So over the next couple months, I'm going to start purchasing a VERY basic setup to reload for 7.7 JAP. I've already found a powder that has load data for the round (took forever to find one), and the load data suggests CCI primers (which I think I'll go with the suggested before experimenting).

 

What I'm looking for right now is a cheap single stage press, or hand press. I'm not going to be purchasing every thing in one go, but slowly over time from check to check. So what do you guys suggest?

Lee Classic Cast single stage. Or, look at used. Craigslist, reloading forums, etc. Also, get "The ABC's of Reloading" for an indepth overview of the hobby.

 

Good luck.

 

C

Lee Classic Cast single stage. Or, look at used. Craigslist, reloading forums, etc. Also, get "The ABC's of Reloading" for an indepth overview of the hobby.

 

Good luck.

 

C

 

Any thoughts on the the Lee Challenger Breech Lock kit? Worth the 120 dollars?

It does exactly what you need it to do.

 

However the turret setup is a few bucks more. I wish i had bought the turret first. Most people will tell you to get the single to learn on but you can learn the same thing on the turret without going too far into advanced skills.

 

 

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RCBS Master Supreme Reloading Kit. For under $300, it gives you about 90% of what you need to get started. As the poster above me mentions, a turret press will really speed things up. The RCBS Master Press is a single stage press, that you can upgrade to a turret press with a future purchase. Just something to keep in mind.

It does exactly what you need it to do.

 

However the turret setup is a few bucks more. I wish i had bought the turret first. Most people will tell you to get the single to learn on but you can learn the same thing on the turret without going too far into advanced skills.

 

 

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The Lee 4 Hole Turret press would literally eat an entire pay check for me right now. I might get that in the future though, but not until I'm really comfortable with reloading first.

 

I'll keep RCBS in mind, but I probably won't be able to afford it until I get a better job. Hell, just looking at single stage presses is making my wallet cry a little.

The Hornady L-n-L Classic Auto-charge kit is $400 at cabelas right now + free shipping

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Home/Shooting-Gear-Internet-Only-Hot-Buys-Ann-Sale%7C/pc/105625080/c/157664880/Hornady-Lock-N-Load-Classic-Auto-Charge-Deluxe-Reloading-Kit/1318445.uts?destination=%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FcategoryId%3D157664880%26WTz_l%3DHome%253Bcat153203580&WTz_l=Home%3Bcat153203580%3Bcat157664880

Holy shit. Thats a great deal. I wish I saw that before I bought what I bought. Could've saved a cpl hundred.

 

The Lee 4 Hole Turret press would literally eat an entire pay check for me right now. I might get that in the future though, but not until I'm really comfortable with reloading first.

 

 

Wha?

 

 

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/622290/lee-4-hole-turret-press-with-auto-index-value-kit

 

 

I can respect wanting to learn on a single first because I was in your shoes a year ago. However, at the prices Midway has the value kits I ended up paying nearly double by going the single stage way first, then the four turret 3 months later. I outgrew the single that fast. You will too, judging by how deliberate you want to be in learning first.

 

 

 

 

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Wha?

 

 

http://www.midwayusa...index-value-kit

 

 

I outgrew the single that fast. You will too, judging by how deliberate you want to be in learning first.

 

 

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I've been reloading on a single stage press since 1987. I can't imagine ever outgrowing it. You will always have a use for a single stage press even if its just for popping primers before cleaning with a de-capping die.

 

My thought - buy a rock chucker - it will never be without a use on your reloading bench.

Wha?

 

 

http://www.midwayusa...index-value-kit

 

 

I can respect wanting to learn on a single first because I was in your shoes a year ago. However, at the prices Midway has the value kits I ended up paying nearly double by going the single stage way first, then the four turret 3 months later. I outgrew the single that fast. You will too, judging by how deliberate you want to be in learning first.

 

 

 

 

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I was looking at the completely wrong thing then, cause the one I saw was like 200 plus dollars. And as it sits right now, 200 plus dollars would eat my check like Mike Tyson eats ears.

 

One of the reasons I was considering the Lee Challenger Breech Lock is because of all the stuff that comes with it. But if the turret press comes with all that stuff in one package then I'll go with that and save the five dollars. Put that towards a set of calipers from harbor freight, and get a case trimmer.

 

 

I've been reloading on a single stage press since 1987. I can't imagine ever outgrowing it. You will always have a use for a single stage press even if its just for popping primers before cleaning with a de-capping die.

 

My thought - buy a rock chucker - it will never be without a use on your reloading bench.

I've seen a whole bunch of people using RCBS, and it seems like really high quality gear, I just can't afford that right now.

Ok, I get it, Moneys tight. You need to just think a bit. 7.7 jap -- I'm not familiar with it so I searched it quick -- 7 MM bullet kinda sized like a 30-06 casing. Is that correct?

