Starting handloading

[TheCoyote]

I recently bought a very nice 6.5mm arisaka, with intent to buy ammunition online, now i'm realizing that loading my own rounds is going to be a far better option; So I felt a hand loading forum would be the best place to look. This will be my start to loading, and as such I need a bit of help. Right now it's not economical for me to buy a large kit of stuff, so I was hoping for a suggestion on a hand loading kit, or a single round press for around the 150-200 dollar range. any suggestions for equipment and techniques would be appreciated.

[prsman23]

If you don't mind slow look for a lee loader on eBay. That plus a scale and a chamfer tool should get you rolling for now.
Or the lee hand press kit is how I started. 75 or 80 shipped on Amazon plus some dies.

[country gent]

Buy a good manual Lyman is very good and covers both jacketed and some cast bullet loads for mostcalibers, A one caliber book has data but not all the information of Lyman or others. Aquire a good manual and read thru the beginners chapter and how to chapters twice. Lee equipment is good, used if you can find it ( gun shows, internet sites, swaping and selling here) will normally give many years of service still. Dies can be iffy as a scratch or rust can create problems, also finding used for an ariska may be hard. Lee dies are ussualy a solid performer. A means of measuring powder very accuratly is needed, dippers and a scales. Or a powder measure but these need to be set with a scales. Read up on what it takes to perform the various tasks and components used. Fullyunderstand the basic operations first then start looking for equipment.

[MrWolf]

I would also look at the stickies and threads posted on comparing the different reloaders. Wealth of knowledge here. Before you do anything, you really should read, then read some more, then ask questions. These folks can then steer you in the right direction as to which reloading setup will fit your needs best. Welcome to the addiction!

[SGTM9]

Depending on where you are you may ask around and find a mentor to help get you started. Many of us have extra equipment floating around and are more than happy to bring a new reloader into the fold. I am working with a young man my self. I was taught by my Grandfather many years ago.

[redriverhunter]

Before I started handloading I purchased a speers number 10 purchased at a used book store. The manual gave me all the step by step info and what I would need. A word of caution hand loading can become very addictive. best of luck and welcome.

[725]

Welcome aboard. There is lots to learn about reloading and casting your own boolits ( bullets hand cast :) ). None of it is real rocket science but all of it demands your respect and full attention. Be careful and stay safe. There are many ways to skin a cat and there are many ways, actually tool preferences, to reload. As noted above, get a good manual (eventually several so you can cross check data) and see if there is someone who can mentor you to get started. This site is a great place for info. Lots of experience and willing helpers to answer any questions. Don't be shy. No such thing as a dumb question. I would guide you toward an "O" frame single stage press as opposed to a "C" frame press. They are just stronger. Almost all are good and just reflect such a preference as to either drive a Chevy or Ford. On the economy side, Natchez Shooter's Supplies (800-251-7839 NatchezSS.com) has a beginner's kit on sale for $128. OMEGA 800 Pro Kit. I like the Lee reloading manual as a starter manual. Once you get past the sales pitch aspect of some of it, it's a really good manual. I like Lee stuff. Best of luck. Ask questions!

[jcren]

Welcome to the disease! As a fairly new inductee, I was in your shoes not too long ago. First, buy a proper press, I love lee for bang for the buck; manual or hand loaders are a pain and you will wind up buying a press anyway. A Lee basic o-frame press, scale, die set and trim and camfer tools to load one caliber can be had for under $200 on e-bay and will get you well on your way to addiction! Other than that, buy and read anything you can find. "In God we trust, in all others, check the manual!" DON'T. LOAD ANYTHING WITHOUT CHECKING A POWDER OR BULLET MANUFACTURER'S MANUAL!

[dikman]

If you want to keep costs down, look for a used press (unlike here, there seem to be a lot in the US). A single stage, preferably "O" style, would be the cheapest. A good set of dies will probably be your biggest expense, you can use dippers to measure the powder and you'll probably need some case resizing tools. Have a look at Lee's website, their gear is relatively inexpensive and is a good way to get started. Titan Reloading (site sponsor) is a good place to buy Lee stuff, prices are very good and service is excellent.

