New Reloader Seeking Advice

[Middle Age Russ]

I am hoping to source reloading equipment soon so that my wife and I can shoot more (since I know we won't ultimately save money). Years back, my FIL had a reloading setup which included an RCBS "O" frame press (Rockchucker, I believe) as well as all the other necessities. I am looking to find a setup containing Press, Manual(s), dies, scale, hand primer, case trimmer, case cleaner, and other sundries. I initially expect to load 9mm and .380. Other cartridges may come later. I expect to be loading several hundred to a thousand or so cartridges a month for the next few decades, the good Lord willing.

The question in my mind regards the type and model of press to obtain. I understand reloading basics, having worked with my FIL when he was loading. That said, I am certain that a manual O-frame press of one color or another would be fine but I may want to be able to reload more quickly and I don't feel intimidated by a progressive press. I have also seen Turret presses, that seem to possibly be a good compromise between single stage and progressive. Thus, my questions...

1. Does a turret press save any appreciable time over an O-frame press?
2. Can a good turret press be as accurate as an O-frame press?
3. Can one get reasonable tactile feedback during priming on a progressive press (not hard at all to feel your way with a hand priming tool)?
4. Is a progressive press worth using if you want to hand prime (or, put another way, is a hand priming tool worth having if you have a progressive press)?
5. Are there any gotchas to look for on used presses (is new the way to go)?
6. If you are aware of any fairly comprehensive kits that do not contain throw-away components, what may they be?
7. Are there any particular presses which you are aware of that one should shy away from for some reason? If so, what reason?

I see the other thread on consumables in the Houston area, so those questions are mostly answered. I do appreciate any insights you can share on the questions above, though.

[O6nop]

I'm not really sure what an O-frame press is, but assuming it means "single stage" then I can offer my opinion on a couple items.
I don't own or have never used a progressive press, but judging by what others say about them AND you have experience reloading and understand the basics and then some, I'd say go with progressive. They cost more but are more versatile
I use a Lee turret press, I graduated from a single stage press but I still keep it mounted to my table for various purposes.

Question 1) yes, by not having to change dies for every step. Plus you can complete a start-to-finish process without changing dies. In other words, you can make an entire round in one series of pulls. (hope that makes sense)
Question 2) I'd say it can be just as reliable as a single stage press, but accuracy could be lost to some degree. Not an expert on why, just it seems there are more moving parts so compounded levels of tolerances. How accurate do you need? Reliable plinking/practice or benchrest? Single stage might be best for absolute precision.

Question 5) just the obvious, cracks severe or moderate wear and tear, missing parts, lack of owners manual/operating instructions. However, I've only bought new, never used.

Question 7) Pricey systems aren't any better on cost/performance basis

[Middle Age Russ]

Thanks, everyone, for the feedback so far.

So far, the top contender in my mind since I will need/want not only a press, but many of the other pieces of equipment, is the Lyman T-Mag II Deluxe Expert Kit, http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?p ... ber=924848" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. This includes the press, scale, case trimmer, powder measure reloading manual, deburring tool, powder funnel and case lube kit. Since the turret has six stations, I should not need an extra turret head until I decide to expand beyond the two cartridges I plan to start with, .380 and 9mm. I don't envision loading more than about 1000 rounds per month, and most months probably half that or less, so I am not sure that a progressive is needed.

Don't hesitate to offer any feedback on this choice or suggest other possibilities you are aware of. Again, thanks.

[O6nop]

check this out and you'll have $250 or so to spend on other stuff.
Includes Turret press and Auto disk powder measure, Lee Safety Scale, a primer pocket cleaner,cutter and lockstud to trim the cases and a chamfer tool to deburr cases after trimming.

[OldCannon]

If you're doing about 500 a month, the Lee Turret kit will work fine (here's a nice deal from Kempf's https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?pag ... &Itemid=41" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;).

If you're doing more than that, you should really consider investing in a progressive. I load about 400-500 a month now, and I'd say that's my upper limit of patience with a turret, even one as smooth-running as the Lee.

P.S. - The Lee Safety scale...unless you REALLY want a manual scale, I don't recommend it. I bought a nice digital scale from Cabela's and I'm sooo much happier now.

[Middle Age Russ]

OK, I ran some numbers and here is what I think I will go with at first.

Lee equipment from Factory Sales
Classic Turret Press
9MM Deluxe Carbide Die Set
380 Carbide Die Set
Extra Turret
Safety Prime Large and Small primer feed
Powder Funnel
Pro Auto Disk Powder Measure
Lee Modern Reloading 2nd Edition Reloading Manual

Other equipment from Midway USA
Lyman Universal Reloading Tray 50 Round x 2
MTM Flip Top Ammo Box 50 round x 20
Lyman Magnum Impact Bullet Puller
Hornady Electronic Caliper 6" Stainless Steel
Frankford Arsenal Quick N EZ Case Tumbler Master Kit
Lyman Universal Case Preparation Kit
MTM Mini Digital Reloading Scale

I am still toying with the idea of getting a hand primer tool. At any rate, all of this should come in at less than $500 before shipping. Going this route looks to save $140 or so against the Lyman kit plus the other items needed (I don't presently need a case trimmer and lube setup since I am not starting with rifle cartridges).

Again, thanks for the tips and suggestions. Next step will be figuring out a good semi-portable loading table/bench/cart.

[OldCannon]

I am still toying with the idea of getting a hand primer tool.

You know, I bought an RCBS hand priming tool and I'm _VERY_ happy with it. It doesn't use different shell holders, so it's very flexible.

[MoJo]

The only suggestion I have for you is to be very careful separating your .380 brass from your 9mm brass. .380 will wiz right through a 9mm die set and produce a loaded round. No problem .380 in a 9mm most times they won't fire but, a .380 case with a 9mm load in it could be disastrous in a .380 gun.

[OldCannon]

Nice selection - the Classic Turret is a good press.

I doubt you need the Lyman Universal Case Preparation Kit yet, though - that's for rifles. Apart from cleaning brass in a tumbler, I've never - in literally a hundreds of thousands of handgun reloads - ever used a case prep kit.

You might need them for loads like 357SIG, but you're correct, case trimmers aren't necessary for straight-necked pistol rounds.

[O6nop]

I'm curious about the hand primer, is that so you can watch TV while you prime or something? Priming several rounds would wear my hands out after a while, I like using the priming setup that comes with the Lee turret press. You can just load them one at a time by hand or get a separate feeder system for $21 so you can load up a bunch of primers. Either way pulling that lever is easier than that little hand primer.
Keep in mind, you can operate the Lee Turret press as if it were a single stage press if you want, just take the center rod out.
Also, the flange that rotates the turret bar is made of plastic, and although it's fairly durable, you might want to order a couple extra of those to keep handy. It's usually the operator's fault if they get damaged, you need to try to use full strokes of the handle.

[OldCannon]

I'm curious about the hand primer, is that so you can watch TV while you prime or something?

My experience is that the primer seating with the turret isn't always perfect. I've had 100% seating perfection with the hand primer.