Basics for a new reloader

[Ranch Dog]

Everyone here is most helpful and laid back.

You asked about tumbling, I wouldn't worry about it. What I would put on the list is a Lee Decapping die. You can decap your brass and then wash it in a sink filled with hot water with Dawn Ultra or an equivalent (doesn't take much). Place the brass in a plastic drain basket and rattle the heck out of it while in the water. Rinse it, shake it free of as much water as you can, and then set it out in the sun. I've even set a hairdryer blowing across it. Clean enough.

Money saved here will be used for dies, turrets, primers. Bullets, and powder.

[jertex]

That makes a lot of sense to me. Washing in the sink sounds simple and effective and one less "device" to buy or to break (I'm a bit of a bull in a china closet sometimes, LOL).

[larryw]

Absolutly correct about brass " cleaning "
Many moons ago, 54 moons ago to be exact. Wow, I feel old after saying that???
Anyway, back then, before the tumbling craze, way, way before wet tumbling,
I would wipe them off with a slightly damp rag, dampened with mineral spirits.
Then, deprime & load with my trusty Lee Loader. Just didn't want the carbon, or
other dirt in my loader resizing die. Still to this day, I don't want any crud in my dies,
carbide or not!!! & unbinonced to me, the mineral spirits left a slight
oily coat on the brass that helped the sizing process. (Or so my mentor said)?????
Loaded gobs of 38spec that way.
The only time I wet tumble anymore is, with "new to me" brass. It is really a lot
easier for me to see problems when it's all nice & shiney. Next, All primer
pockets get uniformed & beveled. (This is only done once for the life of the brass)
The added process of beveling & uniforming literally eliminated priming problems
for me across the board.
In other words, at this point, As others have told you, I would suggest concentrate on your loading processes.
There is a TON to learn & become comfortable with & proficient at.
Don't worry, if you decide this is for you for the long term, it won't take long at all until
you will have more gizmos, dodads & fad equipment than you can shake a stick at...

[jertex]

I've decided to buy the Classic Turret Deluxe kit. I have a bid on one on eBay, it that falls through, I'll just order one.

[larryw]

You made a good choice, they are slick little machines.
Congratulations & keep us posted.

[Fyodor]

Herzlich willkommen from Germany

[jertex]

I ordered my dies, factory crimp, & case length trimmer for the 444 today and I discovered that I can use the reloading room at my gun club to get started before I invest in a press setup. There are a couple of guys at the gun club who have volunteered to help me (both are avid re-loaders). I have a few questions specific to the 444 and the microgroove rifling. I found some good information in this thread on the Marlin owners forum about bullet choices, but it raised a few more questions:

1. I'm having trouble finding cast bullets in .432 diameter, any suggestions on sources? Will .430 do just fine?

2. It seems because of hazmat fees, it's more economical to buy locally than online, unless someone has some suggestions where it makes sense to order online?

3. Is 300 grain an ideal size for this round for a first time loader, or should I stick with 265? Something else?

[Ranch Dog]

Glad that the gun club has you covered!

Questions:
1. .430" bullets will waste your time and money. I would call Beartooth Bullets to see what they have in stock . Call rather than order online so you can see what the wait will be.

Jumping to Q3. Anything between 250 ~ 300 is good. With the 1:38 twist, you will need to push them hard. Dont fool around with plain base bullets, you will need them to be gas checked.

Q2. Yeah, unless you need other powders for a quantity order, by local. H4198 is a very good choice for the 444.