Finally got "a round tuit"

[617fan]

I just traded for a 625-7 Mtn Gun chambered in .45 Colt and that's what gave me the "push" to get off the sidelines and get ready to start reloading. I got lucky and stumbled into a forum member that sold his model 36 and was getting rid of his 38/357 brass,powder,dies,bullets, and primers(I have 3 38/.357s to feed; a model 60, a 686, and a Puma lever gun). I ordered a Lee Classic Turret press kit from Kempfs with primer and powder upgrades, .45 Colt die set, and a reloading manual. I also ordered some Georgia Arms bulk 250 grain loaded .45 Colts to get some brass. The powder coming with the .38 specials is W231 and the primers are Winchester small pistol. I know I need Large pistol primers for the .45 Colt. My new toys should start showing up by the weekend except for the Georgia arms ammo which still has a several week waiting list.

So what else is a "have to have" before I can get started?

 

[kennyb]

sounds like you are about ready...congrats...its fun and a very cool hobby...read and reread the reloading manual...get a media tumbler to clean the brass

 

[hayseed]

... safety glasses, a sturdy bench and a clean, uncluttered work area...

This may sound trite, but reloading goes much better when you can keep things neat and organized.

Have fun - best of luck!

 

[Dale53]

You will need a GOOD reloading scale. A balance scale works very well but the Lee is NOT one of my favorites (it is sub-standard in my opinion). I am a Lee fan of many of their items (the Classic Turret is an example) but NOT the Lee scale.

I have been using a digital scale (RCBS) for many years and am quite happy with it. However, it IS expensive. An RCBS or Lyman balance scale will work just as well for most things and is quite reliable and sensitive (which is what you need for reloading work).

A couple of good manuals is MOST desirable. I would recommend a first choice as Lyman's Cast Bullet Handbook.

FWIW
Dale53

 

[Snapping Twig]

AND you're going to need some Unique for that 45.

I've got a nice load for the 45 with 231, but Unique is far better.

Take your time, go slow and verify each step and you'll be fine.

 

[617fan]

I got the turret press put together and built a corner shelf to mount it.

I am impressed with the quality of the press and the dies for what the kit cost(Manual, kit & shipping was $234). The powder measure seems "adequate" and I have doubts how the primer feed will hold up.

I cycled through a couple of spent casings, reseated the old primers and a bullet. I think I have it adjusted close enough to try it out.

Whats the best procedure to verify the powder charge?

 

[cptdco]

Congrats. I bought the Lee turret Press some years ago and I like it just fine. I agree and disagree with Dale53 regarding the Lee scale. I don't like it because I fine it inconveniet to use. But it works just fine and gives accutrate readings when I compare it to my RCBS scale. Recommendation: put another smaller shelf above the one your press is mounted on and keep the scale on it. Then you can just take the occasional charge and check it; I've found that the Lee powder disc gismo to be highly consistent with Bullseye, Unique, 231, and othe pistol powders. Be safe and have fun.

 

[michael thornton]

i do all my loading on a single stage, slow......... but i get it done

 

[jed]

Reloading tips

Do not load a whole lot of ammo at first. Load ten rounds and test fire.
You may feel the round is puny and needs more powder. Load 10 more with increased powder. Test fire. Continue this sequence until you approach the maximum recommended load for the cartridge.

If you are reloading for revolver and after shooting all the cases are stuck, you will know that you have exceeded the powder charge.

Speed should be your last thing to work on as far as making reloads quickly goes.

Reloading is by its very nature experimental.

There is much more to be known the above comments are what I am offering for now.

jed

 

[1066]

Try to use at least two sources of data for you loads. Use your reloading manual for a starting point, then check out some other sources. If you have an "old school" gun store in town, they likely have a lot of used reloading books for sale.

Here are the web sites for the powders I use. You can go in and double check your loads:

Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide

Reloading Data

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

Lapua: Reloading data search

Also remember that the loads shown in your manual are for the exact components listed. Using another bullet, primer or case can change the pressure of the load. So always start out at the starting load or 10% below the maximum and work up from there.

Your going to have a great time and lots of fun!