Newbie Interested In Beginner Reloading

[s1mp13m4n]

Hello everyone. I am interested in the idea of reloading, and I mean as realistically inexpensive as possible. I understand that some people go extreme and harvest metal from anything, melt it down, and cast boolets. That will not be me. I also realize some folks have nice presses, a workshop, brass tumblers, etc. That will also not ge me. If I were to get into reloading, it would be the less is more or “keep it simple simon” aproach. Without knowing too much, that would mean the Classic Lee Loader (whack a mole) method or the Lee hand press. I would be interested in loading plinking loads in 38/357 for my revolver and 380acp for my wifey’s Ruger LCP. I understand that reloading with the Lee whack a mole and the Lee hand press is slower than a fixed press, but I do not have the shop or dedicated room for a permanent setup.

I am not interested in:

Reloading for a zombie attack
Making specialized loads for compition
Living in fear of some terrorist takeover
Living out a Rambo, save the world with one gun fanticey.

My goals would be:

Cost per round cheaper than LAX ammo ($0.18/ round)
Enjoying shooting more because it is more affordable
Using disaplinebto shoot 50 or 100 rounds as normal without shooting more because it costs less

Lets be realistic here. In my case, is reloading to save money worth the effort and work?

My idea for cleaning brass would be soap and water, container, rinse and let air dry. As I understand it, the brass needs to be clean and shiny is optional.

What are the costs involved here? I would need:

Press
Dies
Brass
Gun powder
Primers
Projectiles
Some way to hold casings

My wife, daughter, and myself live on a fixed income...on a small farm with parents. We live here to help them with farm work as one is 72 the other 69. We are trying to enjoy a hobby as inexpensively as we can. Finally the other reason I am interested in reloading is for the challenge. As some of you know, I was born legally blind with Optic Atrophy. For me, I would get the rush of a job well done. Thanks for the help.

 

[ontargetagain]

I've read this over a few times, my first thought was to say no it's probably overall not worth it for a low volume shooter.

However I got to the part of 'challenge' and rush of a job well done
It's not a process that let's you be 'wrong' and get away with it, I assume you are confident that your limited sight allows you to be accurate in measure and inspection of used brass, powder fill levels etc? It's all about SAFETY for you and others in my opinion...............

Limited space and budget can be overcome. I would be happy to donate some bullets, some brass and maybe I have a set of powder scoops and or a 38 Lee hand loader kit? Perhaps we can make this an affordable try without a financial burden just in case it isn't for you.

Count me in to donate if a plan comes together............just promise me that SAFETY comes first!
let's see what others have to say.........
Karl

 

[SMSgt]

Let's cut to the chase. Get a kit such as the RCBS Rockchucker. It will have almost everything you'll need.

I have a Lee hand press, and unless you're living in a cave somewhere, it's a bare minimum at best. I use it for case prep--resizing, depriming, case flaring--but go to my single-stage press for bullet stuffing. It's fine for prepping cases in my LaziBoy recliner while I watch TV, but that about the limit, IMO. You CAN load ammo with it, but you probably won't want to for long.

If you start out with the "bare" minimums, you'll be adding accessories soon after and end up with a more expensive "kit." Even catching kits on sale, it will take some time to recoup the cost of investment, which will vary with the amount of ammo loaded and costs of supplies involved.

I don't think you'll be doing yourself any favors by trying to get in "on the cheap." It will most likely be discouraging than encouraging.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I own several systems of reloading. I always recommend the Lee Loader for beginners! Cost of equipment per caliber loaded/ $20+/- and a hammer (or rock) Rate of production usually about 25 to 35 per hour, once you are used to it. Space required for storage: Large shoe box on closet shelf. Space required when loading: 4' x 4' well lit basement or garage floor OR a couple feet of well light very sturdy work bench. I started on the basement floor with a Lee Loader in 303 British. I currently have almost 20 Lee Loaders (mostly rifle and shotgun)

If you should like a faster production rate, skip the Lee Hand Press (I do have one!) and go to the cheapest single stage press you can (Many used one around $25) and get Lee or Used die sets, shell holders and some sort of priming devise (You can bang them in on the bench, but about 10% get loud!)

Most important part to accurate ammo for your level will be " Consistent powder quantity". For this you will need a powder scale: for consistent and fast a powder measurer & scale.

For any load other than the one Lee printed on the box, you need a loading manual, I recommend Lyman (Very old ones are on line.) ( Hodgdon Powder company has lots of load data on line too!)

Lastly you will need patience! Load a few and see how the work and repeat.

But above all: Have fun!

Ivan

 

[s&wchad]

Your may find this thread interesting:
So you're thinking about getting into reloading...

You’ll find links to other good threads at the top of the reloading section, in a Sticky titled Notable Thread Index

 

[Imissedagain]

The Lee Handpress was made with you in mind.... and for those calibers.
Lee’s Wack o Moles are noisemakers but make good ammo.
I might buy a handpress, as I’m curious how they’ll work with the calibers we shoot.
Until we get set up in the Rockies that might be great for kids and the 44 Mag rifle/629.
A Smith trigger puts a smile on most faces .... but with their first handload as well...
you’ll see.

