New reloader questions

[the_hustleman]

Just got delivery on a lee deluxe turret kit.

Have a tumbler and caliper on the way.

Next things I'm ordering are the lee load stand and picking up a concrete block from work (home depot) to stabilize it (in an apartment, not much room), a bullet puller, Reloading manual, probably abc's of reloading before I start, and dies.

One question is, how many dies do I need? I keep finding 2 and 3, and one 4 die sets. These numbers are confusing me.

Another question is what else do I need?

Any suggestions?

What's the best way to deprime brass?

*swyped from the evo so excuse any typos*

 

[rcmodel]

Bottleneck rifle calibers use 2-die sets.
One sizes & deprimes.
The other seats the bullet.

Most handgun calibers use 3-die sets.
One sizes, one expands & deprimes, and one seats & crimps the bullet.

4-die sets from Lee include an extra die to crimp you don't need anyway.

The primer is removed when you use the dies.

I would suggest though, that before you buy a whole bunch of stuff you don't understand?

Buy a good reloading manual or three and read them cover to cover.
I think you probably got the Lee manual in your reloading kit?

I suggest you buy the Lyman #49 manual for starters.
It would have answered your die questions several times over.

rc

 

[J_McLeod]

Good choice on the turret. You don't need them, but you'll want a turret to go with each die set you buy.

+1 on the Lyman 49th edition. I learned everything I know about reloading from that and this board. The Lee manual has some interesting stuff, but it's mostly about Lee products and load data they seem to have got from other sources.

The Lee reloading stand looks like a great product but you could do better if you're trying to save space or money. Check out the sticky on this board for some ideas. My original setup is on page 65 along with another good one. It cost less than $15 and I could store it in minutes. Lots of other good ones there.

 

[grandutefan]

yes

The more reloading books the better. I like Speer the best.

You will need bullets, powder and primers too!
I like CCI primers and Alliant powders but as Fat Bastard says, everybody like their own brand.

There are also lots of reloading videos on Youtube that might help. I have recently gotten into bullet casting and those videos have helped me a lot.

 

[RandyP]

I chose the Classic instead but in operation both are relatively the same. Be sure to check out all the great Lee self-help videos on their website. Much better than some of their printed instructions.

http://leeprecision.com/xcart/Help-Videos.html

 

[J_McLeod]

What calibers will you be loading?

 

[Josh45]

Rifle = 2 Die. Some have 3 die which are know as a deluxe or pace setter from Lee.
Pistol = 3 die normally from any maker and also have the 4 die set. Usually, The 4 die set is carbide. They don't need lube prior to sizing.

The steel dies do. Your also gonna need bullets, Powder, Primers and such.
Your gonna need dies for each caliber you reload. So, If you have a 9mm and a .45, Your gonna need those two different sets to reload those calibers.

The best way to deprime brass is to use the right sizing die which also deprimes it in the same step.

Definetly get more reloading manuals. You will need them and you will want them to cross data with. Lymans 49th is a good one and also has some lead data available in case you choose to use lead rounds.

 

[Samari Jack]

I'm just learning myself too. One thing I ordered yesterday was a good bullet puller to salvage part of my foul-ups during the learning curve.