Want to get into reloading.....

[jsfricks]

but it appears I picked the wrong time. Everyone seems to be out of stock. I'm looking at the Lee Classic Turrent press which seems to be a decent unit. I thought about getting into it 20 years ago but never got past the looking. Now that I'm retired I would like to get into it. Anyone have a line on these or any suggestions?

 

[R. G. Amos]

I have found presses (RCBS Partner, RCBS Rock Chucker, Redding Boss, and some others) and Redding 357 dies available just in the last week. If you check Midway, Natchez, and Graff & Sons frequently enough, you will most likely find what you need at pre-rush prices. If I can find it, anyone can; I am notoriously unlucky.

 

[jsfricks]

Well once I get something in my head like this i look until I find it.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Might try E-Bay as a long shot on a used unit at a lower price.

Good luck in your quest.

 

[Fishinfool]

Instead of buying piecemail, I would look for a complete kit that includes everything you need to get started, except usually the dies and shell holder.

Larry

 

[rwsmith]

There is a list of essentials

There is a list of essentials, first of which is a manual and the press. But you will need a scale, measure or way to throw powder charges. Probably a powder funnel, loading block. Dies are hard to find now, too. Bullets, powder, primers and cases. A caliper and a way to trim cases.

What I'm saying is that you can be working on getting all of this stuff while studying up on how to reload.

 

[novalty]

Cabelas has RCBS & Hornady 38/357 dies in.

Cabelas & Grafs have the RCBS Partner press kit in stock.
Cabelas has a Lyman T-MagII Kit in stock.

 

[Rollbar]

but it appears I picked the wrong time. Everyone seems to be out of stock. I'm looking at the Lee Classic Turrent press which seems to be a decent unit. I thought about getting into it 20 years ago but never got past the looking. Now that I'm retired I would like to get into it. Anyone have a line on these or any suggestions?

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/266207-recommendations-starter-progressive-press.html

 

[DigiRebel]

I definitely want to suggest starting with picking up a reloading book. Use the time with nothing available to read up and learn about the craft before you take the plunge. (Most of the books are less than a $50 investment, you'll have a much better idea if you want to proceed after reading one of the books over.)

 

[Clovishound]

Make sure you can get components as well. If I had not picked up an extra brick of primers a couple months ago, I would be just about out of primers right now. I have had to start casting to have bullets to load. I just bought about 50 lbs of lead alloy from a guy getting out of reloading today, so I should be good to go for the rest of the year.

Right now there are no small pistol primers, no bullets, and no pistol powder available locally. Most components are months behind on shipping, if you order over the internet. Hopefully things will improve in a few months.

I'm not saying they are not available, but getting them may be difficult. Powder and primers normally have a rather high hazmat shipping charge, so I have always bought those locally. It takes a decent sized order to overcome the hazmat charge.

 

[fyimo]

I sold all of my reloading equipment in 2002 when I moved from Colorado to Arkansas. Later in 2002 I realized that was a mistake so I bought it all over agin and I got 90% of what I needed off of Ebay for much cheaper prices than buying new. I'm not sure how the prices are up there now but it worked well for me in the past.

Getting the actual components to reload will probably be a lot harder then buying the equipment because everyone seems to be out of everything and some won't even let you order a backorder.

 

[Recruit]

I was in the same boat as you a few months ago. Tough timing yes...but perservere.

Ebay was my primary source. Mostly used but very well regarded equipment (Lee Classic, RCBS 505 and Lyman 55). If you're patient (meaning you don't win every bid), you can get good stuff at a decent price.

Keep an eye on your local Craigslist too.

I'm fortunate to have a Bass Pro shop on my way home from work. It took several stops but was finally able to snag a few powders and primers.

 

[Moonman]

You need to DO A BUNCH OF READING before you worry about machinery and components.

I do mean a BUNCH OF READING TOO!

Reloading Manuals, The ABC'S of Reloading, On Line Videos are a start.

Good Luck!

 

[Rollbar]

You need to DO A BUNCH OF READING before you worry about machinery and components.

I do mean a BUNCH OF READING TOO!

Reloading Manuals, The ABC'S of Reloading, On Line Videos are a start.

Good Luck!

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/303357-reloading-book-s.html

 

[bunkshaner]

I have been wanting to reload too...(just started shooting again and ammo shortages made me want to do it)...but I have never reloaded a day in my life and don't know squat about it....I have done some reading on it ...how and what materials/equipment to use but I wish I had someone that I knew well enough to actually show me face to face how to do it. I would probably sit out in the garage all day doing it once I got the hang of it

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

I got into it during the shortage of '09 so I know how you feel.

You can find quite a bit of things you'll need used for a great price. That's how I got my RCBS rockchucker.

Just keep accumulating what you need and get a friend to help. That was one of the most important things I needed. Soon, you'll be in business!

 

[rwsmith]

That would be great

I wish I had someone that I knew well enough to actually show me face to face how to do it. I would probably sit out in the garage all day doing it once I got the hang of it

You have something that a lot of us didn't....Youtube and forums like this. I just had books and I figured it out ok. The how-to books for reloading are really detailed and it pays to know them VERY well before starting and constantly refer back to them to keep bad habits from creeping in and solving little problems that are sure to arise. I had a long lay off from reloading and when I got started back some things had CHANGED and I had to break old habits and form new ones.

 

[Cdog]

There's a group of folks that get together up the road in Cartersville. I believe they're all about helping beginners.

Google online gun trading in Ga. and the site they frequent should be near the top of the list. Look in the Reloading section.

 

[Quakertown]

A turret press is a great press to start with, forget the suggestion to start with a progressive. You have to walk before you can run. Also, unless you shoot many thousands of rounds a year, it's stupid to go with a progressive. I've been reloading for almost 6yrs now and still use a turret press. Being careful and observant of every round loaded far outweighs loading fast. Do alot of reading, watch some youtube videos and take your time.

 

[blujax01]

... forget the suggestion to start with a progressive. You have to walk before you can run. Also, unless you shoot many thousands of rounds a year, it's stupid to go with a progressive. ....

Wow. Insulted twice in a single paragraph. That's got to be some sort of record...

Different strokes, my friend. Single stage, turret, progressive - they're all viable choices. And I'm certain you can support your choice without disparaging my choice.

Fair enough?