Want to get into reloading.....

[jsfricks]

but it appears I picked the wrong time. Everyone seems to be out of stock. I'm looking at the Lee Classic Turrent press which seems to be a decent unit. I thought about getting into it 20 years ago but never got past the looking. Now that I'm retired I would like to get into it. Anyone have a line on these or any suggestions?

 

[R. G. Amos]

I have found presses (RCBS Partner, RCBS Rock Chucker, Redding Boss, and some others) and Redding 357 dies available just in the last week. If you check Midway, Natchez, and Graff & Sons frequently enough, you will most likely find what you need at pre-rush prices. If I can find it, anyone can; I am notoriously unlucky.

 

[jsfricks]

Well once I get something in my head like this i look until I find it.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Might try E-Bay as a long shot on a used unit at a lower price.

Good luck in your quest.

 

[Fishinfool]

Instead of buying piecemail, I would look for a complete kit that includes everything you need to get started, except usually the dies and shell holder.

Larry

 

[rwsmith]

There is a list of essentials

There is a list of essentials, first of which is a manual and the press. But you will need a scale, measure or way to throw powder charges. Probably a powder funnel, loading block. Dies are hard to find now, too. Bullets, powder, primers and cases. A caliper and a way to trim cases.

What I'm saying is that you can be working on getting all of this stuff while studying up on how to reload.

 

[novalty]

Cabelas has RCBS & Hornady 38/357 dies in.

Cabelas & Grafs have the RCBS Partner press kit in stock.
Cabelas has a Lyman T-MagII Kit in stock.

 

[Rollbar]

but it appears I picked the wrong time. Everyone seems to be out of stock. I'm looking at the Lee Classic Turrent press which seems to be a decent unit. I thought about getting into it 20 years ago but never got past the looking. Now that I'm retired I would like to get into it. Anyone have a line on these or any suggestions?

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/266207-recommendations-starter-progressive-press.html

 

[DigiRebel]

I definitely want to suggest starting with picking up a reloading book. Use the time with nothing available to read up and learn about the craft before you take the plunge. (Most of the books are less than a $50 investment, you'll have a much better idea if you want to proceed after reading one of the books over.)

 

[Clovishound]

Make sure you can get components as well. If I had not picked up an extra brick of primers a couple months ago, I would be just about out of primers right now. I have had to start casting to have bullets to load. I just bought about 50 lbs of lead alloy from a guy getting out of reloading today, so I should be good to go for the rest of the year.

Right now there are no small pistol primers, no bullets, and no pistol powder available locally. Most components are months behind on shipping, if you order over the internet. Hopefully things will improve in a few months.

I'm not saying they are not available, but getting them may be difficult. Powder and primers normally have a rather high hazmat shipping charge, so I have always bought those locally. It takes a decent sized order to overcome the hazmat charge.

 

[fyimo]

I sold all of my reloading equipment in 2002 when I moved from Colorado to Arkansas. Later in 2002 I realized that was a mistake so I bought it all over agin and I got 90% of what I needed off of Ebay for much cheaper prices than buying new. I'm not sure how the prices are up there now but it worked well for me in the past.

Getting the actual components to reload will probably be a lot harder then buying the equipment because everyone seems to be out of everything and some won't even let you order a backorder.

 

[Recruit]

I was in the same boat as you a few months ago. Tough timing yes...but perservere.

Ebay was my primary source. Mostly used but very well regarded equipment (Lee Classic, RCBS 505 and Lyman 55). If you're patient (meaning you don't win every bid), you can get good stuff at a decent price.

Keep an eye on your local Craigslist too.

I'm fortunate to have a Bass Pro shop on my way home from work. It took several stops but was finally able to snag a few powders and primers.

 

[Moonman]

You need to DO A BUNCH OF READING before you worry about machinery and components.

I do mean a BUNCH OF READING TOO!

Reloading Manuals, The ABC'S of Reloading, On Line Videos are a start.

Good Luck!

 

[Rollbar]

You need to DO A BUNCH OF READING before you worry about machinery and components.

I do mean a BUNCH OF READING TOO!

Reloading Manuals, The ABC'S of Reloading, On Line Videos are a start.

Good Luck!

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/303357-reloading-book-s.html

 

[bunkshaner]

I have been wanting to reload too...(just started shooting again and ammo shortages made me want to do it)...but I have never reloaded a day in my life and don't know squat about it....I have done some reading on it ...how and what materials/equipment to use but I wish I had someone that I knew well enough to actually show me face to face how to do it. I would probably sit out in the garage all day doing it once I got the hang of it

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

I got into it during the shortage of '09 so I know how you feel.

