Need help getting into reloading

[dsdmmat]

I started out on a rock Chuckers and then got the piggyback II for it to load just about everything. Now I have a RCBS pro 2000 autoindexing, 2 Rock Chuckers and a reloader 5. I pretty much am green across the board minus the pact scales and the pact auto powder dispenser.

As far as dies go I am running mostly RCBS but I do have a lot of Lyman and a couple of Lee sets.

Casting bullets I have a couple of RCBS 2 cavity molds and about a half dozen Lee 6 cavity molds.

 

[Aimtite]

But he can pick up an RCBS kit for $250 new in the box free shipping on E-bay. A set of Hornady Custom dies for around $48.00 and not worry about resale.... Plus there isn't anything wrong with used gear if it is done right....

Of course there is nothing wrong with a used press. Some old ones are even better than some of the modern junk they sell.
Beware of gun shows. some smart guys want to sell the junk for the rpice of a new one. Las time I got a RCBS piggyback the guy wanted 140 I took it home for $80.
No case feeder but this is a great progressive for a beginner specially because of the reliable priming that just for that is worth all the money vs. the Lee POS priming system.
Plus it can go atop of a rockchucker or any other press. BTW lee makes a very inexpensive yet effective basic press to enjoy a life time of reloading.
If one is planning magnums the ticket is the Redding Big Boss II that has a 4" clearance for magnums with the largest bullets and bad ass heavy duty links for forming anything.

I would start with something like a very basic lee press(not the kit) that is very inexpensive and something great to take to the range to working on reloads.
Or even a preowned RCBS rockchucker even better. Lee is fine for many things other than their progressive presses due to the priming system.

you can start with many formulas but things that you will appreciate (at least over time) are:

- A reliable scale that can measure thens of grains w/o errors. Critical for small cases like the 5.7FN or some pistol. no so critical if you are reloading WM. I use a VG jewlery with lithium batteries.
- A motorized cased prepping system. I have RCBS and Hornady and ended up settling with forster 3 way cutter. There is nothing faster with that kind of consistency.
- A nice powder throw. RCBS and hornady do it for a great price. Redding is great too but you pay more for the same. El cheapo Lee will work great for a while with extruded powders like varget
but will not take the fine fast ball powders. The plastic drum is not good for this but it does very well with the sticks w/o cutting into them.
- Once you try sonic cleaning there is no way you go back to tumbling. In the mean time hot water and simple green will do effectively the same w/o the shine AND THE DUST.
- Get some nice calipers and gauges including the bullet gauges.
- If you get into progressive the Hornady is a great press to reload rifle with nice case and bullet feeders. No need to have different heads with the bushing system. They are a bit more finiky that the
dillon but once the start going they are amazing. The Dillon has an amazing system too. It is jut a matter of investing more.
- BTW the bushing system from both LEE and Hornady is available to retrofit in your Single stage presses. (or a piggyback if a machinist will thread the face plate for you).

If you want accuracy remember the brass preparation is more than 1/2 of the work and key to accuracy. Segregate brass, clean (including washing) and then resize, then clean prep and then wash
again if needed. Never run dirty brass on dies or directly from the tumbler. The abrasive dust will eventually kill your dies.

Reloading can become like cooking. you will get 1000 opinions (methods) and might go crazy! lol.

 

[Eddie Gunks]

But he can pick up an RCBS kit for $250 new in the box free shipping on E-bay. A set of Hornady Custom dies for around $48.00 and not worry about resale.... Plus there isn't anything wrong with used gear if it is done right....

I never said ther was anything wrong with used gear

Your original comment was:

I have nothing against Dillon products having said that, if a person is looking to start out on a shoe string or is just not sure if reloading IS for them the Dillon at $560.00 is an expensive way to start only to find out that reloading isn't for them. .

:

but an rcbs would be about $300.....

But again, if they are not sure it was right for them and they bought an rcbs they are still out $300....resale in a used rcbs is not as good or as easy as resale on a used dillon.

All that being said, if they DO like reloading and stick with it the dillon machines are a far better press option in my opinion. I have never heard of anyone that upgraded away from dillon. Everyone upgrades to dillon......even guys that own dillons. They go from sdb to 550 to 650 and at time to a 1050.....

 

[Big John]

I never said ther was anything wrong with used gear

Your original comment was if they Were not sure about reloading then they would not be into a dillon for $560. You suggested that they could do it for about $300.....

But again, if they are not sure it was right for themandthey bought an rcbs they are still out $300....resale in a used rcbs is not as good or as easy as resale on a used dillon.

All that being said, if they DO like reliadinga nd stick with it the dillon machines are a far better press option in my opinion. I have never heard of anyone thta upgraded away from dillon. Everyone upgrades to dillon......even guys thta own dillons. They go from sdb to 559 to 650 and at time to a 1050.....

