Rivers2k

So what are dies? I can usually figure stuff out by looking but they kind of jsut look like the end of a spark plug.

Obo2

a hand press is nice for reloading at the range.

If you want to work at your kitchen table you can do like me and mount your press to a board and then clamp that down wherever you want to work

Obo2

Dies are the part that actually does the work on the case.

you mount the dies in the press each one for a different operations.

One removes the primer and resizes the case on will flare the case mouth(pistol only) , one seats the bullet and one crimps the case mouth

Seneca

Shop around a bit, sometimes you can find a great deal on a used single stage press...I'm partial to the older cast iron RCBS "0" presses. very solid and you'll never wear one out...I've tried and eventually gave up and gave it to a family member and it's still going strong.

Point is spend the extra money and buy the better tools and dies, in the long run you save money...if that makes any sense...

Uhm you can usually find used RCBS presses for 50/75 bucks in good shape. A good set of carbide .38/.357 dies will run you about 40/45 bucks, and another 7/8 bucks for a shell holder. These are basic items that last and won't wear out.

A good beam scale is a must and here again, I would suggest not scrimping on the money. Probably find a good one for about 100 bucks...

The price of powder measures has steadily climbed. So It may pay to shop around for a good used one. RCBS Redding and Lyman are all good ones.

I know I sound like a bit of a reloading snob by recommending you go with the more expensive tools and dies...but these are things you buy once and have for a very long time...

Crusty Deary Old Coot

Well said Seneca!

I have a powder measure, seldom use it.

The Hornady L-N-L has a powder measure as part of the system. I use that.

Not a Lee fan for a number of reasons, but one good product is their set of powder dippers.

Usually use two to them, one which when full is a bit low and then a second and MUCH smaller dipper to top the charge off on the scale.

Loaded some 243 with varget a cpouple days ago, and about the time I was finished thought, hey, I could have used the powder measure. But I didn't.

I have also not found powder tricklers to be so so, and have not used one for ages. Probably have one somewhere I should move on.

CDOC

CDOC

had3nuf

rogerzz I'm with you I enjoy just to sit there and relax doing what I like, If i am reloading pistol rounds 38's, 9mm I load them to shoot targets at about 30'