Am I missing anything?

eon_shift · April 17, 2007, 09:25 PM

Below is a list of products im looking to buy to start reloading I would appreciate if anyone could let me know what im missing and give their advice on the products I have chosen people who have used the items experiences would be greatly apreciated.

Lee Hand Press
Lee Improved Powder Measure Kit
Lee Safety Magnetic Powder Scale 100 Grain Capacity
Lee Auto Prime Hand Priming Tool
Lee RGB 2-Die Set 30-06 Springfield
Lee Auto Prime Shellholder
Lee Universal Shellholder Lee Powder Funnel 22 to 45 Caliber
Frankford Arsenal Dial Caliper 6" Stainless Steel

MDman · April 17, 2007, 09:42 PM

maybe a tumbler to clean the cases.

rwilson452 · April 17, 2007, 10:37 PM

I still think that that hand press is not a good press to start with. You going to wish you had three hands.

**Shane Tuttle** · April 17, 2007, 10:45 PM

"I still think that that hand press is not a good press to start with. You going to wish you had three hands."

I agree with that. Spend just a few bucks and at least get the challenger press. It gave me many years of faithful service before I recently bought a RockChucker Supreme(finally).

You forgot the most important item(s). BOOKS
1. ABC's of Reloading-IMHO the best for beginners. It's an easy read that won't engulf you.
2. Lyman's, Speer's, or Lee's reloading books are valuable. Get one and pick up the other's in the future as budget allows.

www.midwayusa.com will be your next favorite website...

benedict1 · April 17, 2007, 11:36 PM

Totally agree on the Challenger Press. For about $10-15 more you can have a single stage press that you can mount on a board and clamp to a table so you have a steady working platform. That press will last a long, long time.

dirty habit · April 18, 2007, 02:10 AM

Challenger press is great, ive had mine for coupla years now, solid, smooth and reliable. Youd prob want to grab a few case care bits and pieces too, trimmer, primer pocket cleaner etc...but the best piece of reloading gear you can get is "ABC s of Reloading"

Randy_che · April 18, 2007, 07:19 AM

If that's what you're planning on getting, then get the Lee Anniversary Kit. It will have all of that stuff (except for the hand press, it comes with the Challenger press instead) and some of the case care tools and the book. Then add the Lee trim mandril/base holder for 30/06 and the mouth cutting tool (with the ball end) and some imperial die wax and you are ready to roll. The kit is less $ than the sum of the individual pieces.

Castaway · April 18, 2007, 07:53 AM

If your heart is set on the hand press, trade the powder measure for a dipper set. Don't know how you plan to use the hand press, they do have their place, but a bench press is more practical, although I had a buddy that used his hand press in his truck between security checks.

eon_shift · April 18, 2007, 06:27 PM

Thanks for all the feed back and i can see you guys are pretty much all against the hand press im leaning toward it because of space and i dont think my mom is going to let me mount a press to the desk in my room

also would a chamfering tool be a good idea im really just looking for the basics to get started but i dont want to have to keep going back to the store to get things i forgot.
oh and almost forgot a trimmer that would be for when the cases get to long right?

**Shane Tuttle** · April 18, 2007, 06:36 PM

You can get a portable press from Midway. It's real small if space is a concern. It also breaks down to store.

Something to consider so you can have the best of both worlds...

**Shane Tuttle** · April 18, 2007, 06:38 PM

Sorry, I meant a portable BENCH.

"oh and almost forgot a trimmer that would be for when the cases get to long right?"

Correct. Especially useful for rifle cases such as the .22-250...

eon_shift · April 18, 2007, 08:44 PM

All of this equipment would for loading 30-06 are there any special concerns for this cartridge or pieces of equipment

Randy_che · April 18, 2007, 08:49 PM

"i dont think my mom is going to let me mount a press to the desk in my room"

Bolt the press to a piece of 2"x8" or 2"x10" lumber about 8" long. Use C-clamps to clamp the board to your desk. Make sure that the ends of the bolts do not protrude past the bottom of the board by countersinking them with a drill bit or by using T-nuts. Put a folded towel between the board and the desk surface before you clamp. That should eliminate the possibility of scratching, and allow you to have a removable press.

eon_shift · April 18, 2007, 08:54 PM

thanks for the tip

rickh · April 20, 2007, 08:12 PM

Quote:

also would a chamfering tool be a good idea im really just looking for the basics to get started but i dont want to have to keep going back to the store to get things i forgot.
oh and almost forgot a trimmer that would be for when the cases get to long right?

