New to Reloading

[20series]

OK boys

I now have a Remmy PSS in .308, I need to feed it. I have never done any reloading and want to have a bash. So I need some advice on what I NEED to buy for getting in to reloading and what is just SHINEY BITS. I have seen these Lee reloading sets, is that the way to go or do I need just a few bits to get me going. Help!!:confused:

Alan

[lilguy43uk]

Lee equipment is a good starting point and I still use a 4 hole turret press with an extra turret for my .308 dies. The other does my 22/250.
Scales are a must and a good set of calipers.
Loading manual.
Case trimmer
Case neck chamfering tool
Powder thrower (if you plan on loading in bulk)
Case lube kit
Powder funnel

There is more but that would be the basics.

Good luck with the reloads.

[blue]

The Lee Anniversary kit will get you off the ground.
The Lee kit will probably get replaced over time with other bits and bobs, but Lee stuff is fine if you want the cheapest way in.
I would however recommend another set of scales as the Lee ones, for me, were useless. I replaced with a set of 5-0-5s and then a digi scale.
The Lee collet die is a great piece of kit and is the only bit of Lee gear I would replace like for like.
The Lee gear has many fans and detractors, but it will do the business and If I loaded ten 243 rounds with completely Lee kit and ten with any of the other kit I own, I doubt I would see any real improvement over accuracy or consistancy.

[Ali B]

Al,

I'm also just starting with the reloading game.

I've gone with Lee for 303 British, 8 x 57 Mauser and 357 Mags. Got all my stuff direct from Lee's factory shop http://www.factorysales.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi and saved quite a bit of money. A few of the lads down the club have also got their kit direct from America without problems.

The gear came within a couple of weeks and is up and running fine. I'm using the Breech Lock Challenger and had no problems with any of the calibers.

What I would say is, if your not in an "all fired up rush" then buy and read the book, Lee Modern Reloading II by Richard Lee, and work out what's what and best suited to your needs, before you choose the press at least. Reading the book first will also help you to decide which type of dies to go with as this can be a bit mystifying to a newcomer.

Would fully agree with lilguy43uk and blue, Lee are cheap but very effective and solidly built :)

[littlefraggle]

Definately get an electronic scale (Dillon or equivalent).

Get a jammed case exctractor because you WILL need one if you're new to reloading. Anyone who say's they've never jammed a case is talking cobblers and it's bound to happen when you really don't want it to.

If you're doing medium volumes get a Giraud case trimmer they take all the pain out of reloading by reducing the awkward and time-consuming case trimming bit down to a few minutes.

[blue]

Al.
Very good point regarding the book.
The best and easiest book I ever found for reloading was "The ABC of Reloading" This book is superb and covers all likly mistakes you could make.

[20series]

cheers lads I appreciate the help, I'll get one of the reloading books and do a bit of reading. Ihave no doubt I'll end up asking some more (probably silly) questions in the future.

Alan:):)

[menial 1]

cheers lads I appreciate the help, I'll get one of the reloading books and do a bit of reading. Ihave no doubt I'll end up asking some more (probably silly) questions in the future.

Alan:):)
Ask when you're at Oundle, you'll be killed in the rush with suitable loads.
Mostly suggesting 42.5grns Rel.15 which is usually a good starter for the PSS.
Regards Pete.

[20series]

Ask when you're at Oundle, you'll be killed in the rush with suitable loads.
Mostly suggesting 42.5grns Rel.15 which is usually a good starter for the PSS.
Regards Pete.

Cheers Pete
I have spoken to Dave (taz2) and he reckons I can get away with a Lee hand loader to start and thats the load he suggested!!

Alan

[lilguy43uk]

cheers lads I appreciate the help, I'll get one of the reloading books and do a bit of reading. Ihave no doubt I'll end up asking some more (probably silly) questions in the future.

Alan:):)

Any questions won't be silly so don't hesitate to ask, and hands up anyone here who hasn't asked questions before? I certainly have. :)

[jkata]

IF you do go for the Lee kit, I would recomend getting the kit with classic cast press in it if you can. IMHO its a bit better quality for the loading bigger cases like the 308.

An autoprime is also a good investment.

As for scales, I have had a set of the lee safety scales and they are very accurate however they take quite a bit of time to stop swinging. RCBS 505 scales as I have found them easier to use (if you don't go down the electronic scales route)

[20series]

Lads

Just to let you know I have just installed my shiney new Lee Breech lock kit, I decided that was the way to go, just need the components and I'm off and running.

How however I can see why the Lee scales aren't widely popular, which digi-scales do you recomend?

cheers
Alan:D