Couple of good questions (I hope)

[Kendall]

Just my 2 cents. Of the calibers listed, I would start with 38 special. It is possibly the easiest caliber to load for and a revolver is a more forgiving of a platform. Same goes for bolt actions. There I would start with .223.

As to loading steel case. I have never done it but as a general rule I try not to get too “creative” when learning a new and potentially dangerous skill. Would recommend sticking with the basics if you are starting out.

 

[rockchalk06]

I’m buying the Lyman press just dropped in the classifieds. I would love a progressive, but I honestly don’t see myself shooting so much to make it worth the investment.

I had 3 Dillon 550's at one time to speed it up, but I'm down to a single stage now. I can still pump out a decent amount of ammo with it.

 

[Snattlerake]

Just my 2 cents. Of the calibers listed, I would start with 38 special. It is possibly the easiest caliber to load for and a revolver is a more forgiving of a platform. Same goes for bolt actions. There I would start with .223.

As to loading steel case. I have never done it but as a general rule I try not to get too “creative” when learning a new and potentially dangerous skill. Would recommend sticking with the basics if you are starting out.

Yeah, 38 is easy but not if you don't have a 38 gun like me.

 

[dlbleak]

I’ve pulled bullets from steel cases for reduced loads in 762x54 many times.

 

[Dumpstick]

I've done the same, pulled bullets from steel case 7.62x54r to replace with other components.

It used to be called 'Mexican Match' - replacing the bullet (and sometimes powder) from a factory cartridge to get a better result.

When replacing the bullet in a steel case, I pull the old with a collet puller. Then I resize the neck only, using a Lee neck collet die.
I have changed the powder charge, then seat a bullet, crimp with the Lee rifle crimp die.

Works fine. Good luck.

 

[okierider]

What platform are you shooting the x39 out of?

 

[HoLeChit]

What platform are you shooting the x39 out of?

AK, SKS, Bolt Gun. Tempted to sell the SKS. I'm primarily interested in loading hunting rounds for the bolt gun. I have such a random mix of Hunting rounds for it, I would like to consolidate things down to one consistent load.

 

[rockchalk06]

AK, SKS, Bolt Gun. Tempted to sell the SKS. I'm primarily interested in loading hunting rounds for the bolt gun. I have such a random mix of Hunting rounds for it, I would like to consolidate things down to one consistent load.

Be careful with this. As long as you don't flirt with max velocity, you should be good running the same load with bolt vs gas.

For instance in 308 or 7.62, what I load in my 20" 1-10 Bergara, is way to hot for my M1A scout. I'm a full 300 FPS slower on my M1A with the same bullet and powder.

 

[HoLeChit]

Be careful with this. As long as you don't flirt with max velocity, you should be good running the same load with bolt vs gas.

For instance in 308 or 7.62, what I load in my 20" 1-10 Bergara, is way to hot for my M1A scout. I'm a full 300 FPS slower on my M1A with the same bullet and powder.

With a brake like this on a 7" barrel I don't take it hunting. My AK is my cheap ammo burner, lol. It will make your teeth hurt with double hearing protection.

 

[rockchalk06]

With a brake like this on a 7" barrel I don't take it hunting. My AK is my cheap ammo burner, lol. It will make your teeth hurt with double hearing protection.
View attachment 196177

Ouch. I feel like I've been next to that comp before lol