Yes it would and thats half the fun of reloading!
Trimmer, if you got a portable drill the lee trimmers are hard to beat.
Rick H...

**44 AMP** · April 21, 2007, 03:31 PM

I didn't see loading blocks on your list. You are going to want one (two is better). They are cheap. You might want a primer pocket cleaner. You can buy one (cheap) or make one (cheapest).

I don;t know much about LEE equipment, I have a couple of their dies sets, but all my other stuff is RCBS or Lyman. The RCBS hand primer uses the same shellholder as the press.

I have never heard of a 100gr scale. It must be cheap. Standard scales go to about 500gr capacity. A 100gr capacity scale will do ok for your .30-06 powder charges, but what if you want to weigh some bullets?

Lots of people start out with LEE equipment, because it is the lowest cost, and does work. BUT, it generally takes more work then other brands. And, as time goes on, you might want to "upgrade". Reloading equipment generally doesn't wear out with normal use and care. I would recommend spending a little more money up front and getting better stuff, which will also last for decades. Some of my stuff is over 40 years old, and works as well as the day I got it. If you can afford it, I would go with something better than LEE. But if you can't, LEE will still get you started in handloading.

OH, yeah, you didn't list case lube. Very important! Last thing you want is to tear the rim off a case, leaving it stuck in the sizer die! RCBS makes a stuck case remover (drill, tap, screw & wrench) which will get you back in business if you do get a case stuck. Hope you never need it, but if you do, nothing else will work as well. Study the books, take things one step at a time, and don't be afraid to ask questions. I load for more than 25 different calibers, and have been doing it for close to 40 years. I do have a little bit of experience, and would be happy to share info when you have questions.
Good Luck, and enjoy.

**Shane Tuttle** · April 21, 2007, 06:12 PM

Good thing 44AMP brought up case lube. I like the Lee Case lube that comes with the kit, but I'm going to try to find out where someone sells Imperial? wax. Heard that's good stuff...

CrustyFN · April 21, 2007, 07:55 PM

+1 on the Lee case trimmer. I bought the Lee case trimmer for 223, chamfer tool and primer pocket cleaner and I think it was all under $10. I have also been hearing a lot of good things about the Possum Hollow Kwick trimmer and they are around $20. If you are goung to be weighing every charge you might want to measure lite and use a powder trickler to finish your load. I would also suggest a single stage over the hand press.
Rusty

eon_shift · April 21, 2007, 10:35 PM

ok after all the negative feed back on the hand press I put some more thought in and decided to get the:
-lee anniversary kit
-lee pace setter dies(comes with shell holder)
-lee case length gauge
-frankford arsenal 6" calipers
are you guys proud or what probly not but what do you think of this and im pretty sure that ive got everything covered with this but I wouldnt be to shocked if I missed something so thanks in advance from stopping me from make unnnessecary mistakes.

**Shane Tuttle** · April 22, 2007, 12:09 PM

"are you guys proud or what probly not but what do you think of this and im pretty sure that ive got everything covered with this but I wouldnt be to shocked if I missed something so thanks in advance from stopping me from make unnnessecary mistakes."

Only thing missing there is some periods and capital letters to follow from time to time.

Looks like a good start. Don't forget to have fun...

eon_shift · April 22, 2007, 12:31 PM

Ya I guess I got a little excited

mattgreennra · April 23, 2007, 02:14 AM

Alright this is just a personal tip. I originally bought an RCBS rock chucker supreme to learn reloading. After I got the hang of it I went progressive w/ their piggyback system. If you ever want to go progressive you might want to consider buying an RCBS supreme so that you have the option of doing it later for less $$. Also, I find midsouthshooterssupply.com and natchezss.com have the best prices. Hope this helps.

