Something satisfying about single stage batch loading.

[mkk41]

Yep , I like to load in large batches of 1000 or more and even though I have a Dillon 550 with set-ups for .38 , .41 mag and .45 ACP , I do my lesser volume handgun and rifle ammo single stage. I still enjoy closing the door on a rainy or cold winter nite , putting on some good music and pulling the handle one round at a time. I'll size/decap one nite , measure/trim/chamfer another , flare and prime another , and load on another. Actually , I like to sit in front of the TV and prime cases using my Lee hand primer.

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

I only started loading this year.

Hornady had a great promotion going with their Lock and Load press kit so I went that route. Since then I have upgraded to an electronic powder dispenser and that is it. I derive a great deal of satisfaction out of taking an hour to do fifty rounds. Faster is not always better. If I shot eight thousand rounds a week I might go progressive, but I do not shoot thousands of rounds a week. I have a range set up on my own land so I can shoot whenever I like. Sometimes that is only a few rounds. And if I shoot one of my autos, I can usually position my truck to serve as a brass catcher.

 

[Skip Sackett]

I'll take it off your hands, and help clean up your garage at the same time.

Noval, forget it. He probably doesn't want to get rid of it. He would much rather stumble over it and complain than let someone else get some use out of it.

But, I'm with you. Someone just asked the other day if I knew of any equipment out there that I could recommend. Free is always good and a Rock Chucker would be a good press for the 7.62X54R that this guy wants to load for!


I'll even pay shipping!

 

[Steve in Vermont]

Last night I was thinking the same thing. I have a Hornady Single Stage and was quietly listening to music while working up several different loads of .38 using Hornady bullets with both W231 and BE Powder. After each round I checked the COL with a digital caliper. I did 10 rounds of each and will have something to take to the range to test. The best time to reload for me is in the evening, when it's quiet and I can go slow and focus on the quality of each cartridge. If you're reloading to keep yourself in ammo for a lot of shooting, a progressive is the way to go. For those of us who need less ammo, however, and enjoy reloading more for the sake of reloading, a good single stage is our pride and joy. The bottom line: We all enjoy guns, shooting and (for most of us) reloading. There's room under the tent for everyone.

 

[Bat Guano]

Started with a kit from an outfit named "R.F. Wells" out of MN back in '62; a massive single-stage press, dies, a powder measure and scale for $42 and change. My buddy and I went together on it. I still have that big old press which is still going strong and will probably be used by my kids for years after I'm gone. I have a Rock Chucker next to it but the Force is strong in that old Wells.

As a card-carrying Luddite, I like to go slow with those old single stages; put on a Great Courses CD and zone out, making more good ammo.

Progressive loaders always remind me of the old Charlie Chaplin movie, "Modern Times".

 

[novalty]

Steve your sentiments are the exact reason why I love reloading, and a big reason why I get grouchy when someone asks about getting into reloading, and the responses start pouring in from the "blue team", even with no mention of volume needed or budget. Yes, Dillon makes a great product, it can produces ammo faster than single stage, and they have wonderful customer service, but not everyone cannot afford the investment start up required for a Dillion, nor has the demand for hundreds of rounds per hour of reloads. Heck I couldn't afford to feed a Dillon for that long at the rate it will crank out ammo. Also haven't bought into the "it is a lifetime investment," as the same statement applies to a good ol' single stage.

 

[dla]

Noval, forget it. He probably doesn't want to get rid of it. He would much rather stumble over it and complain than let someone else get some use out of it.

But, I'm with you. Someone just asked the other day if I knew of any equipment out there that I could recommend. Free is always good and a Rock Chucker would be a good press for the 7.62X54R that this guy wants to load for!


I'll even pay shipping!

Bitter beer again?

 

[H Richard]

I have a Dillon 550, which is great and I load all my 38 and 45 ammo on it, but everything else where I don't load great quantities at any time I load on my old (1950's) Texan turret loader one stage at a time. I'm retired and I even load my 9mm on it as I have time and just haven't bothered to but the conversion for the Dillon for 9mm. I agree with Rule3, it is relaxing. I put some light classical music on the CD and load some ammo.

 

[mike from st pete]

I tried a progressive and never felt comfortable with it. I was always worried about powder charge and primer seating. I never did get the hang of running it, so I sold it at a loss and bought a single stage and an electronic powder dispenser. Now handloading maybe slower but much more fun. I guess that's the difference between reloading and handloading.

 

[mkk41]

Steve your sentiments are the exact reason why I love reloading, and a big reason why I get grouchy when someone asks about getting into reloading, and the responses start pouring in from the "blue team", even with no mention of volume needed or budget. Yes, Dillon makes a great product, it can produces ammo faster than single stage, and they have wonderful customer service, but not everyone cannot afford the investment start up required for a Dillion, nor has the demand for hundreds of rounds per hour of reloads. Heck I couldn't afford to feed a Dillon for that long at the rate it will crank out ammo. Also haven't bought into the "it is a lifetime investment," as the same statement applies to a good ol' single stage.

