Lee Autoprime question & more

[Blakenzy]

I am a brand new reloader, I just got my equipment this morning, I have never reloaded a single metallic cartridge in my life, so, I have some questions which may seem stupid (the first of many more to come I'm sure), but please bear with me.

I recently puchased Lee's Anniversary Reloading Kit, because it was the most convenient and complete for me to purchase at the time, don't know if I screwed up there. It does look pretty good to me, but what do I know. Upon reading the instructions I have a few doubts:

Autoprime:In Lee's Modern Reloading it states that only Winchester or CCI primers are supposed to be used in this contraption. It specifically states that you should never use Federal primers, (don't know why, he goes out of his way not to give the reason, which is very frustrating) and no mention is given about Sellier & Bellot primers (which happens to be the only one that is available to me at the time) or others. Does any one here have any idea about the reason only two brands of primers can be used?

Other than that, I would like to know if ther are and type-o's or misprints in his Modern Reloading manual, 2nd Ed that I should look out for. Specifically in the data for the 45ACP cartridge, which is what I will start out loading. I do not want to end up in the hospital because someone made a mistake during tha editing.

I'll be waiting for your replies to start my reloading venture.

Thank you

 

[bender]

not sure, but probably has something to do with Federal primers being considered "softer" than CCI or Winchester.

 

[nelson133]

Lee recommends harder primers because there is a higher explosion risk with softer primers. The lawyers made them do it. Not to say that you couldn't use federals, they just recommend against it.

 

[The Bushmaster]

You need to get at least one more load manual. A Lyman 48th Edition would be a good choice. That would solve the second question.

Other then what is posted so far about the other various primers and The Lee Auto prime (I have the Auto Prime II) you will only detinate one if it happens at all. Wear safety glasses and keep your fingers and face away from the mouth of the case when seating the primer. Even when you seat any manufacturers primer. Be it CCI, Winchester, Remington, Federal, S&B......

You wouldn't, by any chance, have someone that lives close to you that can run you through a few rounds? Preferably someone that also reloads...

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Blakenzy,

Look at the new reloaders sticky at the top of the page and get an additional manual or two. I highly recommend the first two listed. Read those before you start reloading. This will help you a great deal.

The auto prime is a very good tool and you'll be hard pressed to find a better one for it's purpose for any amount of money. I have two I've had for years.

Get yourself a good solid bench, lubricate your press, follow instructions carefully and to the letter, pay careful attention to details and start with low end loads, then work your way to an accurate load in your firearm. This is a good safe way to start.

By the time that kit begins to feel limiting, you'll have a better idea of what you want and can begin to replace anything you're not satisfied with.

Dave

 

[Clark]

This question has come up over the years, and this 2004 thread from rec.guns answers it well, but there are plenty of other threads on this.
1) The official reason
2) The official tests
3) The Lee - Federal feud behind the bogus official story

http://groups.google.com/group/rec.guns/browse_frm/thread/3422885a36461659/

 

[Idano]

Blakenzy like Bushmaster said you do need to get another manual, but I don't suggest necessarily a manual by a press manufacture. My recommendation is get a manual written by one of the bullet manufactures that you use the most; Speer, Nosler, Hornady (okay they make presses but they also make bullets too) or Sierra. You can also download reloading data from most of the powder manufactures, it is good to have more then one source to reference.