Possible sticky - what do I need for reloading?

[ovenpaa]

I would go for a Lee Cast Classic with matching Lee dies, they will not break the bank and can return superb results. Do remember to allow for some reasonable scales, your call again and you need to weigh up (Pun not intended) speed versus accuracy and these to a degree will be dependant on the powder you use.

[dromia]

Most of our rifles are military rifles - Carl Gustav, Krag in 6.5x55, hence not the most precise of chambers

Go for the Lee dies, a good set of balance beam scales and a set of check weights are a must.

[Alpha1]

What Adam and Ovenpaa said. What ever you decide buy a good quality beam scale (not the Lee one.) Don't forget a powder funnel.

[Grizzly]

Well, oomans, we've read Lyman 49 a few times and think we grasp the basics. We're going to write a sign to paste over our workbench (Keep it simple, keep it safe) and start our re-loading on 6.5x55 Swe - we normally shoot milsurp but we have just bought 100 PPU rounds so we can save the cases ready for reloading. Our first questions:

1. Where is a good place to buy re-loading equipment ? (We don't mind second paw)
2. What is the best press to buy ? By best, we mean a rugged, reliable, simple press that will last
3. What make of dies should we buy ?

I have a Redding T7 Turret. Simple and easy to use. Still going strong. You're best deciding what type you'd prefer then go from there. If you are new to reloading you can easily make mistakes and not notice with progressive presses, whereas single stage presses take alot longer to load but you'll get each stage down to a tee quickly. One of the reasons I went with the T7. Best of both worlds and load in batches.

[Grizzly]

Well, oomans, we've read Lyman 49 a few times and think we grasp the basics. We're going to write a sign to paste over our workbench (Keep it simple, keep it safe) and start our re-loading on 6.5x55 Swe - we normally shoot milsurp but we have just bought 100 PPU rounds so we can save the cases ready for reloading. Our first questions:

1. Where is a good place to buy re-loading equipment ? (We don't mind second paw)
2. What is the best press to buy ? By best, we mean a rugged, reliable, simple press that will last
3. What make of dies should we buy ?

I have a Redding T7 Turret. Simple and easy to use. Still going strong. You're best deciding what type you'd prefer then go from there. If you are new to reloading you can easily make mistakes and not notice with progressive presses, whereas single stage presses take alot longer to load but you'll get each stage down to a tee quickly. One of the reasons I went with the T7. Best of both worlds and load in batches.

Also I love my RCBS Chargemaster. A bit pricey but you'll get the load exactly right every time.

[meles meles]

We're thinking Lee Classic Turret press and Lyman Gen 6 for dispensing the powder...

[Grizzly]

We're thinking Lee Classic Turret press and Lyman Gen 6 for dispensing the powder...

Sounds good, although I think the classic only has four holes for dies. I normally have two sets of dies seated at any one time eg. my most popular loads .223/45.70. Some die sets have 3 dies eg. 45/70 so if you wanted two setup like this you'd need a minimum of 5. Not a biggie, depends what you're loading and how often you want to switch them out.

[meles meles]

We'd prefer to set up for one cartridge at a time, less chance of error that way.

[phaedra1106]

We're thinking Lee Classic Turret press and Lyman Gen 6 for dispensing the powder...

How about thinking Lee Cast Breechlock single stage, Lee Perfect Powder Measure, Target Master Trickler and a set of RCBS 5-0-5 scales. Would work out cheaper and give excellent results.

[Rob1]

So t would appear that Lee is a good solid inexpensive start point for bulk ammo?

Has seen 3,4 and 5 hole turrets tho 3&4 seem most readily available.

Interchangeable between .223/5.56 and 9mm set ups looks pretty straight forward.

Maybe the way to go as a start point.

So he. To figure bullet weight and powder types / amount.

Keep posting guys it's all very useful info for a start up.

Rob