what reloader for me?

[isaias_1]

I am looking to get into reloading. I have no experience but with all my weapons it would be best to do my own reloading to save some cash and have some fun plus pass it on to my children too. I have a 30 Carbine, M1 Garand (30-06), Two Mosin Nagats (Carbine and Regular), an SKS (Yugo), DPMS AR-15 (5.56 and .223 Cal), plus a Savage 64 (.22LR) I bought to teach my oldest to shoot. I also have a springfield 1911 A1 Mil Spec, a S&W Sigma 40VE (.40cal), and a Bersa .380 Thunder. I love all my guns and I want to be able to reload all those rounds with the exception on the .22LR. Any advice on how to proceed would be great and what loader to look at first. I have a lee catalog and am waiting for the Dillan one to come in. Going to request one from RCBS. Thanks in advance for the info.
Isaias

 

[Rule3]

Welcome. You will get lots and lots of different views.

Here is a good thread to look over and maybe answer some questions.

First thing to buy is the ABC's of reloading and I always suggest to go to the RCBS site and watch their videos, It will give you an idea of what is involved ( not that you have to buy their stuff but it is one of the best. Don't be intimidated by the Smurfs who like those Blue Dillon things.

RCBS - Precisioneered Shooting Products - Guide to Reloading



http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/207646-want-start-reloading-need-yalls-input.html

 

[Maximumbob54]

Welcome. You will get lots and lots of different views.

Here is a good thread to look over and maybe answer some questions.

First thing to buy is the ABC's of reloading and I always suggest to go to the RCBS site and watch their videos, It will give you an idea of what is involved ( not that you have to buy their stuff but it is one of the best. Don't be intimidated by the Smurfs who like those Blue Dillon things.

RCBS - Precisioneered Shooting Products - Guide to Reloading



http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/207646-want-start-reloading-need-yalls-input.html

I want to emphasize this. Add to that buy and read a few of the big name reloading manuals like Lyman, Lee, Hornady, Speer, and any others. My first press was a RCBS Rock Chucker and I really like it but I kind of wish it was a Forster Co-Ax instead. Then I bought a Lee Classic Turret and I loved it. Actually I still love it and intend to keep using it. But now have started getting everything for a Hornady Lock N Load AP for my very first progressive press. All that yabbering being said, I'm not in the half that reloads to save money. I do it because I have learned that I love loading my own ammo. I also learned to cast my own and the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook was invaluable for this. I think I'm not alone in that many of us start reloading to save and then go nuts and find it just becomes a part of the hobby that is just as fascinating and enjoyable as the shooting.

Soooo.....

Try to figure out what your end desire is and if you can, try to decide how deep you are willing to go. Any single stage press is a good safe way to start, but the Lee Classic turret only takes about five seconds to be made into a single stage press. I love the Rock Chucker but could just as well have started with the Lee Classic Turret. I no longer find it so easy to give this kind of advice since I have now dove into the deep end. You may find you could buy the Lee single stage kit and in six months you may find you are worse than me. It's hard to say. Good luck though!!!

 

[GearHead_1]

Dillon 550B will satisfy virtually any of your needs short of the .50 BMG (I use a LEE Classic Cast for this caliber) and would be my first recommendation followed closely by Hornady's Lock-n-Load progressive. I've got a dozen different presses. Most work as advertised. The better products offer lifetime warranties. Dillon has went over and beyond in taking care of me after the sale, Hornady has also done well. RCBS has left me high and dry and left a bad taste in my mouth though I realize I may be the odd man out here. Any of the 3 manufacturers named will likely be an excellent choice for you.

If you plan on loading a lot of ammo (perhaps 400 rounds per month) or plan on doing this for a long time (life long endeavor), look at a nice progressive set up from the get go. If you think you'll load fewer rounds or aren't sure about your decision and are just feeling the water get a single stage press. There is one nice thing about starting off with a single stage press and that is simply that you really get a chance to inspect and get a feel for each step in the process. It might be a better way to learn. It doesn't take long to get on to this and for those that are careful a progressive makes sense after only a short time.

