Wanting to start reloading

[bca1313]

This section has been really helpful. I am hoping to start reloading in the very near future. From my reviews I think I am going with a Dillon 550b and starting with 223/556, 9 and 300.

Do people recommend taking a class on reloading or just reading up on it? Its a lot to take in to get started.

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

Buy the abc's of reloading. Before you buy or do anything. Lots of seasoned reloaders(not me I'm a newb still) recommend a single stage press to learn on.

[Hoser]

The Dillon DVD on the 550 is worth its weight in gold. Good stuff.

[Great-Kazoo]

Lots of info.

https://www.ar-15.co/threads/18232-Reloading-Links

[bca1313]

Thanks...

Hoser. I saw that you do 300 brass. When I get this stuff going I will be reaching out to you as well. Time to study and make sure I get the right stuff. Will review the links Jim.

[4gunfun]

I think sportsmans warehouse has some free classes. Watch you tube videos. Spend some time online on sights like handloads.com. and. sksboards.com. I would recommend a turret press to start with. Wideners has a lyman turret kit for $349. Anyone else think a progressive press is not easy to start with?

[sellersm]

I always recommend the Lee Classic Cast turret from Kempfs gun shop (online). They customize the kit to give you what you need and not what you don't!

Lots of good resources online as well as books: ABC's of Reloading, Lyman's book, and others.


Sent from my fat fingers using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

[SamuraiCO]

I started on a dillon and watched some youtube videos. You will do just fine.

[ChadAmberg]

I'm also sure there are some reloaders in your area that will be more than happy to come over and give you a lesson or three, help you get over much of the initial questions in no time at all.

[Caithford]

ABC's of Reloading is the best place to start. After that, I agree with Chad, see if you can find someone to walk you through the process. There's a lot of stuff you need in addition to the press.

Most folks do recommend trying a single stage first. Again, you could do that on someone else's setup.

I think pistol reloading is easier than rifle reloading, so I would start there. Then learn the rifle after. While I've only been reloading for a year or so, I'd be willing to offer tips and stuff that I've learned through my trials and tribulations.

[ChadAmberg]

If you have a Kindle (a real one) then Amazon has ABC's of Reloading as a "borrow" item.. you can check it out for free for like a month.

[speedysst]

Instructions perschmuckshuns. Just go for it like I did. Nothing quite like popping a primer because you forgot to ream the crimp out before priming the brass then attempted to use brute force to seat it!

[NFATrustGuy]

Instructions perschmuckshuns. Just go for it like I did. Nothing quite like popping a primer because you forgot to ream the crimp out before priming the brass then attempted to use brute force to seat it!

Wooo, hoooo! I love excitement in my life!

FWIW, I started with a Dillon 650 and I don't regret it. The learning curve is steep, but I'm glad I have the progressive. This being said, I still plan to buy a regular (single stage) press at some point to do precision ammo for a long range gun.

RWW

[brutal]

I started on a turret and am glad I did. I would have preferred a better model press than what I initially got, but adding a second turret press is cheap and easy.

I do some single stage work with it, but all the dies are setup in the turrets and I can swap out a setup in a snap.

[4gunfun]

This is a pretty good deal. Lyman turret $161 shipped on amazon prime http://www.amazon.com/Lyman-Reloading-Press-T-Mag-Turret/dp/B000KKEPJ2/ref=sr_1_19?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1388455697&sr=1-19&keywords=dillon+550b

[brutal]

For a turret press, this is a better choice IMHO.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Lee-Precision-Classic-Turret-Press-Kit/1374275.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3D searchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProduc ts%26Ntt%3Dclassic%2Bturret%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BS earch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=classic+turret&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

[jerrymrc]

For a turret press, this is a better choice IMHO.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Lee-Precision-Classic-Turret-Press-Kit/1374275.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3D searchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProduc ts%26Ntt%3Dclassic%2Bturret%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BS earch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=classic+turret&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

Mine as well. [Flower]

[bca1313]

Thanks everyone. Picked up a few items today at Cabela's. Going back and forth between the Dillon 550b and the Lee Turret press kit. Dillon is more expensive and needs more stuff whereas the Lee provides a lot of what is needed to get going. This whole process has so much information. Can't wait to get started though.

[brutal]

Thanks everyone. Picked up a few items today at Cabela's. Going back and forth between the Dillon 550b and the Lee Turret press kit. Dillon is more expensive and needs more stuff whereas the Lee provides a lot of what is needed to get going. This whole process has so much information. Can't wait to get started though.