Wow lets remember this is text. I also think your responses are slightly bias and I base that on the fact you sell Dillon products, having said that I am product neutral I have never purchased a new press or many other tools needed to get started and have produced accurate loads through my weapons. I said in earlier posts have NO problem with Dillon products, I have heard nothing but good things about them. as this seems to be getting heated I will leave this thread on that note.

 

[Eddie Gunks]

I sell dillon as they are the best.

I came to this conclusion LONG before i sold dillon products.

I sell dillon cause i have used most all other loading presses. By my own experience i have learned which i prefer.

My discussion with you has to do with what YOU said regarding price etc etc. you made specific reference to price and the possiblity that the person wont like reloading. ...which i was very careful to quote your exact words.

It is not getting heated. Only a discussion. I have quoted you and responded directly. No heat from me.

Sorry you feel this discussion is heated. I view it as a simple discourse.

 

[Big John]

I am sorry I took it that way, I guess I should heed my own text.

 

[mosquito]

Bullet Guy and Big John.......I have read, liked and responded to both of you, in a few posts! You both have made some great points and have put things in these reloading threads that will help a lot of people! The best thing that you both did, was in the last two posts! You both took "an Internet forum misunderstanding" and put it to rest, like the two gentleman that you both are! For that: I commend you both! Thank you!

Skeeter

 

[GuyMontag]

NF, lots of good advice already, I run a Dillon 650 and a Forster Co-Ax for the rifles, perfect for my needs. If you're shooting mostly handgun, a progressive is tough to beat for it's production capacity.

Case prep, consistency, and taking it slow are what I'd focus on, which is why a single stage is often recommended when you're beginning. Initial setup costs are fairly quickly returned if you're doing a lot of shooting, but be warned............it's addicting!!

Skeeter's setup is serious drool material, love it!

 

[mosquito]

Skeeter's setup is serious drool material, love it!

Thanks for the compliment Here is a shot of the 650, on the other side of the room......from when I was setting it up.

Skeeter

 

[wizrd]

One vote for Dillon RL 550B -- started with one -- don't need anything else. Loads virtually all pistol & rifle calibers. There are people who will say a progressive press doesn't give you the 'accuracy' in measuring powder loads, to this - I say B.S. -- When I started reloading bought a chronograph, worked up all my loads - standard deviation was only a plus or minus 15 fps. -- You get more variance than that just letting a box of ammo sit in the sun for a few minutes on a hot day. Dillons guarantee is bullet-proof - lost parts, destroyed by fire, broken by stupidity, worn out - (doubtful), backed over your reloader in your driveway -- ALL COVERED, and that's no B.S. Some of the BEST money I ever spent....just saying.

 

[RugerGP]

I started a few years ago with a LEE classic Turret press the auto disk measure, auto prime arm and a Frankfort Arsenal electronic scale.

I dream of the reloading room pictured above haha.

 

[gun_slinger_boy]

Don't get a press. Don't get dies, scales gauges etc either. Components components components! We are a little over 2 weeks away from election day and I think there may be another scare no matter who is victorious. All your new shiny equipment won't be worth balls if ya got nothing to feed it with. I would take your working budget that you plan to buy your equipment with and spend it all on the 3 Ps. Primers Powder and Projectiles. Also casings if you don't want to pick up range brass. The press, scales dies etc. will still be there.

 

[7.62x51FMJ]

I have been handloading for just about 2 years now and all these suggestions are great. Case prep is where all the work is. But one thing that is not mentioned yet is set up a dedicated space that is lockable and is heated and air conditioned. A cold damp basement in the winter is not good to keep you comfortable and maintain your concentration.

Likewise a hot garage in the summer is not good either. Most mil rifle loads have 50,000 psi detonating 8 inches from your face so getting it right is most important.

 

[Acer-m14]

For rifle .. Case lube .. mandatory .. spend the $$$ on sprays or bottles or make your own .. few bottles of HEAT gas treatment and liquid Lanolin . "liquid Lanolin" baby mom nipple lube at the drug store or on amazon .. lots of you tube vids on it .. DIY case Lube ... #2 cleaning brass .. vibrator with media or water and LemiShine n dish soap .. with or without steel pin .. watch a move and shake a jar once n a while .. or if the wife allows toss brass in a nylon stocking and toss in with the clothes wash .. O.O ...

 

[NY Leatherneck]

Not advanced by any means but I started reloading for 3 reasons
1....self sufficiency in the event of shtf.
2....hunting and not relying on what is in the store at the time.
3....Nothing like doing everything by hand from case prep to powder trickling to seating.

As u may guess single stage is fine for me as I am not into shooting competition or for that matter a high volume shooter (would love to if I had time). If you see yourself as that, then definitely go with progressives. jmo