 

Don't take this as a knock on Lee gear, I use some lee stuff just not familiar with their press. Anyway, I'm not so sure cheap is smart here.

If you where looking to reload 9mm or some other pistol caliber I wouldn't be saying this but -- your brass will take some effort to size. A cheap press may not be up to the task -- Sure it will work at 1st but 500 rounds down the road???

 

A harbor freight caliper?? I hope its better than everything else from HF -- Not what I'd want to measure a live explosive, about to go off, next to my face with.

 

I'd just hate to see you spend hard to come by money on mediocre gear that may not give very good results.

 

Better gear has some sort of resale value too -- the cheap stuff won't sell unless you give it away.

 

It may sound like it but I'm not trying to discourage you from reloading -- I'd just hate to see you get a bunch of crap and get turned off really fast when things don't work out as planned.

 

Jer

As my fellow hi power shooters say "Buy once, Cry once"

In other words, buy cheap, get cheap.

 

Get the Rockchucker

Or, at the least stick with a cast single stage. Once you start introducing a lot of moving parts into the equation, it becomes weaker and imprecise. Go with a single. Cast is better as it is stiffer than the pot metal aluminum that Lee uses in their regular presses.

 

Think about it... How many rounds of that rifle do you need to churn out to go have a good time at the range? 100? 200? 300? If you do it in batches, and aren't in a rush, a single stage will take you there. In style. You can spend your time making sure you get the most out of your round. And, you're broke (join the crowd!) and components cost a lot of money. So you might as well enjoy the journey. If you were looking to save money on ammo because you are looking to compete in IDPA type stuff, I wouldn't make the same recommendations. I would say get the turret at the least and maybe even start on a progressive of some sort. But your not.

 

Get the single stage. Save the money. Get the precision. Take your time. JMHO.

 

C

I have the Lee Challenger Anniversary kit and I love the press. IMO you wouldn't really save any time by going with a turret since the dies take 5 seconds to change out once they're set up. I've loaded plenty of 9mm and .308 on it. I would probably advise against getting the kit though because I wound up probably spending more replacing things that it came with. For example, I didn't like the powder scale at all, so I got an RCBS 5-0-5. I also preferred the anniversary kit over the other one because I prefer hand priming rather than press priming, but that's a personal preference.

 

As others may have insinuated, the Lee presses are not "cheap", they are a good value. They are not necessarily built as robust as others, but if it doesn't need to be, why make it that way. Like I said, I load .308 which is only a short version of 30-06, and requires a fair amount of force to resize, and my press has never winced at it.

 

As far as calipers, it doesn't matter. Unless you're spending $100+ on a certified calibrated inspection grade set of calipers, $20 calipers are all the same. I have a Frankford Arsenal set and have never worried about it causing any problems, and I also use Mitutoyo certified calipers regularly at work, so it's not like I've never used real inspection equipment. IMO, when discussing reloading equipment, just like anything else, you'll find plenty of people who think low cost equipment is useless and will only cause problems, and then you'll find plenty of people who use that same equipment for years and have no problems at all. Also, just like any other hobby, no matter what you get now, you'll be spending more on stuff later, so get what you can get now and worry about the rest later. I couldn't afford a Dillon 650 (and still can't) so I got a Lee Challenger kit and slowly added more to it as I've needed and it's served me just fine. Would I like to eventually get a progressive, absolutely, and I probably will eventually, but that doesn't make my single stage any less useful. I personally would never load rifle on anything more than a single stage anyway.

 

That's only my opinion though, and I'm sure plenty will disagree with me, just as plenty will agree.

^^^Said so much better than I did.^^^

 

C

RCBS Master Supreme Reloading Kit. For under $300, it gives you about 90% of what you need to get started. As the poster above me mentions, a turret press will really speed things up. The RCBS Master Press is a single stage press, that you can upgrade to a turret press with a future purchase. Just something to keep in mind.

 

I've been reloading on a single stage press since 1987. I can't imagine ever outgrowing it. You will always have a use for a single stage press even if its just for popping primers before cleaning with a de-capping die.

 

My thought - buy a rock chucker - it will never be without a use on your reloading bench.

 

As my fellow hi power shooters say "Buy once, Cry once"

In other words, buy cheap, get cheap.

 

Get the Rockchucker

 

A rockchucker is bulletproof and will last a lifetime. The supreme reloading kit is excellent to start with. I'm not sure, but RCBS may still be giving a $50.00 rebate when 300 is spent.

I appreciate every ones opinion on this. I like hearing all the sides before I make a jump and get something I'm not familiar with. You guys are the closest to experts I can talk to.