There is a lot of info on this site, be prepared to do a lot of reading. Anything you're not sure about, just ask. We all had to start at the beginning. And yes, it can become addictive......

[GP100man]

Where you izz???

Most would be willin to help if close by.

GP

[N4AUD]

Buy a good manual Lyman is very good and covers both jacketed and some cast bullet loads for mostcalibers, A one caliber book has data but not all the information of Lyman or others. Aquire a good manual and read thru the beginners chapter and how to chapters twice. Lee equipment is good, used if you can find it ( gun shows, internet sites, swaping and selling here) will normally give many years of service still. Dies can be iffy as a scratch or rust can create problems, also finding used for an ariska may be hard. Lee dies are ussualy a solid performer. A means of measuring powder very accuratly is needed, dippers and a scales. Or a powder measure but these need to be set with a scales. Read up on what it takes to perform the various tasks and components used. Fullyunderstand the basic operations first then start looking for equipment. THIS! I bought a Brazilian Mauser, couldn't find ammo but remembered a pal that had handloaded for a Jap 7mm. I bought a Lyman manual FIRST, read the print off of it and acquired my reloading setup piece by piece. I got a good deal on a Hornady 007 press or I would probably have gone with the Lee hand loader like my buddy used. But you can't study too much when you are reloading.

[Wayne Smith]

Yes, post a location. If you are close you may be able to borrow a loading manual or two. This is critical, the good ones, Lyman, Serria, etc. have complete instructions for handloading. This is really all you need to get started. Make sure the one you get (borrow) has data for the caliber you are loading. Once you have absorbed that information think about hardware.

[gwpercle]

A lot of us started with the Lee Classic Handloader, don't know if you will find one in 6.5 Arisaka.
A better bet might be the Lee Hand Press and a set of dies. The Hand Press is a real single stage press, you just hold it in your hands instead of mounting to a bench. The press alone sells for $35.00 and $50.00 will get you a kit that everything except a set of dies.
The fact that you don't have to pound on anything with a mallet is worth the cost of the hand press. I load in the house or in my office with the hand press.
Gary

[Bazoo]

You can get started pretty good for 200.00. I got started with a used press, a set of dies, lee auto prime hand primer and a few small odds and ends for 100.00. Then I got a used scale and a few other things I needed off of a gun forum and ebay.

[orbitalair]

A lot of us started with the Lee Classic Handloader, don't know if you will find one in 6.5 Arisaka.
A better bet might be the Lee Hand Press and a set of dies. The Hand Press is a real single stage press, you just hold it in your hands instead of mounting to a bench. The press alone sells for $35.00 and $50.00 will get you a kit that everything except a set of dies.
The fact that you don't have to pound on anything with a mallet is worth the cost of the hand press. I load in the house or in my office with the hand press.
Gary

+1.

titanreloading.com has jap 6.5 dies (pacesetter sets) in stock.

get the trim tool (I didn't look to see if they had that in stock)
scale, perfectpowder measure, calipers, powder, bullets, primers.

If you splurge, get a lee turret press.

[Mauser48]

I started out like you about a year ago. If this I something you know you will like and really want to do it piece out the supplies and get the better ones. I have the rcbs rock chucker supreme press (a must) lyman case trimmer rcbs powder measure and other lyman hand tools. I have felt the other single stage presses and the rcbs is the best and not too much more money at all. Watch the video on YouTube called a complete beginners guide to reloading by Iraqveteran8888. It is very helpfull. He explains each process an what stuff to buy. Whatever you do make sure you get the rcbs press. Good luck! Here I am a year later and load about 8 different calibers an am just starting 12 gauge. Once you load a couple times it feels like routine.

[trapper9260]

Look around to see if anyone have a sale on kits. They are mainly in large stores at a not bad price. also like was stated check for used press.You will find a single stage press for the range you are looking to pay.Just keep looking also beside ebay, also check with gun brokers also.you will find things on there also you can use.

[ballistim]

I helped a friend looking to get started & he bought the Lee Challenger kit from the local Cabelas, nice kit to start with.

