Should I bother trying to get into reloading right now?

[justpassinthru]

I'd watch the clasifieds here, Facebook or even Craigslist for used equipment. I see deals all the time which could be bought, used and resold anytime without a loss.
Buying new Lee stuff will put you in a hole you'll never dig out of.

 

[Straightshooter1]

Hi all,

So I'm at that point where I'd like to start reloading. I strictly shoot .308 for both precision shooting and deer hunting.

Midway's got a good deal going on a Lee set that should meet my needs. A few more odds and ends and I'll be all tooled up.

Now, the sticking point for me is the scarcity of primers/powder right now. Am I better off just continuing to buy FGMM and hold off on reloading for now? Or have people been having some luck finding primers/powder locally? I only just set up alerts on a few sites that may get them in eventually, so I'll keep a close watch on those. Thoughts?

I'm seeing more and more availability of primers and powders lately, and I feel it'll get progressively better looking forward. So, I wouldn't let the current status hold me back. In the meantime, you just gotta keep your eyes pealed, particularly are the big box stores where prices can still be within reason.

You say you're shooting your .308 for precision and I think one needs to determine just how much "precision" one is after, as that'll determine what kind of equipment one should be looking for.

I've been exclusively reloading for my .308 for several years now (only recently picked up a 6.5 PRC to play with. . . talk about lack of components! ) and I started out with the Lee Challenger Breach Lock Single Stage Press Kit. I'm still using several items that came with that kit, but I wasn't getting the "precision" I hoped for out of the press. That's not to say the press wouldn't satisfy other people, just not me. I still use the powder measure , funnel and occasionally the cutter and chamfer tools. When I went to the Co-Ax press, I didn't need some of the things like hand prime or shell holders. The tools from Lee that I still do use regularly is the decapping die and the neck sizing die (no, these didn't come with the kit). When using all that was in the kit, I found it difficult to get the short range "precision" I was hoping for, where the best I could expect was to get ~.5" groups, and I was after better than that (like less than .4"). The one thing I found to focus on for the best bang for the buck towards "precision" is. . . accurate powder weighing. I'd suggest not to short yourself on a good accurate scale. .. . especially if you're after precision.

 

[bozo699]

Hi all,

So I'm at that point where I'd like to start reloading. I strictly shoot .308 for both precision shooting and deer hunting.

Midway's got a good deal going on a Lee set that should meet my needs. A few more odds and ends and I'll be all tooled up.

Now, the sticking point for me is the scarcity of primers/powder right now. Am I better off just continuing to buy FGMM and hold off on reloading for now? Or have people been having some luck finding primers/powder locally? I only just set up alerts on a few sites that may get them in eventually, so I'll keep a close watch on those. Thoughts?

Vic,
I have some equipment I bought from an estate sale sight unseen , it got boxed up and placed in a hot tub room it’s got some rust on it but if I can clean it up and feel it’s still usable I’ll donate it to you under two conditions,….
#1 if I have a extra loading manual I’ll send it also if not you buy one and read it cover to cover before you ever even set your bench up and if in doubt get on here and ask questions
#2 you send $50.00 to the forum to become a gold forum member.

I’m lazy Laid up with with hand surgery so it might take me a bit to check it all out but I found these items in the last few minutes the dies are new still has oil From factory but no instructions I’ll look for some . Let me know if your interested
Wayne

 

[vicroll91]

vic, most Lee equipment will work for you. I use the Lee Classic Cast press, it's solid. The powder drop has served me well for 20 years or more. I was given an old O'haus scale years ago and threw the piece of crap Lee scale in the garbage. I use all brands of dies. My Lee dies produce accurate ammo but like my custom dies better. You need to be careful around this crowd, most on here think everyone has deep pockets. We can easily spend your money.

If you don't mind give a little information on where your budget is. Also I know I have .308 brass I have no use for. I believe it's once fired Remington. I'd be glad to pick out 100 or so pieces and send them to you.

Don Dunlap

Hi Don,

Thanks so much. I will happily take you up on your offer. Just let me know what I can pay you for it and we can work out the details.

 

[Flycaster1977]

Rcbs is running a special right now on their website. Loading dies and rifle primers. It would be a good way to get your foot in the door.

 

[vicroll91]

Vic,
I have some equipment I bought from an estate sale sight unseen , it got boxed up and placed in a hot tub room it’s got some rust on it but if I can clean it up and feel it’s still usable I’ll donate it to you under two conditions,….
#1 if I have a extra loading manual I’ll send it also if not you buy one and read it cover to cover before you ever even set your bench up and if in doubt get on here and ask questions
#2 you send $50.00 to the forum to become a gold forum member.

I’m lazy Laid up with with hand surgery so it might take me a bit to check it all out but I found these items in the last few minutes the dies are new still has oil From factory but no instructions I’ll look for some . Let me know if your interested
Wayne

Hi Wayne,

This sounds great, thank you. I'll take you up on both #1 and #2. If you end up not finding a reloading manual, no worries, I can buy one. I'll send you a pm this evening.

Thanks again!

 

[Flycaster1977]

Vic,
I have some equipment I bought from an estate sale sight unseen , it got boxed up and placed in a hot tub room it’s got some rust on it but if I can clean it up and feel it’s still usable I’ll donate it to you under two conditions,….
#1 if I have a extra loading manual I’ll send it also if not you buy one and read it cover to cover before you ever even set your bench up and if in doubt get on here and ask questions
#2 you send $50.00 to the forum to become a gold forum member.

I’m lazy Laid up with with hand surgery so it might take me a bit to check it all out but I found these items in the last few minutes the dies are new still has oil From factory but no instructions I’ll look for some . Let me know if your interested
Wayne

Thats a pretty good press. Rc 1 or 2 i believe. Ive been using an original rc1 for years and its never let me down.

