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Posted: 11/15/2011 8:39:20 PM EDT
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I'm just about to make place an order for a reloading setup, how is this for a beginner? Also, can anyone recommend anything else I'll need other than tumbling media, primers and cases? I'll be starting with 223.
Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press Anniversary Kit Lee Deluxe 3-Die Set 223 Remington Frankford Arsenal Electronic Caliper 6" Stainless Steel Lee Universal Shellholder #4 (17 Remington, 204 Ruger, 223 Remington) Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler 110 Volt Lee "Modern Reloading 2nd Edition, Revised" Reloading Manual Thanks |
| I dunno if your planning to reload anything else, but if you ever may load for pistol I would look at a Lee classic turret. You can remove the bar in the middle to manually move the turrets for rifle, and youll love the increased output for pistol. Trust me I was in your boat last year |
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Quoted:
I'm just about to make place an order for a reloading setup, how is this for a beginner? Also, can anyone recommend anything else I'll need other than tumbling media, primers and cases? I'll be starting with 223. Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press Anniversary Kit (pickup up a used Rock Chucker Press instead) Lee Deluxe 3-Die Set 223 Remington (OK) Frankford Arsenal Electronic Caliper 6" Stainless Steel (OK) Lee Universal Shellholder #4 (17 Remington, 204 Ruger, 223 Remington) (OK) Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler 110 Volt (OK) Lee "Modern Reloading 2nd Edition, Revised" Reloading Manual (worst manual ever!) Thanks Lee scale and powder dispenser are cheap but they work as well as RCBS that cost 3 times But, the Rock Chucker will out last you. Challenger is OK but the link will break and you will have to replace them. Of all the lubes I used, I like Lee the best. Cleans up best. |
| I figure it won't be the best or most convenient setup, but if I enjoy reloading I'll probably buy a progressive press anyway. I figure they I could still use the lee for calibers I wouldn't want to reload in great quantities. I'll take your advice in ditching the lee manual. |
| Go with the RCBS press or kit. You always need a good single stage so get a good one starting off. Ditch the digital calipers and just get a standard dial set, you use these all the time and it will suck when the battery's are dead or worse yet dyeing and giving you false readings. Look at a better die set, RCBS, Hornady, ect. |
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If you're thinking of switching eventually to a progressive, and you would be considering the Hornady Lock-n-Load AP, then their single stage setup is a great match. I love their bushing system and the single stage shares the same bushings as the progressive. Honestly, even after you switch to a progressive, the single-stage is still extremely handy - so don't assume you'll be chucking it when you get the progressive.
Of course, either the RCBS or the Hornady setup will be more money than the Lee that you're looking at. |
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The Lee manual is good for explaining how to use Lee tools and does have a lot of loads.
The layout of the reloading data could be better. As a first manual I recommend Lyman 49. Read all of the tacked info at the top of the page. Especially the 4 part "how to reload 223" up in Tutorials. I use the same methods myself. Welcome to the Reloading Forum. |
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Quoted:
I'm just about to make place an order for a reloading setup, how is this for a beginner? Also, can anyone recommend anything else I'll need other than tumbling media, primers and cases? I'll be starting with 223. Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press Anniversary Kit Lee Deluxe 3-Die Set 223 Remington Frankford Arsenal Electronic Caliper 6" Stainless Steel Lee Universal Shellholder #4 (17 Remington, 204 Ruger, 223 Remington) Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler 110 Volt Lee "Modern Reloading 2nd Edition, Revised" Reloading Manual Thanks Although I don't prefer your brand choices, your equipment should get you going. Some extra things to think about: Hornady Headspace gage-It indexes off the shoulder. You can check the headspace of a round that is fired from your gun and then make sure you are resizing enough (but not too much). Hornady bullet comparator-Indexes off the ogive. I don't have this yet, but it is on my list. It helps compare reloaded rounds to verify accuracy in bullet seating depth. Some brand of case trimmer A chamfer/debur tool (for after you trim) I would highly recommend a media separator. It's not necessary, but makes life MUCH easier. I would also recommend Dillon spray lube. Some use imperial sizing wax, but I have not tried it yet and so can't recommend it. Don't skip on the Lee manual, just also buy the Lyman, Sierra, Hornady, Speer, etc. The more references to check the better. One manual does not fit all possibilities. I also recommend the dial caliper. I bought a cheap Kobalt electronic caliper. It is amazing how fast the battery dies and I have stocked up on several replacement batteries. One day I will buy a nice Starrett. Can't afford it just now though. I use walnut to clean the brass, then use corn cob with a bit of brass polish to clean off the lube after sizing/depriming. Some brand of collet style bullet puller. Buy it now or later, you will need one. If you are shooting a bolt gun, I recommend a neck turning tool. If an AR type gas gun, don't bother. Some other nice to have items are a Hornady OAL gage and RCBS case master. You will also want many buckets or containers for sorting components. |
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It's not a bad start, but I think you'd be better off with a Lee Classic Cast press. + 1. Although he is going to load small rifle cartridges, so frame flex is not an issue. The Lee set has everything one needs to start, however, the hand priming tool usually sucks when it comes to ergonomics and durabiity (mine lasted only about 1500 rounds). RCBS hand priming tool has been a robust tool. |
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Quoted:
It's not a bad start, but I think you'd be better off with a Lee Classic Cast press. +1, the Classic Cast is the best value of any on the market. It will last your lifetime and that of your heirs if you keep it cleaned and lubed. Get better dies. Skip Frankford Arsenals digital calipers and buy cheap standard calipers instead. Mechanical calipers will have fewer issues than cheap electronics. I use Reddings/Imperial Sizing Die Wax and you should too. Cheap and it lasts for thousands of rounds. Very little, just touch your fingerprint to it, goes a long way. |
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