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LeeMax

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I placed the order for my first press today, and I'm wondering if I missed anything. Other than consumables (powder, primers, etc) is there anything else I need to get started loading 9mm and .38 sp? Any suggestions are appreciated.
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You could have held off on the case trimmers.

You will crack the mouths of your 38 Specials before they need trimming
and
You will probably lose your 9MMs before they need to be trimmed.

You also bought two scales.

The LEE Reloading manual is reprints of data from other manuals. You might want to buy a few manufacturers manuals just for the reading. I have an easy dozen manuals on the shelf by now.
 
Good Start

You will likely move to RCBS or Redding eventually but Lee will work . Especially with 9mm and 38. Most all reloaders I know have both balance beam and digital scales . Have Fun
 
I agree, you probably will not use the trimmers much if at all. Get at least one more manual, I recommend Lyman’s 49th.
Get some Nu Finish car polish and add it to your media and run it for half an hour before you add brass. It will make a big difference.
Looks like you got everything else you need.
 
Don't worry about having 2 scales. Use one to check against the other. I do recommend a set of test weights to check both.
Manuals are good to have. About every powder company I've ever used has online reloading data. If you haven't bought powder yet go through their online info and see what powders work with what bullets before you buy.
Go slow, ask questions and have fun.
 
I would say you could return the 9mm Max cartridge gauge too. Never trimmed 9mm brass, and never had any issues just cleaning and reloading. The "plunk test" should be your max gauge. You'll probably find a reloading tray to be helpful too, unless one comes in the Lee Classic Turret kit.
 
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Manuals are a necessity, not for the data, but for the "how to" section in front of the data. You will need a couple of manuals because all data should be verified by at least one other source. You can use Internet data, but I prefer at least one other source be a hard copy.

Once you start handloading, you will find that there is a lot of "stuff" that you need, or at least think you do. It's amazing how the gear and tools multiply.
 
Pay Attention to Primer Pockets

I'm a fan of uniforming the primer pockets, using a uniformer made by Sinclair and chucked in a cordless drill. Once done, it makes primer seating so much easier with zero crushed or shaved primers or primers that refuse to fully seat.

This tool should not be confused with a de-crimping tool used to remove the crimp from primer pockets on military brass.
 
The only time I used my .38spl or 9mm trimmers .also was to use the 9mm trimmer to make .38S/W out of .38SPLBrass.
Used in a small drill press, works great....
 
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Well I,myself well satisfied with my Lee three hole turrent presses once set up forget that process .and Lee dies. Never used any thing else for 40 years..I also like a Lyman turret bought at a yard sell several years ago.
 
Don't know what you've already researched so I'll add this.

Lot of good information here - Getting Started | Ultimate Reloader

and in this thread - http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/406473-so-youre-thinking-about-getting-into-reloading.html

If you have a Cabelas nearby, I'd go snap up an appropriate assortment of S&B primers at $20 per brick. Good price these days!

Also, keep your eyes on this thread - http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/306341-daily-stock-reloading-notices.html

A couple of my favorite websites are Reloading and Shooting Supplies, Tools and Equipment | Midsouth Shooters Supply amd X-Treme BULLETS

Welcome to the addiction, our support group meets on odd Wednesday in even months at unusual times :) Or just keep checking in here for individual sessions!
 
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Geo. T. said:
You will likely move to RCBS or Redding eventually
Click to expand...
This I will disagree with.

The Lee press I purchased 25-30 years ago is still in my loading room. Lee will last you a long time and the company makes a good product at a fair price.

The Lee Classic single stage is where I load the match rifle ammo.

Truth is I have never purchased a RCBS or Redding press

I currently have multiple presses just so I do not need to change formats (LP to SP) and so my nephew can load at the same time I do

I have a Lee Single Stage and Lyman All American that I use for load development.

Then there are three Lee Pro-1000s and a LoadMaster for doing volume on

And I have a pair of Dillon 650s that need to come out of the boxes and be set up.

The only other press I have owned in close to 40 years of hand loading metallic cartridges is a Auto-Champ Mark V. Though it was built like a tank and would never break, the Lee Pro-1000s load at least twice as fast.
 
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"How to" manuals, at least one, preferable more...

Besides data good manuals have a complete 'how to' section Rimmed, non rimmed, bottleneck, etc. all of these have ideosyncrasies to take into account.

Shellholders

Loading tray (at least one)

Powder funnel.

boxes and labels.

Not essential but I find a powder trickler to be very useful.

Check weights for the scale.

You MIGHT need some case lube, though carbide dies and pistol rounds generally don't need it.

Unless you repeatedly use the same loads, a notebook or some way to keep data to reference back to in case you want to vary loads, and report on how they perform.
 
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I would have skipped the tumbler and the shellholders should come with the Lee dies. The case trimmers aren't necessary for those calibers also. A five gallon bucket and some water are sufficient for cleaning dirty cases.
I started with the Lyman #49 manual and still use that more than anythign else. The Lee manual is just a compilation of other manuals and not the best source of data if you use Alliant powder products like Bullseye, Unique, and many other popular powders from them.

Loading trays can be helpful, but I have never used a turret press so I'm not sure if they would be beneficial like when loading on a single stage press.

You should be good to go assuming you can find pistol powder.
 
Looks like you're off to a real good start. I started with a Lee Classic Loader and a plastic mallet .
I say good start, because the truth is , even though I started in 1967 , and by now you would think I would have every imaginable thing needed to reload, I'm always buying new and improved tools, gadgets and things you never knew you needed. It never ends..... if you like tools and things you gonna love this hobby!
The one BIG thing I did not see are reloading manuals. Get some, several, read them, lots of great information you will not find on a web site. I have about 12 manuals, some are older, some are new, but all are useful.
Good luck and load safe,
Gary
 
If you get to feeling constrained by the Auto disc, I would recommend the new Auto drum measure. It is infinitely adjustable, and I find it to be more consistent than the Auto disc. It also doesn't leak.

FWIW, the Franford Arsenal scale comes with a check weight.

If you are loading for a revolver with the .38 (as opposed to a lever rifle), you might want to not use the factory crimp die, and get a powder check die. The bullet seater die is also a crimp die, when used with the Factory Crimp die, you adjust it for no crimp. If you don't use the FCD, you just adjust it for the crimp desired.

The .38 is difficult to see the amount of powder in the bottom of the case. There are other solutions, but I find the powder check die to be especially convenient in a turret. It also makes it easier to spot an over/under charge than eyeballing. I use the factory crimp when loading for my Henry rifle. It really enhances smooth feeding as opposed to crimping and seating in one operation. My Smith model 10 doesn't care.
 
rwsmith beat me to a few of the items I was going to suggest. Loading blocks, shell holders, funnels, a powder trickler, and check weights. I like the Satern brand funnels. The 9mm funnel works for 9mm and 38 SPL/357 Mag.

Another manual was also mentioned. I like the Hornady manual best.

I would add a universal decapping die. I like the lyman brand. You might also want that tool Lyman makes for poking the media out of your flash holes. That depends on whether you decap before cleaning or not.

Like others have said, you probably won't use the trimmers. Mine just sit in a drawer.

Happy reloading.

Mike
 
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