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Old 04-16-2012, 12:24 PM
rromeo rromeo is offline
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Default Lee Classic Turret press

I had a great weekend at work, and pocketed some good tip money, so I ordered the Lee Classic Turret press starter package, and a set of dies for 38/357. I'm building a bench while I wait. I have been told I should ditch the Lee scale, and get something better. What else should I be looking for?
I have a few different powders, and primers. Of course, I'm starting with 38.
The local shop has cast bullets for $39/500. I'll probably just buy from him for now.
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Old 04-16-2012, 01:21 PM
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I bought the Dillon scale (made by Ohaus) not because it has Dillons name on it as it's the only Blue thing I own. It's a good scale and not a lot of money.

RCBS makes good scales also.

Dillon Precision: Reloaders, Reloading Equipment, Bullet Reloading, Bullet Reloaders
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Old 04-16-2012, 02:01 PM
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You can send the scale to someone starting out. They do take some patience, but they are accurate when used according to the directions. As to the bullets, what is the bhn # on the ones you are looking at? A set of pin gauges from MCS tools would be good to have for each caliber as you start to load it, so that you can measure the cylinder throats, and load the right size/hardness bullet for that gun. I like midatlanticbullets.com. One of the big advantages to loading, in my view, is to provide myself with ammo that is better suited to my guns and shooting practices, as opposed to off the shelf ammo, which has got to be kind of, "one bullet fits all" by design. I like the digital scales, and I'm sure there will be some recommendations from others. One last suggestion would be that you go slow, and safely. Check you procedures more than once-take your time; your post seemed to carry some anxiety or, "OK, let's get with it" right through cyber space! Please go safely. Flapjack.
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Old 04-16-2012, 02:36 PM
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About literature, I have books by Lyman and Speer, and the press kit comes with a Lee manual. Any other books I should be looking for?
Flapjack, I'm headed out in a little bit, I can post info when I get to the gun shop.

Thanks
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Old 04-16-2012, 03:59 PM
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You might find something used that's nice. I've bought several used scales over the years. The Dillon Eliminator, RCBS 502,505,5-10,10-10, Lyman D-5, D-7, M-5, 500, and 1000, are/were all made by Ohaus. They are all excellent. The Redding scales are also well made, but the older ones may not have magnetic damping if any at all. If you're patient(very patient) you might like one of them. I'd still keep the Lee scale as a back-up.
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Old 04-16-2012, 04:01 PM
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The ABC's of reloading is a good one to start with.

As to scales, I am not a big fan of electronic ones. They are too finicky and to get a good one they are expensive. The cheep ones are just that, cheap. The balance beams have been used for years and are guaranteed for life.

What powders do you have.? HP 38/Win 231 and Bullseye are excellent for the 38 special.
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Old 04-16-2012, 06:46 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rule3 View Post
The ABC's of reloading is a good one to start with.

As to scales, I am not a big fan of electronic ones. They are too finicky and to get a good one they are expensive. The cheep ones are just that, cheap. The balance beams have been used for years and are guaranteed for life.

What powders do you have.? HP 38/Win 231 and Bullseye are excellent for the 38 special.
Bullseye, W231, and Universal Clays.
The bullets are Speer 158 gr SWC HP.
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Old 04-16-2012, 07:26 PM
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Well you are good to go!While you are waiting for your press and building a bench go to the RCBS Web site and click on Guide to Reloading on the top. This will pull down some options, The step by step, basics and some videos. It will not be exactly the same as your Lee press but gives you a good visual guide to reloading.