April 17, 2007, 09:25 PM	#1
eon_shift Member Join Date: April 16, 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 22	Am I missing anything? Below is a list of products im looking to buy to start reloading I would appreciate if anyone could let me know what im missing and give their advice on the products I have chosen people who have used the items experiences would be greatly apreciated. Lee Hand Press Lee Improved Powder Measure Kit Lee Safety Magnetic Powder Scale 100 Grain Capacity Lee Auto Prime Hand Priming Tool Lee RGB 2-Die Set 30-06 Springfield Lee Auto Prime Shellholder Lee Universal Shellholder Lee Powder Funnel 22 to 45 Caliber Frankford Arsenal Dial Caliper 6" Stainless Steel

April 17, 2007, 10:45 PM	#4
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	"I still think that that hand press is not a good press to start with. You going to wish you had three hands." I agree with that. Spend just a few bucks and at least get the challenger press. It gave me many years of faithful service before I recently bought a RockChucker Supreme(finally). You forgot the most important item(s). BOOKS 1. ABC's of Reloading-IMHO the best for beginners. It's an easy read that won't engulf you. 2. Lyman's, Speer's, or Lee's reloading books are valuable. Get one and pick up the other's in the future as budget allows. www.midwayusa.com will be your next favorite website... __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

April 18, 2007, 02:10 AM	#6
dirty habit Member Join Date: December 18, 2006 Location: New Zealand Posts: 57	Challenger press is great, ive had mine for coupla years now, solid, smooth and reliable. Youd prob want to grab a few case care bits and pieces too, trimmer, primer pocket cleaner etc...but the best piece of reloading gear you can get is "ABC s of Reloading" __________________ Happiness.......is a warm gun

April 18, 2007, 06:36 PM	#10
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	You can get a portable press from Midway. It's real small if space is a concern. It also breaks down to store. Something to consider so you can have the best of both worlds... __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

April 18, 2007, 06:38 PM	#11
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	Sorry, I meant a portable BENCH. "oh and almost forgot a trimmer that would be for when the cases get to long right?" Correct. Especially useful for rifle cases such as the .22-250... __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

April 17, 2007, 09:42 PM	#2
MDman Senior Member Join Date: March 19, 2007 Location: maryland Posts: 535	maybe a tumbler to clean the cases.

April 17, 2007, 10:37 PM	#3
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	I still think that that hand press is not a good press to start with. You going to wish you had three hands.

April 17, 2007, 11:36 PM	#5
benedict1 Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 245	Totally agree on the Challenger Press. For about $10-15 more you can have a single stage press that you can mount on a board and clamp to a table so you have a steady working platform. That press will last a long, long time.

April 18, 2007, 07:19 AM	#7
Randy_che Member Join Date: July 28, 2005 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 57	If that's what you're planning on getting, then get the Lee Anniversary Kit. It will have all of that stuff (except for the hand press, it comes with the Challenger press instead) and some of the case care tools and the book. Then add the Lee trim mandril/base holder for 30/06 and the mouth cutting tool (with the ball end) and some imperial die wax and you are ready to roll. The kit is less $ than the sum of the individual pieces.

April 18, 2007, 07:53 AM	#8
Castaway Member Join Date: February 2, 2007 Location: Dade City, FL Posts: 90	If your heart is set on the hand press, trade the powder measure for a dipper set. Don't know how you plan to use the hand press, they do have their place, but a bench press is more practical, although I had a buddy that used his hand press in his truck between security checks.

April 18, 2007, 06:27 PM	#9
eon_shift Member Join Date: April 16, 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 22	Thanks for all the feed back and i can see you guys are pretty much all against the hand press im leaning toward it because of space and i dont think my mom is going to let me mount a press to the desk in my room also would a chamfering tool be a good idea im really just looking for the basics to get started but i dont want to have to keep going back to the store to get things i forgot. oh and almost forgot a trimmer that would be for when the cases get to long right?

April 18, 2007, 08:44 PM	#12
eon_shift Member Join Date: April 16, 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 22	All of this equipment would for loading 30-06 are there any special concerns for this cartridge or pieces of equipment

April 18, 2007, 08:49 PM	#13
Randy_che Member Join Date: July 28, 2005 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 57	"i dont think my mom is going to let me mount a press to the desk in my room" Bolt the press to a piece of 2"x8" or 2"x10" lumber about 8" long. Use C-clamps to clamp the board to your desk. Make sure that the ends of the bolts do not protrude past the bottom of the board by countersinking them with a drill bit or by using T-nuts. Put a folded towel between the board and the desk surface before you clamp. That should eliminate the possibility of scratching, and allow you to have a removable press.

