Nubee reloading help
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Kimber1911_06238
Member
get a reloading manual, they are very helpful....it's how i learned. you don't need another turret. once you get the dies set up and the lock rings in place, you can take them out of the turret and store them.
get a set of carbide dies for the 40, spend a few extra bucks, it's worth it
get a set of carbide dies for the 40, spend a few extra bucks, it's worth it
scrat
Member
every bullet is different. THus you are using a sizing die for a specific round. With that for every caliber you plan on reloading you will need a die for. Same time some guns will work on some powder but not another powder.
Before buying powder. Find a powder that will work in both or all of your guns. you will have to check manuals i can post a link. NOTE though handguns and rifles do use different primers and powder. Their burn rates are different.
http://www.reloadammo.com/reload.htm
Before buying powder. Find a powder that will work in both or all of your guns. you will have to check manuals i can post a link. NOTE though handguns and rifles do use different primers and powder. Their burn rates are different.
http://www.reloadammo.com/reload.htm
jfh
Member.
To expand your knowledge--
Do a search in this forum (use Googe, site focus) on the phrases "Lee Turret" "Classic Cast Turret" and similar phrases--you'll find a lot of info.
To answer your questions--
1. Yes, you need a second turret IF you want to leave the dies installed and setup--and believe me, you do.
2. For the .40 cal die setup, buy the Lee deluxe / 4-die kit. A little over $30.00 on line.
3. For the .223 die setup, "it depends"--I am guessing you are running a .223 semiauto, so do get the full-length sizer and the FCD die.
And to add some other needs and thoughts--
1. If you haven't gotten the Safety Prime with your turret kit, get that--it isn't absolutely necessary, but it does make primer installation much easier once you get the hang of using it.
2. I'm assuming you have a Lee Powder Measure and a Lee Scale--so buy a Double-disk kit for loading the Rifle ammunition, and get an adjustable charge bar if one didn't come with the press. You may want to use the Lee Dipper routines, but you will probably end up wanting to use charges more specific than the Lee Dippers can give--so be sure you have at least the Lee scale.
3. Get a weight-check kit for the scale.
4. For the time being, I am assuming you will start loading .223 in 'single stage' mode, so you shouldn't need a rifle charging die to work with the powder measure. The funnel in the die set and / or in the kit should work OK.
5. Personally, I would recommend getting MAX cart gauges to check your finished rounds. It's true you can use the firearm barrels/chamber, but the MAX cart gauges are MUCH easier for beginning reloaders to use in the workflow.
6. I assume you do have calipers; you will also want some sort of case trimmer-deburring tool (s) for the .223 cartridges. The Lee products (get the ball handle as well) are a good place to start.
7. If you don't have at least one of the 'reloading books,' get the Lee one, and the Lyman book--those should get you started OK. Besides the books, see various powder / bullet manufacturer's online sites for recipes.
Start out with the .40 Short and Weak; straight-walled pistol cases are straightforward to reload for. Learn to set up your .40 loads with a carefully set LOA--the cartridge can be "touchy" and go overpressure quickly if the recipe LOA is shortened--so be sure you learn adjust the FCD properly.
And always ask questions. There is no dumb question when one reloads, ever.
Jim H.
Do a search in this forum (use Googe, site focus) on the phrases "Lee Turret" "Classic Cast Turret" and similar phrases--you'll find a lot of info.
To answer your questions--
1. Yes, you need a second turret IF you want to leave the dies installed and setup--and believe me, you do.
2. For the .40 cal die setup, buy the Lee deluxe / 4-die kit. A little over $30.00 on line.
3. For the .223 die setup, "it depends"--I am guessing you are running a .223 semiauto, so do get the full-length sizer and the FCD die.
And to add some other needs and thoughts--
1. If you haven't gotten the Safety Prime with your turret kit, get that--it isn't absolutely necessary, but it does make primer installation much easier once you get the hang of using it.
2. I'm assuming you have a Lee Powder Measure and a Lee Scale--so buy a Double-disk kit for loading the Rifle ammunition, and get an adjustable charge bar if one didn't come with the press. You may want to use the Lee Dipper routines, but you will probably end up wanting to use charges more specific than the Lee Dippers can give--so be sure you have at least the Lee scale.
