Ugly Dwarf
12-31-2008, 03:11 PM
Ok, I've been reading a bunch and am about to buy the foundation for my casting setup.
I'm planning to go with the following items, but would be interested in some feedback on my choices.
For background, I've been reloading with jacketed bullets (rifle and pistol - perhaps 10 different calibers) on a Dillon 550B for about 15 years. I'm now looking to get into casting on a low budget, while buying 'good enough' equipment to not require I upgrade anything in the near future. I currently have a propane turkey fryer and cast iron dutch oven that I've been using to make ingots out of WW scrounged from local sources.
Manual - I've got the Lyman Reloading Manual (#47) already. Is there any reason to get the Lyman Casting Handbook too? From what I've been able to find at this site, the Casting Handbook has more load data, but contains the same information in regards to the "Casting Process". Are there any other manuals that do a 'deeper dive' into the process that I should consider a 'must have'? Obviously, I'll be using this site as a reference as well.
Furnace - I'm planning to get the Lee Pro 4 20 (bottom pour) Furnace. By all accounts I've read, this is a good to great way to start, at a low price point.
Sizing - I've been planning to go with the Lee Sizers in each caliber I cast.
Press - I'm planning to get a Lee 4 Hole Turret Press, so I can have each sizing die in one turret (I don't expect to size for more than four calibers in the near future, and I figure I can always add more turrets if needed). As an added benefit, I also plan to use this for some 'single stage' reloading functions like depriming, bullet pulling, sizing prior to trimming, etc...
Molds / Moulds - I'm leaning towards 6 cavity Lee molds (are you sensing a theme here?). To start, I'm looking at loading for my .357 Mag and .45 ACP (Glock, but I'll be getting an aftermarket barrel since I understand the polygonal rifling doesn't like lead). Eventually, I will be casting for .44 Mag and .30 Carbine (Blackhawk). I also plan to cast for my .35 Remington (Marlin 336 Microgroove), but will probably need to go with 2 cavity RCBS or Lyman molds for that. Any bullet styles / designs to stay away from, or is that mostly a matter of personal preference?
Thermometer - I'm all about "inexpensive and works well", but it looks like I'll be going with the RCBS thermometer. The reviews I've read about the Lyman suggests it has some quality control, accuracy and longevity issues. For the extra $15 ($45 vs. $30), I'd rather not need to send it back for repairs, or replace it in a year. Any other suggestions on inexpensive thermometers that work well and last?
Lube - I've been planning to use Lee Liquid Alox.
I think that's it. Am I missing anything? Is there anything on my list that seems like a waste or that I should reconsider?
Thank you for your input.
Dwarf
ETA - Flux - I've already placed an order for some of PatMarlins CFF.
I'm planning to go with the following items, but would be interested in some feedback on my choices.
For background, I've been reloading with jacketed bullets (rifle and pistol - perhaps 10 different calibers) on a Dillon 550B for about 15 years. I'm now looking to get into casting on a low budget, while buying 'good enough' equipment to not require I upgrade anything in the near future. I currently have a propane turkey fryer and cast iron dutch oven that I've been using to make ingots out of WW scrounged from local sources.
Manual - I've got the Lyman Reloading Manual (#47) already. Is there any reason to get the Lyman Casting Handbook too? From what I've been able to find at this site, the Casting Handbook has more load data, but contains the same information in regards to the "Casting Process". Are there any other manuals that do a 'deeper dive' into the process that I should consider a 'must have'? Obviously, I'll be using this site as a reference as well.
Furnace - I'm planning to get the Lee Pro 4 20 (bottom pour) Furnace. By all accounts I've read, this is a good to great way to start, at a low price point.
Sizing - I've been planning to go with the Lee Sizers in each caliber I cast.
Press - I'm planning to get a Lee 4 Hole Turret Press, so I can have each sizing die in one turret (I don't expect to size for more than four calibers in the near future, and I figure I can always add more turrets if needed). As an added benefit, I also plan to use this for some 'single stage' reloading functions like depriming, bullet pulling, sizing prior to trimming, etc...
Molds / Moulds - I'm leaning towards 6 cavity Lee molds (are you sensing a theme here?). To start, I'm looking at loading for my .357 Mag and .45 ACP (Glock, but I'll be getting an aftermarket barrel since I understand the polygonal rifling doesn't like lead). Eventually, I will be casting for .44 Mag and .30 Carbine (Blackhawk). I also plan to cast for my .35 Remington (Marlin 336 Microgroove), but will probably need to go with 2 cavity RCBS or Lyman molds for that. Any bullet styles / designs to stay away from, or is that mostly a matter of personal preference?
Thermometer - I'm all about "inexpensive and works well", but it looks like I'll be going with the RCBS thermometer. The reviews I've read about the Lyman suggests it has some quality control, accuracy and longevity issues. For the extra $15 ($45 vs. $30), I'd rather not need to send it back for repairs, or replace it in a year. Any other suggestions on inexpensive thermometers that work well and last?
Lube - I've been planning to use Lee Liquid Alox.
I think that's it. Am I missing anything? Is there anything on my list that seems like a waste or that I should reconsider?
Thank you for your input.
Dwarf
ETA - Flux - I've already placed an order for some of PatMarlins CFF.