[troyboy]

Lee offers the best bang for the buck. You already have been given excellent advise. IMO the Modern Reloading book is where you need to start.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

hello and welcome to the fourm this would be a good starter kit that will last a life time http://www.bullets.com/products/Reloading-Starter-Kit/BL1657

[TheCoyote]

I'm glad I got this much this quick, I'm outside of boise, in the mayfield area. theres a store called cliffs guns and reloading that i've started going to, but it looks like getting 6.5 jap around here is going to be an uphill climb. I figured a single stage press would be the better way to go, simply because of quality control. There isn't really anybody I know who's into guns too much in my family, and i'm not exactly the social butterfly type, so I don't know too many people.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

good video to watch https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hickok45+reloading+basics

[Ben]

TheCoyote

I put this package together for my gand-son. It is stored in a very sturdy $25 Plano brand water proof case. It is set up in 38 Special right now but could be easily set up for your needs in 6.5 Jap in a few minutes also. The system centers around the Lee Hand Press which takes conventional 7/8 - 14 reloading dies of any brand and conventional shell holders. Mine has the quick change system of putting dies in and out of the hand press. Super quick and fool proof.

You could use this system and load QUALITY ammo for your 6.5 Jap for $200 or less. When you're finished loading, slide it under a bed and you're finished. Need to travel ? ? - - take it with you.

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/001_zps514a199b.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/001_zps514a199b.jpg.html)

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/002_zpsb3fb3779.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/002_zpsb3fb3779.jpg.html)

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/003_zpsbcbe6f0a.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/003_zpsbcbe6f0a.jpg.html)

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/004_zps57485431.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/004_zps57485431.jpg.html)

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/005_zps7abe8655.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/005_zps7abe8655.jpg.html)

[Ben]

Through the years I've owned several Lee Hand Press reloading tools. The press is ideal for someone who lives in an apartment, mobile home or lives in a situation where building a reloading bench isn't practical at the moment.

The little press is a real Titan, as it can easily full length re-size a 30-06 case with no problems at all.

I've loaned a few and given a few away to start a novice reloader , etc. Bottom line is, ---- I got myself in a position where I didn't have one myself.

Last week, I placed an order for a new one. This time , I ordered the newly designed model with the Lee Breech
Lock interrupted threads. This press is simply a stroke of genius ! !

The dies snap ( very securely , I might add ) in and out allowing the user to swap dies in the press just about as fast as you can use a turret press. BTW.... The Lee
Hand Press will accept any brand of 7/8 X 14 dies.

I chose the Lee Lock-Ring Eliminators instead of the conventional Lee Breech Lock Quick Change Bushings that many of you are familiar with. When the press arrived, I removed the Lee Lock rings from the 38 Spec. Lee 3 die set. The dies are then screwed down into the Lock-Ring Eliminators. The Lock-Ring Eliminators serve 2 purposes.......(1) They have a split ring with an allen screw that allow you to get your dies adjusted and lock them with the allen screw. ( you can't do that with conventional Lee Lock rings )
(2) The Lock - Ring Eliminators have the interrupted threads on the outside and snap in place preventing you from having to take each die and screw it in and out of the press saving TONS OF TIME.

Once I got the Lee 3 die 38 Special Carbide set clean, I loaded a few rounds. Simply amazing ! ! I couldn't be happier !

Now if I can keep this one.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/Lee%20Hand%20Press/014.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/Lee%20Hand%20Press/012.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/Lee%20Hand%20Press/020.jpg

[ballistim]

Very nice! Perfect set-up for someone getting started with the benefit of making a nice portable set-up as well.

[Ben]

No large, sturdy, expansive loading bench, no problem - - you won't need one with this system.

Spread an old towel on any table ( kitchen table or coffee table ) and start reloading.

Ben

[jmort]

I have a couple Breech Lock Hand Presses only use the Lock Ring Eliminator Bushings. I also have the Breech Lock Challenger press. Love them all. Really speeds things up. The hand press is great for decapping with the Universal decapping die and priming with the Ram Prime as well. Ben, your pictures always speak a thousand words.

[Ben]

I'm the kind of guy..." If I can see it , I can understand it."

I guess that shows in the photos I usually add ?

Ben

[troyboy]

You go above and beyond Ben. This should really make an impression on the OP.