You can find quite a bit of things you'll need used for a great price. That's how I got my RCBS rockchucker.

Just keep accumulating what you need and get a friend to help. That was one of the most important things I needed. Soon, you'll be in business!

 

[rwsmith]

That would be great

I wish I had someone that I knew well enough to actually show me face to face how to do it. I would probably sit out in the garage all day doing it once I got the hang of it

You have something that a lot of us didn't....Youtube and forums like this. I just had books and I figured it out ok. The how-to books for reloading are really detailed and it pays to know them VERY well before starting and constantly refer back to them to keep bad habits from creeping in and solving little problems that are sure to arise. I had a long lay off from reloading and when I got started back some things had CHANGED and I had to break old habits and form new ones.

 

[Cdog]

There's a group of folks that get together up the road in Cartersville. I believe they're all about helping beginners.

Google online gun trading in Ga. and the site they frequent should be near the top of the list. Look in the Reloading section.

 

[Quakertown]

A turret press is a great press to start with, forget the suggestion to start with a progressive. You have to walk before you can run. Also, unless you shoot many thousands of rounds a year, it's stupid to go with a progressive. I've been reloading for almost 6yrs now and still use a turret press. Being careful and observant of every round loaded far outweighs loading fast. Do alot of reading, watch some youtube videos and take your time.

 

[blujax01]

... forget the suggestion to start with a progressive. You have to walk before you can run. Also, unless you shoot many thousands of rounds a year, it's stupid to go with a progressive. ....

Wow. Insulted twice in a single paragraph. That's got to be some sort of record...

Different strokes, my friend. Single stage, turret, progressive - they're all viable choices. And I'm certain you can support your choice without disparaging my choice.

Fair enough?

 

[Quakertown]

I'm confused. Where were the two insults? Telling someone starting out they must walk before they run? Stating that unless you shoot many thousands of rounds a year, it's STUPID to use a progressive? Sorry, it is. What is the point? Spend one weekend every two or three years to load up what you'll need in those three years? Making quality, SAFE ammunition is dependent on repetition, attention and EXPERIENCE, not speed..sorry it's true. Some ppl believe they're time is more valuable than their face/eyes/hands..I don't. I just wish I knew when these ppl are at the range so I could vacate the area asap. If you have first paid your dues by loading awhile and are confident in your knowledge/experience/equipment, load with what you want. But to suggest starting on a progressive is a recipe for disaster.

 

[ElmerKeith]

jsfricks, do you want to reload for rifle or handgun or both.
I'd suggest that you start with handgun cartridges reloading. It's a lot more easy to do.

I also would suggest to take a look at e-bay. Over here in Germany they sell a lot via e-bay or the eGun - Der Marktplatz für Jäger, Schützen und Angler

I also wouldn't hesitate to ask friends who already are in the world of reloading. If there are none go to a shooting club and ask the reloading-guys about their experiences.

As a starter kit I'd take a single stage press at first. That helps to get into the business seriously. You will better understand reloading step by step. I have the Rock Chucker II since I started reloading in 1993. And the first ten years I used a powder scale exclusively for "measuring" the charges. Only later I bought a Redding powder measure.

Besides a good equipment it's very important to have a room where you can do the reloading job without being disturbed. Best of all is to be at home alone, turn off the phone, don't listen to the radio or even watch TV. Keep concentrated all the time.

Good luck with your new hobby.

 

[blujax01]

.... But to suggest starting on a progressive is a recipe for disaster.

Uh-huh. So the thousands of satisfied owners of Hornady LnL's, RCBS 2000's and Dillon 650 XL's who made those presses their first choice are categorically classified as being stupid and unsafe?

Sir, I can see there is no talking you down off this particular ledge. Enjoy your narrow-minded view.

Out.

 

[novalty]

While I agree that a progressive press isn't for everyone--I ain't going to fault someone if they want to fork over the money for one. I don't have one as I don't find that I have the need for one. Everyone situation is different. For instance I live in Maine, and can't shoot for a couple months of the year due to snow and cold temps, gives me plenty of time to load the quantity I for handguns on my T7, and rifle on my Rockchucker. Maybe once I start casting my own I will want to make the switch from my T7 to a Hornady LnL AP or that blue press.

 

[Quakertown]

Uh-huh. So the thousands of satisfied owners of Hornady LnL's, RCBS 2000's and Dillon 650 XL's who made those presses their first choice are categorically classified as being stupid and unsafe?

