Looking to get back to reloading

[DeltaKilo]

After about two years not reloading, I'm starting to shoot enough that it makes it worth it to get back into.

I'm looking at getting into it at first with either used or less-expensive equipment and saving towards adding a Dillon or a Hornady or similar higher-end press.

Suggestions, advice, thoughts on what kind of equipment I should look at, are appreciated.

[Hoser]

Cry once and get a 550 or a 650.

[DeltaKilo]

well, i suppose that answers that. Just bite the bullet, eh?

[brandyspaw]

I've been reloading since 1975 and I started with RCBS single stage presses. Both of which I still have and continue to use for my low production loading such as precision rifle and magnum handgun. I didn't get a progressive loader until I bought my Dillon 550 in the eighties. While its great for hi-volume loading of most of my handgun and my 223/308 loads I still prefer the single stage presses for precison stuff where I need to take my time when assembling the loads.

You can do a great job, although much slower, with a much cheaper single stage press. So at least to learn on it would much simplify learning reloading and I'd recommend getting one to start out. I would not be without a progressive loader like a Dillon 550 or 650 series but you can put that off until you are sure you will continue with the reloading part of the shooting hobby.

[JohnTRourke]

Not into rifle/pistol reloading (yet, !), but big into shotgun reloading. Had never reloaded before, everyone says "get the single stage"

We finally decide just to get the progressive MEC and all the goodies.
The first 50 rounds were slow but after that it was obvious what was going on and withing a few 100 rounds we were cranking out 400+ an hour

the single stage is a waste of money if you are going to reload in volume. Skip it, get the progressive.


so my question is, is it worth getting the 1050 over the 650?

[DeltaKilo]

I, too, hear the 'get the single stage' argument, but I've already done the reloading once. I suppose at this point I'm looking for a cheap (or less expensive -- anyone got a 550 they want to sell and upgrade to a 650?) alternative to start loading in volume until I can afford the Dillon.