[Ben]

I hope that it will be a help to him.

Ben

[W.R.Buchanan]

Coyote: to help you sift thru all the pertinent info here simply re read post #, 2,3,13,15,23,24.

Pay special attention to post #2 and #24 where the best answers to your questions are . A Lee Classic Loader is a good way to learn the basics of Reloading. You may have some problems finding one in 6.5 JAP as that is not a real common caliber.

The Lee Hand Press is a system that can take you much further. That simple press, a set of dies, a scale, and a few simple doodads, and of course a manual,,, and you're up and running. Add a Plastic or Wooden Box to put everything in, and you are in business.

When learning the art of reloading ammunition, simple is better and that is why the Lee Classic loader exists. However it is only good for one caliber. The Lee Hand Press is the next step up and can do virtually any caliber that uses standard sized dies. It can also perform many operations that a Classic Loader can't do, like Full Length Size cases which is necessary for certain rounds.

You can get everything you will need for around $100-125. I would recommend buying from Titan Reloading as Dennis the owner, is a sponsor of this site and also a pretty cool guy to deal with.

www.titanreloading.com

Randy

[TheCoyote]

I looked up the lee hand press on amazon, and thats definitely the route I'm going, the press, and the dies from titan should clock in around $75, and that comes with the load data. Do the data sheets come with suggested powders, primers, and bullets? Or do I just ask around and figure out what works?

I was also wondering if 6.5mm creedmoor or Grendel bullets would work for arisaka ammunition? Are the bullets different widths at the bottom or something? I figured the difference was in the casings. I can also get my hands on some loaded carcano, while I know that wont work in my rifle, could I disassemble them for components?

Also, I love the plano case and the lock ring eliminators, I'm probably going to be using both.

[Ben]

You'll be investing your $ into something that you are not likely to wear out.

The Lee hand press is quite rugged.

You may need to tap a soft lead slug down the bore of your 6.5 Jap rifle. I " assume " that a .264 " dia. bullet would work, but many military rifles during war time production had quality control variations.

Ben

[TheCoyote]

You may need to tap a soft lead slug down the bore of your 6.5 Jap rifle. I " assume " that a .264 " dia. bullet would work, but many military rifles during war time production had quality control variations.

Ben

I will do that, just to be sure, but the rifle is not a wartime piece, from the serial #, I've figured out it was built sometime in the mid to late '20s. I'm assuming I can get one of those slugs at a reloading shop, any explanation on the technique? Or is it just, go slow and careful?

[histed]

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?263903-Slugging-a-Bore-Here-s-a-Tip
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?78293-How-to-slug-a-barrel

These are some good threads to check out for slugging a bore, be it rifle or pistol. Stop at a Wal-Mart and get an assortment of soft lead fishing sinkers, then use the one(s) that are just a tad bigger than your bore. If you are shooting jacketed ("j-word" around here) bullets, .264 should be OK. Once you get REALLY addicted and start shooting and casting boolits....well, we had to start somewhere. Oh, Coyote, remember that reloading is an addiction and there is no known cure!

[W.R.Buchanan]

Good to hear you paid attention to the responses. You'll be fine. Just take your time and read everything you can. Also If you get a Loading Manual the Front Sections of these manuals generally have complete instructions of how to actually do all the processes involved in reloading ammo.

It would be wise to read and re read those section many times so that it all sinks in.

When learning any technical subject no one can safely assume that they understand everything they read the first time thru. It must be studied in order to insure understanding.

The subject of Reloading can get pretty technical at times, and it needs to be understood in order to get good results and promote safety.

Example: I have a Handloader Magazine that has an article by Brian Pearce on Reloading the .45-70 for Marlin Rifles. I have read that article at least 50 times!

I can not stress enough the need for understanding on this subject.
Only by going over your materials many times will you get the complete picture.

You'll be fine, and the reason I know this is because you listened when we told you what to do to get started!

So many don't.

Randy

[TheCoyote]

Oh, Coyote, remember that reloading is an addiction and there is no known cure!

Thats what they said about cars, and boy oh boy were they right.

And just lead sinkers huh? I occasionally fish, I can just go dig out my tackle box.

