I plan to start reloading and need to buy everything (Dillion press, tumbler, case, bullets. etc.). The only thing I have is 16 lbs of Bullseye powder. My question is does this stuff typically go on sale during the Christmas holidays? I thought I might watch for sales and hopefully save some money on this since it is a rather large expenditure.
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Best time to buy Reloading equipment
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redcar
Member
Yeah wait till xmas or after. I dont know if the blue goes on sale but the red does.
smokindog
Member
First decide what you want to get. You mentioned Dillon so what I'm about to share is probably not useful and I'm not interested in another war of color 
After I decided I wanted a LNL-AP, I took my time and bought things as they went on sale, press and accessories.
I see the AP is $379 @ Midsouth right now. I've seen it a few dollars less with free shipping but that may never come again. Also, I think Hornady still has their bullet rebate in effect.
Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press by HORNADY RELOADING TOOLS
Midway has shell plates for many popular calibers (selection constantly changing) for $16.79 right now (GREAT price).
Shell & Die Plates | Shellholders & Shellplates
Sign up for the Xtreme and Freedom Munitions email notices for regular sales of bullets.
Make a list of everything else you need/want (dies, scale, calipers, tumbler/sonic, ...) and shop regularly. I don't think this stuff is really "seasonal" but sales do come and go. I HAVE found a few things cheaper in brick and mortar and that is typically Christmas and post Christmas.
Good luck!
After I decided I wanted a LNL-AP, I took my time and bought things as they went on sale, press and accessories.
I see the AP is $379 @ Midsouth right now. I've seen it a few dollars less with free shipping but that may never come again. Also, I think Hornady still has their bullet rebate in effect.
Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Press by HORNADY RELOADING TOOLS
Midway has shell plates for many popular calibers (selection constantly changing) for $16.79 right now (GREAT price).
Shell & Die Plates | Shellholders & Shellplates
Sign up for the Xtreme and Freedom Munitions email notices for regular sales of bullets.
Make a list of everything else you need/want (dies, scale, calipers, tumbler/sonic, ...) and shop regularly. I don't think this stuff is really "seasonal" but sales do come and go. I HAVE found a few things cheaper in brick and mortar and that is typically Christmas and post Christmas.
Good luck!
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Bkreutz
US Veteran
I'm always suspicious of brands that have sales, seems to me the only ones that have sales are the ones that have trouble selling their stuff. I've never seen Dillon equipment on sale. Buying Dillon from Brian Enos will typically save you some shipping costs. Dillon Precision Reloading on BrianEnos.com
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If you buy from Brian Enos and pay with a usps money order you can save additional funds.
Rpg
Member
I suggest you keep your eyes open for used reloading equipment.
If you take your time, you can find everything you want for about half what new will cost, even if you bought new on sale.
In the time between now and Christmas, you can find everything you need used and will be ready to load.
If you take your time, you can find everything you want for about half what new will cost, even if you bought new on sale.
In the time between now and Christmas, you can find everything you need used and will be ready to load.
jepp2
Member
Some of the items you listed do go on sale from time to time (not Dillon). But the sales are not pre-Christmas type events that I have seen. Might be able to find something on a black Friday type sale.
Don't expect to find great prices on the on-line auction sites. Things sell for nearly new prices and shipping can be expensive.
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And they don't need to be serial numbered and registered yet!
First go buy......
First go buy a couple of good reloading manuals. If you are going to shoot lead, Lyman has the Cast Bullet Guide. Be studying these while you are in the equipment collecting phase.
Here is a rundown on what you'll need.
www.midwayusa.com/general.mvc/index/appcharts~guide-beginning-reloader
I believe I'd buy the press new unless you can find a used one, then look for used equipment online, yard sales, estate sales, etc. if you are on a tight budget.
First go buy a couple of good reloading manuals. If you are going to shoot lead, Lyman has the Cast Bullet Guide. Be studying these while you are in the equipment collecting phase.
Here is a rundown on what you'll need.
www.midwayusa.com/general.mvc/index/appcharts~guide-beginning-reloader
I believe I'd buy the press new unless you can find a used one, then look for used equipment online, yard sales, estate sales, etc. if you are on a tight budget.
