quick reloading question for noob

[tmckay2]

hey all, with prices and stocks as they are, im going to start reloading .45 and .223. i went ahead and bought the lee anniversary kit, since im not doing any crazy reloading, just a few hundred rounds now and then. i also have a tumbler and seperator. i was wondering, do i just need .223 and .45 die sets and .223 and .45 length gages, and thats it? i also am picking up a reloading manual but could someone briefly describe the exact process? the way i understand it, i clean the brass with the tumbler (simple enough) then do i resize it, re prime it, put in the measured powder and press the bullet in? i just wanna have a good idea so when i get my stuff i can start reading up and have a good head start.

please note: i am not an idiot and will be safe and research reloading before i try it, but i thought while im waiting for my stuff ill get some basics out of the way

[tmckay2]

thanks for the reply. that really helps alot. i also assume that the reloading manual will describe the process in more detail, correct? also, i have heard conflicting views, is it best to knock out the primer on the spent case before i tumble, or after? thanks!

[tmckay2]

well, i tumbled some .45 ammo today, figured id test it out before i ran the .223. it came out quite well, however a few still have a smidge of oxidation on them. is it worth it to polish them too?

whats the next step to take after cleaning? should i de-prime them, what do i need to look for in defections, etc? thanks for all your help and patience guys, i can't wait to have reloading feel like second nature!

[SA Friday]

Get a Lyman reloading manual and read all of the information in the beginning of it. It's one of the better instruction manuals out there for reloading IMO. It will narrow down what info you need clarification on. Also, find an experienced reloader in your area that will spend some time with you while reloading and mentor you along. It's really the best way.

[gnihcraes]

smash the "do not use" brass with a hammer, put it in the recycle bucket, so you're not tempted to re-use and neither is anyone else after you recycle it... my2cents.

kc.

[tmckay2]

once i get all the parts in ill probably try to have someone show me exactly what to look out for. i mean are we talking ANY kind of bend or dent, or just significant ones?

[TEAMKIESS]

PM me with what part of town you live in, if you live in the south east part of town. I would be glad to show you the ropes. The manual is a MUST, but it is not the Bible!
Mike

[gnihcraes]

attached pictures of example bad cases... (in my opinion anyway)

Would love other opinions...








my bad bucket... then it goes to the metal scrap when I take cans or other recyclables...