About to start reloading...

[jiannichan]

So I am thinking about getting into reloading. I see that the Lee Loadmaster Progressive is a good price for a progressive press. I have everything else already (scale & tumbler) These seem to be for sale at Cabelas but you choose the round you want, 9mm, 45, 38 etc. I was going to purchase the one for 45, but will I be able to swap out the die and do 9mm? Also, any changes need to be made if I want to do 223/5.56 besides changing the dies? Will it use the same powder as pistol? Friend of mine has a Lee single stage, and we've only been using Titegroup pistol powder CCI primers, but running low on the powder and they seem to be out of stock on those all the time. I wouldn't mind switching to something else that is just as good or better. I assume that the primer for 5.56 will be different? Thanks in advance for the help! If you guys have a suggestion on a different progressive press that isn't too expensive that is a better one than the Lee Loadmaster, I am all up for checking it out. I would like to avoid having to buy something and then having to replace it in 5 years.

-jchan

[ddstuder]

You can load any ammo you want on that press with the exception of .50 BMG with a simple change of the appropriate dies and shell holder.

As far as the primers, there are basically Large and Small Pistol, and Large and Small Rifle primers. Then there are Magnum versions of each.

Powders are a whole different discussion. Some powder can be used for rifle and pistol, but you would be very limited. I do not know of "one" powder that you would be using for .45 and .223. Pistol powders burn much faster than rifle powder.

Most of the questions you ask, could be answered by reading a loading manual. I suggest reading two or three of them. This is truly the best way to get educated on the reloading process.

Good luck and enjoy a very rewarding hobby! (I remember when I considered it a hobby)

[rotor]

I started about 11 months ago. I bought the Lee classic kit, single stage press kit. Moved on to Lee turret. I wouldn't start with a progressive as my first choice. I like the Lee turret. You need to get the feel of each step in reloading. Recommend start with pistol and work your way up to rifle which is a whole different ball of wax. There are no one powder for all solutions. Get the reloading manuals. If I could get only 2 powders they would be Win 231 ( same as HP 38) and Win 748 which will cover 223. Primers are fairly abundant right now. Powder not so abundant. The manuals that come with Lee set are so-so. Plan on having 2-3 different manuals to pick your powder loads. The way things are now, you may have to use powders that are not your first choice. With each brand of powder you can also download from their websites the suggested load data. Be careful though as sometimes they list maximum loads and they say reduce by 10% to start. I prefer to know the starting loads. Finally you will need a chronometer if you are serious. I very much enjoy reloading. Not thrilled about the need to hoard when supplies are available and I don't know why at this point the manufacturers have not cought up with supply, especially powder. Get some good safety glasses also. The inexpensive Franklin electronic scale is great too.

[MoJo]

I use a Loadmaster it turns out good ammo, but there is a long learning curve. Setup and adjustment takes a little time. There are some very helpful videos on the Lee website. I have tried loading .223 on mine and have pretty well decided to keep loading .223 on my single stage press.the cases have to be lubed, the press lacks enough leverage to adequate size the cases and the powder system doesn't lend itself to charging rifle cases easily.

[ghostrider]

It's a small rifle primer, yes - they burn hotter than pistol primers to help convert the vastly increased quantity of solid powder to gas quickly

Aren't they harder to handle higher pressure as well?