Discussion Forums

Ryan Nafe

Hey fellas,

I think I'm gonna start to reload. Mainly because I want specific types of ammo, like to make things, and don't want to use the really expensive factory ammo anymore. The main cartridge that I want to reload for is my .357 mag, specifically for deer hunting. I have a 6" GP100 stainless.

The question I have is that I'm looking at getting a Lee Classic Cast single stage press, and was wondering what you guys think about it. Is there a more sturdy and precise press available for anywhere near that price? The reviews I've seen have been very favorable, people seem quite impressed with it.

I don't really want a progressive press. Initially I was looking at getting a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, and I realize that they're multiple times faster, but I think I'd prefer the methodical, precise, and one-step-at-a-time nature of a single stage press. Especially since I really don't need to be making 400 cartridges an hour, I have plenty of time and I'm much more concerned with consistency/quality than I am with speed.

Just an FYI, I plan on buying about 1000 Hornady 180grn XTP's and a couple pounds of H110. I'm a little leery about buying that many of those bullets without trying them first, but the gun has been extremely accurate with pretty much all the jacketed ammo I've shot with it. I think the XTP, per Nathan's article in the knowledgebase, should be good for deer. I have about 200 pieces of once-fired Starline brass and will likely get a couple hundred more. I should be able to make the rounds for about $0.35 a piece, pretty cheap considering the fact that they would be full-power loads with a bullets that cost $0.23 each.

One last question, what is the highest velocity you've been able to get with the 180 grain XTP's from a similar gun?