Getting into reloading, need info on the must haves to start.

[marine6680]

Yeah, starting with plated was the plan.

IMR SR 4756 good for 9mm and .40? Or is there better? Also any others that work well, have a good price to reload number and consistent metering would be nice to no as well. Just in case I can not find something local. Until I am ready to buy large amounts, the cost of shipping is prohibitive.

Also looking into the Hornady dies. they have Titanium Nitride rather than tungsten. Supposedly harder and easier on brass. Also the free 100 bullets deal is nice. Having to buy a shell holder is a bummer though.

Think I am getting it narrowed down but for these last little details.

[1SOW]

From the guy that has used a kinetic hammer more than once:

Your getting experienced advice. 
If I had the spare $$ to get the Berry's Digital powder scale, I would.  I would ALSO be glad I've got even my cheap beam scale for a "sanity check".
I like the LEE turret system for my pistol. uses.  I totally agree with Wobbly about the plastic parts.  They do work and are accurate with powders I use, but also do require some attention to keep them running smoothly.  Instead of a Yugo, I'd compare it to a '57 Chevy.     You need to keep it tuned.  There are some nickel and dime spare parts that would be  smart to include in your initial purchase---just like spare pistol parts.

-Your budget is tight when including components on your list, but it is do-able.
-I hope you are picking up FREE "brass" like a pack-rat at a local range..  It's the single most expensive component.
-Most sources sell bullets in lots of 1000 and commonly require a 2000 minimum order.  Berry's will sell you boxes of 250.
-If you can find primers and/or powder locally for a reasonable price, you can save the Haz-Mat shipping fees for your smaller quantities you listed for  start-up
-Lee dies fit all the big name presses and may be their best bang for the buck.  Many use LEE carbide dies on other systems.
-Starting with a "friendly" powder and easy-to-load plated/jacketed RN bullets will let you learn the basics easier and faster.  Smiles come quicker.
 

[Twmaster]

I've been reloading for about a year now. While I am not an expert I too am anal retentive and try to make the best ammo I can.

Wobbly is correct about Lee. I am very pleased with their products. I almost exclusively use their dies as they are a great deal new and I'm totally familiar now with how they work and how to adjust them.

I started with this kit: https://fsreloading.com/lee-breech-lock-challenger-kit-90030.html

This is fairly comprehensive and got me going right away (other than dies). Also FS Reloading has the absolute lowest prices on Lee products. Hornady IMHO makes nice dies. I have a modern set in my collection. Having said that... I'm totally happy with Lee dies. Their value is not surpassed. Especially when you can walk into Cabela's or Bass-Pro and get their three dies sets for $29.95 and they include load data and a shell holder. Those coated dies from some makers are nice but a not needed extravagance IMHO.

I just bought a Classic Cast Turret press. I'm in the stages of setting it up now.

As to powder, pick powders for pistols that you can A. Buy anywhere and B. find lots of reloading data for. As an example I use Red-Dot, W231 (same as HP-38) and Power Pistol in my handguns (.45ACP, 9MM Luger and Makarov and others)

This cannot be stressed enough. GET GOOD LOADING MANUALS. I have the Lee Second Edition, Lyman 48th, Hodgdon's manual (came with my press kit) I also have a Lyman 1973 cast boolit book as I also shoot hard cast.

Be suspicious of load data you find off the Intarweb. Back up any loads you find with your manuals to see if they make sense. Would hate to see you lose a gun, or your life, over bogus data.

Do start out with jacketed or plated bullets. I too absolutely love Berry's plated pills.

I hope my comments help some. Loads of good folks here to help get you going.

[marine6680]

Oh yeah... I been picking up all my brass I can find since the begining.

I figured I could either reload, scrap it, or sell it to a reloader.

I still have a lot of factory ammo to shoot. Should have close to 1500 cases of 9mm (minus any I loose) and near 1000 cases of 40 S&W when that is all gone.

[marine6680]

I think I have settled on the Lee turret press kit, and their dies. (4 die set with FCD, or normal 3 die set?)

Midway is the only place I have found it in stock so far.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/785993/lee-4-hole-turret-press-with-auto-index-deluxe-kit

Just need to find a good cleaning tumbler and media separator at a decent price. I would like to buy it all from one location to save shipping, but it may not be possible.

Thinking 500x2 bullets should be a little less than $100 (from my memory) and then primers and powders.

Ok checked... lead are that cheap, not plated. But I can at least get 750 for now.

[Twmaster]

Marine, I have no idea where you are but Cabela's stocks Berry's, powders and primers. IIRC 250 9MM pills are ~$25 at Cabela's.

I'd find a local source for the explody things if you can.

I'd not recommend the kit you point to. If you are going to get a Lee turret the 'Classic Cast' is the one you want. Unforch it does not come as part of a kit. I just went through the asking about presses thing a few weeks ago on another forum site.

