Wanting to get into reloading 38 SPL.

[GA_Sheepdog]

I'm sure dipping a scoop is great for practice rounds in a snub. EDIT For Bullseye matches, I need consistent loads and to be able to tailor the recipe for the round to my gun as well. END EDIT I use a progressive press and the powders I use meter very accurately. I've used a manual beam scale from day one, almost 25 years ago. I bought a Dillon square deal progressive for my 38 sp because that's what my friend had and demonstrated for me. I still use it and have a second for 45. also have a $25 electronic scale that is dead on accurate and repeatable, but I verify with my beam scale once I get my powder measure set. That said, I recently saw a Lee Pro 1000 press that looks nifty for under $200. And a tumbler. Nothing fancy, and media is from the pet store. A cap of mineral spirits and some synthetic car wax and your brass is clean and shiny. You can reload 38 brass almost indefinitely so I don't factor brass cost into the equation. And you can get over 2000 rounds out of a pound of powder. Reloading is very satisfying. Some choose not to do it because they don't feel the time is worth the savings. I pick up their once-fired brass at the range. I grabbed 450 9mm brass last week that a group of 3 people left behind. It is a good feeling to have the components available and not be subject to the vagaries of buying what happens to be available. I was in east St Louis last November when the verdict was announced. Walmart, at the behest of local officials, had pulled all ammo from the shelves. "public safety" or their version of it, trumped the second amendment once again.


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I've looked at the Lee Pro 1000 Progressive Press Kit 38 Special, they can be had for about $180.00. It's not a bad deal for all it comes with. It's still a heck of a lot more expensive then the little Lee Loader for $28.00, but I'm sure you could crank out a lot more rounds per hour with the Lee Pro 1000 though.

Other then a scale and components, would this kit include everything I'd need to start reloading? It does say it does not come with a turret.


Lee Pro 1000 Progressive Press Kit 38 Special 357 Mag

 

[Biggfoot44]

The Old School , beat with a hammer, Original LEE Loader kit in a box does work, and is capable of making very accurate ammunition. And ancestral nostalgia. And the spiritual descendent of the Lyman 310 for disapearing into the wilderness with just a backpack. BUT they are slow, really slow.

What I * think * will suit you well, is along the lines of 1410's suggestion, the LEE Hand Press. Not quite as co.pact as the Whack A Mole kit, but still fit into a shoebox ( bootbox if you have small feet.) Still reasonable investment to get started. Doesn't require dedicated bench space. The hand press will remain useful even if you later upgrade press.

The good news about the dippers is that if you pay attention to the subtleties of your technique, you can throw consistant charges. The bad news is due to variations in people's technique, and lot to lot variation on powder, the charge weight can vary from what's expected. ( Not saying inconsistant, saying if the chart says 4.5gr of particular powder, you might be getting 4.3gr from your specific can of powder.) The medium news is Richard Lee's data is usually conservative, in that heavy handed dipping with a dense lot of powder will still be safe. Flip side is average technique with average lot of powder will be a little light.

*This* is where the scale potentially comes in. Verify exact weight of your can of powder, dipped by your hands. If that weight is useful for you, you can then use of the dippers for actual loading. Do purchase the complete dipper set instead of depending on the single dipper with a die set.

Used this way, cheapest on sale digital scale will suffice.

Two loading blocks will be handier than one, which in turn is handier than none. If you decide to stick with reloading, you will end up wanting a tumbler, though not manditory to start.

500Rd box of bullets. 158Gr unless you have strong feelings for somthing else on purpose. Cast sized to .358 or .359, or plated if prefered or required by your local shooting venue. I like Oregon Trail and Berry's respectively. Other brands also popular. Small Pistol standard primers. If you can find them, and the seller doesn't have a limit, go ahead and nust get a brick of 1000.

80% of experienced hand loaders will recomend 231, Unique or both. That means in times of shortage/ panic they are in high demand and short supply. In a pinch, any fast to medium pistol or shotshell powder will work in .38spl, albeit some will have more published data easily available.

 

[normanlclark]

Strictly for what it's worth here; I am no expert, but this is what works for me. Attitude is part of it.

