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[Chunky Monkey]

Originally Posted by unclesam099

The Turret Kit comes with a scale... As for the press, you should get the Auto-Disk Riser - I think you need this for the on-press mounting of the Auto-Disk to throw charges thru the expander die but do your research to see what the Lee Precision website says. You will get a basic Hodgdon load data booklet with limited data with the kit. Their website is a little bit better for more information. Get (or make) some loading blocks as well. I made some from a 2x4 and a drill press; or they sell trays for this purpose.

I got my Lee Classic Turret kit from Kempf Gun Shop. It did not come with a scale but Kempf is the best deal in my opinion! Great service!

[Xringshooter]

I always clean my cases before I reload, be it straight wall or not. Just seems to make it easier and less chance to scratch the case which could possibly weaken the case over time. Frankford Arsenal stuff is ok.

[Farbmeister]

Again, most people will say clean the case. I don't unless the brass was in mud or some other place that might introduce foreign object. For revolver I empty the cylinder into a bag so they never touch the ground. For .45ACP that get flung I will hit them with walnut for an hour or so simply to ensure that there are no critters/rocks/etc in the case.

Lube the pistol brass... you'll not regret it. The press operates sssooooo much smoother and like I said, a lanolin lube will not affect primer/powders.

[mg34]

get a least 3 reloading manuals to compare loads and get the best scale you can afford along with some check weights to make sure your scale is weighing correct, if you are loading near max. i have been reloading for 25 years and have seen it all.

[40twist]

I trim my straight wall pistol cartridges. Even after just once being shot different manufacturers brass I find is different lengths after being shot. I trim them ONCE to get them all uniform for crimping and then I usually never have to do it again. I tumble them clean before the press operation cuzz THAT makes press operation MUCH EASIER . I do NOT lube staright wall cases thru my carb dies. If your cases are sticking in a carbide die its because they are dirty.

[radnor]

Quote:
Originally Posted by VariableFeedback View Post
If I'm not going to purchase a tumbler right away, would cleaning the cases with steel wool be enough to size with carbide dies without having to lube?

I'm sorry, I should have done this in my reply. No way would I do this by hand.....

Tumble them! I fill up a LARGE coffee cans of dirty cases SORTED (9mm, 45, 223) and tumble one size at a time. Did the 9 & 45 together before. Some of the 9's went inside of the 45s. Did not come out as clean as the others. So I sort first. Then when done put them in zip lock bags for a reloading session.

[VariableFeedback]

Thanks for the feedback everybody. I've added a case tumbler to my order.