[edctexas]

Just make sure your sinkers are lead! I bought a couple from Cabelas recently that were zinc or some very hard alloy. Not suitable for slugging a barrel. You should be able to scratch your LEAD sinkers with your fingernail.

Ed C

[Wayne Smith]

to slug your barrel you need to use pure lead. Anything else will spring back and you will get a reading that is too large. Measure with a micrometer, not a caliper. If you don't have one go to Sears or Harbor Freight, you can get a useful one for less that $25.00, I think.

No, you DO NOT ask around for data. You get a reloading manual that has tested and proven loads. You are building a bomb in each cartridge - you need to KNOW that what you are doing is safe, not guess. You and your gun only need one mistake to be useless - don't make it! I cannot emphasize this more, safety and absolute knowledge BEFORE you make a single cartridge is essential. Anything else is potential death, or at least a severely damaged hand, possibly eye, and a destroyed rifle.

Get the Lyman or the Sierra or another loading manual with complete instructions in the front and data in the back, and read the chapters on reloading until they are stuck in your brain. Then look up data on your cartridge and follow it. These are pressure tested and safe loads. DO NOT exceed them or reduce the load below the tested minimum.

[TheCoyote]

I am considering ordering my press and dies off of titan, does anyone have any coupon codes?

[TheCoyote]

I am going to order all of my things off of titan, and I was wondering if I had everything covered. My cart consists of;

Lee breech lock hand press kit
Lee 6.5mm jap die kit
Lee R10 shell holder
Lee modern reloading manual

Will I need anything else, aside from the components, to start loading ammunition?

I decided against the lock ring eliminator for now, I am only loading the one caliber.

[histed]

You'll need a powder scale right off. I'm not familiar with that press, so be sure it has the ability to seat new primers (Most do, but they're bench mounted presses). I used to have a 6.5 Jap - they're fun to load and to shoot BUT stay away from hot (maximum) loads. Read you manual cover to cover before you jump in. Was said earlier - you are building bombs!!. Done properly, safely it's great fun, BUT it takes one slip up - just one - to ruin or end your life. Start with the lowest listed load and work up carefully.

[ballistim]

Reloading for cast will require at least a Lee Universal Expander unless you're starting with "J" bullets, and if you are reloading cast you'll want to include a Lee lube size kit in the caliber you need, which should include slugging your barrel. Threads on all of this can be found by searching. I'm sure you'll have more questions & this is a good place to ask. Lee's Challenger kit is a good choice IMO.

[TheCoyote]

I had a local shop slug my barrel, because I couldn't find the right material, and I didn't want to ruin something. The measurements they gave me were .267 groove, and .256 land. I'm assuming that the .267 is what i'm using for the diameter to buy bullets around. But I want to know what land is, is it the measurement of the top of the groove?

[mullthing]

Get reloading manual. Read, read again and ask lot of questions on this forum. Good luck.

[Yodogsandman]

Did your shop do a chamber pound slug or a bore slug. A bore slug is pushed through the bore and only shows the smallest land and groove diameters of your barrel. A chamber pound slug is more involved and shows the area from the case mouth to the rifling. It will show the diameters and shape of your chamber.

The groove diameter is the diameter of the bore.

The land diameter is from the top of the rifling.

You'll want a cast boolit to nearly fill your throat diameter (minus 0.0005" to 0.001"). That's the chamber area between the case mouth and the leade or ball seat, the taper before the rifling starts.

If you're starting out handloading with jacketed bullets, a .264" bullet will work in the bore size you describe.

[Wayne Smith]

Since you are starting with an odd caliber you are likely to find the Lee manual a disappointment. Their data is taken from a few powder companies, they do no testing. Lyman and Sierra will have a variety of loads listed. I would recommend that you start with condom bullets, Hornaday I think makes one of .264".

[danthman114]

i think lee will be about the least expensive out of all of the manufactures. i would keep away from those lee loaders. they are cheap and do reload ammo but primer detinations are a fact of life with those. i have a rock chucker and a hornady progressive but what i use most is a lee hand press. but, i also have a concentricity gauge to true up everything.
you need a trimmer, lube, dies, scale or dippers, tumbler, dial calipers, and the most important-a reloading book. read it, read it, read it. then repeat. afterall it is your hands/life...

