Is this a good reloader/deal?

[IHaveAMustang]

Sorry for not putting this in the reload section, but I want a bit more eyes on this:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Reloading/Presses-Dies%7C/pc/104792580/c/104761080/sc/104516280/Lee-Pro-1000-Progressive-Press/731758.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fpresses-dies%2F_%2FN-1100195%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104516280%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BBRprd731769%253Bcat104761080&WTz_l=SBC%3BBRprd731769%3Bcat104761080%3Bcat104516280

Seems like a pretty good deal and the fact it is an easy to use system ( I am just now getting into reloading) is ideal for me.

Is there anything I am missing? I am going to buy the .223 model so I can reload my rifle cartridges, but eventually will buy pistol dies for 9mm/.40.

I am also getting a media tumblr and will do my own polishing.

I am probably sitting on near 1k of .223 used brass that I have collected, and maybe 300/300 of .40/9mm. So I should be set on brass, I just need primers/powder/bullets.

Thanks in advance.

[Gtracer]

You can learn on anything really, though, a progressive press is going to force you to learn a whole lot at once.

Why not just go with a standard turret press if you are looking for a little increase in speed while maintaning the accuracy of a single stage press? You can use the turret like a single stage and then when your ready, you can step it up to the rotating action by putting a rod in place.

If your looking to just bang out brass, then a progressive is for you.

[IHaveAMustang]

I was just reading the reviews and most of the guys said while setup is a bit challenging, they were cranking out rounds after doing it right.

I just saw the price and features and thought it's pretty nice for $200.

[Gtracer]

I think it was Midway who had a Lee Single Stage Kit with all the bells and whistles for $104

Just about a week ago too...I would think they would still be in stock considering the rush is all but non-existent at the moment.

I think even experienced re-loaders have a learning curve when stepping into a progressive. SOOO much more room for error especially since the feeding mechanisms are automated.

Get a jammed case or something doesn’t feed right...then how fast are you really moving? Progressives are for speed really, if you want precision, I would use a single stage or turret at the most.

But you live and learn, get the progressive and I am sure you will pick up on what to do and what not to do real quick. Just watch out for primer detonation...always been a fear of mine

[CJ]

I have never seen one of those Lee Progressive presses, I don't know of anyone who has one, however I would be a little bit suspicious having used Lee products for the last 10 years or so. They usually work, but they tend to cut corners, make anything they can out of plastic, and generally are a stepping stone more than a solution. I would make sure you do your homework first.

[IHaveAMustang]

I think it was Midway who had a Lee Single Stage Kit with all the bells and whistles for $104

Just about a week ago too...I would think they would still be in stock considering the rush is all but non-existent at the moment.

I think even experienced re-loaders have a learning curve when stepping into a progressive. SOOO much more room for error especially since the feeding mechanisms are automated.

Get a jammed case or something doesn’t feed right...then how fast are you really moving? Progressives are for speed really, if you want precision, I would use a single stage or turret at the most.

But you live and learn, get the progressive and I am sure you will pick up on what to do and what not to do real quick. Just watch out for primer detonation...always been a fear of mine

Is this what you were referring to?:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/121744/lee-challenger-breech-lock-single-stage-press-kit

And I am all about yall's advice. If you think it's too much for a nooby like me, I would rather listen to the experts. That single stage is cheaper...so that doesn't hurt!

From what I am reading, a single stage will require me to change out dies. For .223/.308 as an example:

I will have to use the decap/resize/expand die to get the shell ready, then a bullet seating die.

So I go through say, 100 shells on the first die, then switch to the seating die and start over.

Right?

[Gtracer]

[QUOTE=IHaveAMustang;1119396]Is this what you were referring to?:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/121744/lee-challenger-breech-lock-single-stage-press-kit

Can’t look at it here at work as my employer blocks all weapons related content....good thing we are on a mustang website...hehehe

I think if you were to start out on a slower, single or turret style press, it would allow you to work into reloading. Also, I never realized how much time it takes not to actually reload, but to prep for reloading.

One thing to keep in mind is there is more to the process than just the press. Actually, if you are loading enough to use a progressive…you will find that the press is not where your “speed” bump is.

I would buy a smaller press, and take the savings and try to get at LEAST a few other items to help “streamline” your process (which you haven’t developed yet until you get everything situated).

For case prep, there are a number of options and avenues to venture down. You will almost always pick something up that will become obsolete down the road but, if you do your research, you can pick up some items that will last you a very long time while remaining relative to the process.