Avoid the Lee "deluxe" press kit. Not as nice as the Classic, different presses altogether. I made that mistake and will end up using the deluxe for pistol and get a classic for rifle.

[bca1313]

Thanks. I have a trip to Phoenix coming up. Maybe a stop at the Dillon store is in order.

[Hoser]

Thanks. I have a trip to Phoenix coming up. Maybe a stop at the Dillon store is in order.

It is a really nice showroom. Machines on display that you can pull the handle on. Everyone behind the counter, Gail included, is a shooter and a reloader.

I go down there once or twice a year and say hello.

[Great-Kazoo]

Thanks everyone. Picked up a few items today at Cabela's. Going back and forth between the Dillon 550b and the Lee Turret press kit. Dillon is more expensive and needs more stuff whereas the Lee provides a lot of what is needed to get going. This whole process has so much information. Can't wait to get started though.

Yes it is. While the lee is a nice unit. Price point the press , multiply the years owned, repairs (if any) plus resale value. you will find Dillon holds their value , consistently. Unless you're selling or buying a basket case.
What;s that saying, Buy once cry once

[RANGERRON72]

I was a competitive pistol shooter and needed large volumes of 9mm and 45, so while I had loaded single stage press in 1967-68 (junior in high school), my first press was a Dillon 550B in 9mm. Used the DVD (alright I admit I was a VHS tape back in the mid 90's) and never looked back.

Now have two 550's, and a Rock Chucker for precision rifle loads..........FWIW

Lots of good info on the internet and on youtube.........just be smart and not stupid......

[bca1313]

Today there is a sale on DVOR for Lee reloading equipment. Presses, Dies, etc. I almost pulled the trigger but think I will hold off for a Dillon. If anyone needs Lee stuff though check it out.

http://www.dvor.com/s/7mh9f2.html Then click on todays deals.

Can you use Lee dies on the Dillon machine? Is that a bad idea?

[JM Ver. 2.0]

Hoser, what would you do....

I want to reload .223 and 9mm. Quickly... in bulk...

550 or 1050?

Also, for the money of one 1050, couldn't I get close to having TWO decked out 550s?

Sent from my teepee using smoke signals.

[Great-Kazoo]

Today there is a sale on DVOR for Lee reloading equipment. Presses, Dies, etc. I almost pulled the trigger but think I will hold off for a Dillon. If anyone needs Lee stuff though check it out.

http://www.dvor.com/s/7mh9f2.html Then click on todays deals.

Can you use Lee dies on the Dillon machine? Is that a bad idea?

the dies are a standard 7/16. no issues.

[Great-Kazoo]

Hoser, what would you do....

I want to reload .223 and 9mm. Quickly... in bulk...

550 or 1050?

Also, for the money of one 1050, couldn't I get close to having TWO decked out 550s?

Sent from my teepee using smoke signals.

650, no brainer. Your price point on the 1050 not including extra tool head is $1720 throw in a caliber QC for $270 you're in the $2k range

The 650 is $567 + $219[case feeder] = $786 x 2= $1572. You're already $200 ahead of the game with 2- 650's. Not factoring in a RT1200 trimmer and other small accessories.

Then again you could splurge and get 2 of each ;). Throw in a 550 for shits n giggles, kick back and enjoy life.

[JM Ver. 2.0]

650, no brainer. Your price point on the 1050 not including extra tool head is $1720 throw in a caliber QC for $270 you're in the $2k range

The 650 is $567 + $219[case feeder] = $786 x 2= $1572. You're already $200 ahead of the game with 2- 650's. Not factoring in a RT1200 trimmer and other small accessories.

Then again you could splurge and get 2 of each ;). Throw in a 550 for shits n giggles, kick back and enjoy life.

I meant 650....

Ok. So...

650.
Case feeder.
Trimmer.
Caliber QC.


What else do I need?

Sent from my teepee using smoke signals.

[NFATrustGuy]

What else do I need...

Powder check system p/n 21044 $68.95
Extra Powder Die p/n 20064 $11.35
.223 die set p/n 10838 $66.95
9mm die set p/n 14406 $63.95
Small pistol or small rifle case feed plate (whichever you don't order with your case feeder) $38.95
650 maintenance kit p/n 97017 $39.95
Bullet Tray p/n 22214 $41.95
Strong Mount p/n 22052 $45.95

I don't know if I'd do 2 separate machines for .223 and 9mm. It's really not that tough or time consuming to do a changeover if you've got a separate toolhead complete with powder measure and all the dies set up and ready to roll. I'm a complete newbie and I know I can do it in less than 10 minutes. Can't use 2 machines at one time anyway!