[Wayne Smith]

I'm not recommending it, but I started with a couple of Lee Loaders. I deliberately popped a couple of primers so I would know what the experience was (so, I was 16 and it was fun, too!) and not be too suprised when it happened by accident. Not a big deal. Solid 'C' and 'O' and 'H' type presses are cheap enough used that it is not necessary to start with either of the Lee products, the Lee Loader or the Hand press.

[TheCoyote]

I got a lee catalog, and figured that a challenger press setup is the best for the money so far, can anyone recommend anything different? And what exactly does a primer detonation feel like?

[robg]

lee kits have all you need apart from dies and maybe shell holder for the auto prime.

[Wayne Smith]

With the original Lee loader there was a rod that you placed into the case and tapped on it to set the primer. When the primer detonated the rod came about half out of the case and you heard a 'pop'. Not to exciting, at least to a 16year old.

[hpdrifter]

Since you essentially doubled the price of the press by going with the Chanllenger, why not add another $40 and get the Classic cast; much, much more press.

I will not degrade the Challenger since I haven't had one nor any aluminum O press of any kind and it'll probably handle anything reasonable that you might throw at it, but the Classic Cast, either normal or BreechLok, is a much superior press in regards to build, I do believe.

If the extra $40 stress the budget, the Challenger will do the job. It's just a thought.

If, if you ever decide to get a scale and wind up with the Lee Safety Scale, just remember that it is meant to be set at a particular weight and add powder(powder trickler helps) until the scale balances; it is NOT designed to "chase" the weight of a particular measure drop. It'll drive you crazy doing that, another make would be the smart choice, albeit much more $$$$.

Good luck and I know you'll enjoy.

[troyboy]

The Breechlock Challenger is underrated by many. It will serve you well for the intended purpose. Hornandy and Rcbs both produce SS alloy presses and the Lee is every bit their equal if not better.

[W.R.Buchanan]

I am going to order all of my things off of titan, and I was wondering if I had everything covered. My cart consists of;

Lee breech lock hand press kit
Lee 6.5mm jap die kit
Lee R10 shell holder
Lee modern reloading manual

Will I need anything else, aside from the components, to start loading ammunition?

I decided against the lock ring eliminator for now, I am only loading the one caliber.

You don't need the R10 shell holder as the shell holder will come with your dies.

The Dies also come with a powder dipper and some load data

What you have on your list will get you started by adding components and try to choose a powder listed on the Lee Load Data included with the Dies as you will be using the dipper to throw your powder charges initially.

You might add a Powder Funnel as that makes it easier to get the powder into the cases.

No need to complicate this process any further. Just buy the things you have listed and have at it.

You will add tools as needed along the way and as your knowledge increases you will begin to understand the process better and better everytime you reload ammo. Then some of the suggestions offered above by various posters will start to make sense.

However to get started your list in post #41 is enough.

Randy

[danthman114]

when it happened to me my thumb went numb and my ears were ringing for half the day. i suppose they would be good in a pinch or shtf but i would stay away. if you want something small and inexpensive the lee hand press. then you can load in the comfort of your living room. i got one because trying to reload in a 150 degree garage is no fun. arizona gets alittle warm at times...

[W.R.Buchanan]

Dan: but it's dry heat?

Randy

[Maven]

"...but it's dry heat?"

So is fire, Randy.:p

[danthman114]

you would think. with the colorado and gila rivers as well as year round crops and the irrigation that gos along with it, it gets pretty damn humid. not like alabama but pretty damn humid and the regular 120 degree heat to go with it...

[Minerat]

This link will get you started on the how toos. http://www.rcbs.com/guide/

This like will tell you how to use the tools http://www.rcbs.com/resources/product_instructions.aspx

This is a sample of where you can get free loading data http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle

Most powder makers have similar web pages where you can get data for the caliber you will be loading for.

I start by collecting the powder makers free paper loading data that the LGS had laying around, I bought a RCBS Partner press, a 505 scale and some other case prep items in 1984 and have never looked back.

You also never know when or if George might make a strafing run by your place. So keep your sour mash hidden well.

