[aandabooks]

Let's say that I got this particular reloader for Christmas.

Gander Mountain® > Lee 50th Anniversary Reloading Press Kit - Hunting > Shooting Gear : Firearms, Ammunition, Black Powder, Firearm Accessories

What else am I going to need to get started reloading? I mean apart from the obvious: bullets, powder, primers and cases. I can get it a bit cheaper on Ebay or if Gander runs a sale.

I have or will have .223, .30-06, .30-30, 7.62x54r, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45ACP

I have been saving my brass from the rifles. I don't know if it would be worth it to reload for the Mosin. Some of what I have in .223 is steel Wolf cases.

Thanks in advance for your help. I have no exposure to reloading so I will be learning from the ground up.

[fmj]

I would avoid that "kit".

I have learned the Lee powder measure is junk....it never throws close to the same charge consecutively or consistantly. The scale is operable but you will be better off with an inexpensive digital scale.

I would also suggest scouring Flea-bay for CARBIDE dies.

You will also need case holders.

The dies, presses, case holders/trimmers from Lee are good quality, the rest is suspect.

There are others WAY more experienced than that should be along shortly to help. I am just giving you my experience and what i have learned with Lee equipment.

[Overkill0084]

First buy a book. ABC's of reloading and/or the Lyman 49th Edition Reloading Handbook. They will answer most of your questions and give a basis from which to make educated decisions.
FWIW, I started with the kit you list. It was fine for a while, but my needs grew to the point where I wanted more volume (I reload pistol only.) For the rifle stuff you will probably be happy with it. If you shoot a lot of pistol (and you will) I recommend taking it up a notch or two to the Lee Classic Turret (note: Classic not Deluxe). It will increase your volume without driving up your costs too much.
Edit: The Lee Perfect powder measure can be fussy. It works well for some powders, but problematic with others. Bullseye & 2400: no problem. Unique: try again. I would guess that some rifle powders will give you fits.
Other stuff:

You will want to get a Caliper of some sort so you KNOW what your OAL length is. Eventually you may find the Lee scale a bit frustrating as well. It's a perfectly serviceable item, just cumbersome to use.

Some of what I have in .223 is steel Wolf cases.

Recycle those. While it may be theoretically possible to reload them in some rare instances, it's not worth the trouble; for a number of reasons. Recycle steel and Blazer aluminum cases, or leave them on the ground.

[fmj]

Originally Posted by Overkill0084

First buy a book. ABC's of reloading and/or the Lyman 49th Edition Reloading Handbook. They will answer most of your questions and give a basis from which to make educated decisions.
FWIW, I started with the kit you list. It was fine for a while, but my needs grew to the point where I wanted more volume (I reload pistol only.) For the rifle stuff you will probably be happy with it. If you shoot a lot of pistol (and you will) I recommend taking it up a notch or two to the Lee Classic Turret. It will increase your volume without driving up your costs too much.
Edit: The Lee Perfect powder measure can be fussy. It works well for some powders, but problematic with others. Bullseye & 2400: no problem. Unique: try again. I would guess that some rifle powders will give you fits.
Other stuff:

You will want to get a Caliper of some sort so you KNOW what your OAL length is. Eventually you may find the Lee scale a bit frustrating as well. It's a perfectly serviceable item, just cumbersome to use.

Fussy!?!? more like "Pain in my @$$"!!!! 2400 or Unique equally inconsistent throws with this junk Lee powder measure!!

The Lee turret is a GREAT piece of equipment IMHO...i have the 3 hole and for the money its AWESOME!!

The Lyman 49th is also a great suggestion as is the calipers...i spaced those, good call, O.K!!!

[Overkill0084]

Originally Posted by fmj

Fussy!?!? more like "Pain in my @$$"!!!! 2400 or Unique equally inconsistent throws with this junk Lee powder measure!!

The Lee turret is a GREAT piece of equipment IMHO...i have the 3 hole and for the money its AWESOME!!

The Lyman 49th is also a great suggestion as is the calipers...i spaced those, good call, O.K!!!

I had no problem with 2400 in mine. It was Unique that drove me to buy a better measure (Redding 3BR, FWIW). That and the Cheap feel of the thing. I would love to see a high end version that didn't leak. I really miss the removable hopper. The Lee PPM is a good idea that could have been executed better.

[Richz99]

You guys just aren't using the Lee Power Measure right. It's all technique...

First, you have to have the correct music going for the proper tempo of the throw; not too slow, but definitely not too fast. I find "one bourbon, one scotch, and one beer" by Thorogood is just about right. Then you hold your tongue on the left side of your mouth on the down-stroke. It helps. Finally, you tap the side of the measure twice between each throw.

If you follow these simple steps, the Lee measure works just fine for all your loading needs.

Rich.

[c3shooter]

Rich- I never heard of such a thing. Everyone knows that you need Steppenwolf on the stereo. Figure the vibration from the bass notes makes the powder settle.

[fmj]

Originally Posted by Richz99

You guys just aren't using the Lee Power Measure right. It's all technique...

First, you have to have the correct music going for the proper tempo of the throw; not too slow, but definitely not too fast. I find "one bourbon, one scotch, and one beer" by Thorogood is just about right. Then you hold your tongue on the left side of your mouth on the down-stroke. It helps. Finally, you tap the side of the measure twice between each throw.

If you follow these simple steps, the Lee measure works just fine for all your loading needs.

Rich.

Tap the measure twice...check, do that.

Holding the tongue on the left side of the mouth...check, do THAT.

1 bourbon, one scotch and one beer....I Drink THAT, not listen to it! THAT must be my problem!!

[fmj]

Originally Posted by c3shooter

Rich- I never heard of such a thing. Everyone knows that you need Steppenwolf on the stereo. Figure the vibration from the bass notes makes the powder settle.

Are you saying RAP might be the way to go......if it is imma quit reloading!!

[Rick1967]

You can save money by reloading for the Mosin. There is plenty of brass out there that is reloadable. Just check the box to make sure it says "Boxer Primed" Berdan primed is not reloadable...well not for 99.99% of the reloading population.

I have a lot of Lee stuff. For the beginner it is fine. But RCBS is better. You get what you pay for.

Seriously... BUY A BOOK!!! And read it!!!