Want to get into reloading...help
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cowboy4evr
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I started reloading , like many using the LEE Classic Loader kit , where you pound everything together . I started out making 38 special , then bought the 44 mag/special kit and then the 45 Colt kit . I loaded several thousand rounds using these kits . They taught me , in each stage the importance of each step . It wasn't till much later that I bought a LEE single stage press kit , complete with scale and powder measure , funnel and primer arms for about $100 . I still reload on the LEE single stage press and have no plans to change . I did up date the powder scale but still use the " cheapie " Lee powder measure with complete satisfaction . I would also suggest getting a reloading manual . The LEE 2nd edition is a good one , lots of data and reloading info for the beginner . Regards Paul
gwpercle
Member
A single stage press , from any maker , is a rather simple fool-proof way to start reloading . Save the progressive loaders for later , after you learn what you're doing.
A good single stage press is always needed and useful .
Maker ? Buy the best your finances will allow ... the truth is they all work , even Lee (lot's of Lee hater's out there but it is the operator and die set up and adjustment that matters) ... And if you have nothing ... Buy A Kit ...lots of value in a kit and you can upgrade later .
I,ve been reloading since 1967 and have used every manufacturer's products at one time or another ... Lee , Lyman , RCBS , Redding and Hornady all make decent kits ... let price and availability be your guide ... And this time ... Buy Something ... they aren't getting cheaper and you aren't getting any younger .
And ignore the Lee bashers most times it's not the Lee press or dies but incorrect die setup / adjustment .
Gary
A good single stage press is always needed and useful .
Maker ? Buy the best your finances will allow ... the truth is they all work , even Lee (lot's of Lee hater's out there but it is the operator and die set up and adjustment that matters) ... And if you have nothing ... Buy A Kit ...lots of value in a kit and you can upgrade later .
I,ve been reloading since 1967 and have used every manufacturer's products at one time or another ... Lee , Lyman , RCBS , Redding and Hornady all make decent kits ... let price and availability be your guide ... And this time ... Buy Something ... they aren't getting cheaper and you aren't getting any younger .
And ignore the Lee bashers most times it's not the Lee press or dies but incorrect die setup / adjustment .
Gary
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You are wanting to load the cartridges that will save you the most money! Even with today's over-inflated cost of components, you'll save at least half over buying commercial ammo. I have loaded on RCBS and Lyman single stage presses, as well as, Dillon progressives. If I were going to buy a single-stage kit, I'd compare prices and what is included. Starting out, I'd stay away from used equipment. Unless it is from a close friend and they live close, you might end up with damaged or missing parts and find yourself in a pickle. These days, there are plenty of on-line videos to help you along, but you also need to have at least one good reloading manual to start. I like the Lyman one. I like an "O" frame press, rather than a "C", and I've had both. The "O" frame tends to flex less. One thing I would suggest at the outset is to buy a separate crimping die and roll crimp those revolver cartridges as a last operation. You do need to buy dies. You'll want carbide or equivalent dies for loading pistol cartridges. They work easier and can be used without lubricating the cases although I lube my cases before sizing anyway. It just makes pulling the press handle easier. Except for appropriate dies and extra crimping die, this looks like a reasonably priced kit: [ame]https://www.amazon.com/Lyman-7810360-Victory-Reloading-Orange/dp/B07CX6C358?ref_=ast_sto_dp[/ame]
Just a thought on loading manuals. Do some research on what bullets you want to shoot and then buy a manual from that maker first, or, buy a manual from someone who makes equipment, but not bullets. 180 grain Barnes bullets will load completely different than 180 grain Nosler Partitions. There's also the 2023 Hodgdon annual magazine that's currently out, I believe until around the end of Feb/March. It's a pretty good reference for cheap, with some good loading info in it also.
Hasbeen1945
Absent Comrade
My advice would be to cry once and buy once. I started with a RCBS junior press, then a Rock Chucker. Now I’m using a co-ax. Great choice for rifles, but a turret would be better for handguns.
I prefer Redding and Forster dies. I’ve found some good deals on EBay.
I also found reloading does not allow me to shot cheaper. You just get to shoot more for the same money.
I prefer Redding and Forster dies. I’ve found some good deals on EBay.
I also found reloading does not allow me to shot cheaper. You just get to shoot more for the same money.
Good advice on what to buy, but not when to buy.
Wait a year. This isn't a good time to start.
Powder and primer prices are still ridiculous.
This is the longest drought I've seen. I thought 2008 was bad, but it was mild compared to these last three years.
Component prices are cyclical. Remember that.
Wait a year. This isn't a good time to start.
Powder and primer prices are still ridiculous.
This is the longest drought I've seen. I thought 2008 was bad, but it was mild compared to these last three years.
Component prices are cyclical. Remember that.
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OP
BKLooney
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Some great info from all of you, many thanks! 
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From the lowliest Lee Loader to the automated progressives, they all are capable of producing ammo of equal quality. The only real difference is speed.
Now the Lee Loader is as simple as it comes, and it takes some finagling to produce really good ammo, but it works. The big progressives come with a certain overhead of complexity but they will crank out all the ammo you could want and do it quickly.
The single stage is a happy medium. Pretty simple, and fast enough. Even if you move on you'll always find a use for it. But if you are mechanically inclined and time is an issue, one of the lower-end progressives is a good choice. Production rates vary, but figure 100 an hour on a single stage and 400 an hour on a basic progressive. The progressive will also cost you 4X as much.
