Reloading newbie question about dies...

SEAG · 10-29-2006, 06:45 PM

I am just getting started with reloading rifle rounds. I have reloaded shotgun shells before so I understand most of the process.I have been eyeing up the Lee anniversary kit so I can get rolling.I figure I can then upgrade the pieces I want to along the way.

Can anyone help me understand the different dies I should be looking at?It seems ther some die kits come with 2 dies, and some 3 dies...I know there is a deprime/resize die and a crimp die I believe...what should I be looking for? I will be reloading 7mm mags..

Any suggestions on other starter kits are welcome too but I am trying to keep the cost down.

NE Hunter · 10-29-2006, 06:59 PM

I'm assuming this is a bolt action rifle. If so I'd get the Lee Deluxe Dies ( if they are availabe for your 7mm) They come with a full length resizer as wellas a collet die that only neck sizes, and they include a seater die. If you are using brasss you fired in your gun you can use the nsck sizer ( collet) but with this set you can use brass from other sources and use the full length resizer.

SEAG · 10-29-2006, 07:05 PM

You are right...bolt action. I was planning on buying some bulk brass to get me rolling along.

Larimer_Tom · 10-29-2006, 09:37 PM

I've been reloading for 18+ years and I've got to say that RCBS, Hornady, and now days even Lee dies are a good buy. As for a press the Lee Classic cast press can't be beat for the money. I'm a little more more particular due to the number of rounds I load. I have a Lymann DPS 1200 Digital power dispenser, RCBS power trim mate, Rockchucker press, and an older Lyman T-Mag press. Lee has went from cheap to much better equipment in the past several years. It all depends on what you're looking to do. I love reloading it really gives me an enjoyment knowing I'm reloading accurate and terminal loads. Do all the reading you can and search out other reloaders and you'll really enjoy the hobby of hunting even more.

Tom

#40Fan · 10-29-2006, 10:30 PM

Get the Lee Aniversary kit. That is what I did and I also started out with the 7mm Rem Mags. It works wonders. I later stepped up to the Classic press to do all of the heavy duty work of FL Sizing and Neck Sizing. If mounted right, the Challenger press will do just fine. But for another $65 on midwayusa.com you will love the extra leverage.

Also, get the die set that comes with the collet die.

strob2 · 10-30-2006, 12:12 AM

I think I would go with the Lee Classic Cast press if I were buying a new press. They are nice with the spent primer tube out the bottom of the ram, and they seem to be a well built press for the money. A friend of mine just bought one at Cabela's and was concidering between the RCBS Rock Chucker Kit and the Lee Classic Cast press. I do like the fact that the Lee Classic press is deeper or taller than any of my presses, expecialy when loading a longer cartrage such as the the 7mm Mag. I have taken plenty of 1/4 moon shape chunks of skin off my finger and thumb when seating the bullets.

I have been raised using the Rock Chucker press from the time I was old enough to help my dad reload, since then I bought a lee challenger press as my own first pressand broke the aluminumpart where the handle fastens. (not a real good design in my book)After ditching that I picked up a used RCBS Jr.II press and used that for a while, but wanted a second press and found a Redding Boss press and use that more than the Jr.II, and to add to the colection I just picked up a rock chucker at an auction to add to my colection. I think the next one will be a Lee Classic.

Shane

HEAD0001 · 10-30-2006, 09:10 AM

There are alot of good presses on E-bay, check them out. I would buy all of my other equipment new.If you are just starting, then you only want to full length size your brass. The greatest habit to start early, is case trimming. I find to many beginners skip this stage alot, because it is the slowest and most boring stage. I think it is one of the most important stages, neck tension is very important, as you will learn along you trek to ultimate accuracy.

As far as which brand, you should buy what you can afford. Reloading is like scopes, you get what you pay for. I have never owned any Lee equipment, except the auto-prime. I started loading in the 70's, and back then the Lee name was associated with junk. I will not knock their current products, because I do not know about their current quality. I do not think you can gowrong with RCBS dies.Remember what you buy know, you will have for a long time.

You need to start out with a FL sizer die, and a seater die. These two dies are capable of loading some very accurate loads. Spend all the money you can on reading material, this will help you the most. Go to E-bay and buy some used reloading books. Tom.

SEAG · 10-30-2006, 04:41 PM

Thank you all for the help...I have been doing a bit of reading. It seems that the Lee deluxe rile die set along with the factory crip die would be all I would need as far as dies go. I do llike the lee classic press but the anniversary package with Modern Reloading book looks like it offers more for the beginner. The classic press just looks sturdier...what about the turret press? or is that getting too involved too fast?