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10/10/2012 8:42:13 AM EDT
Is this a descent starter kit, it looks to have the basics. Am I missing anything?

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/52509
10/10/2012 8:57:16 AM EDT
[#1]
Yes it is a good starter kit. You'll need more things like a tumbler  and such, depends on how in depth you want to go. See the link.
ar15.com/content/page.html?id=400
10/10/2012 9:04:32 AM EDT
[#2]
Do I have to get a tumbler, ids that a good press? Amazon also has alee press that $30 for just the press. I know I need dies but I'm not including that as part if start uo cost.
10/10/2012 9:18:52 AM EDT
[#3]
If you are going to use new brass no. If you are a brass whore like me, (I pick up everything) then yes, you'll need to clean and polish the brass. Lee makes a good product. I also need a single stage for other work, just havent got one yet.
10/10/2012 12:18:16 PM EDT
[#4]
add a tumbler.
If you plan on reloading rifle(or any necked cartridge) add a case trimmer.
You obviously need to get dies for whatever caliber you decide to reload.
I see that kit includes shell holders, which is nice.
Also, add a set of calipers.
Most importantly, add a reloading manual.
10/10/2012 12:45:45 PM EDT
[#5]
Is that press batter then this

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002SF4X5I

I like the openness.
10/10/2012 1:12:00 PM EDT
[#6]
I've had a Challenger press for over 20 years and never had a problem.

BTW, Midway has the same press on sale for $99.99
10/10/2012 1:55:43 PM EDT
[#7]




Quoted:

Do I have to get a tumbler, ids that a good press? Amazon also has alee press that $30 for just the press. I know I need dies but I'm not including that as part if start uo cost.




You don't really "need" a tumbler to start.



You can go old school and just wipe cases with a clean rag.



That's what we did before tumblers came into wide use.







10/10/2012 2:02:26 PM EDT
[#8]
Very good starter kit, kind of like the one I learned on.
10/10/2012 3:33:51 PM EDT
[#9]
which of the two i am ordering tonight.

lee challenger

lee anniversary
10/10/2012 6:59:13 PM EDT
[#10]
I'm sure you have already ordered but the difference in those kits are in how you prime. One uses a hand primer and the other primes on the press. Both ways work it's just some people prefer to hand prime.
10/10/2012 8:18:55 PM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
I'm sure you have already ordered but the difference in those kits are in how you prime. One uses a hand primer and the other primes on the press. Both ways work it's just some people prefer to hand prime.


still have not ordered, i like that the challenger deprime, sets primer and puts powder in all in one motion. but you have to hand load the primers, i thought you can not touch the primers?

i like that the annvrsy set primer without touching it, but it wont auto load powder on the up motion.
10/10/2012 8:30:58 PM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I'm sure you have already ordered but the difference in those kits are in how you prime. One uses a hand primer and the other primes on the press. Both ways work it's just some people prefer to hand prime.


still have not ordered, i like that the challenger deprime, sets primer and puts powder in all in one motion. but you have to hand load the primers, i thought you can not touch the primers?

i like that the annvrsy set primer without touching it, but it wont auto load powder on the up motion.


About 4 minutes in it shows how the on press safety prime system works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qqeU6hPXSk

Both will deprime with the sizing die.

What ever you get take the time to learn and be safe. Screwing up can cost you a gun,fingers,eyes and possibly your life.
10/11/2012 5:39:21 AM EDT
[#13]
But will the anniversary edition put powder in the cases like the challenge. I think the challenger puts that hopper on tip on the top of the press and can load powder that way. Instead of having aseperate place to keep it.
10/11/2012 8:55:12 AM EDT
[#14]
You can touch primers with your fingers. I use a Lee Ram Prime and have assembled and fired handloads made from hand-primed brass that's been sitting in storage for nearly four years. Just make sure you handle them with clean, dry fingers. And wash your hands afterwards, too.


10/11/2012 8:57:47 AM EDT
[#15]
Quoted:
But will the anniversary edition put powder in the cases like the challenge. I think the challenger puts that hopper on tip on the top of the press and can load powder that way. Instead of having a seperate place to keep it.


