Reloading Press for a starter??
I'm going to start reloading my 41 mag.'s. Is this reloader a good one to start with. I have a limited budget. I can get it and a Speer reloading manual for $25 + shipping. Should I buy it? This is how the ad reads:
"Lee Reloader Press- full size press with built-in primer catcher; balanced lever prevents pinched fingers, accepts standard dies and shell holders. Machined to strict tolerances. Hand clearance you can only get from a C-frame. Ambidextrous handle. This is the ideal first press to try reloading without spending a lot of money. Also great as second press to speed reloading process (decapping, priming, etc.). Some guys even use as a very sturdy powder dispenser stand. Instructions included."
Born To Hunt... Forced To Work... #@!#$!!
"Lee Reloader Press- full size press with built-in primer catcher; balanced lever prevents pinched fingers, accepts standard dies and shell holders. Machined to strict tolerances. Hand clearance you can only get from a C-frame. Ambidextrous handle. This is the ideal first press to try reloading without spending a lot of money. Also great as second press to speed reloading process (decapping, priming, etc.). Some guys even use as a very sturdy powder dispenser stand. Instructions included."
Born To Hunt... Forced To Work... #@!#$!!
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I would go with the "Lee Anniversary Reloading Kit" from Midway. Better, stronger press and more accessories, (Powder Measure, Scale, Auto-Prime etc.)
http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/149097
I used Lee products for years, their excellent value for the money, specially when your buy them from a on-line discounter like Midway.0 -
The Challenger is a bit stronger press,but if budget only allows for this one it should do pistol ammo allright.
IIRC,the 'built in primer catcher' means they go inside the shaft and you unbolt the press to dump 'em out.
The challenger press pops em into a tray built onto the press...a better way to go,but not a super biggie either way.
you'll need a powder measure,or dippers
a caliper,ao a go,no go gage
a set of dies
a way to set the new primers.Lee's ram prime will suffice,but a hand primer may be a bit faster.
Throckmortons' the alias,cas is the game.0 -
I agree with Rufe Snow......start inexpensively with a kit that will do the job.
Very importantly also.....BOOKS! Before you start reloading, read, read, read!
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/9993634077/qid=1090069285/sr=2-2/ref=sr_2_2/002-0745283-4628058
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0873491904/qid=1090069285/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-0745283-4628058?v=glance&s=books
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0873491807/qid=1090069285/sr=1-3/ref=sr_1_3/002-0745283-4628058?v=glance&s=books
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/9992035560/qid=1090069285/sr=1-10/ref=sr_1_10/002-0745283-4628058?v=glance&s=books0 -
For $25, that's a good press to start with. As you get the hang of the process, you'll upgrade to a less wobbly one, maybe better dies, a good digital scale, etc., etc., but that's a decent starter on a limited budget.
Be sure to weigh each powder charge when you start out, and always compare load data from at least 3 sources before you decide on a beginning point. Always start at least 6% below their recommended starting load to allow a safety margin for YOUR gun; all guns are different, and reloading allows you to tailor loads for your gun's specific tastes.
If you're going for full-house loads for defense or hunting, start WAAAYY below the maximum loads you find, and only after you've been making ammo for a while; let yourself remind you what to do at every step of the process, double-check everything as you do it, and be sure you can reload in a happy place with absolutely no distractions!
More than one experienced reloader has made a near-disastrous error in bullet weight/powder charge/overall length, and you don't want to be one of them.
Oh yeah, relax and enjoy your new obsession!
If you know it all; you must have been listening.<br>WEAR EAR PROTECTION!0 -
If you are willing to accept the limitations of the equipment (the "C" press has more give than the "O" . . . so it is not suitable for any heavy duty chores), then $25 is a decent price. I would caution you to get a shipping quote before bidding, however . . . some sellers attempt to increase their profit margins by overcharging on the freight.
You will need many things besides the press and a single manual, though. So I would suggest pricing out the powder measure, scale, etc. individually / as a group (RCBS offers a good package) vs. the cost of the Lee "everything" kit. If you do buy singly, don't waste money on the cheap plastic calipers; get a decent set of metal ones - digital if your eyes are aging!
Dies will be extra, no matter which way you go. Spend a little extra and buy a set with a carbide sizer; you will never regret it. In this, I am strongly biased toward RCBS for reasons of quality and customer service. I am also strongly biased toward the Lyman manuals, as they have no component product to push as the powder and bullet companies do, so one finds a good representative selection of powders and bullets rather than those of a single maker.
I'm no fan of Lee gear, but if the budget is real tight, it's plenty good enough to get somebody started.
Good luck!
"There is nothing lower than the human race - except the French." (Mark Twain) ". . . And liberals / demoRats" (me)0 -
Ok I will get a blackeye for this But the Lyman turret is a good middle of the road press I feel. 0 -
THIS LEE "C" PRESS IS A GREAT PRESS TO START OUT WITH AND WILL HANDLE LOADS UP TO THE 30-06 CLASS. MY SETUP INCLUDES TWO OF THESE PRESSES, I USE ONE FOR DEPRIMING AND A SECOND ONE FOR REPRIMING WITH A RCBS RAM PRIME, MY MAIN PRESS IS A RCBS ROCK CHUCKER. I'VE USED THE LEE TO RELOAD 30-06 JUST TO SEE IF IT WOULD HANDLE IT AND IT DOES! CABELLAS WAS SELLING THE LEE WITH A VERY COMPREHENSIVE MANUAL FOR AROUND $26.00 LAST YEAR AT CHRISTMAS TIME. I'M LOOKING FOR A THIRD ONE TO MAKE A PORTABLE SETUP FOR RELOADING AT THE RANGE. BEST ADVICE THAT ANYONE HAS STATED SO FAR IS TO GET MANUALS AND READ,READ AND THEN READ THEM AGAIN, AND NEVER RELY ON "MEMORY" TO RELOAD FROM.[:)]
Dewayne E. Geer0 -
ENJOY !
But first read read read, as suggested.
I've been loading for over 30 years and still enjoy it.... you have to concentrate and relax at the same time.....kinda like shooting a 44 mag when you weighed 120 pounds.
If you still have not been prompted to read read read, I am sorry, because it will save your gun at least... Dig in and you will make those pet loads that really improve your guns performance. If you don't like it, you can get most of your cash back with a re-sale, if you do like it, you will learn some things that others will never know.
If we do not hang together,
We will most certainly hang separately.0 -
i like the rockchucker cause you will never have to get another press.seems to shoot the beginning concept in the foot but for long range economy, can't be beat. reading lots of sources, as mentioned, is a very good idea. also found that meticulous record keeping saves time as to the loads you try and results.reloading is a superb activity, enjoy! 0 -
ginmaster,if you're interested in a similar press from RCBS,slip me an email at rreeves46@hotmail.com 0
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