Just purchased my first Press

[Jc85]

After much reading and deliberating. (and saving) I purchased my very first reloading press.

I wanted to get the Dillon plan B but couldn't Waite any longer so I purchased the lee Loadmaster in my caliber.
Now im just impatiently waiting for it to arrive.
I have my peripherals needed to start reloading once my press arrives but I have a few questions. Being new to powders Im still up in the air as to which brand/make to get. Ill sort it out intime. I know lead bullets are cheaper then fmj but is there a drawback besides a slight ammount of fouling?
anyhow just wanted to say hello and Ill be reading all I can on this side of the forum.
Take care
Jc

 

[anomad]

Congrats!

What calibers will you be loading? I am sure you will have no shortage of opinions about what powders/bullets to use.

 

[Jc85]

9mm for starters. (i know I know) But im saving up for a 357 and that is were my reloader is really going to be employed here in a few months. But until then I thought it would be fun to reload my piles of 9mm brass.

 

[anomad]

Nothing wrong with 9mm. I reload a lot of it myself because its so affordable.
I like Hodgdon HS6 works great in the auto cases. Works for .357 too, there was a recent thread or two about that. Alliant Unique would work in those two also.

As for bullets you might try precision bullets. A lead bullet with a teflon coating. Same load data as lead but less messy.

 

[Jc85]

thanks. Ill give it a try.
I'm setting my bench up tomorrow once I clear out the garage and hang some shelf's. Ill post up some pictures once I get it all sorted.

 

[Snowbandit]

Don't be afraid to ask if you have any questions. One is usually encouraged to learn the basics on a single stage press before getting into the progressives. Small mistakes can lead to big problems and things move pretty fast with the progressives. Pick a powder, Unique is great for 9's, that is bulky enough that you will notice a double charge and pay close attention to the sound of the report when shooting. Inspect your barrel for obstructions after any weak shots.

 

[Jc85]

I cut my teeth so to speak on a friends bench, so I do have some practical hands on time. I just figured if I was going to spend money I really only want to do it once.
Being a first time owner is different then using a friends equipment. he had all the stuff already laid out for me, I would just come down and assemble. But now its me buying the gear, me buying the bullets, powders and am a tad overwhelmed with the different types of powders each brand makes, even tho Ive read up on just about all of them Its still very disheartening to a first time user to walk into my g/s and see 3 different types of bullseye pistol powder.. (just generalizing) So as I said before im reading, learning and will greatly accept any friendly advice..
Jc

 

[Skip Sackett]

The first thing you need to do is take a road trip. You aren't too far from one of the best stocked reloading supply stores in the country.
Fin, Feather and Fur Outfitter in Ashland, Ohio.
Fin Feather Fur OutfittersAddress:‎
652 US Highway 250 EAshland, OH 44805
(419) 281-2557
Been there only once but it is well worth the trip. I live in Indiana and had a business trip to the area. Stopped and was totally amazed. The stuff you are interested in is in the basement. You can miss it if you don't ask! When you get there though, you will find it was well worth the trip!

I hope you aren't disenchanted with the Lee progressive. I have no experience with them but some folks claim they take a lot of tinkering. Just be careful and take your time.

I'm just glad you are now loading your own ammo! On your own equipment! No turning back now!

Too cool. Every reloader should be a caster too. I will forgo the usual subliminal message usually posted at this juncture!

Welcome to the addiction!

 

[OM18V]

This guy has a bunch of videos for the loadmaster. Maybe helpful, maybe not. I don't have the Lee.

The Load Master Zone - reloading with Lee presses - videos and forums

 

[Hovnnes]

Reloading is like smoking a pipe.
Go slowly and you'll enjoy it more (and theres less chance to make a mistake---have you heard of those Hornady bullet puller dies?)
Enjoy the adventure!

 

[Jc85]

I was on 71 the other day.. Bet I drove right past it..
I got out of town allot on business. Hopefully the next time im heading towards Columbus ill pop in. Oh man Im right near it.. Maybe come spring me and the buddy's will take a ride down.

Yea I've read tons of pro's and cons about the lee loaders, will see how it works out.

I'm at a cross road ATM. I still need to purchase a set of scales and the rest of my peripheral list. Wounder if it would be a good idea to buy the 50th anniversary edition and have another single stage that comes with allot of the other loading bench requirements, instead of buying them separately.
thanks for the warm welcome.
oh and yea I read something about the puller die, but I already own the kinetic hammer type

 

[Skip Sackett]

JC,

If I could make another suggestion about Fin. Don't buy anything else until you stop in there, seriously. They have a TON of presses that you can put your hands on! RCBS, Hornady, Lee and Lyman. Opened up and on the table, in mock setup. Dies galore, powder in untold tons and bulk to premium bullets. All of the peripherals you will ever need are in that basement! They even have a small range down there!

Seriously, if you can wait, wait. I guarantee it will be worth the trip.

For those that may wonder, no, I am not affiliated with them in any way. But man, that is one cool store!

http://www.finfeatherfuroutfitters.com/

Check this place out too. They have some unusual stuff and are pretty cheap and in your area as well.

http://www.patsreloading.com/patsrel/prices.aspx

They are only 15 or 16 miles from you.

If I lived that close, I would be broke! SERIOUSLY!

 

[walnutred]

How are you fixed for brass? I would be willing to mail you a few hundred if you need some to help get started.

 

[SMSgt]

Lead is great for range work if you keep the velocity down and use the correct hardness. It's all I reload in my 9mm Makarov and .45 ACP.

 

[Skip Sackett]

How are you fixed for brass? I would be willing to mail you a few hundred if you need some to help get started.

Now THAT is the main reason I am on this forum. True gentlemen that are willing to give of themselves to pass this hobby forward!

Red, I am in awe of your kindness!

 

[Jc85]

thank you. I have about 300 once fired brass I collected myself once I got serious about purchasing a press. I just wish I would of made my mind up a month before and saved the 500 rounds I threw into the range bucket.
I was going to ask about fmj vs lead, we're talking hard cast lead correct? Something like Hard Cast Bullets 9mm 115 Grain Lead Round Nose
Whats the downsize to using lead. I read you shouldn't clean your firearm after every range session if you use lead cast bullets? I don't know if I can have a dirty gun =)
Ill head down to Fin's as soon as I get a day off.
Oh thank you for hipping me to Pat's reloading. How are you more familiar with my immediate area then I am. scary, but in a very helpful way

 

[Skip Sackett]

How are you more familiar with my immediate area then I am. scary, but in a very helpful way

BECAUSE I AM A RELOADING/HANDLOADING JUNKIE!

 

[aquagear]

I have had a Loadmaster for about 12 years, the Loadmaster zone sight mentioned earlier is great, I would advise you check it out. The Loadmaster is a good press, but there is a learning curve involved don't let it frustrate you. I have worked the bugs out of mine, feel free to PM me if you have any trouble be more than willing to help. Good shooting

 

[walnutred]

Now THAT is the main reason I am on this forum. True gentlemen that are willing to give of themselves to pass this hobby forward!

Red, I am in awe of your kindness!

I'm not being THAT generous Smith Crazy. After all, I offered him some 9mm brass, not 43 Mauser. Every time I go to the range I seem to come home with 100 or so extra 9mm and 40 S&W brass. ;-D

 

[blujax01]

+1 on "The Fin". Top notch folks and a there's way cool restaurant (Grandpa's Cheese Barn) across the lot.
Make a day of it and in the afternoon run over to Shelby, about 30 minutes west of Ashland. There's a place called The Sportsman's Den that should pretty well fill out your day.