I started reloading in 1963 with a RCBS Rock Chucker Kit. I am now using a Lee turret press, which I have no problems with. I load .32, .38, .44, .45 and .223. I use only published and proven loads. I look at every finished cartridge as a signed work of art, and the time I spend reloading is both mental and physical therapy. -well, I can think of one thing I'd rather be doing than reloading, but I'm never in a hurry, and don't keep a log of my time spent. I visually inspect and weigh every charge. After each batch, I again weigh and inspect every finished cartridge realizing that brass and primers may not be uniform, but it will warn me of a possible double charge or a missed charge.

 

[MyDads38]

MidwayUSA - Shop Shooting, Hunting, & Outdoor Products just posted a sale on the RCBS 5 0 2 powder scale @ $29.99. You might browse through the site and see if you come up with any other reloading equipment to get you started.

 

[pittpa]

I've looked at the Lee Pro 1000 Progressive Press Kit 38 Special, they can be had for about $180.00. It's not a bad deal for all it comes with. It's still a heck of a lot more expensive then the little Lee Loader for $28.00, but I'm sure you could crank out a lot more rounds per hour with the Lee Pro 1000 though.

Other then a scale and components, would this kit include everything I'd need to start reloading? It does say it does not come with a turret.


Lee Pro 1000 Progressive Press Kit 38 Special 357 Mag

Amazon has a lot of answered questions from users on that press.

 

[GA_Sheepdog]

I think my best option would be to just get a Lee single stage press and the needed gear to go along with it. I've looked at purchasing the lee single stage press and selecting the needed gear of my own choosing. I've also looked at the Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press Kit and a set of die's. Both come out to roughly about the same price ($180.00), although I went with a digital scale when I was selecting my own options.

 

[Clovishound]

I would again recommend looking at the classic cast press. It is about $35 more than the aluminum. It is a far more robust press IMO. We are talking the cost of a brick of primers here.

I have the classic turret press. My buddy has the challenger series turret. I am a cheap skate. I am really glad I opted for the more robust press.

You may move on down the road to a turret, or progressive. I'm betting the single stage will stay on your bench, and continue to be useful. If you don't move on, it will still be on your bench for a long time to come. Get the heavy duty model.

Just my opinion.

 

[kbm6893]

Saving 50 bucks for something you're gonna pass down to your grandkids never seemed smart to me. I use Lee dies. I know they're OK so I'm not bashing the brand, but working the handle on a Lee press be an RCBS, Dillon, or Hornady, just says it all. You can't put a price on quality.

 

[GA_Sheepdog]

I would again recommend looking at the classic cast press. It is about $35 more than the aluminum. It is a far more robust press IMO. We are talking the cost of a brick of primers here.

I have the classic turret press. My buddy has the challenger series turret. I am a cheap skate. I am really glad I opted for the more robust press.

You may move on down the road to a turret, or progressive. I'm betting the single stage will stay on your bench, and continue to be useful. If you don't move on, it will still be on your bench for a long time to come. Get the heavy duty model.

Just my opinion.

I see what you're saying with the classic cast being more durable and lasting a lot longer. The Lee Challenger single press can be had for about $130. The Lee Classic Cast Breech Lock Single Stage Press Kit, is going for $239. and then you have to by a 4 die set for around $30 to $40.

 

[pittpa]

I watched a video of the Lee pocket loader, and the hand loader, after my only exposure being to Dillon progressive presses all these years. I was impressed.

 

[g17]

Just remember, heavy duty is only overkill if all you are going to load is 38spl. Personally, I would not waste my time or money on any handloader kit. They work but are painfully slow, pretty much a novelty imo. A bench mounted press is where I'd lay my money and again, an aluminum press will do just fine loading any pistol round. Titan reloading as well as amazon often have decent pricing on Lee equipment.

 

[Rick1967]

A Lee hand press is a great option. I have a bunch of different presses and equipment. But I started with the hand press. If you get that and a set of Lee dies you could get started. You don't have to get a scale right away. I went 6 months without one. You can use the dipper that comes with the dies. Just check which powder the dies recommend. And don't use max loads. I loaded several thousand rounds of 38 special like that before my wife gave me an RCBS press, scale and powder measure for Christmas. Good wife...really good wife. I now have a Hornady progressive press that I have spent at least $700 on with all the attachments. But last night I sat in my recliner with my wife watching tv while I reloaded some 38 special on my hand press. The Hornady is set up for 45 acp at the moment.

