Getting ready to start reloading

[Old_Sparky]

I have been reading the threads here on reloading for a while, and have reached an opinion on some gear to get. Time is in short supply, so I will be starting with a progressive reloader as opposed to a single stage, realizing that I will have to go slow for a while to prevent errors. I have several friends that reload single stage or turret, that will be helping me to learn, as well as the Lyman's book I bought and am reading.

I have already decided on the Dillon 550b to get me started on 9mm. I have enough cash for it, but am trying to decide on what accessories I need to get with it. I am not looking for fancy, just reliable, while staying on the middle to lower end of the cost range when reasonable.

Recommendations?

 

[tim c]

IMHO i think starting with a progressive is a bit much. Have you looked at the Lee turret press? more control and faster if speed is what you want than a single stave press, i have been loading for over 30 years thats what i use can change calibers a lot faster than any progressive. And please do not just use 1 manual go on line and compare at least 3 loads for same bullet weight and powder you are using.

 

[retired_diver]

One of the most important measurements you need to make especially in a low volume case is OAL. To do that you require a dial caliper (digital or dial doesn't matter). I would recommend a 9mm gauge (I have a Lyman) with it you will know whether the completed round will fit in multiple pistols not just yours if you do a "plunk" test only IMO. The only other really necessary access. might be, if you pick up range brass or have a Glock is a push thru die (redmen or lee) because without it you can't remove the "glock bulge".

 

[mikld]

Well, mebbe you can leave your Dillon in the box and learn to reload on a friend's press, single stage or turret. Learning on a progressive is possible, but one can also learn to drive in a '69 Peterbuilt with a twin stick Brownie transmission (now is when someone will post "I learned on a progressive and it was easy"). In my opinion from reloading and being around reloaders for 30 years, it is easier to learn the complete reloading process on a single stage press where each step is isolated and one learns not only how that step is accomplished, but also why and how it "feels" when that operation is done.

I have used a Dillon progressive loading 45 ACP for myself and a friend, with auto-everything and I felt separated from the task. I was pulling a handle and ammo fell out of the machine into a bucket and had to remember I was loading ammo...

 

[Bkreutz]

I have been reading the threads here on reloading for a while, and have reached an opinion on some gear to get. Time is in short supply, so I will be starting with a progressive reloader as opposed to a single stage, realizing that I will have to go slow for a while to prevent errors. I have several friends that reload single stage or turret, that will be helping me to learn, as well as the Lyman's book I bought and am reading.

I have already decided on the Dillon 550b to get me started on 9mm. I have enough cash for it, but am trying to decide on what accessories I need to get with it. I am not looking for fancy, just reliable, while staying on the middle to lower end of the cost range when reasonable.

Recommendations?

I have a 650 and have never used a 550 so some of my recommendations may not be pertinent. There are a lot of add ons that are nice but not necessary to start out. The auto case loader is nice, but putting 22 cases at a time into the tube isn't that bad. The low powder warning system (low in the hopper, not the powder check warning) is useless IMO, all you have to do is look at the hopper. The powder check option is one of the most important to me. It will squeal if there's a double charge or not charge (actually it will squeal if you're more than .3gr off. You need a good scale and calipers. I know a lot of folks are recommending you not start with a progressive and they're welcome to their opinions, but my feeling is that if you are attentive to detail and watch what you're doing, any style press will produce quality ammunition. If you're inattentive, easily distracted, or stupid, then any style of press will probably get you hurt or worse.

 

[trophyhunter]

That 550B is the only press you will ever need, it's the top of the mark for quality and relative ease of use in the world of progressive loaders. Because it's manually advanced, it gives you the ability to load at a slower and more methodical pace than other progressives would allow for during the learning stages.

You can and should run a single case at a time start to finish for just a bit until you're ready to load all the bases and let it rip. The end result is the same, and your going to have better quality ammunition right away using a higher quality press and dies.

I use, and highly recommend Dillons die sets for the 550. Their 9mm Luger set has a reversible seating plug for different bullet profiles and the quick change spring loaded decapping pin works like nothing else in the business. It's worth the few extra bucks especially for loading pistol rounds.

Order one of Dans skylight kits for the press from Inline Fabrication, it's like night and day using the press with that lighting system.

 

[THEWELSHM]

Get a Hornady AP works like a charm ..... go Red

thewelshm

 

[novalty]

If people are going to take the time and are diligent they can certainly start with a progressive if they need the volume, can afford the up front cost, and are actually able to find enough components to keep it running. Hate to see someone getting started spend all their budget on the press, and then have to skimp everywhere else: i.e bench, scale, calipers, manual, to just name a few.

Like owning a Ferrari and only having enough fuel to be able to drive it to the edge of your driveway. Or maybe the tortoise and hare analogy.

Either way, research what you are getting, and be honest with yourself on what your volume and budget is.

 

[OKFC05]

I have already decided on the Dillon 550b to get me started on 9mm. I have enough cash for it, but am trying to decide on what accessories I need to get with it.

1. Dillon brass primer flipper
2. Inertia bullet puller
3. Powder scale
4. Calipers accurate to .001"
5. Couple of good reloading manuals (I like one from powder manufacturer at least)
6. Drop-in SAAMI spec cartridge gauge for 9mm
7. Tools to adjust press
8. Brass cleaning method (I use vibratory polisher with walnut shell and a touch of polish made for cartridges)

With a good mentor, you can start on a progressive. I have started several that way. You could get case trimming and chamfering tools, but with 9mm, I don't use either. The cases don't have to be shiny new to reload, but the grit needs to be off before they hit your station one sizer.

 

[uko7]

I agree, start with a RCBS rock crusher and work up to it.
Dillon is not a cheap date, you have to use ONLY their parts.

