Can you check over my shopping cart and offer suggestions?

Smitty1283 · 07-11-2012, 16:09

So far.....

Electronic Caliper (Frankford)
Lyman reloading book
Lyman Max Cartridge Gauge 9mm
Lee Perfect Powder Measure
Electronic Powder Measure (Frankford
Lee Carbide 3 Die Set 9mm
Lee Reloader Single Stage Press
Lee Auto Prime XR
Lee Primer Pocket Cleaner
Lee Chamfer and Deburring Tool
Total 187.00

Let me know if there is anything that is necessary I don't have. I feel like I need some case holders or something.

J

F&AM Russell · 07-11-2012, 16:16

Hey man i reload 35 rem 9mm, 45 lc and acp. If your looking to save i can make a few suggestions. Primer pocket cleaner i have one and.............. i never use it. 9mm dies 4 die over 3. I f your just starting out youll wanna go with the four die because it will come with a factory crimp die and its pretty much impossible to over crimp with it. Just looked over everything you have down. Your best bet lee 75th anneversary the only thing you need to go with it is dies bullets powder brass and primers i suggest 231 winchester

michael e · 07-11-2012, 17:32

Like said I have a primer pocket cleaner that only gets used on my mags loads. It was only a couple of bucks so not going to brake the bank just order it.
The chamfer and deburring isn't needed on handguns, at least I have never needed to in 10+ years of reloading .
If you are going to use a single stage you are going to want a shell holder, this way you can put powder in several at a time and not have them fall over. They are usually only a few (5ish) bucks.
Lee auto prime requires special shell holders, the one that comes with the set of dies is not the right ones. If you plan to add more calibers down the road just order the 10-12 set they offer it will cover 99% of normal calibers.

unclebob · 07-11-2012, 17:58

https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?...mart&Itemid=41

Personally I think if you can afford it you would be happier with the LCT than a single stage press.
Also only get the 3 die set and then get a Lee crimp die. You really don’t need primer pocket cleaner for 9mm. Some of the things you need for loading on a single stage press you don’t need if you get the LCT so the price will be close to being about the same. Check with Harbor Freight for the calipers.

liscomb20 · 07-11-2012, 18:06

Like someone said before I would go with the lee anniversary set I bought one not to long ago and it comes with everything except dies in which I would go with the four die set. The kit and dies should be around 160. and I would also suggest getting at least two reload books. Also if you buy lee dies they come with the recipe for the caliber. It is the same out of the lee manual.

unclebob · 07-11-2012, 18:25

You also don’t need the deburring and chamfering tool at this time. You will if you decide to do rifle.

Dexters · 07-11-2012, 18:29

You don't need the following:

Lyman Max Cartridge Gauge 9mm
Lee Primer Pocket Cleaner
Lee Chamfer and Deburring Tool

zippyhuntin · 07-11-2012, 19:27

Replace the Frankford Arsenal scale with a decent beam scale.
I have one and the only thing I use it for is checking bullet weights. It's only accurate to +/- .2 grains, and it shuts off too soon to really be able to use it to weigh powder loads.

Get a loading block.

Smitty1283 · 07-11-2012, 20:47

Thanks for the replies!

I got rid of the two tools that weren't needed. I'll look for a caliper at harbor freight. I'm going to test my luck on the scale....hopefully it will hold up!

Once it comes in....I'll have plenty more questions!

J

Bello · 07-12-2012, 03:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclebob

You also don’t need the deburring and chamfering tool at this time. You will if you decide to do rifle.

I use that tool for a slight bevel on .357 sig reloads I don't flare the mouth.

Rich22 · 07-12-2012, 06:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by zippyhuntin

Replace the Frankford Arsenal scale with a decent beam scale.
I have one and the only thing I use it for is checking bullet weights. It's only accurate to +/- .2 grains, and it shuts off too soon to really be able to use it to weigh powder loads.

Get a loading block.

I would have to respectfully disagree at least in the short experience I have with this unit. Assuming my check weights are accurate, and since I have two different sets it is likely they are, this scale has been dead on for me. I have found it to be extremely easy to use. Only thing I cannot comment on is the longevity as I have only been using it for three months.

Rich

Colorado4Wheel · 07-12-2012, 09:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smitty1283

So far.....

Electronic Caliper (Frankford)
Lyman reloading book
Lyman Max Cartridge Gauge 9mm
Lee Perfect Powder Measure
Electronic Powder Measure (Frankford
Lee Carbide 3 Die Set 9mm
Lee Reloader Single Stage Press
Lee Auto Prime XR
Lee Primer Pocket Cleaner
Lee Chamfer and Deburring Tool
Total 187.00

Let me know if there is anything that is necessary I don't have. I feel like I need some case holders or something.

J

Spend a little more and get the Kempfs Kit.

Boxerglocker · 07-12-2012, 09:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colorado4Wheel

Spend a little more and get the Kempfs Kit.

9mm on a SS is not going to be fun at all.

Colorado4Wheel · 07-12-2012, 09:59

Oh, and don't get that crappy scale. Get a GOOD beam. Dillon and Redding spring to mind. If you really want digital spend a lot more money. But the smart money is a better press and a good beam scale, not a expensive digital scale and a cheap press.

