New to reloading - most economical calibre

[Daryll]

..I’m probably going to be berated for this but in my experience Lee equipment is relatively cheap for a reason, you get what you pay for. The kit is “ok” or is inconsistent or breaks easily - their 38-55 dies for instance apart from the sizing die are actually 375H&H dies and the seating die shaves lead off the side of heads affecting their accuracy! The ones I acquired now are relegated to backup and replaced by a decent brand which do the job correctly.

I would recommend investing in a better brand of reloading gear as it is better quality, particularly the dies. RCBS, Redding of Lyman all being excellent - the RCBS Cowboy dies being the best (imho) on the market for loading Lead heads. If progressive presses are the order of the day you cannot go wrong investing in a Dillon 550 or 650 set-up, they’re the best on the market with what is probably the most consistent Auto Powder throwing system you can get.

Andy

Just a bit nick-picky but the Lee 357 dies will NOT load 38. The 38dies WILL load 357. The crimp in the 357 is too deep to do 38s. I also only use 357 cases.

To be honest Des, I bought my Lee dies for reloading 38/357 about 30 years ago, so without looking at them I can't remember whether they're .38 or .357, although I remember getting the ones that gave me the option to load both calibres.

At the same time I bought a Lee Pro 1000 progressive press... 30 years on that its still going strong and used for my .357s, after maybe 50,000 rounds of .357, .45 and 9mm over the years.

The only thing thats needed replacing a few years ago was the shell plate carrier ...I somehow managed to bend it...

[DesG]

To be honest Des, I bought my Lee dies for reloading 38/357 about 30 years ago, so without looking at them I can't remember whether they're .38 or .357, although I remember getting the ones that gave me the option to load both calibres.

At the same time I bought a Lee Pro 1000 progressive press... 30 years on that its still going strong and used for my .357s, after maybe 50,000 rounds of .357, .45 and 9mm over the years.

The only thing thats needed replacing a few years ago was the shell plate carrier ...I somehow managed to bend it...

Same same on all counts (except for the shell plate!). I'm just trying to save newbies to reloading from having to buy two sets of dies like some of our club members have.

[Simon_S]

The Lee dies do come with instructions, Just don't put 4 charge in one case
There is also a Lee reloading manual too that's ok

[tacfoley]

The Keith Floyd approach to reloading is to be avoided at all costs. That's why the figures in the loading data tables are exact - to ensure that reloader correctly replicates them.

Trying to best-guess the laboratory can only end in much pain and expense - maybe even injury and death to the shooter or those nearby.

Your doctor pal really needs to be TOLD that his reloads are not welcome on the club range - that might give him some pause for thought. Getting denied use of the range will inevitably cost him his FAC.

tac

[Parabuteo]

The Keith Floyd approach to reloading is to be avoided at all costs.
tac

Absolutely Tac. I often reload listening to the Stranglers but avoid doing it off yoru face on red wine....bad bad bad

[thisisdonald]

Good news... my dad and I start as probationees on Wednesday next week. Excited is an understatement! Looking forward to 6 months time! Better get saving!!!

[Simon_S]

You will find the 357mag cheaper to load and more accurate than the 44mag

[loiner1965]

You will find the 357mag cheaper to load and more accurate than the 44mag

maybe so but the .44 mag as the grin factor