Stay safe
Have fun

 

[s1mp13m4n]

I've read this over a few times, my first thought was to say no it's probably overall not worth it for a low volume shooter.

However I got to the part of 'challenge' and rush of a job well done
It's not a process that let's you be 'wrong' and get away with it, I assume you are confident that your limited sight allows you to be accurate in measure and inspection of used brass, powder fill levels etc? It's all about SAFETY for you and others in my opinion...............

Limited space and budget can be overcome. I would be happy to donate some bullets, some brass and maybe I have a set of powder scoops and or a 38 Lee hand loader kit? Perhaps we can make this an affordable try without a financial burden just in case it isn't for you.

Count me in to donate if a plan comes together............just promise me that SAFETY comes first!
let's see what others have to say.........
Karl

Well let me be honest and type this. I do not have depth perception and I am very near sighted. I am big on color contrast, so I can make that happen. I have two machines to help me out as needed.

Here is a short video of my handheld electronic magnifier. Humanware Explore 5 $800
YouTube

This is the Humanware desktop magnifier that I have $3000.
YouTube

The reality is that I see, depending on the tests used 20/800 or 20/1600.

I typed all of that to say....yeah, I will have to be systematic and be safe. Just fyi, I do all of the general repairs on our small Ford Ranger. You know oil changes, transmission fluid and filter, brakes, tire rotations, etc. I am just adjusted to some things and at the same time horrible at walking in the woods or uneven ground. LOL. I use a white cane in public but not in the house. Does any of that help?

 

[6string]

I started reloading decades ago for my S&W 29. The day I got it, I bought a Lee Loader, a Lee Autoprime tool, and a set of the Lee Powder Dipper Measures. This was in addition to the usual supplies such as powder, primers, locally cast bullets, etc.
Oh yeah, I also got a couple loading trays, each capable of holding 50 pcs. of brass.
I followed the instructions included, processing all my brass for each step. One exception: The Autoprime is a better way to do the priming step.
If I stayed on task, I could load 50 rounds in one hour. This included a couple extra steps like cleaning the primer pockets and checking case length. You have to be focused and organized. But, that's the great thing about the Lee Loader...it teaches the fundamentals and gets you thinking.

Even today, you can get a set up like this for under $100.
The whole thing can be packed up in a shoebox. You can even take it to the range!

By the way, the accuracy of my very first reloads was so good, I was hooked!

Every person I personally know who enjoys reloading (as a hobby or pastime) has a Lee Loader, or several, somewhere in their collection of tools.

Enjoy,
Jim

 

[Boogsawaste]

If you were closer to me I’d donate time and my equipment and also an extra set of eyes to get your feet wet.

There are safety devices that help take the danger out of wrong powder charges however they are made more for progressive or a turret press. Also physically looking into each case is a must for me too.

Maybe there is someone close by who can sit down and load some with you using their equipment and maybe your components? Just to see how it goes and if it’s something you’d like to pursue?

 

[fredj338]

You do not need a dedicated area to do basic ss press reloading. The Lee whack-a-mole or even hand press is the worst way to reload IMHO. A cheap ss press can be clamp mounted to a fold away workmate. Remove the two clamps, put everything into a plastic bin, fold the workmate up & slide everything into the closet or under the bed. Far more efficient.
There are various reloading primers on the manuf websites. There are NRA instructors that will make learning easier & shorten the learning curve. Having a mentor or someone knowledgably to bounce questions off of is priceless.

 

[Imissedagain]

Just looked at the Lee handpress and for me the cast iron frame would be best as opposed to the kit with the aluminum frame.
Press, dies, handprime tool, Lee powder scoopers, case trimmer,
de-burring tool, calipers, bulletpuller..... ???
Roll crimp and taper crimp for the 380.
A Pectoral muscle machine based on a video I just viewed..... just canceled my gym membership.

 

[delcrossv]

With good lighting and a magnifier, I don't see your eyesight to be an insurmountable problem.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Is it worth reloading..?

Do the math yourself.

Price out everything you will need to load the first 1000 rounds. Average the cost.. how we doing so far..?

If you shoot often you will eventually catch up cost wise.. if your not planning on shooting center fire often this may not be the way to go.

 

[lrrifleman]

I started reloading about forty years ago using a classic Lee Loader in 45 ACP and 12 ga. While it does what it is designed to do, I seriously doubt that I would ever turn back to the Lee Loader.

My suggestion would to be to look at a Lyman/Ideal tong tool. If you shop judiciously on eBay, I believe that you can get set up for the 38s for well under a hundred dollars. Dies have been made for the 380, but I never looked for them. You can often find die sets for about $30 or so, if you look patiently. This setup can be stored (complete) in a cigar box.

