Bought a press... what else do I *need*

[yep380]

Greetings all,

After many false starts, I finally purchased a press; a hornady lock n load progressive. I'm getting 380 and 45 dies and plates first, but planning on 38 and 223 later.

I have not bought powder, primers or bullets yet but will within the next month or so. And yes, I will most definitely get a book or three shortly.

I suspect I know the answer, but do I absolutely need to get a scale and calipers to start out? How about a bullet puller? I don't think it's much more expense, and I'm not in a rush, but if I don't absolutely need them, I'd think about tooling up for a different caliber before getting them. Anything else I should consider?

Also, any recommendations for powder/primers/bullets and places to get them online?

I'm looking to build up my bench over the next few months, so again I'm not in a rush, but do want to get started without buying things I don't need right away.

Thanks!

 

[arjay]

A scale and a powder measure would be next on my list.

 

[FishingPilot]

Got reloading manuals? That will dictate which powders/bullets to get. Most of them have good lists of minimum bench requirements.

 

[yep380]

Got reloading manuals? That will dictate which powders/bullets to get. Most of them have good lists of minimum bench requirements.

I don't. That's what I meant about buying a book or 3 - will do so before starting. Guessing I should do that before buying anything else?

 

[smokindog]

There are at least 6-10 threads that cover this topic in the greatest of details. Do a little searching and reading and if you have questions, you'll have a good idea from the posts in those threads who can help you There are also a number of good threads on setting up a reloading space!!!!

Good luck and welcome aboard.

Here's a couple freebies BUT there are more for you to find

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/306341-daily-stock-reloading-notices.html

Hornady LNL-AP press setup Hints and Tricks

Need Info. on Hornady LNL AP

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/356493-considering-reloading.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/351384-new-reloading-need-supplys.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/343615-ultrasonic-vs-media-tumbler.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/342961-want-start-reloading.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/328761-want-2-learn-reloading.html

 

[Bkreutz]

A scale and calipers are a necessity, without them you won't know how much powder (exactly) and how long your rounds are (exactly). Handloading is all about "exact". I've been loading for over 40 years and I wouldn't consider loading without them.

 

[yep380]

There are at least 6-10 threads that cover this topic in the greatest of details. Do a little searching and reading and if you have questions, you'll have a good idea from the posts in those threads who can help you There are also a number of good threads on setting up a reloading space!!!!

Good luck and welcome aboard.

Thanks for the welcome and links - reading!

Will definitely buy a reloading manual next, fairly certain. Hopefully some time this weekend or next to get one.

 

[yep380]

A scale and calipers are a necessity, without them you won't know how much powder (exactly) and how long your rounds are (exactly). Handloading is all about "exact". I've been loading for over 40 years and I wouldn't consider loading without them.

Thank you for that - I'll wait to get started 'til I get them then.

 

[Clovishound]

If you are going to reload rifle calibers, you will also need some way to trim cases to length. Some of the systems are quite inexpensive.

The real challenge these days is getting some of the components. Pistol powder in particular is very difficult to find. Some areas seem to have no trouble, many still do. Pistol powder is very difficult to find in my area.

Primers are available, many bullets are, as well. Reloading equipment doesn't seem to be much of an issue anymore either.

 

[rwsmith]

You HAVE to......

You HAVE to have a scale or no matter what method you used to throw powder otherwise you won't know what you are loading. Every load needs to be confirmed with a scale. Even if you use the Lee Dippers or similar, what they put on the chart isn't exactly what you get. You can start with a beam scale for about $25. Digital scales that ACTUALLY work are much more expensive, starting around $100. People buy digital scales for $35 that have 'wandering zeros' as has been described many times on this forum. I still use a beam scale because it works just fine. Maybe a tad slower than a digital but not by much. A GREAT accessory to use with a scale is a 'trickler'.

Sooner or later you will need a bullet puller. You don't have to run out and get one right away. The inertial works pretty well and doesn't cost much.

A loading tray is a necessity.

Many people prefer a hand primer to that found on most presses. Something like the Lee Autoprime.

 

[Peak53]

+1 on all the above information - manuals, scale, calipers in that order. You can get by with just the scale, but you will soon want a good powder measure to speed things up. Then, once you have an idea of the components you will be using start the search for powder, brass, primers and bullets. The bullet puller can wait until you make a mistake - and you will - but is easily available and inexpensive. The case trimmer is definitely needed for when you start with the 223, but is a low priority for the pistol rounds you mention. Reloading is almost like a new hobby in addition to the shooting hobby and I enjoy it a lot.

 

[gm272gs]

A tumbler and tumbler media will be needed for cleaning brass.
You will need case prep tools as well:
You'll need a primer pocket cleaner.
For .223/5.56 military brass, you'll need a flash hole reamer to make the flash holes more uniform.
You'll need a chamfer and deburring tool. for the case mouths.
A primer-flipper tray is nice to have.
You'll need a device to install primers, whether it goes on your press or is a stand-alone bench model, or hand primer.
A good scale - built to last a lifetime - is worth the money.
A cheaper electronic scale is a good check for the other scale.
You don't NEED a powder measure to start, but it greatly speeds things up.
You need a funnel for charging your cases.
and of course you need the dies for your press, powder, primers, and bullets.

 

[THEWELSHM]

I have the same press wife bought it at Christmas. As the folks above said you will need scales( I have digital and beam to make sure ) a powder cop die is a good discipline, Hornady dies, extra bushings ( 10 pack min) One shot cleaner, bullet lube , Melting pot ( Lee) if you are going to cast , although RCBS pot same thing different badge will work ( prob all Chinese anyway) Dies, case lube , large and small primers, Tumblers ( I have 2 one Walnut 1 corn) I also have the electric liquid thimmyagig ( Sonic)I would get Hornady brand ( My O2) Primer seat cleaning tools, Shell plates, Die Sets ( for all calibers) a couple more powder feeders. Internet access or lots of loading books, bullet length scales, patience, passion and time. Good luck and God bless.

thewelshm

 

[gm272gs]

If you get a bullet-puller, make sure you get one that's guaranteed, like a green one (RCBS). That way, when you break it, they'll replace it.

You have to have good calipers.
You need calipers to measure the OAL (overall length of the finished cartidge).

You have to have a good scale. Your safety will depend upon it.
The difference between starting loads and max loads can be fractions of a grain. Accuracy in measurement is your life insurance policy.

 

[THEWELSHM]

ps and alox if you are going to cast lead

thewelshm

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Before you spend the money on a 223 shell plate, check and see if the 380 shell plate works on 223's. Ivan

 

[venomballistics]

books, scale, calipers ... in that order.

I'd also focus on loading the 38 first, followed by the 45 and the 380 dead last.
38 is easy and forgiving, 45 is fairly forgiving but a little more nuanced, 380 is best loaded by well versed hands that the 38 and 45 will give you. You want to run 380 loading like a swiss watch

 

[yep380]

books, scale, calipers ... in that order.

I'd also focus on loading the 38 first, followed by the 45 and the 380 dead last.
38 is easy and forgiving, 45 is fairly forgiving but a little more nuanced, 380 is best loaded by well versed hands that the 38 and 45 will give you. You want to run 380 loading like a swiss watch

Thanks for that info - will give 38 a go first.

Luckily I've run into a couple of local guys who reload and will be able to get some in person help. I'm hoping to get together with 'em in the next few weeks and check out their shops. Nothing beats having a real live helping hand!