[spqrzilla]

Extra toolhead is indeed the answer. Frankly, I'm not that big a fan of the powder check system myself. But that's just my opinion.

[Great-Kazoo]

What else do I need...

Powder check system p/n 21044 $68.95 Save the money , put towards another tool head
Extra Powder Die p/n 20064 $11.35
.223 die set p/n 10838 $66.95
9mm die set p/n 14406 $63.95
Small pistol or small rifle case feed plate (whichever you don't order with your case feeder) $38.95
650 maintenance kit p/n 97017 $39.95
Bullet Tray p/n 22214 $41.95
Strong Mount p/n 22052 $45.95 You can make your own. i have an extra already bent.

I don't know if I'd do 2 separate machines for .223 and 9mm. It's really not that tough or time consuming to do a changeover if you've got a separate toolhead complete with powder measure and all the dies set up and ready to roll. I'm a complete newbie and I know I can do it in less than 10 minutes. Can't use 2 machines at one time anyway!


For the dies, I suggest rcbs or any one you have on hand. The dillon dies are nice, but pricey. Instead of another powder drop, crack off and but tool heads for each caliber you're going to reload for. it's more up front, but so much easier once you're up and running.
IF you were going to use different load data / powder measurements, invest in a few unique tech units.
http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1231
http://www.storesonline.com/images/common/imagewrap.img?picture.image.url=http://www.storesonline.com/members/696296/uploaded/MPBK4x5_white.jpg&picture.width.max=200






Unfortunately like guns, reloading is always a work in progress.

[JM Ver. 2.0]

Looking at $1,500 total for an XL650 and all the required accessories to do a quick swap from 9mm to .223. I've already "paid for" my RCBS stuff plus some. I wonder how many rounds I'd have to reload to pay for the $1,500 XL650.......

[bobbyfairbanks]

Think about time savings as well

[trlcavscout]

Looking at $1,500 total for an XL650 and all the required accessories to do a quick swap from 9mm to .223. I've already "paid for" my RCBS stuff plus some. I wonder how many rounds I'd have to reload to pay for the $1,500 XL650.......

That's why I changed my mind, to get set up to load 380/9/40/45/44 special would cost a fortune!

I have loaded thousands of rounds in my $120 Lee kit, 1k of 45 and it payed for its self, I am looking at some other options like the Hornady but its not that much cheaper. Tomorrow another Lee and another 1k 45 bullets are landing. If this one works out next month I will order more stuff. I might add a Lee classic turret also but I am not sure.

[Hoser]

650s are good machines until you start reloading 9 and 223 and have a run in with crimped primers.

Get the 1050 (they come standard with a case feeder and dies) and don't look back. Cry once.

[Great-Kazoo]

Looking at $1,500 total for an XL650 and all the required accessories to do a quick swap from 9mm to .223. I've already "paid for" my RCBS stuff plus some. I wonder how many rounds I'd have to reload to pay for the $1,500 XL650.......

Hour number 2 and you'll break even. It's not really about when you break even (OK keep telling myself that) more so the ability to load X rounds, consistently. with less overall labor time. Like my lathe and other tools. breaking even while a part of it, is secondary to ease of access / use.

[Great-Kazoo]

That's why I changed my mind, to get set up to load 380/9/40/45/44 special would cost a fortune!

I have loaded thousands of rounds in my $120 Lee kit, 1k of 45 and it payed for its self, I am looking at some other options like the Hornady but its not that much cheaper. Tomorrow another Lee and another 1k 45 bullets are landing. If this one works out next month I will order more stuff. I might add a Lee classic turret also but I am not sure.



I met a friend of another board member who showed me his reloading set up. 7-8 ? lee s/stage presses. each caliber specific. I was impressed, all that red was kind of weird.

It looked like the red yang, to hosers blue ying presses.

[JM Ver. 2.0]

650s are good machines until you start reloading 9 and 223 and have a run in with crimped primers.

Get the 1050 (they come standard with a case feeder and dies) and don't look back. Cry once.

Right..... But there isn't any way to quick change is there?

Sent from my teepee using smoke signals.

[trlcavscout]

I met a friend of another board member who showed me his reloading set up. 7-8 ? lee s/stage presses. each caliber specific. I was impressed, all that red was kind of weird.

It looked like the red yang, to hosers blue ying presses.

I mixed in a Lee 1k progressive setup for 45. On sale with dies I am still saving money on this next 1k compared to buying store bought ammo. If I like it I will buy one setup for 9mm so I have a SP/LP set up.