3. Get a weight-check kit for the scale.
4. For the time being, I am assuming you will start loading .223 in 'single stage' mode, so you shouldn't need a rifle charging die to work with the powder measure. The funnel in the die set and / or in the kit should work OK.
5. Personally, I would recommend getting MAX cart gauges to check your finished rounds. It's true you can use the firearm barrels/chamber, but the MAX cart gauges are MUCH easier for beginning reloaders to use in the workflow.
6. I assume you do have calipers; you will also want some sort of case trimmer-deburring tool (s) for the .223 cartridges. The Lee products (get the ball handle as well) are a good place to start.
7. If you don't have at least one of the 'reloading books,' get the Lee one, and the Lyman book--those should get you started OK. Besides the books, see various powder / bullet manufacturer's online sites for recipes.
Start out with the .40 Short and Weak; straight-walled pistol cases are straightforward to reload for. Learn to set up your .40 loads with a carefully set LOA--the cartridge can be "touchy" and go overpressure quickly if the recipe LOA is shortened--so be sure you learn adjust the FCD properly.
And always ask questions. There is no dumb question when one reloads, ever.
Jim H.
SASS#23149
Member
I"ve read lots of posts by folks who shoot AR's,and they recommend using a 'small base' seating die for more reliable feedings.
A small base die resizes the brass down closer to the cartridge rim is my understanding.
I"d suggest Googling 'small based die' to see what you come up with.
If you buy Lee dies,they come with a lock ring that is 'tightened' using pressure against an O-ring.Not the best idea for dies that will be removed and replaced a lot,such as in a case of only having 1 turret.
Other brands of lock rings with set screws will work on them,or simpy buy another brand to begin with.
AS said,buy carbide dies for the pistol,and use lube on the rifle dies..he lube is a MUST on those.
I also lightly lube every 10th pistol around,and it makes the press sing.I just put a small smear of lube niear the mouth,not enough to worry about wiping it off.
good luck,and keep asking questions.
and wear safety glasses when reloading,your eyes will thank you.
A small base die resizes the brass down closer to the cartridge rim is my understanding.
I"d suggest Googling 'small based die' to see what you come up with.
If you buy Lee dies,they come with a lock ring that is 'tightened' using pressure against an O-ring.Not the best idea for dies that will be removed and replaced a lot,such as in a case of only having 1 turret.
Other brands of lock rings with set screws will work on them,or simpy buy another brand to begin with.
AS said,buy carbide dies for the pistol,and use lube on the rifle dies..he lube is a MUST on those.
I also lightly lube every 10th pistol around,and it makes the press sing.I just put a small smear of lube niear the mouth,not enough to worry about wiping it off.
good luck,and keep asking questions.
and wear safety glasses when reloading,your eyes will thank you.
RustyFN
Member
I load on a classic turret press. I use the carbide four die set from Lee for pistol with the factory crimp die. I like to use the FCD because I change bullet profiles a lot and that just makes it easier for me. With the carbide pistol dies you won't have to lube the cases. For 223 I use the Pacesetter die set. It come with the FL resizing die, seater die and FCD. You will need to buy the rifle charging die if you don't have one already. You will also want to buy the auto disk riser to keep the powder measure from hitting the safety prime. The auto disk riser will work with the pistol and rifle dies. I have a turret for each caliber I load for so I can change calibers quick and the dies stay set up. I think the Lee dies work great for me and don't see a need to buy the more expensive dies. You will also need some case lube to lube the 223 cases before you resize them. A little word of warning. Don't load a bunch of ammo until you know it works good in your gun. You don't want to have to pull a bunch of bullets, Don't ask me how I know this.
Welcome to reloading and I hope you enjoy your press. There are a lot of us here with a LCT so if you have any questions there will be a lot of help here.
Rusty
Welcome to reloading and I hope you enjoy your press. There are a lot of us here with a LCT so if you have any questions there will be a lot of help here.Rusty
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