 

[rwsmith]

Those first 5 items.....

1. Dillon brass primer flipper
2. Inertia bullet puller
3. Powder scale
4. Calipers accurate to .001"
5. Couple of good reloading manuals (I like one from powder manufacturer at least)
6. Drop-in SAAMI spec cartridge gauge for 9mm
7. Tools to adjust press
8. Brass cleaning method (I use vibratory polisher with walnut shell and a touch of polish made for cartridges)

With a good mentor, you can start on a progressive. I have started several that way. You could get case trimming and chamfering tools, but with 9mm, I don't use either. The cases don't have to be shiny new to reload, but the grit needs to be off before they hit your station one sizer.

Good list.... The calipers, scale and manuals are essentials in my book.

 

[THEWELSHM]

I have an RCBS Rockchucker single stage as well as a Hornady Lock and Load AP Progressive . I use both and learned on both.

My 02

thewelshm

 

[Old_Sparky]

1. Dillon brass primer flipper
2. Inertia bullet puller
3. Powder scale
4. Calipers accurate to .001"
5. Couple of good reloading manuals (I like one from powder manufacturer at least)
6. Drop-in SAAMI spec cartridge gauge for 9mm
7. Tools to adjust press
8. Brass cleaning method (I use vibratory polisher with walnut shell and a touch of polish made for cartridges)

With a good mentor, you can start on a progressive. I have started several that way. You could get case trimming and chamfering tools, but with 9mm, I don't use either. The cases don't have to be shiny new to reload, but the grit needs to be off before they hit your station one sizer.

Thanks. I saw several that are trying to push me off to a single stage. I have watched several video's on the Dillon, and really like how you can actually load a single cartridge all the way through one at a time, allowing me to watch and verify each stage of the process, then later move up to really cranking them out when I am comfortable doing so. I can not justify spending the money on a single stage, when I don't have the hours to load of rounds, only to chunk the single stage and all the other gear I bought just to because I am too frustrated with the slow speed.

The list above is very helpful. I have several digital calipers already that I use. I will be purchasing a few more manuals as well to get their input on all this. Other than Dillon, are their any other manufacturers that you recommend, such as for the scale?

Thanks.

 

[novalty]

The best balance beam scale is RCBS' 10-10.

 

[OKFC05]

Other than Dillon, are their any other manufacturers that you recommend, such as for the scale?

I use an American-made digital scale, which may or may not be in your budget.
PACT Inc. - BBKII Electronic Powder Scale

 

[Smith357]

The 550 is a great choice, don't let those who tell you not to get a progressive to start with get you down. Technically the 550 is not a progressive anyway, it is an indexing press. The user must manually move the shellplate to advance positions.

You will need two good loading manuals to cross reference data use the net as well. Read the manuals from stem to stern before you start.

Buy a paint brush for sweeping the shellplate clean from burnt primer crud, powder, and metal shavings that can occur after a few hundred rounds.

You will need a good powder scale to adjust and check your charges.

The low primer alarm is a nice feature but not a must have, The roller handle is nice for long sessions, but again not essential.

The 550 allows you to just look down into the short cases of 9mm and .45acp as you load the bullet, make sure you have good lighting so you can see down into the case. For deeper cases like the .38 spland .45 colt the powder check is a must have. I made a press light with a wall wart and cheap LED replacement bulb that fits up into the toolhead.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Walked through one of the Reno sporting goods sores today and the rifle ammo was $37 and $45 on the two boxes that I looked up at on the way to the fishing dept.
I never looked at the caliber or bullet weights......just kept walking and shook my head...............

Just do it............

 

[THEWELSHM]

The 550 is a great choice, don't let those who tell you not to get a progressive to start with get you down. Technically the 550 is not a progressive anyway, it is an indexing press. The user must manually move the shellplate to advance positions.

You will need two good loading manuals to cross reference data use the net as well. Read the manuals from stem to stern before you start.

Buy a paint brush for sweeping the shellplate clean from burnt primer crud, powder, and metal shavings that can occur after a few hundred rounds.

You will need a good powder scale to adjust and check your charges.

The low primer alarm is a nice feature but not a must have, The roller handle is nice for long sessions, but again not essential.

The 550 allows you to just look down into the short cases of 9mm and .45acp as you load the bullet, make sure you have good lighting so you can see down into the case. For deeper cases like the .38 spland .45 colt the powder check is a must have. I made a press light with a wall wart and cheap LED replacement bulb that fits up into the toolhead.

I agree but the Hornady AP LNL is an auto (NOT MANUAL)indexing press. does it for you for less $$$ In half motions.

thewelshm

 

[Twoboxer]

Spareky, starting with a progressive is fine if you have some mechanical aptitude, are patient, and can RTFM. The 550 is a good choice, the only meaningful drawback is that it is a 4-hole press. Resizer/decapper, PM, and bullet seater occupy 3 stations, so your choice for the fourth is either Powder Check Die or separate crimper, but not both. (On a manually indexed press you are not likely to add a bullet or case feeder.)

The key to a progressive is working with batch sizes that allow its speed to compensate for increased setup time.

If you are running one caliber, and leave it set up, any batch size will probably work well. If caliber/primersize changes are involved, batch sizes less than ~500 will leave you doing more setup/cleanup than actual reloading. Or spending more money for redundant parts to avoid changeover time.

 

[bbqncigars]

I was happy adding a 550B next to my CoAx until the blue fiend munched my precious 25-20 brass. After multiple calls to Dillon, I have a LNL AP that uses the same dies and doesn't eat my brass. A good progressive press can do wonders. I do not advise starting out on one, but it you're mechanically handy you can probably get away with it.