 

[Clovishound]

At Titan reloading you can get

Classic SS breech press 114

Auto drum powder measure 36

Lee balance scale 26

Lee's reloading manual 18

.38 spcl/.357 3 die set 32

4 die set add 10

You can get everything for 226, or 236 with 4 die set. I don't use the factory crimp die for revolver loads. I do like it for auto calibers, and my lever rifle ammo. You will need to add shipping.

Now, I don't know which kit you were looking at. Some have the perfect powder measure. This a stand alone measure. The one I referenced here is the new drum measure that drops through the die when expanding the case. Much more convenient than a stand alone. The auto drum is a big improvement over the auto disc IMO. A lot of kits include a hand primer. I prime on press. You might want to go to a hand primer down the road, but you can decide later after some experience. If you don't like the Lee balance scale, you can get whatever you want, and want to spend. The Lee scale is slow, and somewhat finicky, but works and is accurate.

There are other things you will need, if you start loading other calibers. A dial or digital caliper for rifle and auto calibers. A trimmer for rifle calibers. Most of us end up with some kind of mechanical cleaner, but you can hand wash cases until you decide you want something powered.

The kits are great if they have the stuff you really want. Otherwise, put together your own kit, and get what you want. This is a list based on what I would get to go along with the press you have settled on. It is just my opinion based on my experience and likes/dislikes. FWIW I have used the perfect powder measure, and both the auto disc and auto drum. The auto drum is my hands down favorite. I have used the Lee balance scale, as well as an inexpensive electronic scale. Electronic is very convenient, and can be accurate, but the beam scale is very accurate and will last a very long time as long as you don't damage it.

You may find down the road that you would rather have something different. You probably won't know what you really want until you get some experience under your belt.

 

[Thomas15]

I see what you're saying with the classic cast being more durable and lasting a lot longer. The Lee Challenger single press can be had for about $130. The Lee Classic Cast Breech Lock Single Stage Press Kit, is going for $239. and then you have to by a 4 die set for around $30 to $40.

With all due respect you come to a handloaders forum admitting that you don't know anything and asking for advice then proceed to school us on what is quality, available and at what cost. This forum is packed with guys that are much better human beings than me because I'm inclined to just agree with anything you say at this point.

OK now that I have your attention, let me say this for probably the 100th time. When you purchase handloading tools, presses, dies, powder measure and so forth, you get what you pay for. It's just like buying a handgun. You can buy budget and you can buy quality. Both budget and quality go bang.

But since you are on a Smith and Wesson forum it is assumed, at least by me, that you might lean in the direction of quality. Believe it or not we all know how much this stuff costs and what you get for that money. But what we know doesn't do much for you unless you are willing to take it all in. The truth of the matter is, handloading is not the least expensive hobby you can get yourself involved in.

In summery, when you click on the "Buy" button, just remember you are getting what you pay for. No more, no less. To properly get started in this hobby and amass all of the stuff that you will need will cost about $500.00

More is better and some will argue that it can be done for less but when it's all said and done, $500.00

Yes I'm mean.

 

[GA_Sheepdog]

At Titan reloading you can get

Classic SS breech press 114

Auto drum powder measure 36

Lee balance scale 26

Lee's reloading manual 18

.38 spcl/.357 3 die set 32

4 die set add 10

You can get everything for 226, or 236 with 4 die set. I don't use the factory crimp die for revolver loads. I do like it for auto calibers, and my lever rifle ammo. You will need to add shipping.

Now, I don't know which kit you were looking at. Some have the perfect powder measure. This a stand alone measure. The one I referenced here is the new drum measure that drops through the die when expanding the case. Much more convenient than a stand alone. The auto drum is a big improvement over the auto disc IMO. A lot of kits include a hand primer. I prime on press. You might want to go to a hand primer down the road, but you can decide later after some experience. If you don't like the Lee balance scale, you can get whatever you want, and want to spend. The Lee scale is slow, and somewhat finicky, but works and is accurate.

There are other things you will need, if you start loading other calibers. A dial or digital caliper for rifle and auto calibers. A trimmer for rifle calibers. Most of us end up with some kind of mechanical cleaner, but you can hand wash cases until you decide you want something powered.

The kits are great if they have the stuff you really want. Otherwise, put together your own kit, and get what you want. This is a list based on what I would get to go along with the press you have settled on. It is just my opinion based on my experience and likes/dislikes. FWIW I have used the perfect powder measure, and both the auto disc and auto drum. The auto drum is my hands down favorite. I have used the Lee balance scale, as well as an inexpensive electronic scale. Electronic is very convenient, and can be accurate, but the beam scale is very accurate and will last a very long time as long as you don't damage it.