Good loading.

[TheCoyote]

So I finally got a press, it took a while because things money wise went crazy for a bit, car repair and other things. Anyway, I decided on a lee challenger kit, which I am slightly regretting because of the redundant items. The auto prime is unnecessary with the priming device built into the press, As well as the powder scale, which will be unnecessary with the dipper from the pacesetter die set. But from what I can tell, it's good, solid, and it will be easier to work with than the hand press.

134354

I still need to get the pacesetter set, and I have a decapping die coming.

[jmort]

"...the powder scale, which will be unnecessary with the dipper from the pacesetter die set."

I have two Challenger Breech Lock presses. Like them very much. The scale is very accurate and a PITA. You have to start somewhere, and that kit is a good place to start. As time goes on, you will have a better idea as to what works best for you. Regardless, even with dippers, you need to know what your charge weight is. I love using dippers, but always weigh the first couple dipper loads to make sure what is going on. Stuff happens, scales make sure less stuff happens.

[MBTcustom]

The beauty of the hand primer is that you can prime faster, and more importantly, you do not ever touch the primers.
Any ammo I load that may be stored for a while never get's it's primers touched. I'm probably being anal, but I'm worried that over time, the oils from my fingertips could migrate into the primer and weaken it.
Other than that, I have to admit that Lee got it right with their on board priming stem, as I can feel the primer seat better than with the RCBS system. However, nothing beats the autoprime for feel. I just love mine.

[Wayne Smith]

Tim, I started loading with a Lee thumper kit. Handled every primer, even set a few off. Went to the RCBS Jr3, handled every primer (no tubes). I must have loaded for 25 years, for myself and my father, before I got a Lee hand primer and stopped handling every primer. I never had a primer fail! Now I'm back to loading on my TrueLine Jr and 310 tools, handling every primer. I still have yet to have one fail. Methinks the threat is overdone.

Coyote, you can get very different amounts in a scoop depending on how you scoop it. Consistency is critical and a scale is necessary totrain your hand and confirm your charge from the way you scoop. It's not redundant. When you change powders ...

[Texantothecore]

Coyote,

The Challenger kit is how I began. I will never sell it. Makes great ammo.

[Texantothecore]

Very reliable load data at www.hodgdon.com.

[Texantothecore]

Method for using a dipper.

Put the powder in a cheapo tupperware sandwhich box.
Turn it until a corner is nearest to you.
Tip box until the powder is deeper than the dipper.
Place base of dipper on area of deeper powder and push downward until the powder starts to flow into the dipper.
When dipper is full, take a business card and level the top.
Pour into cartridge.

I dip to 1/20 of a grain accuracy with this method.

[MT Chambers]

You should never attempt to reload without a GOOD scale, period.

[Texantothecore]

I agree with MT, a scale is critical to your success. By checking the weight of your dipped powder you can determine if you have the right dipper and you can check for consistency in your method.

When the dipper is being filled with powder keep the wall of powder above it about the same heighth and you will load the same amount each time.

Your method of dipping will load a different amount than mine. Each reloader will have slightly different methofs and the weight will slightly different, so check the weight when you first begin to make sure you are getting the same load that you want.

Scooping will give you more weight but not necessarily the consistency, so be careful.

Dippers really work well, i haven' t used my fixed powder tool in years.

So, the scale isn't redundant. It allows you to become very good very early in this part of the process.

[Sharpsman]

Here's the FIRST $$$$ you should spend:

http://www.brownells.com/reloading/books-amp-videos/books/reloading-books-amp-manuals/sierra-5th-edition-reloading-manual-sku749004109-35013-63215.aspx?cm_mmc=cse-_-Itwine-_-pricegrabber-_-Sierra%205th%20Edition%20Reloading%20Manual&gdftrk=gdfV21820_a_7c187_a_7c828_a_7c749004109_d_7 49004109_d_22394

[gunoil]

I like the rl550 dillon instead, sorry. l do still have a lee hand press, wonder what will ever happen to it. I loaded a ton of 380's on it. If l would of just had a 380 cartridge gage when l first started, that would have helped. I like alliant powders and tula primers from natchez.