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You've got 12 lb of Bullseye???
Good gravy, where did you find that.
Bullseye is best for target to medium velocity loads. Match and buy your bullets according to what you want to do.
Good gravy, where did you find that.
Bullseye is best for target to medium velocity loads. Match and buy your bullets according to what you want to do.
TAROMAN
US Veteran
Easy. Buy it when you need it.
Of course, do your research first.
Of course, do your research first.
Double-O-Dave
US Veteran
Great googli moogli - is that correct...16 pounds of Bullseye? If so, WOW! You didn't mention if money is an issue, but assuming it is, or if it's at least a concern, I would suggest trading some of your unopened cans (cannisters) of Bullseye for the items you are looking for. I think this could be a real "win-win" for yourself, as well as those you trade with. Irrespective of the brand, most reloading gear (dies, presses, etc.) is not only built to last, but most have excellent customer service and lifetime warranties. I've seen beginning reloaders turn their noses up at used dies and presses just because they looked, well, used. A bit of cleaning and they look great, and are ready to work. If you haven't already done so, try to find an experienced reloader in your area that can help you get started, and can help guide you in the purchase of your equipment and supplies.
Best of luck to you, reloading is a great hobby.
Regards,
Dave
Putting it together
Wow, 16 pounds of Bullseye, yields 22,400 .45 ACP loads with a 230 grain bullet over 5 grains of powder.. You can also get 41,500 .38 SPL wadcutter loads at 2.7 grains per pop. That's a lot of shooting.
We're all price conscious. However, if you're buying a Dillon press, buy Dillon dies to insure they are long enough overall. With some dies, the locking ring has to be installed under the die holder as there aren't quite enough threads left on top to secure the locking ring.
Don't forgot to shop for used parts. With the Dillon, the Dillon powder throw which attaches to the shell plate and also bells the case mouth at the same station is a non-negotiable must-have.
A powder scale, on the other hand, can be made by anybody. As long as it has not been abused or show signs of serious wear, I'd buy one off e-bay if cheap enough.
Wow, 16 pounds of Bullseye, yields 22,400 .45 ACP loads with a 230 grain bullet over 5 grains of powder.. You can also get 41,500 .38 SPL wadcutter loads at 2.7 grains per pop. That's a lot of shooting.
We're all price conscious. However, if you're buying a Dillon press, buy Dillon dies to insure they are long enough overall. With some dies, the locking ring has to be installed under the die holder as there aren't quite enough threads left on top to secure the locking ring.
Don't forgot to shop for used parts. With the Dillon, the Dillon powder throw which attaches to the shell plate and also bells the case mouth at the same station is a non-negotiable must-have.
A powder scale, on the other hand, can be made by anybody. As long as it has not been abused or show signs of serious wear, I'd buy one off e-bay if cheap enough.
fredj338
Member
Nothing Dillon ever goes on sale PRices go up almost every year, so the best time to buy is now IMO. Waiting only cost you more. The ebay thing, bogus for large items IMO, as shipping kills you unless you get it really cheap & that isn't often with Dillon. I've seen guys buy a press & save $25 but pay $40 for shipping. Buy it from Brian Enos & shipping is free.
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novalty
Member
Dillon might not go on sale, but vendors like Grafs and Kittery Trading Post who sell Dillon runs promotions where you can save on Dillon equipment.
SLT223
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I would suggest buying the Dillon from Brian Enos. It was recommended to me by folks on this forum because he reviews your order to ensure you haven't duplicated, or missed anything you will need when buying a whole kit with caliber conversions. I had made a couple mistakes in my order, and sure enough he emailed me to notify and confirm my intent. Saved me $70.00. Two thumps up for Brian Enos.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I still can't get past how the OP just mentioned he had 16lbs of Bullseye like it was no big deal. I thought I had a lot of W231 @12lbs but that easily tops me!
I have a feeling as soon as the ammo supply comes back to the shelves we are going to see a lot of just barely used reloading equipment for sale.
I have a feeling as soon as the ammo supply comes back to the shelves we are going to see a lot of just barely used reloading equipment for sale.
