Looking for advice on first reloading press

[EasyEJL]

I don't really shoot a lot of volume (less than 200 rounds a month), so I don't want to spend big $$ on it and don't think I need a progressive setup. I'd like to get something inexpensive enough that I can load 357s + 308s with it and afford to run through more rounds at the range :D any particular suggestions? I'll be buying a 1911 pistol soon too, so I may end up getting it set for that too (may as well)

[MONTANA308]

I have a hornady L&L ammo plant I really like it. I'm just starting to reload so I'm sure some of theses other guys on here with more reloding experiance. can point ya in the right direction.

[imschur]

For single stage stuff Im a huge fan of Redding Boss and Lyman Crusher (Not sure how the Crusher II differs from the original).  I briefly had the Hornady single before the Lock & load model and that was very good as well. When I sold all my reloading stuff I kept the Redding.

[Tripledeuce]

  The RCBS Rockchucker combo is hard to beat!!!!  Had one since 1971.  It still gets used, even with a RCBS Big Max( a really heavy duty single stage press) and TWO progressives.

    Respectfully

    Terry

[Dane Armory]

Easy,

I have told several people to buy a kit with all the little things you will need and use, The extra stuff is handy. You can upgrade later for higher quality components. Lee dies and RCBS dies are great and inexpensive ( 3 or 4 die sets ). Lee Challenger would be enough to start with. RCBS Rockcrusher also very good !

[seasprite]

I went with the Lee Classic Turret kit comes with almost everything you need to get started its what I use for .308 .30-30,.45 and 9mm ammo.

 

https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=630&category_id=190&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41 

[planeflyer21]

^^^^ Those 2 posts above.

 

Either one of those starter kits will keep you going for years.

 

Jon

[EasyEJL]

I ended up catching an ebay auction that was going at a decent price on a lee pro 1000 press set up for 45 acp. paid $156 shipped for it. now the hunt for primers + powder begins

[planeflyer21]

Not a bad choice.  Heed the following advice closely.

 

Read and follow the instructions!!  Twice!!  Plus YouTube videos on the Pro1000!!  When it says "Manually load only one case at a time until you are familiar with the process," do exactly that.

 

Now, you can experiment with squashing primers sideways, getting stuck in the feedway, and being installed in the case upside-down, or you can get a hand primer and do it right all the time.

 

I have two Pro1000s and they work great at cranking out ammo.  Avoid large flake powders, as they don't like to be metered on auto presses in small quantities.  Win231 and Lil'Gun meter extremely well!  Red Dot is acceptable for anything over 5 grains load.  Trail Boss meters well too.

 

Jon

[EasyEJL]

Cool, thanks for the advice. I'll go with the hand primer, since at first i'm going to be a bit anal on inspecting used cases anyhow, so may as well. Any ideas on anyplace with small or large pistol / large rifle primers in stock ? I'd like to find 1 place that has primers + powder to avoid paying the $27.50 hazmat fee twice. I also need to check locally for sure.

[Dane Armory]

Easy,

I have a Lee pro 1000 set up for 40s&w. It is a unit that is finicky, primers are tricky ,powder drop must be set up right. When it runs good its fast but you have to pay attention to the task at hand, Things can go bad in a hurry.

I strongly suggest you get a single stage press for all other calibers. Dont change the Lee Pro 1000 once it is setup for a caliber that you will use.

Did I mention to GET A SINGLE STAGE PRESS !

Used...Old...Ulgy..,Cheap...Does not matter brand or model.

[Dane Armory]

Cool, thanks for the advice. I'll go with the hand primer, since at first i'm going to be a bit anal on inspecting used cases anyhow, so may as well. Any ideas on anyplace with small or large pistol / large rifle primers in stock ? I'd like to find 1 place that has primers + powder to avoid paying the $27.50 hazmat fee twice. I also need to check locally for sure.

Hazmat does not work like that !

Powders and primers ship separately. Two boxes, two charges !

[Dane Armory]

I prime all of my primers on a single stage press, Baggie up primed cases in lots of 50 & 100's for later use.

[EasyEJL]

that makes sense too. at least I can pick up a single stage press alone pretty cheap

[planeflyer21]

Check the HazMat fees too.  Some retailers charge more.

 

Jon

[EasyEJL]

first I need to find someone that has anything in stock :D

[392heminut]

Hazmat does not work like that !

Powders and primers ship separately. Two boxes, two charges !

Not according to Powder Valley. They ship powder and primers together regularly. Quote from their webpage;

 

WE CAN COMBINE UP TO 48 LBS. OF POWDER AND PRIMERS UNDER ONE HAZMAT TO SAVE YOU MONEY. IF SENDING FUNDS IN ADVANCE, PLEASE CALL FOR ASSISTANCE IN CALCULATING YOUR AMOUNT.

[survivalshop]

Even if you are a high volume loader, a good single stage press is all ya need , just takes longer .

I use mine for my precision loading , even though I have a Dillion . A good starter press & you can alway go to a progressive later.

[planeflyer21]

I know a few older guys that, having perfected what they do, are able to load a couple of hundred rifle rounds per hour on a single stage.  They can't get much higher than that on an autopress, so they stick with the single for quality.

 

Jon

[seasprite]

Even if you are a high volume loader, a good single stage press is all ya need , just takes longer .

I use mine for my precision loading , even though I have a Dillion . A good starter press & you can alway go to a progressive later.

This is why I went with the Lee Classic turret press, remove the index rod and poof instant single stage for my rifle rounds. When I need to crank out some pistol rounds re install the indexing rod with the right caliber turret head and poof your producing 100 + rounds an hour <thumbsup>  I won't say its the best of both worlds but it a good in between progressive and single.