This section lists most of the reloading equipment you will encounter along with helpful information.

Reloading Presses

Do I Need It? YES

'C' Frame Press - Has a typically C shape design and is often referred to as a single stage press. The design offers unlimited hand clearance but can prove weak for larger cases. Examples include LEE's Hand and Reloader Presses.

'O' Frame Press - Has an O shape designand is often referred to as a single stage press. The design by its very nature is very strong and is the most popular press available. Presses are available from basic aluminium models e.g. LEE's Challenger which are suitable for standard ⅞ x 14 dies and super strong steel models e.g. LEE's Classic Cast & REDDING's Big Boss which are suitable for standard ⅞ x 14 dies and 1¼ x 12 Large Series Dies like the .50 BMG. Some 'O' frame presses are equipped with lever prime features which enables you to prime the case without buying an additional tool.

Turret Press - Has a turret which can hold 3, 4 or more dies. The turret design means that you can install all your dies for a particular calibre which speeds up the loading process. To change calibre simply change the turret which makes these presses the most convenient for people who load several calibres. Some turret presses e.g. LEE's Turret & Classic Turret Presses have an auto-indexing feature which revolves the turret and presents the die to the case ready for the next operation. Auto-indexing presses speed up the loading process and only a true progressive press is faster.

Progressive Presses - With most of these presses all you have to do is add a bullet and pull the lever. Once the press is in operation one pull of the lever equals one loaded round. The main advantage is speed however changing calibres is more complicated than a turret press. Progressive presses are only an advantage if you regularly shoot over 200 rounds per session.

Reloading Dies

Do I Need It? YES

There are many types of dies available but the main two that you will need are a Sizing Die which sizes the case ready for loading and a Bullet Seating Die. Dies usually have an industry standard ⅞ x 14 thread except for large calibres like the .50BMG which have 1¼ x 12 threads. Dies are also available in many versions from Standard, Competition and Match Grades to dies that are micrometer adjustable.

Full Length Sizing - This type of die is used to remove the spent primer and fully resize the case back to factory standards. Cases must be lubricated when using these dies unless the die is fitted with a carbide sizer.

Neck Sizing or Collet - This type of die is used to remove the spent primer and resize the neck only to preserve the perfect fit of fire forming. These types of die should only be used with cases that have been fired in your weapon. They are not recommended for semi or fully automatic weapons or slide/lever action weapons. After a period of time it may become necessary to full length size the case to restore proper fit.

Bullet Seating - This is used to seat the bullet in the case and most will also put a roll crimp on the case to hold the bullet in place.

Factory Crimp - This die is used after the bullet seating die and puts a factory crimp on the case.

Powder Through - This type of die allows powder to be added to the case during expanding. As far as we are aware LEE is the only company that manufacturers this type of die for pistol calibres. The die has an adapter in which you place a powder funnel or it can be removed and a LEE Auto Powder Measure fitted.

Rifle/Universal Charging - This die is only used for adding powder to a case it does not resize or expand the case. Again it is fitted with an adapter for a funnel which can be removed and a LEE Auto Powder Measure fitted. This die is useful for quickly and easily adding powder on a single stage press or idea for use on Turret Presses to automate the charging process.

Universal Case/Neck Expanding - This die is used to expand or flare the case mouth ready to accept the bullet without shaving. Prevents damage to cast, moly and other coated bullets. The die is usually universal and works on most neck sizes from .22 up to .45 calibres. Some versions also allow you to charge the case with powder at the same time.

Universal De-capping/De-priming - This die is used to remove the spent primer from the case it does not size the case. The die is universal and works on most cases which do not need to be clean or lubricated.

Trim File Die - This die is used to file cases to the proper length to ensure safe operation. Considering the price of these dies the Case Length Gauge and Cutter manufactured by LEE seems to be a cheaper and more practical option.

Case Form - These types of dies are used to create brass cases for very hard to find or expensive cases from readily available cases. The process is usually carried out in small steps which avoids stressing the brass.

