Researching the LNL and 650

[pitor]

After doing some very quick research, I was watching videos of the Lee turret press that has Auto indexing. It seems like a very nice beginner set-up, the kit comes with a lot of goodies necessary to reload, and only a set of appropriate dies will be needed to get started. About 250 rds per hour once familiar with it. Of course I need a tumbler and other tools are not part of the press kit but that's fine. What you all think?

[sdmc530]

Originally Posted by pitor

After doing some very quick research, I was watching videos of the Lee turret press that has Auto indexing. It seems like a very nice beginner set-up, the kit comes with a lot of goodies necessary to reload, and only a set of appropriate dies will be needed to get started. About 250 rds per hour once familiar with it. Of course I need a tumbler and other tools are not part of the press kit but that's fine. What you all think?

That sounds good really. 250 per hour is good. Does that including checking powder on every 50-100 rounds?

Just for comparison:

On my 650 I can do about 500-600 rounds an hour with all the refilling stuff in the middle (primers, powder). I check powder ever 100 rounds. I used to check more often but the Dillon dispenser is super good and I don't load to max on the 45 so I have wiggle room. I have never had an issue with the powder getting out of whack on my loads.

On the 10mm I check every 50 because I make them hotter. But I only load about 20% as much at my 45.

[pitor]

Originally Posted by sdmc530

That sounds good really. 250 per hour is good. Does that including checking powder on every 50-100 rounds?

Just for comparison:

On my 650 I can do about 500-600 rounds an hour with all the refilling stuff in the middle (primers, powder). I check powder ever 100 rounds. I used to check more often but the Dillon dispenser is super good and I don't load to max on the 45 so I have wiggle room. I have never had an issue with the powder getting out of whack on my loads.

On the 10mm I check every 50 because I make them hotter. But I only load about 20% as much at my 45.

I'm going to be very honest , I have no clue what "checking powder" means. LOL. I'm very new to reloading and have a very basic understanding of the steps involved and the language used. That's why I'm not jumping into reloading right now, I'll do my homework research and get acquainted with the tools and the language and the different options before committing to any setup.

[AFJuvat]

Originally Posted by pitor

After doing some very quick research, I was watching videos of the Lee turret press that has Auto indexing. It seems like a very nice beginner set-up, the kit comes with a lot of goodies necessary to reload, and only a set of appropriate dies will be needed to get started. About 250 rds per hour once familiar with it. Of course I need a tumbler and other tools are not part of the press kit but that's fine. What you all think?

The only suggestion I would make, and this is purely my opinion, is to invest in a decent digital scale. Frankford Arsenal makes a decent one for about $70 that is very accurate and has a quick response time.

[pitor]

Originally Posted by AFJuvat

The only suggestion I would make, and this is purely my opinion, is to invest in a decent digital scale. Frankford Arsenal makes a decent one for about $70 that is very accurate and has a quick response time.

Thanks Mike

[Riverpigusmc]

Originally Posted by AFJuvat

The only suggestion I would make, and this is purely my opinion, is to invest in a decent digital scale. Frankford Arsenal makes a decent one for about $70 that is very accurate and has a quick response time.

I'll argue that a little bit. I have that scale, and while nice, I don't set my powder thrower with it. I have an RCBS 502 I got from the Colonel, a set of Lyman check weights, and the digital scale. I set up the 502, check it with the check weights, set the Little Dandy with that, check the digital scale with the check weights to make sure it coincides with the beam, then use the digital to spot check every so many rounds. Always trust gravity over electronics

[Lonestar grips.]

yeah I wouldn't trust a electric scale.

[pitor]

Okay, I watched some more videos and I know what checking powder means. My understanding is you put powder into a primed case and then dump the powder out into a scale to make sure that you have a consistent measurement. You do this about 5 to 10 times and measure the grains. If there is consistency in the measurements you proceeded to load, or continue loading . Am I correct?

[sdmc530]

Originally Posted by pitor

Okay, I watched some more videos and I know what checking powder means. My understanding is you put powder into a primed case and then dump the powder out into a scale to make sure that you have a consistent measurement. You do this about 5 to 10 times and measure the grains. If there is consistency in the measurements you proceeded to load, or continue loading . Am I correct?

Correct.

Everyone does a different number based on experience and faith in the system. for 45 I am 1 per 100 round checker. Depending on the type of scale you use you just put on measure tray to make sure its in check.
I started with a beam scale and it was slower, but more accurate but drove me kind of crazy waiting for the balancing act. So I purchased a really nice digital scale.

When I am loading I just pull a case off the plate every 100ish check the weight. If its good pour the powder back in put it back on the plate and carry on. If its off I check the next few and maybe have to adjust. Don't have to tweak very often I am lucky mine is so good.

Example: You are loading 45acp 230gr....you are using Win231 (great for target rounds) You are set for 5gr. You measure a load and its 4.9...your good. You measure a round at 5.1 your good, I like to stay within .2 of my desired set gr. But you could be a bit looser for target loads.
If you are loading HOT with same round I think the max is someplace around 5.8-6.0 depending on what book you read then you might have a tighter tolerance for play. maybe .1ish. I hope you get the idea.

You will love reloading!

[pitor]

Is the factory crimp die a must?