Keep the cost of caliber conversions in mind.
Now the Lee Loader is as simple as it comes, and it takes some finagling to produce really good ammo, but it works. The big progressives come with a certain overhead of complexity but they will crank out all the ammo you could want and do it quickly.
The single stage is a happy medium. Pretty simple, and fast enough. Even if you move on you'll always find a use for it. But if you are mechanically inclined and time is an issue, one of the lower-end progressives is a good choice. Production rates vary, but figure 100 an hour on a single stage and 400 an hour on a basic progressive. The progressive will also cost you 4X as much.
Keep the cost of caliber conversions in mind.
All good advice. Personally I would get a dillon 550 for what you are reloading, it is a multi-stage but dot NOT auto progress meaning you have to manually advance to each stage. In essence you can use it as a single stage and a progressive. You set up each caliber on a tool head and never have to adjust dies once you have them zeroed, except for different bullet seating. If you are serious about getting in reloading I would seriously suggest the 550 from Dillon.
Just my two cents
Jim
Just my two cents
Jim
Ditto this recommendation. You can use it as a single stage until you get more comfortable then you can use it as an auto-advancing turret, just one step below a progressive.
Perfect for a new reloader.
My wife bought me a Lyman turret press kit 25 years ago. It sat in the box until about 5 years ago, and at first I loaded using the turret to compete each round.. I found it to be a pain rotating that turret hundreds of times. Now I set up all the dies in the turret, but I use it as a single stage press. I complete each stage of the process, one cartridge at a time. When it comes to loading powder, I put the powder in one case, and I immediately set the bullet. I do not charge more than one case at a time. I know this is a bit slower than what others do, but it works for me, and I don't worry about whether I have already charged a case or not.
I wish I hadn't waited 20 years to get started.
I wish I hadn't waited 20 years to get started.
gwpercle
Member
Start with a simple single stage "C" .
If you don't have a sturdy bench or place to build a bench but want to dabble in loading handgun ammo ... Check out the Lee Hand Press Kit ($70.00 from Midway USA ) ... it's a single stage C you hold in your hands .
Load at the computer desk , kitchen table , coffee table ... I even take one to work and load at my desk at the office .
Even though I have 5 bench mounted presses the Lee Hand Press reloads all my handgun ammo and 30-30 rifle now . Bigger rounds need the leverage of a bench mounted press but handgun ... the Hand Press handles like a champ and you can reload inside the heated and cooled house !
Gary
If you don't have a sturdy bench or place to build a bench but want to dabble in loading handgun ammo ... Check out the Lee Hand Press Kit ($70.00 from Midway USA ) ... it's a single stage C you hold in your hands .
Load at the computer desk , kitchen table , coffee table ... I even take one to work and load at my desk at the office .
Even though I have 5 bench mounted presses the Lee Hand Press reloads all my handgun ammo and 30-30 rifle now . Bigger rounds need the leverage of a bench mounted press but handgun ... the Hand Press handles like a champ and you can reload inside the heated and cooled house !
Gary
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Doesn't the turret have the auto-advance feature? All the newer ones do.
I can see where rotating by hand would be a pain. But if the turret automatically advances to the next die with each pull of the handle it really speeds things up.
Single stage for accuracy, turrets for mass quantity. I am using my father's Rock Chucker that he bought back in the 70's. I use it for everything because I don't shoot enough handgun calibers to make it worth my while. Look on Ebay or Estate sales in your area. Getting used is no big deal, they should all work well if they were taken care of.
JUST A WARNING, getting your first press will be the start of the disease. Then you will go with a multi stage press. Then you will want to make your own bullets, and then you will want to...............
Just sayin
JUST A WARNING, getting your first press will be the start of the disease. Then you will go with a multi stage press. Then you will want to make your own bullets, and then you will want to...............
Just sayin
Autonomous
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I use and recommend Hornady Lock-N-Load bushings on my single stage RCBS press so the dies can be quickly changed without having to reset them each time.
A simple baffle in your powder drop ensures the powder pressure doesn't vary. This really helps the consistency.
Inexpensive electronic scales are not to be trusted, good ones are expensive and still susceptible to interference from florescent lights and other not so obvious stuff.
A simple baffle in your powder drop ensures the powder pressure doesn't vary. This really helps the consistency.
Inexpensive electronic scales are not to be trusted, good ones are expensive and still susceptible to interference from florescent lights and other not so obvious stuff.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
The current Lyman and RCBS turret presses are both manual advance. Dillon and Hornady don't have a real turret press, they are actually progressive presses. As far as I know only the Lee turret press has an auto-advance.
Well, the OP did say that his is a Lee press that his wife bought for him.
My reference to "the newer turret presses" was specifically meant to apply to Lee presses - since that is what he has.
Sorry if I wasn't clear enough.
My statement was specific to the brand of press the OP was talking about (Lee) - not to ALL turret presses in general.
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pistolpete10
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Buy the Rockchucker kit to start. Later on you may find you want a progressive, probably blue one. You will need Dies, I like RCBS dies, shell holders. I like a hand priming device of some kind, I have RCBS and Lee. A couple good reloading manuals, Lyman and something else. You will find other items you want/need as you go along. I've been loading since 1965 and still find stuff I need, a timer for my tumbler for instance, set it for 2 or 4 hours depending.
Just got an email from Brownell's and they have a pretty good deal on the RCBS Rock Chucker kit.
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