RCBS - Precisioneered Shooting Products - Products
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Old 04-16-2012, 07:53 PM
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Originally Posted by amazingflapjack View Post
As to the bullets, what is the bhn # on the ones you are looking at?
I can't find a BHN, but from searching others say they are on the soft side.
Here is what they are:
Speer Bullets - Product Details
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Old 04-16-2012, 07:59 PM
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You'll enjoy the press, it works great. Get extra turrets for different calibers for quick change-overs.
Semper Fi!
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Old 04-16-2012, 11:37 PM
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I would definitely want to know the BHN on anything before I bought it, unless it was a non commercial lead bullet, and then I would want to at least know the content-wheel weights, etc. Flapjack.
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Old 04-17-2012, 12:23 AM
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The Speer lead bullets are swagged,not cast, so they are on the soft side Probably 12 BHN or less. Good for target and general shooting. Not hard cast for magnum velocities.They should be fine for 38 Special.
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Old 04-17-2012, 04:47 AM
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The Lee scale is as accurate as any mentioned here, it is somewhat harder and frustrating for some to set and read the vernier scale for setting tenths, though.

RCBS 505($75ish, or a Lyman Pro 500($55)with weight added to the base because it is light, are about as cheap as you'll get and still have a great scale.

The classic turret is an excellent press, you will really like it.
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Old 04-17-2012, 05:05 PM
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Default Lee scale

I am just starting to reload and could use your Lee scale if you want to get rid of it. Please contact me at [email protected]
Thanks
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Old 04-18-2012, 03:42 AM
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The Lee scale is nowhere near as hard to use as some make it out to be. I had no problem. Solid surface, no wind currents and good light on the little bar thingy.

Wife got me a Lyman 1500 digital & I use that now, mostly as a check. I have a good idea what I'm gonna get with my Lee Auto Disc.

I think you'll like your Lee Classic Turret. Just be careful indexing by hand. Go the wrong way at the wrong time & you can booger the little square indexing ratchet. That's what that little square piece of plastic is that come with the press. A spare. Don't lose it.
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Old 04-18-2012, 04:57 AM
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I bought the Classic Turret press 2 years ago. Works fine for me. Load .38's, 9's, & .40's. All go bang! The Lee Scale is slow, but good enough for me. Had it probably 20 years. Get on handloads.com lot of good stuff there! Happy Loading! Bob
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Old 04-18-2012, 03:11 PM
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Quote:
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Get on handloads.com lot of good stuff there! Happy Loading! Bob
I use that a lot, but I always bounce the data with other sources like the powder manufacturers.
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Old 04-18-2012, 10:53 PM
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Like has been said the turret press is great. Make sure you get in the habit of moving the handle full strokes,up and down all the way, like was said earlier. Once you get to know the press you will figure how to use it as a single stage even with the indexing rod in it. Very versatile press. With the extra turrets it's a snap to change calibers.

As for a scale. I used a balance beam for years and it worked fine. I do a lot of checking so I bit the bullet, of course no pun, and bought a Dillon electronic scale. It's fast and accurate. I've use it for all kinds of stuff in loading. Yes it was expensive but I hope I bought it once. I never regretted buying it but again it wasn't cheap.
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Old 04-19-2012, 12:55 AM
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when I started out I used the lee scale it did the job I have since upgraded to a pact digital scale which works better.

enjoy the lee classic turret I have older version turret and loaded many thousands of rounds through it before upgrading to Hornady LNL AP
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Old 04-19-2012, 07:55 AM
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Thanks folks. My bench is fairly simple. I used a solid door that was laying around, made some legs from 4x4s , and that's about it. Fed Ex tracking says it should be here today. I may be shooting my own ammo this weekend.
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Old 04-19-2012, 10:58 AM
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Thanks folks. My bench is fairly simple. I used a solid door that was laying around, made some legs from 4x4s , and that's about it. Fed Ex tracking says it should be here today. I may be shooting my own ammo this weekend.
If you can attach it to a wall in some way it will be mo better
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Old 04-21-2012, 04:42 PM
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I have my bench, have the press mounted and set up. I cranked out 12 rounds. 3.1 gr of Bullseye, 158 gr SWCHP, CCI 500 primer. I'm heading to the range for a test fire. 4" Model 66 will get the honors.
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