[1SOW]

To save shipping costs and any future delays, I suggest getting a couple spares of these ("easily damaged" parts when learning to use the press) .  The press should come with "1" as a spare.  Be careful, it's small and easy to miss in the box.:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/178889/lee-classic-4-hole-turret-press-indexing-ratchet

That price does sound pretty good, but do some price comparisons on line.   It has the "Pro-Powder Disc System" which is a good thing.

As Wobbly said, different reloaders have differing opinions about the LEE FCD die.  I find it useful and it gives an option for applying the taper crimp.
I use and recommend the carbide 4-die deluxe set  (two of them are/use carbide).   The Lee carbide sizer-deprimer is virtually indestructible and it works well on my 9mm.

I want to mention one drawback to this system, so you know going in.  The LEE powder Disc system is not infinitely variable.  What I mean by this, is you won't be able to experiment with say 4.0, 4.1, 4.2 4.3, 4.4 grains of powder.  You will be able to test with maybe 4.0 THEN maybe 4.2, then 4.5 grains of powder, depending on the powder.  This is not a tremendous drawback, but you should be aware of this at the start.
Right now this probably doesn't mean too much to you, but later on it can be an irritant.  LEE "sells" a micro-adjust Disc that lets you load in .1 grain increments or even smaller.  This gets mixed reviews from various loaders.  I have one and rarely use it, and then only for very limited tests.  I've found another way to skin that bear, but that would be overload for you right now.  Just know it can be done---back to the '57 Chevy again. .

JMO:  This is a good press that will give good accurate loads.   Most can get 75-100 rds/hr and some much more.  Us anal types get more than one/min.
If you later move up to full progressive, this press will still give good uses for a long time to come.  I stay about 2K rds loaded ahead of my 275/week normal shooting, but I'm unemployed and like reloading.  My son loads on the LEE 1000 progressive.  Awful reloads, with large variations pumped out very fast--this one is the "YUGO"..  He also outshoots me 95+% of the time.

[Twmaster]

FWIW I can load more 100 9MM rounds in about 45 minutes on my Lee Challenger single stage press if I start with clean sized cases. I'm still working to fill a 50 cal ammo can with 9MM hard cast for plinking with my Carbine. I have 1800 round sin the can right now. It's not yet full....

[marine6680]

Marine, I have no idea where you are but Cabela's stocks Berry's, powders and primers. IIRC 250 9MM pills are ~$25 at Cabela's.

I'd find a local source for the explody things if you can.

I'd not recommend the kit you point to. If you are going to get a Lee turret the 'Classic Cast' is the one you want. Unforch it does not come as part of a kit. I just went through the asking about presses thing a few weeks ago on another forum site.

There are a couple shops here that sell reloading components. Also the Bass Pro shop is close... need to check if they sell the stuff.

I want a turret not a single stage. The benefit of the Lee Turret is that it can be used in a similar manner as single stage for when more precise consistency. They only have 2 turret presses, the clasic (which is in that kit) or a shorter version that can only do rifle reloading in manual mode.

To save shipping costs and any future delays, I suggest getting a couple spares of these ("easily damaged" parts when learning to use the press) .  The press should come with "1" as a spare.  Be careful, it's small and easy to miss in the box.:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/178889/lee-classic-4-hole-turret-press-indexing-ratchet

That price does sound pretty good, but do some price comparisons on line.   It has the "Pro-Powder Disc System" which is a good thing.

As Wobbly said, different reloaders have differing opinions about the LEE FCD die.  I find it useful and it gives an option for applying the taper crimp.
I use and recommend the carbide 4-die deluxe set  (two of them are/use carbide).   The Lee carbide sizer-deprimer is virtually indestructible and it works well on my 9mm.

I want to mention one drawback to this system, so you know going in.  The LEE powder Disc system is not infinitely variable.  What I mean by this, is you won't be able to experiment with say 4.0, 4.1, 4.2 4.3, 4.4 grains of powder.  You will be able to test with maybe 4.0 THEN maybe 4.2, then 4.5 grains of powder, depending on the powder.  This is not a tremendous drawback, but you should be aware of this at the start.
Right now this probably doesn't mean too much to you, but later on it can be an irritant.  LEE "sells" a micro-adjust Disc that lets you load in .1 grain increments or even smaller.  This gets mixed reviews from various loaders.  I have one and rarely use it, and then only for very limited tests.  I've found another way to skin that bear, but that would be overload for you right now.  Just know it can be done---back to the '57 Chevy again. .

JMO:  This is a good press that will give good accurate loads.   Most can get 75-100 rds/hr and some much more.  Us anal types get more than one/min.
If you later move up to full progressive, this press will still give good uses for a long time to come.  I stay about 2K rds loaded ahead of my 275/week normal shooting, but I'm unemployed and like reloading.  My son loads on the LEE 1000 progressive.  Awful reloads, with large variations pumped out very fast--this one is the "YUGO"..  He also outshoots me 95+% of the time.

I looked around, and that price is only a little more in price, $6 or so than the cheapest I found, but it is the only place I found in stock.

I thought the 3 die set also allowed to do a tapper crimp. From what I remember from the limited experience I have, the seating die can be adjusted to various levels of crimp or even no crimp.  The FCD was used to get finer results or one that is better for autos.