-Case prep center: These are nice as they allow you to remove the ‘manual’ hand tools that are more “entry” level. I learned very quick that cleaning primer pockets, de-burring cases and removing military crimps by hand is not fun and actually takes away from the joy I get in reloading. You have several options on case prep centers. There are RCBS centers which usually have a 4-head configuration and can eventually be attached to a automatic case trimming tool (sold separately). There is Lyman (I use) which is a 5-Head center that allows you to de-crimp, size the pocket, clean the pocket, de-burr the inner neck and de-burr the outer neck of your case. Ultimately, I hear the Hornaday LNL case prep center is the best, but I have no firsthand experience in this.

-Brass Trimmer: Anything but the Lee drill chuck will do. Lee makes this inexpensive trimmer (I have one now) that allows you to chuck up your drill to the case holder, and manually trim the brass. Only problem with this is that after about 100-150 cases, your fingers get a bit numb from all of the loosening and tightening of the case holder; very tedious and annoying. I also don’t want to spend $$$ on a Giruard (spelling??) or any of those expensive brands. My compromise is to get the Lee Deluxe Case trimmer and Trim Die which allows you to trim and de-burr while on the press. I think this would at least give my fingers a break and make the press do a little more of the work for me. The whole setup is about $30

-Tumbler: I use two and I will tell ya why, primer pockets. A standard vibratory tumbler is great at cleaning the outside of the case and Corn Cob media is the best for producing a high luster. However, regardless if you use Walnut or Corn Cob, those primer pockets will not get clean. For this, I use a Harbor Freight $80 ultra sonic cleaner. Gets those primer pockets virtually brand new looking, never look back. When loading .223, you have to use case lube to size your brass. I use Lee’ wax based case lube as it is easy and I don’t have to rinse my cases off afterwards and wait for them to dry. The lube leaves a wax coat on the case, which I use my vibratory tumbler to get off, and then off to the ultra sonic for those primer pockets.

Ultimately, you WILL figure out what works best for you and what is important for you as this will drive the items you buy for reloading purposes. I have a very small amount of brass, about 2k pcs most of which were military. I prepped each one by hand until I realized that the above tools made the whole process less cumbersome and more enjoyable. Now, even with my basic tools, I can knock out 100 loads in about 15 minutes if I don’t let the TV distract me. That’s not super fast in the grand scheme, but it’s just right for me.

And as far as brand, its hit and miss. I read about guys living and dying by their Lee press, Dillon, Forester…..I chose Lee because they seemed very “beginner” friendly as far as cost and availability of accessories. If you notice, Lee makes a little bit of everything whereas some companies focus specifically on presses. Lee and Hornaday are both great brands and offer a very similar lineup of accessories for your press. Some will argue about the quality of Lee, but I have yet to see any weakness in my press.

[IHaveAMustang]

Wow, thank you very much for that write up. I know that took a while to lay out for me.

I owe you a Dr. Pepper if I ever see you at a get together.

I will take your advice and go the beginners route and I will look into those tools. I like the idea of 100 rounds per 15 min, that is GREAT output to me. So I will follow what you just laid out.

[Gtracer]

No problem, this site was created for help and feedback...we just turned it into a fight club of sorts...lol

Another fun fact is if you find something you dont like, someone else will always be willing to take it off your hands. Gently used reloading equipment is easy to sell.

[IHaveAMustang]

Okay, this is what I have in my cart: Aside from bullets/ultrasonic cleaner from HF/powder and primers I think I might have this down.


Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press Kit
Product #: 121744
$107.99

Lyman Case Prep Xpress Case Prep Center 110 Volt
Product #: 211733
$130.99

Lyman Turbo 1200 PRO Sifter Case Tumbler 110 Volt
Product #: 158440
$55.99

Lee Deluxe 3-Die Set 223 Remington
Product #: 776391
$33.99

Lee Quick Trim Die 223 Remington
Product #: 742287
$8.99

Lee Deluxe Quick Trim Case Trimmer
Product #: 717013
$14.99

Lee Breech Lock Quick Change Bushings Package of 2
Product #: 971565
$7.99

Total: $360.93 before shipping...so yeah I am going to have to buy this in stages. Oh well, you have to start somewhere!

Another question, when do you insert new primers? Before or after you insert powder/bullet? And does the case prep center remove the old primers?

[CJ]

Looks good! Just make sure you have a powder dispenser and a digital scale, I don't see one in there. If you're going to do rifle you will need lube and a case gauge for each caliber.

[Vanner27]

Put the primers in before dropping powder and seating bullets.

Also, your sizing die should push out the old/spent primers.

[AnthonyS]

I got into reloading based largely on CJ's advice. It's easier than you think. You can start with a bare minimum of gear, but you will buy more. I'm now reloading 45ACP, 9mm, 223, and soon 308 and 6.8 spc.

I highly recommend a book called "The ABCs of Reloading." I have an old ass copy I can lend someone, but I need it back! It is almost priceless to me. I like the Hornady reloading manual best. I have a few different manuals, and you learn a lot from each of them.

Reloading kept me shooting 9mm when a lot of others were in serious pain.