F106 Fan · 07-12-2012, 10:02

We have this conversation about every other week. Folks want to break into reloading for the least possible cost without understanding just how grim it is to load pistol ammo on a single stage press.

Far too many new reloaders start this way and within a few sessions they are looking for almost anything else.

The very first thing they should do is specify how many calibers and how many rounds per month. Then double the rounds per month because reloading doesn't save a dime. It just allows more shooting for the same amount of disposable income.

Then they should look at the real savings. It is very easy to reload pistol ammo for about 1/2 the cost of Wally World ammo. From the projected quantity, it is easy to figure out how much money will be saved per month or year. Use the higher rounds per month figure because that's the way it's going to work out. There won't be a single dime of savings. It will all go into more supplies and more shooting.

Next they should look at productivity. A single stage press MIGHT be able to make about 100 rounds per hour. A Lee Classic Turret is probably around 200 rounds per hour. A Dillon 550 is probably around 500 rounds per hour. Now a comparison can be made regarding the tradeoff between production rate and equipment cost.

And there is no way in the world a scale that only resolves to 0.2 gr is adequate for pistol. Somtimes the difference between a min and max load is only 0.5 gr. It gets critical with fast powders!

Richard

wallacefan · 07-12-2012, 11:28

i have a rcbs 505 scale and uniflow powder measure with micrometer for sale brand new in box

glockaviator · 07-12-2012, 12:59

I'd get a bullet puller. This will allow you to SAFELY take apart your mistakes.

I reload 9mm on a Lee single stage. Works fine if you aren't in a hurry.

fella · 07-12-2012, 17:01

While single stage presses serve many productive purposes, You can probably double or triple your productivity by spending ~$125 more on a turret press (and prime/powder components).

That is sure a small amount when you amortize it over 10,000? 50,000? rounds.

Even if you really enjoy the process, you'll be happy to save all those hours if you're primarily loading pistol for plinking/comps.

In my humble opinion.

emtjr928 · 07-12-2012, 17:54

I recently went through the same decision. Got the Kempf Classic Turret Kit, added a beam scale. I am now loading 9mm,40s&w and 45ACP. I foresee a press upgrade sometime in the future. Probably a Dillon when I decide what will be my high volume round and the usage. I'll use the Dillon for that and the LCT for the others. The stickies and guides here are your friend.

PCJim · 07-13-2012, 16:02

Skimp on all the other equipment, but do NOT skimp on your scale. It is the one most important aspect of reloading that, if wrong, can very quickly get you into trouble. Like mentioned earlier, go with a good beam scale. If you tire of it later, spend some money and get a good electronic.

I have a RCBS Chargemaster, not a cheap scale, and I use it to get "close" to the desired weight. I finish it off with a 5-0-5 beam scale and trickler. A beam scale will not lie.

Taterhead · 07-13-2012, 22:47

I prefer a dial caliper. Personal preference.

Skip the cartridge gauge. Your chamber is your gauge.

Get a good beam scale like the RCBS 505. Check weights are a good idea. As others have said, this is not an area to go cheap.

No need for a primer pocket cleaner.

No need for a chamferring/deburring tool for 9mm.

You'll want at least one loading block.

Get one more manual. Speer has a pretty good set of reloading instructions.

Nothing wrong with learning on a single-stage press. I think that is a good thing. You'll likely outgrow it and want a progressive. No harm no foul because it is still nice to have a good single stage press onhand for small batches, bolt action rifle, etc. I really like the RCBS Rockchucker Supreme single stage. A bit more money, but it is a very high quality press.

Colorado4Wheel · 07-13-2012, 23:04

You won't need a loading block if you get the LCT.

Zombie Steve · 07-13-2012, 23:45

I apologize.

PCJim · 07-14-2012, 00:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zombie Steve

But you might still hit no-shoots and hard covers.

You clean your gun yet, DQ? Can I call you DQ? Ray wanted to call you Dairy Queen, but thought some folks might take it the wrong way. You don't like Squeaker or Captain Hit Factor...

Dairy sounds much too close to Fairy, and many might "hear" the latter....

Colorado4Wheel · 07-14-2012, 04:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zombie Steve

But you might still hit no-shoots and hard covers.

You clean your gun yet, DQ? Can I call you DQ? Ray wanted to call you Dairy Queen, but thought some folks might take it the wrong way. You don't like Squeaker or Captain Hit Factor...

Once again, Talk to me when you have shot more then two matches. I show up the night before, setup at 6:30 am. Do whatever needs to happen. When others are getting mentally ready to shoot I am in the shed helping with scoring /stats. Your a 2 time consumer of the game. You don't even understand that I sacrifice a match a month so others can have a good time.

As far as the no shoots/hardcover. It's was practice. I was trying to go fast and not favor getting C's. I was usually 5 secs faster then you and trying to hit a middle A rather then a upper A/C on targets with Hardcover and No Shoots over them.

Give me a freaking break. Maybe you shouldn't post drunk.