Sir, I can see there is no talking you down off this particular ledge. Enjoy your narrow-minded view.

Out.

Yup. If those buyers never reloaded ammo before and jumped right to a progressive, yes, they were STUPID putting speed ahead of being meticulous and chances are much of their first ammo was unsafe. It's safe to say there must have been hundreds of thousands of bad rounds, beit squibs/whatever loaded due to ppl putting speed at top of priority list. All that time saved then spent pulling bullet heads. Narrow-minded? laff. It's actually narrow-minded to believe because it was your choice it was the correct one. My priority is safety, yours is obviously speed. I suggest for beginners taking reloading slow and being vigilant to every step and you call me narrow-minded for it. I still take it slow after 5+ yrs. I only wish you had the courage to post your location so I could avoid the inevitable shrapnel upon detonation.

 

[novalty]

Quakertown,

While I share a lot of your same sentiments on progressive presses, I will remind you of two things:

1. I am sure you are aware that most progressive presses can be run in single stage mode. So someone could learn to walk before they learn to run. **DISCLAIMER: This is no way a Novalty endorsement for progressive presses--would be very out-of-character for me**

2. Rule #3 of the forum

3. Do NOT descend into personal attacks on a member.
Naiveté, or viewpoints different from yours are no reason to call a member an idiot or moron.
If a poster is obnoxious, report him and ignore him.
Do not feed trolls.
NO LYNCHINGS or MUGGINGS.
Learn to use the "IGNORE" feature for posters that ANNOY you. In your User CP, under Settings & Options, click Edit Ignore List.

 

[Quakertown]

Quakertown,

While I share a lot of your same sentiments on progressive presses, I will remind you of two things:

1. I am sure you are aware that most progressive presses can be run in single stage mode. So someone could learn to walk before they learn to run. **DISCLAIMER: This is no way a Novalty endorsement for progressive presses--would be very out-of-character for me**

2. Rule #3 of the forum

Hmm. Unsure who you are referring to. I re-read my posts and I never called ANYONE anything. I was called narrow-minded, but I never specifically called anyone anything. If you were referring to me, I suggest you read a little more thoroughly before correcting anyone.

 

[novalty]

Hmm. Unsure who you are referring to. I re-read my posts and I never called ANYONE anything. I was called narrow-minded, but I never specifically called anyone anything. If you were referring to me, I suggest you read a little more thoroughly before correcting anyone.

Yup. If those buyers never reloaded ammo before and jumped right to a progressive, yes, they were STUPID

Guess I am reading too much into. Or maybe we don't have any members on this forum that started with a progressive press.

blujax01, what was your first press?

 

[Quakertown]

Quakertown,
I am sure you are aware that most progressive presses can be run in single stage mode. So someone could learn to walk before they learn to run.

Yes, I am aware. I am also aware rich ppl buy their 16yr old kids sports cars with turbos that can drive in first gear and obey speed limits and below. Do i believe that is their intent? Do you?
No way to tell for sure, but what percentage of those 1st time reloaders try to crank it out the first day opening their progressives? I would say the majority of them did, wouldn't you?

 

[novalty]

A 16 year old can die in a high speed crash driving a clunker just as well as a Porsche. Just the same as someone can have a serious accident from reloading on a single stage, as they could on a progressive press.

Why would anyone drive a sports car with turbo in 1st gear--would be very detrimental to the transmission?

I would assume most reloaders, whether running a single stage, turret, or progressive, run into the same speed bumps. From expanding issues to seating depth, to crinkled cases from over crimping. I expect progressive reloaders to run into additional speed bumps: timing, powder dump, primer feeding, etc. Would assume that this would limit new reloader starting on a progressive from just cranking out obscene amounts of poor ammo an hour.


Sadly, a new reloader now is going to be limited from cranking out tons of ammo due to shortages in equipment and components. I won't tell someone not to buy a progressive, but might indicate that it might not be the press that best meets their needs.

Reloaders get very defensive about presses, and both sides of the fence single stage / progressive--both have pros and cons. I have seen posters from both sides tell "new reloaders" not to buy the other style press without taking into consideration the factors relative to the situation.

If someone shoots competitions like IDPA, and wants to start reloading is a single stage going to be practical for them if their needs are in the thousands of rounds per month?

Just the same as a casual shooter like myself, who might shoot 1,000 rounds of ammo a year--between 9mm, 45acp, 38 special. Yes I could reload quicker on a progressive, but I don't feel my volume would warrant it. I am able to keep up with my needs for handgun rounds on my turret, and rifle on my Rockchucker II.