Bon-jour, looking to reload!!!

[fusil22]

Hi all,
I’m looking to get started in reloading.
In France you’re restricted to 1000 rounds per year per firearm, (powder, primers and bullets are unlimited) so reloading is essential.
99% of the guys at the range reload and they all give different advice.
Most have LEE and have said they are the best value and are very well made.
Should I go for the PRO1000 or BREECH LOCK KIT ?
What are the other things I should be looking to get?
Some guys clean the cases by hand and some have a tumble?
I’ll be loading pistol ammo, 357 at first but after a few months I’ll be apply for a 9mm.
So much info on the net I don’t know where to begin.
This is all new to me, so any hints, tips or pointers in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.
Merci
fusil22

 

[lee n. field]

I’ll be loading pistol ammo, 357 at first but after a few months I’ll be apply for a 9mm.

Should I go for the PRO1000 or BREECH LOCK KIT ?

Sticky thread: For the New Reloader: Thinking about Reloading; Equipment Basics -- READ THIS FIRST

I'd say go with a single stage press until you have the procedure down. You might also want to look at the Lee Classic Turret.

The Pro 1000 is fully progressive. I have one, it works well. "They say" to get good use out of one it helps to be mechanically inclined, able to tinker. I'd say that's true.

But. But first start by reading a good book on the subject. The Lyman manual was what I started with. (Looks like the 49th edition is due out soon.)

Some guys clean the cases by hand and some have a tumble?

A cleaner saves a lot of time.

 

[Selfdfenz]

Welcome THR fusil22!

I have a Lee progressive and some Lee single station presses. If you have not reloaded in the past a single station press is a better choice. All the little adjustments, constant measuring, mid-process visual checking and "procedural changes" you will be making due to the learing process are much easier and more quickly accomplished on the single station unit.

Also, the forces required to accomplish each operation are segregated, one from another, on a single station unit and sensed as such by the operator. Not so on the progressive.

I have products from Lee, RCBS, Lyman etc. All have served me well over the years but I agree with your range associates that Lee products represent a wonderful blend of quality and value. Were it me and if I was only loading a couple of calibers at first I would probably select the old version of the Challeger (w/o the inserts) or their big single station Classic Cast Press.

Good luck to you,

S-

 

[fusil22]

Merci tout l'monde,
just had a call from a friend who said our local gunshop has the 'New' Lee Breech Lock Challenger Kit on promo 149 Euros ($100). So down to the shop for a look at the weekend.
I'll let you all know how I get on!
fusil 22

 

[Luke G]

Welcome!
I use mainly Lee products and have not had trouble with any of them. My suggestion would be to go with the kit that you mentioned. The press is a very nice peice of equipment with some good features and the kit gets you most of the little odds and ends you need to make your life easier. Plus, after you get familiar with all of the steps, you can ugrade to a turret or progressive but you will always find jobs to do on the single stage.
Good luck and let us know how your reloads go!

 

[Halo]

I definitely recommend a tumbler. Cleaning a lot of small 9mm cases by hand would be a real chore. After a few hours in the tumbler even dirty, tarnished cases come out bright and shiny. Plus with clean cases it's easier to see any damage.

 

[FieroCDSP]

Unless you end up loading for a semi-auto rifle, the single-stages work better for the rifle loads, thus always useful and a good starter, even for pistol. Once you get it down, though, you're going to get tired of batching 50 rounds at a time for several hours, only to shoot them up in one hour. You'll be looking for a progressive pretty soon.

 

[HJ857]

I'm going to recommend a turret press such as the Lee Classic Turret.

I started on a single stage press and outgrew it almost immediately. Even though the turret press has four stations, you can use it as a single stage if you want to, and then grow in to the four stage operation as you get comfortable.

Here's an option for case cleaning.
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=888624

 

[jfh]

Another vote for the Lee Classic Turret press--or the older Lee standard Turret in the 4-die configuration.

Depending on marketing techniques for the Lee products, the Classic Turret Press may be high-priced, even relative to typical French prices for this equipment.

But--the advice From FieroCDSP is spot on, as well as HJ857s--since you are loading for a handgun, the single-stage press will not be productive enough, and the Lee Turrets can be used as single stages while you are learning.

As for other gear to get--see this thread for building a reloading kit based around the Lee products.

Read that link carefully, and search for others as well on a Lee kit.

And, for your other question--yes, get a tumbler.

Any other questions, just ask--

Jim H.

 

[fusil22]

Many thanks again.
I've only posted a few questions but have ALLWAYS had A1 advice.
I'll keep you all informed.
Merci et bon courage.
fusil22

 

[strat81]

fusil22, you should PM user: Afy. I believe he is from France as well.

As for the press, I love my Lee Classic Turret.

 

[Spartacus451]

I know things are VERY expensive over there. It is also very hard to get spare parts and shipping takes forever. If something goes down it means you don't shoot until things are working again.

Because of that I would recommend a Dillon press. Dillon is the only company that sells a generous spare parts kit for their press. Many wear areas of the press that are damaged when the press is abused are designed to be easily replaced. I would also recommend that you buy a single stage press like the Lee Challenger or Classic cast so that you have a backup in case your progressive goes down.

Lee progressives tend to contain sacrificial parts that are cheap to replace. They can be worn out prematurely if the press is abused or not properly adjusted.

I would need to know more about your shooting and financial situation before advising you to go single stage or with another brand of progressive. How many rounds per month do you plan on shooting? Will you be doing so competitively? How much do you have to spend? I always recommend over buying when it comes to reloading equipment. Underbuying always hurts and whatever you get will last the rest of your life.

 

[Afy]

I have dropped you a PM.

Happy to help where possible.

 

[GaryL]

I would think with the dollar weak and the Euro as strong as it is, this would be a great time to look at a progressive. A Dillon 550B can be used as a single stage press (one round/station at a time) until you get the hang of it and really understand the reloading process.

BTW, appreciate the invention of smokeless powder.