Just ordered my first press

[JTScribe]

Got a Lee LoadMaster .223 kit heading my way. Hope to get it up and running in the spring. As my wife delicately pointed out, I need to get the garage cleaned out first.

As far as components go, I have no clue as to what are considered 'good' prices. There's a local shop, for example, selling bags of 500 5.56 brass for $50. Good deal? Bad deal?

I'm finding bullets for 30/100 and small rifle primers for 38-40/1000.

 

[straight-shooter]

Got a Lee LoadMaster .223 kit heading my way. Hope to get it up and running in the spring. As my wife delicately pointed out, I need to get the garage cleaned out first.

As far as components go, I have no clue as to what are considered 'good' prices. There's a local shop, for example, selling bags of 500 5.56 brass for $50. Good deal? Bad deal?

I'm finding bullets for 30/100 and small rifle primers for 38-40/1000.

That's a average price for the brass as I just paid $98 for 1,000 once fired LC but it also came with a free .50 cal ammo can on GunBroker. $30 for 100 bullets is a bit over the top unless their Sierra match or Hornady match grade otherwise I get 1,000 Hornady FMJ bulk from Midsouth Shooters supply for $92. Primers average $35-$40 for Winchester or CCI and much less if you buy Wolf.

 

[JTScribe]

Cool, thanks for the tip. I will check out Midsouth.

 

[Double T]

I'm looking at reloading .223 also. Thanks for some info (even though I load for handgun )

 

[bdybdall]

I thought you had ordered a new dress and I was going to suggest you post this elsewhere.

 

[EvilElmo]

In case you haven't found these yet they have tons of videos and information about how to get the LoadMaster up and running (the included directions are all but worthless).

The Load Master Zone - reloading with Lee presses - videos and forums
Load Master Help Videos - Lee Precision

 

[Dave A]

Chances are that the once fired Lake City brass will have a crimp on the primer pocket. It is a time consuming extra step to remove the crimp so before you buy brass confirm it does not have a crimp on the primer pocket. There are a few threads in the reloading forum regarding the removal of the crimp and the equipment required to remove it.
Also http://www.natchezss.com sometimes has good prices on once fired brass

Good luck,
Dave

 

[Cerberus]

Chances are that the once fired Lake City brass will have a crimp on the primer pocket. It is a time consuming extra step to remove the crimp so before you buy brass confirm it does not have a crimp on the primer pocket. There are a few threads in the reloading forum regarding the removal of the crimp and the equipment required to remove it.
Also http://www.natchezss.com sometimes has good prices on once fired brass

Good luck,
Dave

I'll gladly take any US surplus brass you don't want. Quite simple to remove the crimp, it can be done with a pocket knife if that is all you have.

 

[Nayls47]

I'll gladly take any US surplus brass you don't want. Quite simple to remove the crimp, it can be done with a pocket knife if that is all you have.

Agreed. Crimps are easy to remove but not with my pocket knife. Buying with out the crimp is much easier and you don't have to buy any crimp removal tools for it.

 

[jbz400]

Also check midway and grafs and sons. If your around avon go to profire, very good people.

 

[Broom_jm]

+1 on Profire and the only "crimp removal tool" you need is a counter-sink bit in your handheld drill motor.

 

[Cerberus]

+1 on Profire and the only "crimp removal tool" you need is a counter-sink bit in your handheld drill motor.

Dangit now you have ruined my chances of getting .mil brass on the cheap. Now that they know the easy method they will want to keep it.

 

[Broom_jm]

Dangit now you have ruined my chances of getting .mil brass on the cheap. Now that they know the easy method they will want to keep it.

Sorry about that.