As far as the finer powder measurement technique you mentioned... Go ahead and give me the basic run down... I can handle technical stuff very well. Just don't use too much jargon, as I am not yet familiar with that bit yet. Use common terms for now. When I get my equipment, an reloading manual, then I can have a bit of idea of whats going on and then I can ask you for more info. Tell me the basics now and I will remember the conversation better than just mentioning that "something" exists to handle the fine powder measurements.

[Twmaster]

As I said, you do not want the press in the kit you listed. You want the 'Classic Cast' press. Huge difference. The CC is much sturdier.

As to crimping... I've never seen the need to crimp 9MM cases any more than the seater/crimp die does. I personally would not suggest the FCD unless you are attempting to produce match grade ammo with an incredibly uniform crimp.

[marine6680]

As I said, you do not want the press in the kit you listed. You want the 'Classic Cast' press. Huge difference. The CC is much sturdier.

As to crimping... I've never seen the need to crimp 9MM cases any more than the seater/crimp die does. I personally would not suggest the FCD unless you are attempting to produce match grade ammo with an incredibly uniform crimp.

You replied before I finished editing.

The kit is the classic cast version. Lee only makes two turret presses. The regular and the Classic. The look slightly different. Look on their website and compare.

[jameslovesjammie]

The Classic Cast Turret is DEFINITELY the one you want.  I have one and have used it to make ALOT of quality ammunition.

Lee dies have been mentioned as a love/hate relationship by a few posters on here.  You mentioned loading both 9mm and .40.  For 9mm, you would probably be alright with Lee dies, but I would recommend a different die set for .40 if you are EVER planning on shooting lead.  The Lee Factory Crimp Die can (and does) swage down the bullet to a smaller than ideal diameter.  A lead bullet too small means leading in the barrel.

You asked about Hornady dies.  Hornady dies are fantastic.  I bought my first Hornady set this past winter and have been more than impressed.  I especially like the bullet guide on the seating die.  It makes aligning flat based bullets much easier.

Be aware that if you decide to seat and crimp in two operations, you will need another die if buying a 3 die set.  It will cost you a few more dollars, but seating and crimping in two steps can save you ALOT of headaches, especially when doing load development or testing different bullet profiles.  It is probably one of the best investments you can make, as far as dies are concerned.

Something you will want to eventually purchase (as was mentioned above) is some additional Hex ratchets for the press.  They are the only piece on the press that is considered a "wear item".  They do wear out.  I think I replace mine every 5,000 rounds or so.  When you decide to purchase some, get them from Lee directly.  They are cheaper there.  http://leeprecision.com/square-ratchet.html

As I said, I have the Lee Classic Cast Turret Press and love it.  Since I got mine, my Grandfather and Great-Uncle have also purchased the same press.  It truely is a wonderful piece of machinery.

[johnnyrees]

Mate...sit down and sincearly work out the budget you have for reloading now....then go out and buy the best gear you can afford.....Wobbly is the very soul of diplomacy...most of the time...but there are some broad hints in his posts regarding Dillon equipment .....oh and by the way I have regular bowel movements 

[Twmaster]

Sorry Marine, that kit from Midway is the OK. the pre-boxed turret kit FS Reloading sells is not the classic cast. I ASSumed it was the same kit Midway sells.

[DenStinett]

Marine:
Dumb question number 152
Have you checked eBay for the Press and Dies (or other equipment) you?re looking for ?
Some great deals can be found there
Also, IMHO, the Four Hole and FCD is a good idea
I use the Seater Die to set the Bullet to depth (with no crimp) only and then crimp in a separate cycle
When setting and crimping all in one cycle, I have found that some Bullets (usually Lead) can leave a ring of flashing or Bullet material at the Case Mouth, which will cause a lot of chambering issues and has to be removed by hand
AND, here?s a part I find needs replacement too often
They?re cheap, but shipping only one (when needed) will kill you
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/375049/lee-3-hole-4-hole-turret-press-shellholder-retainer-clip
Just my $0.02


ALSO.....
If you go with a Three Die Set, here?s a little trick
First call RCBS
Ask them to send you out a 38 / 357 Spacer Ring?It?ll be FREE !
This little honey works great
Set your Seater / Crimp Die to the crimp you want and lock the Die Nut there
Remove the Die, add the Spacer Ring and replace the Die and Ring in the Press
Set you Seater Plug to OAL depth you want and run a couple test rounds
If all is to the right OAL, run all your loads through
Pull the Die and remove the Spacer Ring, then replace the Die in the Press
NOW THIS IS CRITICAL ! ! ! Back you Seater Plug off about a quarter inch
Run a loaded round into the Die and set the Seater Plug to just touch the round in the Die
And run a few rounds to check if all is seated and crimped as needed
If so, then run the whole batch
I know it sound odd, but it save a lot of resetting of your Die

And here?s a little added tool that saves a lot of lost time;
http://www.midwayusa.com/find?userSearchQuery=Max+Cartridge+Gage+9mm+
I have them for all the rounds I load

Hope any of this helps