Load press to our reloading equipment ..... for us the LNL turns our good quality ammo in volume .... the RCBS single stage is stilled used for precision loading of hunting ammo

[Squatch]

1st rule of reloading is: You will not really save any money. But you will be able to shoot a lot more!

I'm just getting set up myself. I have the rcbs rockcrusher kit, RCBS case tumbler(vibrator). Also you need dies, bullets, powder, shell cases. I'm picky so I also added a digital scale, A kinetic hammer for unloading shells, a powder measure stand and baffle for the powder measure. A small measure cylinder for the powder measure. And several loading manuals. If you are going to reload with lead bullets get the Lyman cast bullet handbook.

[steelersfan97]

It would seem as though at some point you would save money once the volume produced surpassed break-even point. Why would that not be the case?

[Squatch]

You save money per shell but you'll shoot more shells more often so when the smoke clears it's a wash. I've been told that by every reloader i've ever met.

You can get a kit for $300-$400. But by the time you have most of what you will use I figure a realistic upfront price including some powder and bullets and cleaning media ect is more like several hundred to get started. I'm probably close to that and haven't loaded a shell yet.

One of the big benefits is you can load stuff you can't easily buy. Like low power 45/70's and 44 mags.

[Jdl447]

I got a Lee Breech Lock challenger kit from Titan reloading and a Lee 3 die set for .357 Mag.
A 125 RFN 2 cavity mold and a Lee Prodution pot iv. I cast load and shoot at least 200 a month. Happy with all of it.

[steelersfan97]

Yes, I guess that could happen. If you are producing rounds at half the cost of factory ammunition but shooting three times more rounds than you would normally shoot, the math doesn't work out.

[CT_Shooter]

I think about reloading as another part of the shooting hobby and not so much as a way to save money on ammunition. I've invested a fair amount of money on equipment, but if I simply consider the cost of supplies, then I'm saving at least half of the cost of factory ammo. But, that's not why I do it. My time reloading is spent for the satisfaction I get from it.

[Jdl447]

^^^what he said^^^^

[Owly]

PT7, you are entering into a life changing endeavor. Once your first few rounds are assembled you'll be swelled with pride and wondering why you didn't start reloading years ago.
As far as the Lee hand press, I've got no experience with it, but can't imagine it being all that desirable as your sole set-up. Quality single stage presses can be had in nice starter kits from RCBS and Hornady. I've got the Hornady Classic but if I had it to do over again I'd get the RCBS rockchucker.
You don't need a large space to get everything situated. I built my bench from an old diner table (yes diner, not dinner). Built a heavy base for it with shelves underneath. That and a metal cabinet make up my reloading furniture. The whole system takes up about a 6 foot by 3 foot area (18 sq.ft). Everything is there including press, measurer and stand, scales, tumbler, loading manuals, bullets, brass, dies, trimmer, micrometer, calipers, bench primer, and on... and on... and on.....
It never ends. Although it doesn't take much to get started, you'll keep acquiring more and more to make the process more enjoyable and more efficient.
Welcome to one of the most rewarding hobbies there is.

[adirondack]

I find the satisfaction in researching and crafting ammo that shoot 1" moa. thru harvesting game, processing and even taxidermy . I have also done this with a recurve bow, cutting shafts and fletching natural feathers, nocks and sharpening broadheads. And of course PRACTICE!! Passing on and sharing these skills with my 15 yr old son has been irreplaceable with the bond we have created, time spent together and working through the lows of failure and highs of success. Skills that through social media and govt. regulation will probably be lost in the future. At least there will be one young man shooting deer with a 1968 Fred Bear recurve bow and Henry, marlin and Winchester rifles. With his hand me down fletching jig and reloading setup, time with his dad will always be remembered. Cant put a price tag on that!

[White Squirrel]

Yes, I guess that could happen. If you are producing rounds at half the cost of factory ammunition but shooting three times more rounds than you would normally shoot, the math doesn't work out.

Plus, in my case, I was going to only load one caliber. Then I found out I actually like going through that process, so I bought more dies for more calibers and then added calibers and bought more dies and....well you get the picture.

I figure at my age, I will be dead before I ever get to the breakeven point! But, I sure am having fun along the way.

[PT7]

Appreciate very much each of your comments, Gentlemen. I learned something from every post in this thread. I also know it's a beginning.

I have now a good bunch of suggestions, based on your experiences, to get: reloading manuals; dies; powder drops, etc.; and of course, different reloaders.

At the same time, I got some good thoughts/directions on what the "to-dos" and "not-to-dos" are such as "read, read, read" -- I liked that.
Also considerations: such as saving $$$; what are the impacts of shooting more; and thinking about the "break-even" point.

But I think the very interesting comments were from several of you, who talked about "why reload." Rewarding hobby; life-changing endeavor; have some fun. All of these are appealing. For myself, I have not totally focused, for instance, on "saving $$$." I've found that generally being into firearms is a quite expensive venture. I also don't need tons of bullets, just enough to do my 50-100-round range trips now & then. But I'd like to learn how to reload as I've read so many folk do this part of firearm ownership, and that many really enjoy it, too. I think reloading might be another step of enjoying firearms and shooting, while adding an interesting challenge into my retirement time.

Thought I note one other post. There was brief comment on "not needing much space for reloading, e.g. 18 square feet or so." Well, I cannot imagine that right now in this very small apartment we live in. It's sufficient for us, but my wife and I bump into each other daily and often! There isn't any nook or cranny not being used or stored up at this time. I wonder if I could even scrounge up 18 square inches!!

Gosh, a lot to look at and think about -- it's been fun
My consideration of reloading has received a good boost from each of you. Your comments were loaded with good stuff. Thanks again.

[Squatch]

My reloading space is an old kitchen table. I mounted my press and my powder measure to a board. That way i can take it on or off the table with a big C clamp. That way it's not in the way when I use the table for gun cleaning and such.

As far as your 50-100 round days. If you start loading some lighter stuff and specials you'll likely double that count occasionally on range days. You'll be shooting that Big Boy like it was a 22lr.

[White Squirrel]

I think you have the meat of it, PT7.

It is just the joy of learning something new, accomplishing something you haven't done before, and then going out to the range and celebrating the fruits of your work!

It is also the joy of having another topic to discuss on gun forums.

Take it slow, check/double check/triple check, be safe and most of all, have fun.

[PT7]

Thanks a lot, White Squirrel. Appreciate the encouraging comments.

Yes, just this short thread provided much meat, er...food for thought, as well as those helpful to-dos. And I've also noticed that reloading is a huge topic area on a number of forums.

I definitely will be watchful of your sage caution: Take it slow, check/double check/triple check, be safe and most of all, have fun.

I think you have the meat of it, PT7.

It is just the joy of learning something new, accomplishing something you haven't done before, and then going out to the range and celebrating the fruits of your work!

It is also the joy of having another topic to discuss on gun forums.

Take it slow, check/double check/triple check, be safe and most of all, have fun.

[JohnHolt]

I just began reloading. Lee Aniversry kit. 444, 44mag-spec, 243win, 223, 45acp, 9mm, 380
its a great set up. works perfectly. The lee bullet molds, and furnace are good too