Hi guys, new to the forum. I've got a Model 27, 57 and 29. The 27 and 29 are -2 N serial number and the 57 is a -1 with 5 rounds put through it from new. My grandpa is the original owner and I recently bought them from him. Honestly he was meticulous and these are really 95-98% guns.

Trying to get into reloading, anyone have good suggestions on an entry level press?

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Buy a used single stage press to get started. Next year you will be looking at a Dillon 550 for increased production and simplicity of operation. Don't buy a battery powered digital scale -- there all junk because of the battery. Buy 110V scale that will accurately and reliably meet your needs. My experience is your wisdom.

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S&WHF 366

Long time ago.. I mean LONG time ago I bought a Lee Turret Press. Must have cost $60 back then. 3 hole turret. I still use it! Yes I've had Dillions in 550 and SDB persuasion but the simple turret press and such little cost I still use.

This one isn't mine (some guy on youtube) but this is the way it works.


I don't even use the auto-index. I turn the turret by hand each time.

Or, BETTER YET, fancy four hole press with extras.. $116.99! Now that is a bargain!

Lee 4 Hole Turret Press Auto Index Value Kit

Still need dies and a cartridge case cleaner but that would just raise the price to $150 or so.

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Deaf

Nice revolvers. Welcome to the forum.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

Welcome to the Forum.

You have some nice S&Ws.

I would buy a RCBS Rock Chucker. My first press was a RCBS Jr and I replaced it with the Rock Chucker. I've been using it for over 40 years now. If you decide to reload any bottleneck rifle cartridges, like the .30-06, you will appreciate the leverage of the Rock Chucker.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Another vote for the Lee 4-hole Classic Turret. Well built, inexpensive, and with 3 calibers to load for you can buy 2 extra turret plates and have all 3 sets of dies mounted in their own plate for a quick 5 minute caliber change-over. Works for me.

Welcome!
You have some nice revolvers there! Your grand dad has good taste

The forum has a reloading section and you'll find a lot of good information there.
I like single stage presses for the simplicity and control (and because I'm not in a hurry when I'm reloading).
I like Redding equipment.

Congrats on your "new" revolvers!

I am not an expert, but Lee Classic Turret Press, using Lee 4 die carbide sets work great for me. I load .38, 9mm, .40S&W, 45ACP, & 45Colt. Changing calibers is fast and easy. Bob

Congrats on the fine Smiths! Welcome to the FORUM ALSO! Bob

Beautiful revolvers - Smart of you to start reloading.

Many would recommend a single stage press, but I would suggest a turret press as a starter. You can use a turret the same as a single stage and expand to greater capacity as others have mentioned. I do the same as DeafSmith and have disconnected the indexing feature. I can go just as fast by hand and can also go backward and forwards while working up rifle rounds. I have two 4 hole Lee Presses on my bench and reload for every center fire handgun and rifle I own.

Start out first with at least a couple of reloading manuals.

Everyone has a favorite press. Mine is an old Lymann "Spar-T" that I bought used back in 1968. I still use it regularly. I have no idea how many thousands of rounds I've loaded in all these years but I can say for certain I've replaced the primer punch twice. The first time Lyman sent me a new one free and I think I bought the second one used for about $5 at a gun show.

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Detective Cobras Agents Oh My!

A man that understands what I been a saying. You have to have all three magnum n frames the 357, the 41, and the 44 magnums.

Thanks for all the help guys, and for the welcome to the forum. I'm leaning toward the Lee. Maybe another questions but the 57 has only been fired 5 times (plus a few from the factory of course). I'm hesitant to even shoot it. The values have risen and I'm not sure I want to take away from that or do I just enjoy it! Decisions decisions.....

I too have used my RCBS R/C for over 40 years. . Still have it, still use it. . I'm in no big hurry to load up a large amount quick like and enjoy reloading. .Surprising how a good system speeds things up just the same.

Rod

I use different presses for different phases of reloading.

1. The cheap open sided Lee press for decapping only.
2. The RCBS ROCKCHUCKER press for resizing.
3. The Lee 1000 progressive press for charging, seating, crimping.