You may find down the road that you would rather have something different. You probably won't know what you really want until you get some experience under your belt.

Thank you for taking the time to look up what I would need and even show the prices. Everyone has been very informative in giving there advice and knowledge. I'm actually going to go with this set up. I went with the Frankford Arsenal DS-750 Electronic Powder Scale, instead of the Lee basic scale. I also picked up an extra set of breech lock bushings.

 

[Clovishound]

I have the little Frankford Arsenal scale. I have been very happy with it. It is far quicker to use than a beam scale. I checked mine against a couple beam scales when I first got it. It was dead on.

I will say it is nice to have a balance scale to use as a check on your electronic. Be sure and calibrate your scale periodically. It comes with a calibration weight. I find that mine is spot on with the calibration weight for a couple days after the last calibration. After that it will drift off a little. We are talking very small amounts here, but the calibration takes less than a minute, so I always calibrate it if I haven't used it earlier that day.

Be sure and do lots of reading before loading your first round. Err on the side of safety, and have fun.

 

[CajunBass]

I started off with a Lee "wack a mole" set many years ago for 38 Special. I have no idea how many thousand of rounds I put up with that little kit, but it was a bunch. Sure it was slow, but it worked and at the time, time was cheap.

These days, I'm not much faster. I use a Lee Hand Press. Still not fast, but fast enough for me. Powder measure, dies, scales, primer tool, and all the other stuff is also Lee. It all fits into a drawer on the bottom of the desk here.

I load 38/357, 9mm, 45 acp, and 44 Special using that same hand press. I'm in no particular hurry.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I always like to recommend the Lee hand loader kit. You really don't know if you are even going to like reloading so why spend hundreds of dollars . Get the Lee kit , take your time and learn and enjoy .
I started years ago with the 38 spl kit . I set a goal of 1000 rounds before I would buy a press and dies. I actually loaded about 1250 before I moved up . It comes with reloading data and tells you which powders you can use the supplied dipper with . Good luck and enjoy

 

[Thomas15]

Guys

Several post earlier the dude told us that he already bought his stuff.

Can someone please explain to me why this happens all the time. Someone asks for advice on what to buy. All kinds of advice is given. The OP makes a decision, announces his decision. But the advice continues to pour in.

I started off with a Lee "wack a mole" set many years ago for 38 Special. I have no idea how many thousand of rounds I put up with that little kit, but it was a bunch. Sure it was slow, but it worked and at the time, time was cheap.

These days, I'm not much faster. I use a Lee Hand Press. Still not fast, but fast enough for me. Powder measure, dies, scales, primer tool, and all the other stuff is also Lee. It all fits into a drawer on the bottom of the desk here.

I load 38/357, 9mm, 45 acp, and 44 Special using that same hand press. I'm in no particular hurry.

I always like to recommend the Lee hand loader kit. You really don't know if you are even going to like reloading so why spend hundreds of dollars . Get the Lee kit , take your time and learn and enjoy .
I started years ago with the 38 spl kit . I set a goal of 1000 rounds before I would buy a press and dies. I actually loaded about 1250 before I moved up . It comes with reloading data and tells you which powders you can use the supplied dipper with . Good luck and enjoy

But there still is time to make a difference in the world!!!

The dude still needs to buy a case tumbler, tumbler media, pullet puller, storage solutions, a handloading bench, calipers, loading blocks, priming tool, ammo boxes, spray lube and consumables. And I'm sure I'm forgetting something.

 

[arjay]

RCBS-everything else is just junk [emoji41]

 

[GA_Sheepdog]

Guys

Several post earlier the dude told us that he already bought his stuff.

Can someone please explain to me why this happens all the time. Someone asks for advice on what to buy. All kinds of advice is given. The OP makes a decision, announces his decision. But the advice continues to pour in.






But there still is time to make a difference in the world!!!

The dude still needs to buy a case tumbler, tumbler media, pullet puller, storage solutions, a handloading bench, calipers, loading blocks, priming tool, ammo boxes, spray lube and consumables. And I'm sure I'm forgetting something.

Haha, I was wondering the same thing. Idk, maybe their suggestions will help someone else out, who knows.