Priming Tools

Do I Need It? YES

On Press - As previously explained some presses are equipped with 'lever prime' system as standard so you don't need a separate priming solution to get you started.

Ram Prime - This primer screws into the press like a die and primes on the upward stroke of the presses ram. Most are one-at a-time operation but some are fitted with a primer feed which reduces the chances of contamination.

Hand Primer - This is a hand held tool which holds the primers in a tray or strip and is considered the most cost effective and accurate type of primer. The primers are usually feed automatically to the priming post ready for insertion into the case. Some of these primers use standard shell holders while others use special shell holders.

Safety Prime - Made by LEE this tool is mounted on the press and inserts the primer into the Lever Prime System on LEE presses.

Powder Tools

Do I Need It? YES, you will need some form of measure.

Funnel - Most funnels are designed to fit over the case mouth and accommodate necks from .22 to .45 calibre.

Scoops/Dippers - Are designed to measure powders, the larger scoops can be used to measure buffers. They are calibrated in Cubic Centimetres and considered one of the safest ways to measure powders. Because they are a fixed measure you will be restricted to specific loads. Some die sets are supplied with a scoop.

Tricklers - Used to add powder to a scale a few granules at a time for a zero variation in powder charges.

Scales - They come in two types Beam and Electronic. While not necessary for beginners most reloaders will eventually buy a set of scales.

The beam type scales are easy to use, robust and accurate. They vary in capacity from 100grains to 1000grains and have an accuracy of +/- 1/10th grain. Most are magnetically dampened and once set will weight the same charge over and over again.

The electronic scale is faster and simpler to use with the advantage of a TARE function. The main disadvantage is they are easily damaged which can result in reliability problems. Generally most electronic scales are made in China and vary in price from a few pounds to several hundred, which is no guarantee of actual quality. Most have a capacity of 500grains up and are accurate to 1/10th grain. In our experience the only reliable electronic scale is one designed for lab use.

Powder Measures - These usually consist of a hopper a metering chamber and a drop tube. You simply set the required powder charge usually with a micrometer type adjuster. Then rotate the handle which will dispense the powder charge through your funnel and into the case. Most of these measures will dispense up to 100grains of powder. LEE also manufacture the Auto-Disk measure which when used with LEE Powder Through or Rifle Charging dies will automatically charge the case with a set amount of powder.

Other Necessary Kit

Shell Holder - This holds the case in the press and some priming tools, it simply clips into the presses ram then the case is slid into the holder. Each shell holder will hold a range of cases and some die sets are supplied with the correct shell holder.

Lubricant - Used to lubricate the case to help prevent damage and the case sticking during resizing. Lubricants can be oil or water based and can be applied by hand or with a pad.

Load Data - This is the information you will need to make your loaded round. Data will list bullet types, powder types and charges, primer types, start and maximum loads and performance information. Data is compiled and tested by manufacturers and you should never load ammunition without this information.

Kit You Will Eventually Need

Chamfer/De-burring Tool - Used to chamfer/de-burr the inside and outside of the case neck to allow better bullet seating and chambering. This tool must be used after case trimming and can also be used to remove the military crimp from primer pocket in ex military cases. Standard sizes work on case necks from .22 to .45 calibre and larger versions are available for cases over .45 size.

Primer Pocket Cleaner - Used to clean the primer pocket before installing a new primer. Most are universal with both large and small pocket cleaners on the same tool.

Length Gauges - After a case has been loaded a few times, it will stretch beyond maximum length and must be trimmed. You can buy special dies to do this however LEE's Cutter and Lock Stud and Case Length Gauge seems to be a cheaper and more practical option.

Other Kit

Bullet Puller - Is used to pull the bullet from a loaded round so components can be salvaged. Many types are available with the most economical and easiest to use being the Hammer type.

Loading Tray - Usually holds 50 cases with most being of a universal design. Makes inspection and filling cases with powder an easier task.

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