I would suggest this as your reloading setup:
A Lyman 310 tool
38 special dies
380 dies
Lee powder measure set
A powder trickler
A digital powder scale (off Amazon for about $25)
A vibratory tumbler (Harbor Freight)
Rice
Tumbler polish

Maybe not as inexpensive as the Lee Loader approach, but more flexible with a higher potential for more accurate loads. If you can handle a set of pliers, you can handle a 310 tool!

 

[Twoboxer]

The desktop Magnifier you linked will allow you to do the critical safety checks required . . . like powder level and cartridge length.

As to whether its worthwhile or not . . . that's an individual judgement. It depends on why you are doing it, how much free time you have available, how much you shoot, and how much money you need to save to climb above your personal "worthwhile" bar. As a hobby and/or a challenge . . . that's also you-dependant.

The handhelds have done the job for many for years so they will likely do well for you. But do keep in mind that a low-cost single stage press can be mounted to a board and temporarily clamped to some other sturdy surface. That would be a significant step forward in making the hobby most enjoyable.

GL! I'm sure you'll stay safe and have fun!

 

[Jellybean]

As fredj338 stated the Whack-a-mole and hand-press are not very user friendly, get a single stage press and C-clamp it to a table or better yet mount it to a board and C-clamp it to a table or bench or etc. I'm not a big fan of Lee products, after using tons of their stuff, but they will load perfectly usable ammunition. Most of the Lee products I've used is older and I've noticed some of their newer products are not made the same and don't appear to be made as well, but it should work. One big difference with Lee products is they don't have any real re-sale value so plan on keeping it or giving it away if you ever decide to up-grade.

You will need a way to re-prime your brass which you can do on or off of a press. And a way to measure your powder. Lee dies come with plastic dippers which are okay, but it limits data that will work with them. Refer to the powder data that comes in the die directions. Their perfect powder measure is anything but, and is best suited to fine grained powders.

I don't know how well soap and water will clean your brass, but some household chemicals will do a fair job, even orange Kool-Aid will work, sort of.

Loading information can be found at most powder manufacturers websites. Be careful of information on the web as some of it is not only poorly presented it is dangerous. There is a site on-line that has some manuals you can download, PM me for the name.

 

[s1mp13m4n]

I am just tossing around the idea and want to learn more about it. I have a digital eBook version of the Lee reloading manual. The idea of mounting a press to wood and then clamping the wood to a desk is a neat idea.

 

[rockquarry]

Lots of good ideas here. Doesn't sound as if you'll be doing a great deal of loading, at least to begin with. I'd get a very minimal amount of equipment at the lowest price you can find. If you decide you don't like handloading, you'll not be out much.

I wouldn't worry about buying junk as junk doesn't survive in the handloading hobby. You can do a good job with the most modest equipment, just takes longer to do it. This is how I started in the mid'-60s and it took me about five years to outgrow the "minimal" tools.

I commend you for planning to read a loading manual. That's far better than getting a poor handloading education off of YouTube or some other Internet source of questionable worth.

 

[cfplinker]

The advice and suggestions above are all very good.

One thing that you will have to look out for (like all reloaders) is the double charge or any overcharge especially with fast powders such as 231 and Bullseye. Because of your vision problems consider taking a piece of 3/16 dowel, put it in a charged case, and marking where the case rim is at. This will be your powder checker. Drop it into every charged case and if the mark is above the rim double check the amount of powder. One of my mentors told me that the "usual" target load was 2.7 grains of Bullseye and that a factory proof test load was 5.0 grains. Thus a double charge would exceed the proof test and would probably cause a rapid disassembly of the pistol. Not good.

The Lee loader and Lee die sets come with a dipper. It is the smallest they make at 0.3cc. If you look at the loading data in your Lee Manual you will see that many of the starting loads are less than what will fill a 0.3cc dipper. If you are going to use a dipper have a way to weigh what it holds in order to be sure it is a safe charge.

Have fun but be careful.

 

[ontargetagain]

Well let me be honest and type this. I do not have depth perception and I am very near sighted. I am big on color contrast, so I can make that happen. I have two machines to help me out as needed.

Here is a short video of my handheld electronic magnifier. Humanware Explore 5 $800
YouTube

This is the Humanware desktop magnifier that I have $3000.
YouTube

The reality is that I see, depending on the tests used 20/800 or 20/1600.

I typed all of that to say....yeah, I will have to be systematic and be safe. Just fyi, I do all of the general repairs on our small Ford Ranger. You know oil changes, transmission fluid and filter, brakes, tire rotations, etc. I am just adjusted to some things and at the same time horrible at walking in the woods or uneven ground. LOL. I use a white cane in public but not in the house. Does any of that help?

I think you are ready for an adventure
If you get a moment stop over at the Lee website and look for 'Closeouts' you will find a few great deals now on some basic presses. My offer stands on donations, I'll see later tonight when I get home what I have to offer.
Karl