 

Now, on to the actual topic. Heavyopp mentioned not knowing much about 7.7mm Jap. Its an odd caliber now. So the little bit I know about the round, I'll throw into the topic here:

 

7.7 Jap uses a 58mm rimless case, with .312 or .311 diameter projectile. powder load depends on who you're using. I'm going with accurate 4350 and will be using between 46.8 (recommended starting load) to 48 (max for this powder, and projectile weight is 52.0 grains) grains of powder for a 150 grain soft point projectile. OAL of the cartridge is 3.130 inches max.

 

Norma is like one of a very few companies that make 58 mm brass, but because of the case dimensions you can neck down and resize 30-06 brass. This should cut down on cost for brass just a little bit since it opens you up to not just purchasing from one company.

 

For the time being, I'll get just the Breech Lock single stage press, not the kit since it sounds like I'll end up replacing some of the stuff anyway. And its not because I'm being cheap or fruggle. For 58 dollars, if I fugg it up I won't be as pissed, as compared to the Rock Chucker, which if I break it I'm out 3 times the amount as the Lee press. Once I get comfortable reloading, I might upgrade. Either way, I'll probably end up with two presses and show my dad how to do it so we can get some father/son time going.

A rockchucker is bulletproof and will last a lifetime. The supreme reloading kit is excellent to start with. I'm not sure, but RCBS may still be giving a $50.00 rebate when 300 is spent.

 

Yes. They still offer $50 rebate if you spend over $300.

If you can swing it, I do recommend the Classic Cast over the Breech Lock it the Breech Lock is the aluminum. JMHO.

 

C

If you can swing it, I do recommend the Classic Cast over the Breech Lock it the Breech Lock is the aluminum. JMHO.

 

C

 

I picked up an extra shift today, so I could probably swing it and get the classic cast.

 

Now is there a difference between the Classic Cast and Classic Cast Breech Lock? Cause they really just look like the same thing, unless there is a subtle difference that makes everything easier.

The Breech Lock has the quick change die system. Without that, you have to thread and unthread each die every time, which also means resetting it's position each time. I've never used any of the lock rings that claim to save your settings, but I'm not sure I personally would trust them anyway since it still depends on how tightly you thread it into the press. With the breech lock bushings it's at the same position in the press every time. I would suggest getting the Breech Lock. Make sure you get enough bushings for all of your dies as well.

I went with this turret press over the one posted earlier...seems to be a better made press especially with the handle apparatus. The turret system is cool, 4 pulls makes one round w/o having to swap out dies. Then should you ever decide to get into other calibers you just buy the 4 hole turret and dies...no need to mess with the other settings on the other dies. Get the upgraded pro powder measure too.

 

https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=630&category_id=190&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41&vmcchk=1&Itemid=41

I went with this turret press over the one posted earlier...seems to be a better made press especially with the handle apparatus. The turret system is cool, 4 pulls makes one round w/o having to swap out dies. Then should you ever decide to get into other calibers you just buy the 4 hole turret and dies...no need to mess with the other settings on the other dies. Get the upgraded pro powder measure too.

 

https://kempfgunshop.com//index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=630&category_id=190&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41&vmcchk=1&Itemid=41

 

Wonder where you got your info joe! =P

Wonder where you got your info joe! =P

Some guinea. lmao

 

I picked up an extra shift today, so I could probably swing it and get the classic cast.

 

Now is there a difference between the Classic Cast and Classic Cast Breech Lock? Cause they really just look like the same thing, unless there is a subtle difference that makes everything easier.

 

If you need to go with the single stage then be sure to get the breech lock. It is something thing that will help both you consistancy as well as speed.

 

 

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If you need to go with the single stage then be sure to get the breech lock. It is something thing that will help both you consistancy as well as speed.

 

 

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Yeah, I'm definitely getting the Classic Cast Breech Lock press then. Figure for the same price, and it speeds things up a bit, then yeah I'll get it. I'll be ready to make the purchase next Friday when the check clears, so I'm getting excited now.

 

If you need to go with the single stage then be sure to get the breech lock. It is something thing that will help both you consistancy as well as speed.

 

 

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IMHO the breech lock is complete trash get the one where you have to thread the dies in! The breech lock gives a lot of run out I can't stand it.

 

IMHO the breech lock is complete trash get the one where you have to thread the dies in! The breech lock gives a lot of run out I can't stand it.

 

 

Hmm. I imagine my needs for precision are far less than yours. Then again I only used it for a short time before i just couldn't bear a single stage.

 

I only reload 9 mm luger, kurz and now 38 spl for random range time. I like to have 300 of each for when i get the time to shoot. I can very well see that over time and 900 rounds every 2 months the the breech lock would start to develop issues.

 

 

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IMHO the breech lock is complete trash get the one where you have to thread the dies in! The breech lock gives a lot of run out I can't stand it.

 

So between the two the Breech Lock gives slightly loser tolerances?