You are right though. I still have so much more stuff to get. Although I already have caliper's and a bench that I'll be using to set everything up at.

 

[Magload]

If it's not Dillion it is not a reloader.
Friends don't let friends buy Lee.

 

[cowboy4evr]

Because the later posts might help someone else wanting to get started reloading. That's why !
" friends don't let friends buy lee " ? The most popular brand of reloading equipment , we can't all be wrong !
" If its not dillon its not a reloader "? So Your saying that hornady , rcbs , Forster aren't any good ?
That's not correct !

 

[GA_Sheepdog]

Because the later posts might help someone else wanting to get started reloading. That's why !
" friends don't let friends buy lee " ? The most popular brand of reloading equipment , we can't all be wrong !
" If its not dillon its not a reloader "? So Your saying that hornady , rcbs , Forster aren't any good ?
That's not correct !

I agree and as I've stated above, it my help someone else with the same question.


As far as the friends don't let friends buy Lee. Some people like ford, some people like Chevy. In the end, they all do the same thing.

 

[Wise_A]

Reloaders and handloaders are, as a rule, absolute friggin' zealots about whatever brand they have selected. And it truly doesn't matter.

The first--and most important--question you need to ask yourself is, how much reloaded ammo do you want to shoot, and how many calibers do you want to load?

If you want to shoot IDPA/IPSC/ICORE/whatever, and run through 200 rounds or more a week on average, in one or perhaps two calibers, then a Dillon progressive makes a lot of sense.

If you only want to shoot a box or two a week, and can dedicate an hour a week to reloading, then a Lee Classic Turret will serve you well. Especially if you want to reload a bunch of different calibers, work in small batches, and swap often.

This is 2016. Lee, Redding, RCBS, Hornady, and Dillon all make quality equipment, capable of safely producing accurate ammunition. Get over it.

 

[Thomas15]

Haha, I was wondering the same thing. Idk, maybe their suggestions will help someone else out, who knows.


You are right though. I still have so much more stuff to get. Although I already have caliper's and a bench that I'll be using to set everything up at.

When I was getting all my stuff ready to start handloading I went to the local Harbor Freight and bought 2 pairs of digital calipers. They were on sale for something like $12.00 each. They work but they are a pain in the * because they have a tendency to pick up .020 when you extend them out to measure the cartridge. So I have to zero out and measure two or three times to be confident that I have the correct measure.

The problem is they do work just not as nice as I prefer. I'm going to replace them someday with a real good pair but that means $100.00 or so and no one brags about having a pair of really good calipers.

Something to think about.

 

[Wise_A]

I use the Pittsburgh digital calipers, I think from Harbor Freight. Accurate, repeatable, never had a problem.

 

[limhyl]

I started reloading about 15 years ago with the Lee Classic Turret Press kit and after six moves around the country, it still performs reliably today. I currently load about 150 - 200 rounds 38 SPL a week during the summer season and can do it in less than two hours at a leisurely pace. There are plenty of good information on Youtube on set-up and use.

 

[GA_Sheepdog]

When I was getting all my stuff ready to start handloading I went to the local Harbor Freight and bought 2 pairs of digital calipers. They were on sale for something like $12.00 each. They work but they are a pain in the * because they have a tendency to pick up .020 when you extend them out to measure the cartridge. So I have to zero out and measure two or three times to be confident that I have the correct measure.

The problem is they do work just not as nice as I prefer. I'm going to replace them someday with a real good pair but that means $100.00 or so and no one brags about having a pair of really good calipers.

Something to think about.

How are the digital calipers? A lot of people seem to use and like them for reloading. The ones I have are pretty good but they are analog. I was interested in the digital one's for ease of reading it but I think what I have now are fine.

 

[Thomas15]

How are the digital calipers? A lot of people seem to use and like them for reloading. The ones I have are pretty good but they are analog. I was interested in the digital one's for ease of reading it but I think what I have now are fine.

I think the digital calipers at the budget price point are probably better than the dial calipers. Another poster mentions that he has the Pittsburg brand (the harbor freight house brand) that I have and it works well for him. Mine work but as I said when you open the blades out they sometimes pick up .020 so you have to be careful. For $12.00 ok they work but as I say often you get what you pay for. I paid $12.00 and got $12.00 performance. I really want better so next pair will be about $110.00