OK.....so, I've been thinking (dangerous).

Assuming, that I'd want more safety than just dipping powder and I'd like to expand someday to more than just one caliber. What would I do IF I had a limited budget?

So........the Classic LEE Loader ($23.39). It can only be use with one caliber. It will only neck size cases, it's slow and I'll need to get a scale (for more safety) and I'll need a better way to handle powder. Anyway, I'll pass.

Then, the Lee Hand Press Kit #90179 ($34.95).........it's a little better. Though I'd prefer a bench mounted press for ease of use. And, I would still have to buy dies ($22.59), powder handling equipment (scale and measure/hopper), and brass trimming equipment. I had one, once.......what a PIA. IMHO, bench mounted is the way to go.

Hmmm........so, maybe the Lee Reloader Press w/ free manual #90700 ($27.79)..........well, it's a bench mounted "C" press and that's OK. But I'll still need dies ($22.59), a scale ($24.99) and powder measure/hopper ($23.39). Then, a primer tool ($10.19) and brass trimming tools ($5.39 cutter/holder & $4.59 length gauge). But, I'm already up to $118.93 and still short some small items.

Next up........the Lee Breech Lock Press 50th Anniversary Kit #90050 ($88.99).......it's a standard press and it comes with a scale, powder measure/hopper, primer seater tool, plus a few extras. Sounds like everything except for the dies ($22.59) and brass trimming case length gauge ($4.59). Total $116.17 w/o shipping.

Or, the kit that I prefer........the Lee Breech Lock Press Challenger Kit #90030 ($100.79).......it's just like the 50th Anniversary Kit but it has a separate hand primer tool w/ a variety of shell holders. Then, I'll need to add dies ($22.59) and brass trimming case length gauge ($4.59). Total $127.97 w/o shipping.

I could add a LEE manual ($12.99) or I could just use the supplied data sheet that comes with the LEE dies.

BTW, LEE prices vary, so shop around. And, I'm not mentioning where I saw these prices (as of 12-5-08) because, the seller was "out of stock" on some of the items mentioned.

And, there is always USED equipment.

HTH.

Aloha, Mark

PS…….I picked LEE for this example, only because, they make good inexpensive products. It's not meant as an endorsement over any of the other brand(s) out there in the market.

Quoted:
Great, thanks. Does anyone have any personal experience with the handloader? I do have a *SMALL* and not very sturdy table that I could load on if need be...anybody have a recommendation for a cheap beginning setup? That was a major factor of the hand loader as well....

Quoted:


If you are referring to the LEE hand press, that's what is shown above in the center of the table in the photo above.

I use one constantly for depriming brass.  But, every loaded round of .30-06 I have was loaded with this press at my kitchen table one cold winter day when my bench still lived out in the garage a few years back.  Use Imperial case lube.

So there are two examples that the press works.

Quoted:
It's actually kind of enjoyable to be able to sit on the couch with a bowl full of brass and resize/deprime cases while you're watching tv.  Plus if you do enough of it, your shoulders and pecs will be massive

For dies.......use any brand (from a major mfn) that you like. They are basically, all of high quality. The differences are in the, "features and small parts." LEE makes good dies (and they give you a bonus: shell holder and powder dipper w/load data chart).

When re-loading bottle neck cases (.223/5.56mm) to be used in a semi auto, IMHO, buy the FULL LENGTH re-sizer, two die set. Generally, you don't need a SB die set (unless you run into trouble).

When re-loading for straight walled pistol cases (9mm, 45 ACP, .38 Special, etc...), IMHO, buy the carbide, three die set. The carbide re-sizer will eliminate the need to lube cases.

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Assuming that you purchased a LEE hand press kit.  

Basically (For non-primer crimped, rifle brass):

1) Inspect and clean the cases- a liquid bath in hot water and dish soap, will get them clean.  Though, not shiny.

IF you want, clean with some shine……Birchwood Casey Case Cleaning Solution is a fast and cheap way. Mix with water (follow the directions on the package) soak the brass, drain and dry. Save the solution as it can be re-used.

2) Set up your hand press with the shell holder and de-capper/FL re-sizer die.

3) Lube the cases. LEE lube can be applied with fingers.

4) Then, de-cap/re-size the brass.

5) Gauge the case(s) to ensure that the proper re-size, has been achieved. IF the brass passes, it's on to the next step. IF not, adjust your die setting. BTW, the other end of the gauge, also checks IF you need to trim the brass.

6) Trim the brass IF needed. The cheapest way, is with the LEE case trimmer. You'll need the cutter & lock stub and shell holder & case length gauge. Once the trimming is done, use a chamfer/reamer tool to "knock off the edge" on the newly cut case necks.

7) Clean off the lube. A solvent dampened rag or another soak in the case cleaner. Make sure the cases are dry before proceeding to the next step.

8) Re-prime the cases. Use the tools that you got with the LEE hand press kit.

Or get the LEE auto prime hand tool. You'll also need a special shell holder made especially for the LEE auto prime.

9) Using a powder measure (or the supplied LEE dipper w/load data chart) you can measure out the recommended powder charge and drop the powder into the primed case.  

Remember to check the drop weight, with several dry runs, on a scale.

10) Remove the de-capper/re-sizer die and replace it with the bullet seating die. Then place the bullet on top of the opening of the case neck. Run the case w/bullet into the bullet seating die. You're done.
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NOTE: There are many ways to skin a cat.  I tried to write this, keeping in mind a CHEAP WAY to do things.  Thus, the choice of LEE products. The powder dipper method is usable. Though, most folks will weigh their powder.

Quoted:
I, too, have a smaller place.

I bought what appears to be a sheet of gasket-making rubber-ish material (for pipes, not for vehicles) from a hardware store to protect the counter-top, then C-Clamped my press to the overhang of the counter.

http://www.countryvue.com/Pictures/reloading01.jpg

The board was used scrap from a scaffolding place - I cut the straightest piece out of the 8 or ten foot long piece, then just drilled the holes I wanted into it.

I would try to consider every option before buying one of those small handloaders.  I know some Omish guy even made a little wooden stand to mount a press to, so there are ways.