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Posted: 10/23/2016 12:36:23 PM EST
I have to admit my long burning mistake.
I traded for a Hornaday LNL Ammo Plant years ago.

It has the electric bullet and case feeder. I have the 9mm dies. I have read and read for years. But it all still in a box.

The primer shortage a few years back just made me put it away and forget about it.

I have no scales, tumbler, etc. I have a Acedemy Store locally. So what items should I start buying. I am not a GD millionaire so I have to budget buy things.  I can get 9mm brass and 556 from my PD range if I want.

I want to reload 9mm, 45 ACP, 5.56 now. In the future I what 308 and 44 Magnum. So can you guys give me some idea on the minimum to get started. I know starting with the LNL is not ideal. But the thought of cranking out ammo in my shop is awesome.
Link Posted: 10/23/2016 12:50:58 PM EST
[#1]
A good beam scale, maybe a digital one also. I found that whatever tumbler or vibratory or ultrasonic cleaner you see that has the "hornady" or "Lyman" or "frankford" name on it, there is one just like it at Harbor Freight.

Have a good bench to mount your press. Buy several reloading manuals.

Be flexible. You will probably buy something and then realize you don't like it or want to upgrade. It's just part of the process.
Link Posted: 10/23/2016 1:01:44 PM EST
[#2]
Okay so some scales, manuals, tumbler. Sounds like a good place to start.

I have a 12x24 workshop. A window AC/heater. I have a 8' work bench I made. 2x6 construction with a 3/4" top. Will add another sheet of 1/2" or 3/4 BC/top grade plywood.

Link Posted: 10/23/2016 1:22:13 PM EST
[#3]
Lee dies aren't that expensive; sure there are better dies but like you, I'm not an ARF millionaire and have to budget what I buy so I buy Lee dies because they are fairly inexpensive. You could start there. IF you are going to buy Lee dies buy the Ultimate kits. They come with pretty much everything you need to get up and running.
Link Posted: 10/23/2016 9:51:22 PM EST
[#4]
Lee dies work great so far as I can tell for pistol. Have never used their rifle dies. You will need appropriate shell plates for the LnL AP, and some more bushings will speed things along, but aren't necessary.

HF tumblers may be ok.

Calipers and a good scale are mandatory IMO.

For rifle you will need a way to trim, the Lee cutter and gauges with drill adapter work well enough, and are affordable, need a chamfer/deburr tool also, you can use this to remove primer crimps if need be.

I suggest getting the Lyman manual, I believe version 50 is out now, supplement this with powder manufacturer data, almost if not all have it available on-line it is not a substitute for a good manual though.

Get the press running proper first, then worry about the feeders, you'll know when you're ready for them. Mount that progressive solid on a heavy or anchored bench it will work much better. Go very easy on the adjustment pawls, it takes very little movement to make a substantial difference. Contrary to the manual, they will likely wear in and you will adjust them a few times in the first several hundred rounds and then not have to touch them again.
Link Posted: 10/24/2016 8:13:46 AM EST
[#5]
Calipers and a digital scale are mandatory. Also, need a trimmer of some sort. I'm going with the Dillon RT1200 trimmer as my next major purchase. I use load data from powder manufacturer websites or work up to loads that others have posted if they are above listed max.

My RCBS Chargemaster is awesome as well for working up loads easily and efficiently.

I also have a Hornady LNL AP and like others have said the pawls need to be adjusted after loading some. Mine runs smooth as silk now. You also have to keep the primer feed slider thing clear of any powder or metal shavings. Keep some canned air on hand to blow it out from time to time.
Link Posted: 10/24/2016 8:29:03 AM EST
[#6]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
A good beam scale, maybe a digital one also. I found that whatever tumbler or vibratory or ultrasonic cleaner you see that has the "hornady" or "Lyman" or "frankford" name on it, there is one just like it at Harbor Freight.

Have a good bench to mount your press. Buy several reloading manuals.

Be flexible. You will probably buy something and then realize you don't like it or want to upgrade. It's just part of the process.
View Quote


Is their a quality difference between the name brands and the harbor freight version?  How much better is the Dillion vibratory over these?
Link Posted: 10/24/2016 8:56:54 AM EST
[#7]
The Harbor freight and Rockford calibers are incidental, except the price.
I have my students pick up one of each, digital & an analog, because you never know about batteries.

Digital scales are hit or miss. I dont use them. I reload super match, and use only a RCBS 10-10, the best there is, period.

For reloading you need a scale, primer seater, powder drops, and press you have.

What about case prep? Its dang important.

I have used L.E. Wilson products since 1961 when my ole man started to teach me.
If you want perfect brass every time, spend the bucks and get the best tools.

http://lewilson.com/sstrimmer.html

Even has its own micrometer so you dont have to take the case in and out several times like other case trimmers.
The case holders you will need one per caliber. For 36 cal and smaller, you will need an arbor press.
The shells dont move, and are always correctly referenced in the lathe.
Link Posted: 10/24/2016 9:12:23 AM EST
[#8]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Lee dies aren't that expensive; sure there are better dies but like you, I'm not an ARF millionaire and have to budget what I buy so I buy Lee dies because they are fairly inexpensive. You could start there. IF you are going to buy Lee dies buy the Ultimate kits. They come with pretty much everything you need to get up and running.
View Quote



I run Lee dies for my pistol match ammunition.  Probably run close to 100k rounds through them without issue and I win a lot.

Seems to work just fine.
Link Posted: 10/24/2016 9:54:45 AM EST
[#9]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:



I run Lee dies for my pistol match ammunition.  Probably run close to 100k rounds through them without issue and I win a lot.

Seems to work just fine.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Lee dies aren't that expensive; sure there are better dies but like you, I'm not an ARF millionaire and have to budget what I buy so I buy Lee dies because they are fairly inexpensive. You could start there. IF you are going to buy Lee dies buy the Ultimate kits. They come with pretty much everything you need to get up and running.



I run Lee dies for my pistol match ammunition.  Probably run close to 100k rounds through them without issue and I win a lot.

Seems to work just fine.

I own 7 sets of Lee dies. It's all I buy...well except for my RCBS Pocket Swagger Die which works great on my Lee Turret Press. Actually now that I mention that, all I have is Lee stuff minus the RCBS Pocket Swagger.
Link Posted: 10/24/2016 11:53:48 AM EST
[#10]
Link Posted: 10/24/2016 12:27:47 PM EST
[#11]
I buy hornady dies, 500 free bullets puts the total cost close to what Lee dies are. I have used a few Lee dies. When I bought my first hornady dies, I traded and sold them for hornady dies.
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