 

[blujax01]

Dillon!!

Dillon!

Dillon!

 

[kscardsfan]

I started with a Lee progressive and later went for a redding single stage. I would suggest starting with a single stage and learning the basics from there. If you are mechanically inclined a good progressive might not be a bad choice. I would avoid the lee progressives just because of the various headaches I had with them. And caliber changes are a real pain. Just my thoughts.

 

[Clark B]

I started reloading not to save money, but because I am the sort that has that curiosity about how just about anything is made. That being said, when I'm in the mood for it I love reloading, but it's a real chore if the mood ain't right. I started with a Lee Challenger single stage and actually enjoyed that part of it, then progressed to the Hornady LnLAP, and the hobby started to feel like production work, and I get enough of that at my job. Recently I sold the progressive and bought the Lee Classic Turret and find that I am enjoying it again. I can say this without any reservation, I have never had a bad cartridge come out of my Lee stuff, but can't say that about all the other brands or dies that I've tried. One thing is for absolute certain though, a good single stage press is always handy, even if you end up using progressives for the bulk of reloading.

As an aside, reloading the 7.62x39 and 7.62x54R is a real frustrating endeavor as components are a bit harder to find and most foreign ammo is Berdan primed, so the brass (usually plated steel) is nearly useless outside of scrap value unless you are willing to devote a good deal of time to removing the primers, drilling a flash hole and swaging the primer pocket to accept the smaller diameter Boxer primers available here in the States. You will also need to find reloading information that is specifically tailored for the Garand to keep from destroying that great rifle.

 

[Missionary]

Good morning
My dad was into casting & reloading with his Navy buddy. When I ETSéd in 1974 I was soon into my own reloading with a Green single stage press. Got a Speer #10 reloading manual (still use it) and read the whole front numerous times. By mid 1980´s I got into a Dillon 550B and have no regrets. Easy to use and caliber change is very simple with the removable tool heads. Will load any caliber you have as I reload all those also. You can find good used Dillons all over for a lot less than NIB. Plus Dillon still has one of the best garentees out there. Now I have several Dillons and would highly recommend that dirrection.
Mike in Peru

 

[Skip Sackett]

As an aside, reloading the 7.62x39 and 7.62x54R is a real frustrating endeavor as components are a bit harder to find and most foreign ammo is Berdan primed, so the brass (usually plated steel) is nearly useless outside of scrap value unless you are willing to devote a good deal of time to removing the primers, drilling a flash hole and swaging the primer pocket to accept the smaller diameter Boxer primers available here in the States. You will also need to find reloading information that is specifically tailored for the Garand to keep from destroying that great rifle.

Clark, Privipartisan 7.62x54R ammo is Boxer primed, brass and quite reloadable. I get the 180gr stuff, shoot it then reload it for son #2. Been able to get MOA groups from his Mosey that has a scope, reconditioned bolt and a synthetic stock. See if that ammo is available in your area.

 

[williamlayton]

Been where you are.
I am different than most folks. I don't care for basic needs or basic construction.
I decided--after about 6 months of research and asking these questions and reading ever danged post over at Graybeard Outdoors that Lee's and RCBS's were going to dissapear after I got up to speed that I would avoid this kind of initial purchase.
I got a Hornady LNL.
I am now going up to a Dillon after about 6 years.
Blessings

 

[lougotzzz]

I scout the reloading boards and in the past days I have seen tons of presses and stuff for sale. From single stage to progressive.

I started with a single stage about 3 years ago and I am running 3 single stages. I got them all for a song. They work great and for Match grade rifle ammo it is the ticket.

There are 2 types of reloader. One who wants to just pull the handle and a round pops out and the other wants to know the particulars and make real quality ammo.

I am not saying you will not make quality ammo with a progressive but I am saying you are going to spend tons of cash either way. People think because they reload they are saving money. Well they are but there is an up front cost to get to that point.

