Recommendations please?

[Jaws1]

I'm very mechanically inclined and I'm looking to start doing my own reloading and know very little about it. Currently I would be reloading .44 magnums-10 mm-40mm-.38's- and .357 magnums. I would like some advice as to which type of reloader to purchase. I see a lot of people using the Lee brand as well as the Dillon brand. The cost is not the issue as I don't mind paying good money for something that works good in return. I hate buying something and then realizing that I should have spent another $100.00 to get the "better" one.
I welcome any advice and information.

Thanks
Jeff

 

[Jaws1]

I'm very mechanically inclined and I'm looking to start doing my own reloading and know very little about it. Currently I would be reloading .44 magnums-10 mm-40mm-.38's- and .357 magnums. I would like some advice as to which type of reloader to purchase. I see a lot of people using the Lee brand as well as the Dillon brand. The cost is not the issue as I don't mind paying good money for something that works good in return. I hate buying something and then realizing that I should have spent another $100.00 to get the "better" one.
I welcome any advice and information.

Thanks
Jeff

 

[walnutred]

I like my Dillon fine but if your buying new don;t forget the Hornady LNL. Also, don't forget to add up shell plates and other required accessories when counting the cost.

I seriously looked at the Lee but bought a used Dillon instead. No regrets. Though I'm sure I've doubled my original purchase price buying shell plates and accessories directly from Dillon.

 

[38-44HD45]

Dillon 550B. Can't beat either the quality or the customer service.

 

[Jaws1]

Thanks Walnutred,
I haven't heard muh about the Hornady system I'll check it out.
Any idea if one press is quicker to change setups on than another? I'm sure I'll be signing my paychecks over to one of these companies for start up cost but should save in the long run from what I've read.

Jeff

 

[Skip Sackett]

Jeff,
Welcome to the forum!

If I was starting out again and knew what I know now I would buy a Dillon XL650 and be done with it.

There is NOTHING anyone that isn't a commercial reloader could want more. (Does that make sense

)

Get the case feeder and the caliber conversions that you need to get started now and build from there. Auto index is a primo option. It will do rifle cartridges too. It has their standard warranty. What more could you ask for?

I have had most of the others. Single stage to turret to Square Deal B then the XL650. I skipped over the RL550 because I wanted auto indexing. I gave the Hornady a long hard look but the fact Dillon has been making theirs longer sold me on it. Expensive? I suppose, so are Cadillac's. Would a Chevy do? Sure, but at this time you said the extra $100 isn't a problem. Get the Caddy!

This is just a warning though, once you start, you will be hooked! You might just as well start looking at casting equipment too cause that will be next!

Enjoy and be safe!

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

I am still using my Pacific (Hornady now) single stage press that I bought new in 1982. I have loaded well over 100,000 rounds on it alone. I have had a Dillon 550B since they first came out with them, along with a Dillon 2500 case seperator. I bought the 550B soley for loading .45 ACP. It has loaded untold amounts as well. I like my single stage press. I don't have to worry quite as much as I do with a progressive press about double charging, or skipping a case, and it's easier to change over from one caliber to another despite what some might tell you. Once you have your dies set for a certain caliber, it's no big deal to change over to another. It certainly takes less time than it took to read this.

Plus I load everything from .17 Remington up to, and including .458 Lott, so the single stage suits me. I won't tell you not to get a progressive press however. Do what you feel is best for you.

Welcome to the world of reloading. There is no known cure.

 

[SIE107]

That 40mm that you will be reloading for. Is it a single shot?

 

[kennyb]

RCBS all the way for me...top quality and if you need something they are a great company to deal with!

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Originally posted by kennyb:
RCBS all the way for me...top quality and if you need something they are a great company to deal with!

I sure like their dies! I will stick with what I started with until I have to replace it, and that will be with RCBS

 

[enidpd804]

I've heard great things about Dillon. But, I've been using a $40.00 (then, not now) RCBS partner press since 1991.

 

[Amici]

I have 2 Dillons.

That said, the Hornady Lock-N-Load ia heck of a value, especially as it has been improved (be SURE to get the new model) and the "1,000 free bullet" offer has been extended. It is also a full progressive; the Dillon 550 is not.

I suggest you go to the Brian Enos site. He is a Dillon dealer and has a VERY good section on what press is best for you.

NOTE: None of the presses will load a 40 mm. Good luck with that...

 

[Jaws1]

NOTE: None of the presses will load a 40 mm. Good luck with that...
Point well taken, my mistake.

Sounds like I need to check out a couple of these presses mentioned and make a decision. I don't want to get too far behind you!

Thanks for your recommendations,
Jeff

 

[VAdoublegunner]

I have 2 Hornady LNLs I like them so much. I keep one set up for small and one for large primers, but it is a very simple and quick switch over to do.

