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Posted: 7/20/2013 12:02:32 PM EDT
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Hello all.
I am wanting to get into reloading and need some guidance. First I have gotten The ABCs of Reloading book and have read the majority off it. Also I have a very high mechanical aptitude (ASE Master Technician) so the progressive kits which most people say are not for novices does not seem daunting to me. I only have 3 calibers to reload for .38sp/.357mag, .40s&w, and .223/5.56. I am trying to figure out what's the best all inclusive set up to get. I am leaning toward the Lee Precision Load Master progressive kit that comes with .223 dies. Here is the list of items I've got so far: Lee Precision Loadmaster .233 kit Lee Precision .40 4 carbide die set Lee Precision .38/357 4 carbide die set Hornady electronic scale Joy 4 Less ultrasonic brass and gun cleaner Lee Precision .40 6 cavity bullet molds (only one Glock owned in .40 I won't be casting bullets for it but will be for my XDM) Lee Precision .38/357 6 cavity bullet mold Lee Precision ingot mold Lee Precision lead ladle Lee Precision 4 lbs melter All of the above from Amazon = $748.19 shipped from Amazon. Anything else I'm missing, or critiques are welcome, like I said I'm brand new to this. Down the road when money permits I would like to get into swaging my own FMJ bullets as well, we go through a lot of .22lr and upon reading up on swaging the spent .22lr casings make the perfect jackets to use. |
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The permanent or sticky links above the forum have some good lists and references.
You need a Dillon or Wilson case gage for .223 for checking that case dimensions are within specifications after sizing. You should get a small primer pocket cleaner, Hornady makes a good one that can go in your drill chuck and clean the pockets real well. For .223 you will need a case trimmer, a good one is the Wilson but may be more than you require, for only .223 the lists here or someone here can recommend one suitable for you. You MIGHT have to trim .38 Spec or .357, but I don't think so, someone here can chime in on that one too. Lyman prints an excellent reloading manual, as do others. Plenty of data available on line at the mfg web sites too. |
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others will get in here soon but ill put in my .02
Reloading is easy but time consuming and requires patience and concentration That being said why do you plan on casting right away? I am planning on getting into it as well but this is after close to 7 years of reloading. The reason I ask is your dumping a lot of your money into something you may or may not enjoy. Specially if you don't enjoy you would have to sell it. My suggestion is only getting the reloading equipment and going from there. if you enjoy it then get the casting equipment. This way you can put said money to powder primers and ready made bullets. Second if you haven't shop around there is many great places to buy yet may be cheaper EDIT: on the casting for Glock I believe that's not a good idea because it can lead up your barrel bad if I remember correctly |
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The reason for casting.
My pops has several .38sp/357 mags and shoots them alot, leads way cheaper to cast then buy new bullets. The only glock in the family is the wife's G27 that she carries in her purse, she shoots just a couple of mags every time we go to the range, the rest of the time she shoots my guns, I have a XDM .40 that's fine for shooting lead and so is the Glock as long as your keep an eye on the leading so the couple of mags the wife shoots will be fine and I always clean the guns when we get home from the range. |
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Yep, bullet casting add another dimension to the situation. Recommend you get a good lead casting manual, Lyman again has a good one I think. Take it slow and research in the manuals before you start. Use caution and have a good ventilated area for the lead melting pot.
You will also need a case mouth chamfer tool for taking the edge off the .223 cases after trimming. Several good brands available including RCBS. |
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Quoted:
The reason for casting. My pops has several .38sp/357 mags and shoots them alot, leads way cheaper to cast then buy new bullets. The only glock in the family is the wife's G27 that she carries in her purse, she shoots just a couple of mags every time we go to the range, the rest of the time she shoots my guns, I have a XDM .40 that's fine for shooting lead and so is the Glock as long as your keep an eye on the leading so the couple of mags the wife shoots will be fine and I always clean the guns when we get home from the range. I still stand by getting your basic reloading equipment first then get into casting. Specially right now finding primers and powder is incredibly difficult no point in buying casting equipment if you cant even reload your round. But will say is if you are able to, gather your lead at the very least. I started this thread and adds some info into casting. And the main thing that people were stating is using a bottom pour pot which adds to cost. Casting equipment will be around but powder and primers (specially at LGS) are at a premium price as of right now |
Welcome to Arfcom and the Reloading Forum. If your budget will allow it, I would suggest a different progressive press. Dillon, RCBS, or Hornady. I happen to have Dillon's. There are several lists of what you need at the top of the page in Reloading Tools and Equipment.
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Don't get any of the casting equipment or the ultrasonic cleaner or even the electronic scale, spend that money on powder and primers and a good beam scale.
I loaded for a couple years without a tumbler, two years before I got a progressive, waited 15 years before I got into casting(for my factory bbl Glocks btw), I still have no need for a digital scale be it $35 or $400. I wouldn't recommend a Lee progressive press either; the more complex the machine the better the quality you will want. |
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Ditch the lee and get ahead and get RCBS etc I started out with a lee classic kit and upgraded as I went. now the only think I have left of that is the Lee primer seater.
RCBS Rock Chucker RCBS Chargemaster RCBS AR dies for Semi's Redding Dies for Bolts RCBS Carbide dies for handgun Lee primer seater RCBS Trim mate Go Dillon for progressive. Buy once and cry once... Don't bother with the lee progressive. I bought one for 9mm and had several squibs before ditching the whole setup and whatever ammo I had left loaded with it. You can sort out missed powder drops with a digital scale but didn't have one then. |
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