What Do I Need?

[brokenprism]

I'm going to start reloading for the .44 magnum. I see lots of stuff on eBay, but don't know what I need. There are Lee Classic Turrett presses, Lee Auto Index press, 3 hole, 4 hole, etc. I'm lost.

Without specifying model names -- yet -- what components do I need?

Press
Dies (what kind, how many?)


Thanks!

 

[505Gibbs]

Before you do anything buy or borrow a good reloading manual!
Sierra, Hornady and Speer to name some all have good sections to review before you commit your funds. There'a another world of 'stuff' all aimed at the reloader - some necessary, while others are/can be luxury items. If you know someone that reloads do the reading[perhaps more than once] and then gather your questions and ask that person your questions.
IF you initially only plan to do the 44 mag then a single stage press is more than adequate.
Besides that you'll need a scale for weighing powder and the appropriate dies. Buy carbide dies if you can afford, to eliminate the case lube.
This is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

 

[H Richard]

Adding to what 505GIBBS said, I also recommend a single stage press, RCBS, Hornady both make good solid press's, as well as a few others. The nice thing about a single stage is it will load anything, and you can always keep it, for small batch's long after you buy a Dillon or some other high capacity loader when you get into competition and need greater volume.

The single stage is a "learning" press, and as you go one step at a time you learn to understand what makes ammo tick.

But, be sure to buy the loading manual first and read up on everything before you buy any equipment.

 

[brokenprism]

I see there's a sort of parallel thread on this 'getting started' topic, so I'll follow that one and not revisit this one.

Thanks again.

 

[jwr0201]

Look On Youtube

A good way to actually see the press in action is looking at several videos on Youtube. You can see different presses and get different views of the process. Good for instruction - along with a few good books & manuals.
RR

 

[fredj338]

IMO, most don;t shoot enough 44mag at one outing to justify much more than a single stage press, although a turret is a good way to go. I run a 550B & 650 but still load 44mag on the single stage. I am always tinkering w/ bullets & powders & setting the progressive up for 20-40rds is just not owrth it.
The ABCs of Reloading is classic newb reading mat'l. At least one good reloading manual is a must, I like the lYman, it has good cast lead bullet data. A single stage press, dies, shell holder, calipers, loading block, scale & powder measure will get you started. Other good suff to have, case trimmer (eventually you will have to trim 44mag brass) & chamfer tool, hand priming tool (lee works, Hornady is better).

 

[kennyb]

i would add that RCBS has great equipment and fantastic customer service...the roskchucker kit has everything except dies to get you up and running

 

[Wayne K]

I was advise to use single stage presses, so lined up 4 cheap Lee presses so I can use one for decap/primer. and the other three for Powder Measure, Bullet Seating and "factory" crimp. I use Lee dies and have adapted a Dillon Powder measure which works very well when the internals are polished. I have kept everything in a spreadsheet, including the item, part number, price, and where I purchased (MidwayUSA, Dillon etc) as well as all load books. If you use Microsoft Excell, I'll send you (or anyone) the whole thing. Incluses tabs with chrony data etc. powder burn rate list, etc. Next project will be a progressive

 

[Jeff423]

Why don't you drill 4 holes in a 2x4 for the handles on the Lees and have kind of a semi progressive?

 

[Wayne K]

Good idea Jeff....then I'd have the 2x4 handy to hit myself in the head for not just buying a dillon 650 (my dream) to begin with. The advice on the single stages was from an old timer that felt it would be better to pay attention to every step, but after nearly 8,000 rounds, I'm ready to speed things up...at least for hand guns.