April 18, 2007, 08:54 PM	#14
eon_shift Member Join Date: April 16, 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 22	thanks for the tip

April 21, 2007, 03:31 PM	#16
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,832	Besides reloading books I didn't see loading blocks on your list. You are going to want one (two is better). They are cheap. You might want a primer pocket cleaner. You can buy one (cheap) or make one (cheapest). I don;t know much about LEE equipment, I have a couple of their dies sets, but all my other stuff is RCBS or Lyman. The RCBS hand primer uses the same shellholder as the press. I have never heard of a 100gr scale. It must be cheap. Standard scales go to about 500gr capacity. A 100gr capacity scale will do ok for your .30-06 powder charges, but what if you want to weigh some bullets? Lots of people start out with LEE equipment, because it is the lowest cost, and does work. BUT, it generally takes more work then other brands. And, as time goes on, you might want to "upgrade". Reloading equipment generally doesn't wear out with normal use and care. I would recommend spending a little more money up front and getting better stuff, which will also last for decades. Some of my stuff is over 40 years old, and works as well as the day I got it. If you can afford it, I would go with something better than LEE. But if you can't, LEE will still get you started in handloading. OH, yeah, you didn't list case lube. Very important! Last thing you want is to tear the rim off a case, leaving it stuck in the sizer die! RCBS makes a stuck case remover (drill, tap, screw & wrench) which will get you back in business if you do get a case stuck. Hope you never need it, but if you do, nothing else will work as well. Study the books, take things one step at a time, and don't be afraid to ask questions. I load for more than 25 different calibers, and have been doing it for close to 40 years. I do have a little bit of experience, and would be happy to share info when you have questions. Good Luck, and enjoy. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

April 21, 2007, 06:12 PM	#17
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	Good thing 44AMP brought up case lube. I like the Lee Case lube that comes with the kit, but I'm going to try to find out where someone sells Imperial? wax. Heard that's good stuff... __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

April 21, 2007, 07:55 PM	#18
CrustyFN Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 2,258	+1 on the Lee case trimmer. I bought the Lee case trimmer for 223, chamfer tool and primer pocket cleaner and I think it was all under $10. I have also been hearing a lot of good things about the Possum Hollow Kwick trimmer and they are around $20. If you are goung to be weighing every charge you might want to measure lite and use a powder trickler to finish your load. I would also suggest a single stage over the hand press. Rusty __________________ I don't ever remember being absent minded.

April 21, 2007, 10:35 PM	#19
eon_shift Member Join Date: April 16, 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 22	rethought the hand press ok after all the negative feed back on the hand press I put some more thought in and decided to get the: -lee anniversary kit -lee pace setter dies(comes with shell holder) -lee case length gauge -frankford arsenal 6" calipers are you guys proud or what probly not but what do you think of this and im pretty sure that ive got everything covered with this but I wouldnt be to shocked if I missed something so thanks in advance from stopping me from make unnnessecary mistakes.

April 22, 2007, 12:09 PM	#20
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	"are you guys proud or what probly not but what do you think of this and im pretty sure that ive got everything covered with this but I wouldnt be to shocked if I missed something so thanks in advance from stopping me from make unnnessecary mistakes." Only thing missing there is some periods and capital letters to follow from time to time. Looks like a good start. Don't forget to have fun... __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

April 22, 2007, 12:31 PM	#21
eon_shift Member Join Date: April 16, 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 22	Ya I guess I got a little excited

April 23, 2007, 02:14 AM	#22
mattgreennra Member Join Date: April 15, 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 93	Alright this is just a personal tip. I originally bought an RCBS rock chucker supreme to learn reloading. After I got the hang of it I went progressive w/ their piggyback system. If you ever want to go progressive you might want to consider buying an RCBS supreme so that you have the option of doing it later for less $$. Also, I find midsouthshooterssupply.com and natchezss.com have the best prices. Hope this helps.