A lot of folks like Dillons. They are a fine machine and have a good reputation, but you will need a more expensive Model 650 to match the features of the Hornady LNL.

Since you are just starting out, you may want to consider the Lee Classic Turret Press as well. It autoindexes and is a great press for pistol and looks excellent for rifle. It is also not too expensive. I think it is one you would continue to use even after moving on to a faster fully progressive press for pistol ammo. I've been considering one for rifle handloads using stick powders. Fully progressive presses don't load stick powders that well because of the powder metering systems.

 

[mnhogrider]

Jeff,
Your post sounds like the way I started reloading 3+ years ago. I'm also mechanically inclined and wanted to start reloading .44 magnum to start, then progress to .357 magnum/.38 special and eventually get to 9MM.

I recommend that you start out with a single stage press. I bought the RCBS supreme master reloading kit. It comes with most everything you need except the die set and shell holder. I think I paid about $250.00 for the kit and another 50 bucks for the RCBS die set and shell holder. The most important item in the kit is the Speer reloading book. I would also buy a copy of "The ABC's of reloading" and read up and understand the processes before even bolting the press onto your bench. I was lucky that the gun/reloading shop that sold me the press & supplies specializes in reloading and I got a good starting lesson when I bought the kit. I'm better at seeing and learning "hands on" and seeing and feeling the proper roll crimp and belling the case mouth was a great way to learn for me. Go to your local gun club and ask around. I bet you'll find someone eager to show you how to start out.

My best advice is START OUT SLOW! It's not a race. It's not a hobby for speed demons. Forget any of the stuff you read about processing 3-400 rounds an hour. Make it your goal to handload 50-.44 Mags. the safe and right way. Forget about the clock. If your into mechanical stuff, you'll enjoy doing and learning each step the single stage method. And you'll never forget the day you take those first 50 rounds to the range and fire them.

I reloaded .44 mag, .357 mag & .38 special on my single stage press for over a year and then moved up to a Dillon RL550B progressive press to reload 9MM. Again I went slow to learn how it all works as there is a lot going on every pull of the handle on a progressive press. Now I reload .44 mag., .357 mag., .38 special, .380 auto, 9MM luger and 10 MM auto all on the progressive press. Every round I've reloaded has gone bang. I'm happy doing 200+rounds/hour. This keeps me in ammo for my weekend range time. I don't have the time or the money to shoot & reload more than this anyway. And I still have my RCBS Rockchucker single stage press. I hardly use it, but I couldn't sell it!

So I guess my point is, start out slow and carefully, study up and you'll really enjoy this hobby.

Originally posted by Jaws1:
I'm very mechanically inclined and I'm looking to start doing my own reloading and know very little about it. Currently I would be reloading .44 magnums-10 mm-40mm-.38's- and .357 magnums. I would like some advice as to which type of reloader to purchase. I see a lot of people using the Lee brand as well as the Dillon brand. The cost is not the issue as I don't mind paying good money for something that works good in return. I hate buying something and then realizing that I should have spent another $100.00 to get the "better" one.
I welcome any advice and information.

Thanks
Jeff

 

[Lubbock Louie]

+1 to what mnhogrider said. Start slow and careful.

You might consider a Redding T-7 turret press. It is like a single stage press but you don't have to re-adjust the dies once set. Or get the Dillon 550B and just use it single stage for a while. Get the basics down first. Good luck and welcome to the forum. LL

 

[2000Z-71]

I've got a Hornady 007 single stage and a Dillon XL650 and I'm very happy with both. As has been said, Dillon has exceptional customer service. I'd suggest spending the little extra to go with the 650 over the 550, auto indexing is a big advantage.

Previous to the Dillon I purchased a Hornady ProJector progressive press which I had nothing but problems with the priming system. I was able to return it and I re-directed my funds to buy the Dillon. I don't know if Hornady has changed their priming system with their newer Lock n Load Progressive or not.

As others have suggested, it might be wise to start with a single stage, learn the basics and then move up to a progressive. Probably not bad advice. The money spent on the single stage will not be wasted. I started out with the Hornady 007 for a couple of years before I got the Dillon. I still use my single stage Hornady press for reloading rifle and black powder cases.

Hope my rambling helps.

 

[xrmattaz]

I'm still comfortable using the same single stage RCBS Rockchucker press that I started reloading on 30+ years ago, it's never failed me.

Sure, I cannot load 600 rounds/hour, but I can do 200+, once the brass is cleaned and primed!

Go single stage for your first.

 

[kennyb]

xrmattaz....
+1

 

[Jaws1]

Thanks for all the advice.
I've made a purchase and went with the Dillon 550. I understand its not a "true" progressive but based on what I've learned so far it should fit my needs.

Again thanks to all!
Jeff