reloading

Critical is having a couple of Load Manuals....
Just a strong suggestion that I hope is backed up here....

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Originally Posted by crouton976

I posted in an old thread on reloading a few months ago. At that time, I was considering getting into reloading and buying a progressive press (most likely a Lee just for cost of entry vs. performance). After giving it more thought, I have decided to go with a Lee hand press. For the initial startup costs, I get my press, quick lock bushings, dies for .40 S&W and .223, case trimmer, sizing gauge, scale, tumbler and media, etc., etc., for about $300. I figure there's merit in doing it this way for three reasons:

1. I get a good understanding of how each phase of the process works since each step must be done individually, as well as allowing more control over accuracy.

2. One word: Portability

3. If I decide to upgrade my press down the line, all of the components will work with my new press (assuming I stick with Lee) and I only take about a $50 loss on the hand press (which really isn't, since I can go work up loads at the range or in the woods or re-purpose the press for specialty tasks/loads).

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Good thinking with the portability aspect. Also all your gear will work with bench mounted presses. The threads on dies are 7/8-14 and work with all modern presses.

I too reload all the calibers I shoot. 12 and 20 ga. as well. I cast bullets and slugs and buckshot as well. I use a single stage and it works well for me. I have used progressives before, but I like the hands on approach of each round being worked individually. I first pulled the press handle in 98 and have been shooting since 82.


Big plus 1 on reloading manuals. You can never have too many. Lyman, Lee and Speer are very good.

There are also other forums such as Cast Boolits, The FIring Line, The High Road, amongst others where there is plenty of info and help. Many of the powder companies have load data for the various powders/calibers on their websites as well.

castboolits has to be the best reloading site online.

I reload 45colt, 223, 303 British, 45-70 BP, and 308. I also cast for my 45-70 and my muzzle loaders.

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Originally Posted by ColonelG

Critical is having a couple of Load Manuals....
Just a strong suggestion that I hope is backed up here....

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+1. This is very true, lymans is a good start

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Originally Posted by straightshooter1911

+1. This is very true, lymans is a good start

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Lyman and Sierra have a place on my bench.

My biggest pet peeve is stuck cases. When I had my .458 Socom, I had to reload as the rounds were about the same price as commercial .50 BMG. Biggest issue with it is that it is a round that is notorious for sticking if you don't get enough case lube on it.

What's your guys main way for getting stuck cases out?

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Originally Posted by shooter74743

What's your guys main way for getting stuck cases out?

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Carbide dies, it becomes a non-issue