The answer is "no". both kits have the same powder measure (Lee Perfect Powder Measure) and it's designed to charge cases off of the press.





10/11/2012 11:13:06 AM EDT
[#16]
Quoted:
Quoted:
But will the anniversary edition put powder in the cases like the challenge. I think the challenger puts that hopper on tip on the top of the press and can load powder that way. Instead of having a seperate place to keep it.


The answer is "no". both kits have the same powder measure (Lee Perfect Powder Measure) and it's designed to charge cases off of the press.


then whats this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nu-leR3cG8&feature=youtube_gdata_player
10/11/2012 11:45:12 AM EDT
[#17]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
But will the anniversary edition put powder in the cases like the challenge. I think the challenger puts that hopper on tip on the top of the press and can load powder that way. Instead of having a seperate place to keep it.


The answer is "no". both kits have the same powder measure (Lee Perfect Powder Measure) and it's designed to charge cases off of the press.


then whats this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nu-leR3cG8&feature=youtube_gdata_player


The powder measure shown in that video is the Lee Pro-Disc Powder measure. It is designed for use on the press but It isn't included with either kit.

One vital piece of equipment that was mentioned is a set of calipers either dial or digital to measure overall cartridge length and, if necessary, primer seating depth. This is something you don't want to skimp on. I own a Dillon.

The "C" frame press shown on the Amazon link is the Lee Reloader press. It is an entry-level press designed primarily for some facets of reloading mainly de-capping (de-priming) using a universal decapping die, bullet seating, or general all-around reloading on a small scale. The Lee Reloader is not an ideal press for resizing rifle cases or completed rifle cartridges. It simply won't stand up to long-term, high-volume use. I do own one and do use it for 9mm loads but that's about it. The "C" frame does not have the strength of an "O" frame press.


BTW you didn't mention what specific calibers you plan to reload.

10/11/2012 1:31:34 PM EDT
[#18]
I will mainly do 9mm, 223, 300blk for now. I will do more but thats all the calibers I have.  For now of course.
10/11/2012 5:16:53 PM EDT
[#19]
I personal like the Lee 4 Hole Turret press.  I started with that one.
10/11/2012 8:48:42 PM EDT
[#20]
Quoted:
I will mainly do 9mm, 223, 300blk for now. I will do more but thats all the calibers I have.  For now of course.


I'm not familiar with the 300 Blackout caliber but either of the Lee kits will handle 9mm and 223. I'm guessing that if you can find standard-sized 300 blackout dies then it's probably a go.

Both kits contain some basic non-caliber specific case-trimming tools but you'll need to purchase a case length gauge and lock-cutter in 223 for those cases. Trimming 9mm is a waste of time so don't worry about it.

Lee makes decent to very good products for the price point and I think you'll be happy with either kit. It's simply a matter of choosing whether you want to prime the brass on the press or off the press that will determine which kit you purchase.

Until such a time as you invest in brass tumbling equipment you can get away with "washing" your brass in a mixture of hot water, Dawn detergent, vinegar and salt (I believe I posted a link in this forum about a month ago).

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Again, take a look at the reloading equipment list forum to see what you'll need but this short list should do ya:

A RELOADING BOOK which you'll need to read and understand before you even attempt to reload anything. SInce you're going with LEE goods purchase "Modern Reloading" by Richard Lee

Die sets (the brand is up to you I'd just go ahead and buy Lee carbide dies. They come with load data and a powder dipper for hand-dipping charges if you choose - note the powder funnel that comes with either kit that's what it's for!)

Extra Lee Breech-Lock bushings for all your dies (the kit probably comes with 3)

A set of dial or digital calipers

Case trimming case length gauge and lock stud cutter (Lee) for your rifle caliber(s)

A couple of universal reloading trays (reloading blocks). I like the red Hornady ones.

And eventually a case tumbler, media, and some sort of separator. (stay far away from Frankford Arsenal tumblers they're unreliable)

Again, read the materials thoroughly before attempting to reload.

Good luck to you!



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