Just about to start reloading

[Mike357]

Over the past few months I have collected various bits and pieces for reloading but no press as yet. I have a set of Lee 38/357 & 303 dies in a turret which I got 2nd hand. Have brass, primers,powder and boolits so just need to get more hardware.

I have read much about Lee equipment, both good and bad, and thought that it would be ok for pistol calibre and I could always buy another press for accurate loads but then why should I and should every load not be an accurate one?

Please feel free to give me your opinions on the the best way of priming, on or off press. What brand of case prep tools to use and also I need advise about scales/powder dispenser (want accurate powder weight).

As for the press, should I go with a Lee Turret press or can I buy a better press but still use the Lee dies for now?

I am trying to keep cost as low as possible while avoiding the need to chuck stuff away in the coming years as I get more proficient.

[Robin128]

Have a look around the fora...one or two RCBS Rock Chuckers about...second hand...

http://www.guntrader.co.uk/EquipmentFor ... 0115808769

or make a good investment. Don't buy to upgrade later...get now what you will always need...

http://www.sportsmanguncentre.co.uk/pro ... RCB09356)/

[Robin128]

Lee primer tool...everyone rates them...

http://leeprecision.com/xcart/Auto-Prime-XR.html

Don't forget to full length dies (I only use carbide RCBS for handgun cals) case holder for press and for primer tool above. Oil pad, oil, primer pocket cleaner, case length trimmer (Lee), RCBS beam scales, chamfer tool, RCBS uniflow mowder measure.

Lee do a kit...

http://leeprecision.com/xcart/Breech-Lo ... r-Kit.html

But I personally think the Lee press and scales are naff.

Look out, incoming.

:lol:

[ovenpaa]

Or go for a Lee Classic which is a bit cheaper and equally as good.

http://www.sportsmanguncentre.co.uk/pro ... 0998%2729/

If you are using cast boolits you will need a case neck flaring tool to give the bullets a lead in to the case neck and prevent shaving

Lee dies will give fine results so no need to worry about upgrading quite yet. You may want to consider slinging the original lee lock nuts away and replacing them with split nuts that can be locked to the die so they always go back in at the same place, alternatively drill and tap the existing ones and add a grub screw to perform the same function. stick a small piece of nylon plastic in first to save damaging the thread.

Powder measuring is a very personal choice, if it is fine powder use a Culver type thrower if it is coarse use a beam scale, if you are feeling flush get a Chargemaster. Some of the cheap electronic scales off eBlag also work incredibly well but need to be kept out of drafts and be kept vibration free.

For Primers I use the Lee Auto prime hand tool for .303's

Get your self a primer pocket cleaner and something to chamfer and deburr the necks and you are going to need a case length trimmer at some point. You will also need a digital vernier, look in Lidls and Aldi for a cheap one and it will be fine. I had one that cost a fiver from Lidl's that was brilliant and every bit as accurate as my Mitutoyo at GBP200+

Case cleaning - use a worn out green scourer for the outside of the necks and a PB brush in a cordless drill for the inside of the necks instead of getting a tumbler.

Finally consider moving to neck sizing only at some point as it will extend your brass life considerably.

[ovenpaa]

[quote="ovenpaa"]Or go for a Lee Classic which is a bit cheaper and equally as good.

http://www.sportsmanguncentre.co.uk/pro ... 0998%2729/

If you are using cast boolits you will need a case neck flaring tool to give the bullets a lead in to the case neck and prevent shaving

Lee dies will give fine results so no need to worry about upgrading quite yet. You may want to consider slinging the original lee lock nuts away and replacing them with split nuts that can be locked to the die so they always go back in at the same place, alternatively drill and tap the existing ones and add a grub screw to perform the same function. stick a small piece of nylon plastic in first to save damaging the thread.

Powder measuring is a very personal choice, if it is fine powder use a Culver type thrower if it is coarse use a beam scale, if you are feeling flush get a Chargemaster. Some of the cheap electronic scales off eBlag also work incredibly well but need to be kept out of drafts and be kept vibration free.

For Primers I use the Lee Auto prime hand tool for .303's

Get your self a primer pocket cleaner and something to chamfer and deburr the necks and you are going to need a case length trimmer at some point. You will also need a digital vernier, look in Lidls and Aldi for a cheap one and it will be fine. I had one that cost a fiver from Lidl's that was brilliant and every bit as accurate as my Mitutoyo at GBP200+

Case cleaning - use a worn out green scourer for the outside of the necks and a PB brush in a cordless drill for the inside of the necks instead of getting a tumbler.

Finally consider moving to neck sizing only at some point as it will extend your brass life considerably

EDIT - Google and get some Imperial sizing wax!!!!