For pistol ammo , the Dillon Square Deal used to be a very economical set-up. Ya could buy it set-up for one caliber for less than many new single stage starter kits. But I just looked at the current price and it's now more than I paid for my 550B.

If ya know what yer looking for or at , or have a good mentor , and know where to shop , ya can get really good used equipment fairly cheap. Ebay has lots of reloading stuff. Most of the gun shops I go to have a good amount of pre-owned reloading equipment from collections or estates they bought out. Farmers and flea markets sometimes have stuff as many vendors now buy out unclaimed storage units. Just because it's old , don't mean it's worn out.

 

[Reloader]

call me dinosaur.. i use a 40 years old Rockchucker and my Dillon is a 450b..saw no need upgrade and I am happy as a dog with 2 tails..

 

[Reloader]

Didn't Wells handle the old HERTER's Presses?

 

[williamlayton]

Honestly---reloading is boreing to me.
Blessings

 

[Rule3]

Honestly---reloading is boreing to me.
Blessings

Well if someone would supply me with endless amounts of ammo I would rather shoot it rather than reload it.

 

[novalty]

For pistol ammo , the Dillon Square Deal used to be a very economical set-up. Ya could buy it set-up for one caliber for less than many new single stage starter kits. But I just looked at the current price and it's now more than I paid for my 550B.

If ya know what yer looking for or at , or have a good mentor , and know where to shop , ya can get really good used equipment fairly cheap. Ebay has lots of reloading stuff. Most of the gun shops I go to have a good amount of pre-owned reloading equipment from collections or estates they bought out. Farmers and flea markets sometimes have stuff as many vendors now buy out unclaimed storage units. Just because it's old , don't mean it's worn out.

Excellent point mkk41. That is how I picked up my setup. Got a Rockchucker II, RCBS 5-0-5 scale, Uniflow powder measure, and a few other supplies for $125 at a yard sale. When I purchased the set up last year, the RCBS Rockchucker kit was selling for $299.99 at Cabelas. My equipment will pay for itself shortly, as I have used Cabelas points to purchase most of my components, so the cost for me to shoot has been drastically reduced. I think I am currently reloading 45acp at around $.03 per round. Last I checked at Walmart it was $99.99 for a Remington UMC value pack of 250 rounds. Just picked up some 9mm dies, as I see 9mm WWB is $24.97 per 100 rounds.

 

[williamlayton]

The only reloading I have done is with the Hornady single stage.
If you are into the procees (anal), building loads, only loading a few at a time-it is a great press.
I tend not to do any of the above and will get the 650.
Now---I aint bad mouthing you anal folks--there is ample room for that kind of behavior. It just don't melt my butter.
Blessings

 

[C.S.63]

Interesting
I was pricing a Dillon Square deal and found I may better spend the money on components, The Mrs bought me a RCBS starter kit 20 years ago and it is still going strong. Will be starting on a new caliber to me soon
(.40S&W) Very therapeutic

 

[gregintenn]

I'm not comfortable enough with my mechanical skills to operate anything more complex than a single stage press.

 

[Skip Sackett]

There is something SUPER refreshing about a man that can admit that they aren't Superman and they don't have to prove that to anyone!

Seriously, knowing your limitations is a good thing. Limiting yourself without applying yourself is a bad thing. We have 5 children. Not all of them were #7 in their graduating class of 450, but one was. Not all of them were in the top 10% of their graduating class either but 4 of them were. Not all of them were the starting defensive end for 3 years straight or could run a 4.2 second 40, but one was.

I said all of that to say this, I pushed each one of them to apply themselves. Excel with what you are best in and even the lows will come up. Don't limit yourself by not trying your best in what you can be good in.

The moral of the story? Today a single stage, learning and learning and learning and applying and applying and who knows what tomorrow will bring. Apply yourself and you will be amazed at what you can accomplish.

Went in the Marine Corps when I was 17 1/2, my dad signed for me. 18 months, E1-E4 in a field that was flooded with NCOs. Why? Because I applied myself. Got out 18 months later same pay grade. Why? Stopped applying myself. Short timer's attitude crept and I stopped applying myself.

Greg, William, today is one thing, tomorrow, quite another. Keep on going friends. Not telling where you will end up!

 

[dla]

Well if someone would supply me with endless amounts of ammo I would rather shoot it rather than reload it.

And that is why I don't use a single-stage. Once in a while when my ammo supply gets low I spend a couple hours and crank out a scazillion rounds on my progressives. Then go back to enjoying shooting.

If I want relaxation I take the dogs for a walk.