 

[David Milisock]

Hi all,

So I'm at that point where I'd like to start reloading. I strictly shoot .308 for both precision shooting and deer hunting.

Midway's got a good deal going on a Lee set that should meet my needs. A few more odds and ends and I'll be all tooled up.

Now, the sticking point for me is the scarcity of primers/powder right now. Am I better off just continuing to buy FGMM and hold off on reloading for now? Or have people been having some luck finding primers/powder locally? I only just set up alerts on a few sites that may get them in eventually, so I'll keep a close watch on those. Thoughts?

Yes!

 

[wkdickinson]

I started with Lee 40 years ago because I didn't know any better and it was cheap. It's still cheap, relatively speaking (and a good value for the money), but today I understand that you get what you pay for - kind of. I still use some Lee stuff, in fact I just purchased one of their "Bench Auto-Primes" and really like it. But you will quickly find, if you become a "serious" reloader, that most of the Lee stuff, especially the press, won't long meet you needs.

Their is an old adage about "buy once, cry once" that really rings true. You don't have to step up and buy the ultra expensive stuff - frankly I think much of that stuff is marketed to individuals who always have to have the "best" (i.e., the most expensive). Are they better than the "good-quality" normal stuff, maybe, but can you see on a target, I doubt it.

Save yourself some money over the long-haul and buy better initially. Buy an RCBS Rock Chuck press or spend a bit more money and buy a Forster COAX (I had 2 Lee's and a Rock Chucker, before I bought mine) - so I know what I'm talking about. Buy good dies (Forster or Redding), consider an RCBS Chargemaster instead of a powder measure - still a compromise, but light-years better than "throwing" charges.

You will be money ahead, if you are serious!

 

[Bc'z]

Vic,
I have some equipment I bought from an estate sale sight unseen , it got boxed up and placed in a hot tub room it’s got some rust on it but if I can clean it up and feel it’s still usable I’ll donate it to you under two conditions,….
#1 if I have a extra loading manual I’ll send it also if not you buy one and read it cover to cover before you ever even set your bench up and if in doubt get on here and ask questions
#2 you send $50.00 to the forum to become a gold forum member.

I’m lazy Laid up with with hand surgery so it might take me a bit to check it all out but I found these items in the last few minutes the dies are new still has oil From factory but no instructions I’ll look for some . Let me know if your interested
Wayne

That's what's up!!
Way to look out.

 

[Adam in WI]

Damn fine gesture on @bozo699 's part. I started with a Lee kit 20 years ago. By ten years almost all of the pieces had begun to break or give trouble. You're money ahead to start with good equipment.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Learn how to strip your bolt if you don't know how, will make sizing die adjustment much easier. Only use brass fired from your rifle or new to start with, will also make getting your die set correctly. No proud primers. Start low work up charges.

 

[bozo699]

Vic,
I got the case trimmer and the powder dispenser freed up need to find some 0000 steel wool and re blue the steel the press is being stubborn!…. Flycaster1977,
It’s a RCll if I can break it free I think it will be ok and yes there very nice presses I have several from the original to the supreme. There no Prazzi but they make concentric ammo
Wayne

 

[Bill K]

I would start obtaining what you need, where you can. Then as other items show up, buy them. Then you will be ready to enjoy our hobby and sport, even more.

 

[std7mag]

I load a LOT, of many different cartridges.
Lee products have worked well.
That's not to say i haven't upgraded some odd & ends.

I don't know where people are finding primers!
I'm running into some standard CCI, here and there. Available in 100 count packs, limit 2 packs per customer.

I haven't seen match primers in a year.

It also depends on which bullet you want also.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Vic,
I got the case trimmer and the powder dispenser freed up need to find some 0000 steel wool and re blue the steel the press is being stubborn!…. Flycaster1977,
It’s a RCll if I can break it free I think it will be ok and yes there very nice presses I have several from the original to the supreme. There no Prazzi but they make concentric ammo
Wayne

That looks like a great RCII press! They are highly sought after, and this young man has hit the jackpot today.

 

[bozo699]

Kracken,
I have a cast on my right arm and hand so I’m limited but I did get it busted loose about a half hour ago now to get the die out of it and cleaned up. I have appointments tomorrow but hoping to find a scale and a few more items he will need tomorrow evening. I’ll size some Dasher brass and load them and see how the press does but it was mostly surface rust except the handle it’s pretty rusty but that won’t effect the process.
Wayne

 

[Alex Wheeler]

The sooner you start the sooner you will have what you need. I had a gentlemen that called me every once in a while to bs and ask about my wait times. He never wanted to wait. But had we ordered parts after the first call he'd have been on his second barrel by the last time we talked. Just pick up what you can when you can.

 

[vicroll91]

Kracken,
I have a cast on my right arm and hand so I’m limited but I did get it busted loose about a half hour ago now to get the die out of it and cleaned up. I have appointments tomorrow but hoping to find a scale and a few more items he will need tomorrow evening. I’ll size some Dasher brass and load them and see how the press does but it was mostly surface rust except the handle it’s pretty rusty but that won’t effect the process.
Wayne

Man, I so appreciate your time and help on this, I really do. Tons of great advice throughout the thread - thanks everybody.

 

[Dgd6mm]

Hi Don,

Thanks so much. I will happily take you up on your offer. Just let me know what I can pay you for it and we can work out the details.

Vic, I may have you cover the shipping or part of it. No cost on the brass.

Wayne, if you don't have a manual I have a Lee reloading manual I can send with the brass. It's a good one to read cover to cover. Just let me know.

Don Dunlap