Novice Reloader.

[Cedric 132]

I'm just about to start reloading for a .22 Hornet.

 

I have looked at various adverts and wondered if anyone could rate this kit - Lee Breech Lock Challenger Reloading Press Kit

 

 

http://www.opticswarehouse.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=lee_breech_lock_challenger_reloading_press_kit

 

I don't want cheap and cheerfull or excessive quality and have no plans to reload other calibres.

 

What extra dies etc. would I require?

 

[celticrusader 78]

Cedric your in the same boat as me and from what I've been told by my mate be careful as I shouldn't end up paying more than necessary, he got the same press second hand for £90 and bought all separately... I dont know personnally and know these challenger kits are going for roughly £135 on eBay and Amazon and would also like some input as I've bought almost everything else I can think of and those is the last parts.

Edited August 9, 2014 by celticrusader

[Coypu Hunter 486]

Bought my hardly-used Hornady 5-station press second hand for 100€ (600€ new). The better ones tend to be built to last, so if I were you I'd look around for second-hand as others have said.

[celticrusader 78]

Apparently Lee are good mate reckons but I have no experience in this.

[SportingShooter 0]

Lee are certainly very well respected in reloading circles, particularly with shooters who don't need target accuracy,

 

For field shooters like most of us on here, they're absolutely fine.

 

Some people will buy a Lee press and then buy slightly more expensive dies if they want a bit more out of it but thats up to you.

 

I'm not sure what that kit contains but to get started you really need a press, scales, set of dies, a case trimmer, case tumbler and a measuring caliper.

 

Along with a good reloading manual.

[Cedric 132]

I've been doing some more research and, apparently, Lee is good kit. I beieve I need a set of dies (Lee Delux) for decapping and neck resizing and bullet seating. For Hornet I don't need a full case resizer. In the kits the deburer and trimmer will be hand held but not a great problem for small quantities A case holder/stand is not included but I've got some nice hardwood and some sharp drills !

 

As for a manual, I'm not sure about buying a 200 page book to read two pages on Hornet reloading, the powder and bullet manufacturers websites seen to give comprehensive info.

[celticrusader 78]

Yeah your on the right track mate, my dies turned up yesterday and the only thing I need now is the press and case trimmer...got the ABC's of reloading about a year ago and yes there's only a small amount that you'll need and I guess the rest is what comes at a later date.

Depends how nuts you wanna go with it I guess.

[Coypu Hunter 486]

Lee makes good products, you should be OK with them.

 

A good manual is essential for safety reasons, general information and tips, not just specifically for Hornet reloading. PM me your email address and I'll send you a PDF of "The ABCs of Reloading".

 

I would strongly recommend you read the general sections BEFORE you start reloading!

Edited August 10, 2014 by Coypu Hunter

[SportingShooter 0]

Lee makes good products, you should be OK with them.

 

A good manual is essential for safety reasons, general information and tips, not just specifically for Hornet reloading. PM me your email address and I'll send you a PDF of "The ABCs of Reloading".

 

I would strongly recommend you read the general sections BEFORE you start reloading!

 

Spot on

[Cedric 132]

Celtic - there was a press for sale of Facebook a couple of days ago, think it was £20. It's a guy I bought some mags off so he seems OK. I'll look up the link and let you know.

 

Coypu, thanks for thr offer, I'll do that.

[charlie caller 3,654]

Nothing at all wrong with Lee gear, and the Lee collet dies load some stunningly accurate ammo, in fact I do believe the 1993 1000 yard bench rest champion won using Lee collet dies (which neck size only) anyone loading a hornet, please take note! Get yourself the Lee universal case flare die, which slightly flares the case before seating the flat based hornet bullets, and the Lee factory crimp die, both inexpensive items that will shrink the size of your groups considerably trust me.There is a lot of snobbery in the reloading world, with some turning their noses up at you if you mention you use Lee equipment, regarding you as some kind of half whit if you dont use £200 redding micrometer match seating dies that have been breathed upon by a sacred hindu cow, well let me tell you they are nutters, there is nothing wrong with Lee gear

[3175darren 1,102]

As above I have used LEE for 25+ yr and never a problem,but as said earlier, shop around, try Henry Kranks.co.uk online he sells loads of lee gear,I will be loading for hornet soon myself ,

[celticrusader 78]

Cheers Cedric! , couldn't agree with you more Charlie caller this gun snobbery has to stop and isn't doing our sport any favours for the people who are just starting out or on a budget with needless bull that they have to spend more.

[Cedric 132]

Charlie, thanks for the info. Are the flairing and crimping seperate operations from the neck sizing and seating. Another newbie question - which one decaps the round or is that seperate as well?

[SportingShooter 0]

Charlie, thanks for the info. Are the flairing and crimping seperate operations from the neck sizing and seating. Another newbie question - which one decaps the round or is that seperate as well?

 

Both my neck sizing and full length sizing die have decappers in