And it is thousands.

I would go with all used equipment in single stage to get my feet wet. You can always sell it and up grade.

Good luck

 

[nrb]

Buy American

For a starter, I recommend a quality single stage press. Good used ones are abundant. Hornady, Lee, RCBS, Lyman, etc. I have an old Pacific and an old Hornady which work well for me. The comments by others are very useful and helpful, follow the recommendations.

Stay away from SmartLoader, these are Chinese built
Buy American.

 

[Jim Watson]

I agree, get some books, then figure on starting out single stage.
You have a lot of widely different guns and calibers and each has its own requirements for good ammo. It is easier to get there one step at a time.

Later you might want to look into a progressive for quantity loading of pistol and AR ammunition. But the single stage will always be useful for small lots, test loads, and the big rifle rounds.

 

[Hobie1]

I got into reloading as I'd started shooting Bullseye and factory ammo was breaking the bank. As i didn't know any better(pre-internet)I bought a Dillon 550B and all the goodies. I took it very slow, asked alot of questions, and sucessfully produced thousands of .45 acp rounds. I eventually expanded to reloading all of my guns ammo. Those .22lr are tough.Just kidding about that.

The one thing about a progressive like the 550 that doesn't auto-index is you can use it like a single stage if you want. That's what I did at first. De-cap, re-size, and prime. Put the cartridge in a holder. Get 50 done like that. Next, put in the powder and bell the brass(actually, set up the bell before even putting powder in the measure). Next, get the bullet seating depth right and finally the crimp. After you get it all together, off you go. It's relaxing for me.

I wouldn't bother with 7.62x39. If it's for your sks, it's not worth the expense and time.

Regardless what you choose, be safe and have fun!

Hobie

 

[Clark B]

Clark, Privipartisan 7.62x54R ammo is Boxer primed, brass and quite reloadable. I get the 180gr stuff, shoot it then reload it for son #2. Been able to get MOA groups from his Mosey that has a scope, reconditioned bolt and a synthetic stock. See if that ammo is available in your area.

I got some Boxer primed brass for the 54R, just haven't decided if I want to take the plunge in buying the dies when I still have about 1000 surplus rounds that I am very slowly going through. Unfortunately the bullets themselves are very limited, and the correct diameter is commonly available in 123 gr and 175gr, and I want to find 150 gr, which is quite rareish. The x39 OTOH, is quite frustrating when dealing with reloadable fodder. It cost a lot, and depending on brand can be either large or small primered. And to think I have 11 rifles that fire those two chamberings, and some are wondering why I'm considering firing off the ammo I have and selling them and staying with domestic offerings. I hate being at the mercy of importers and foreign munition plants.

 

[Skip Sackett]

FYI

125gr .311"
Sierra Bullets - The Bulletsmiths
150gr .311" These will shoot consistently into 1"@100 @2900fps +
Sierra Bullets - The Bulletsmiths

These will not shoot as well as the Sierra 150gr but are another option for the caliber.
http://www.hornady.com/store/303-Cal-.312-150-gr-SP/

 

[remnard]

I started with a rockchucker. I have a 550B also now. Still use thr rockchucker for making hunting bullets.

 

[farmer56]

I agree any good single stage and several good manuals and taking the time to really study them and you will enjoy reloading.Ive used an old rockchucker for thirty years or so and its a really good way to kill an afternoon and make some ammo that works better than factory.

 

[Clark B]

125gr .311"
Sierra Bullets - The Bulletsmiths
150gr .311" These will shoot consistently into 1"@100 @2900fps +
Sierra Bullets - The Bulletsmiths

These will not shoot as well as the Sierra 150gr but are another option for the caliber.
Hornady Manufacturing Company :: Bullets :: Rifle :: Choose by Caliber :: .312 303 CAL :: 303 Cal .312 150gr InterLock® SP

Thanks for the heads up. Looks like American companies are starting to offer more components for Ruski cartridges. Now if we could get them to offer cheap bulk FMJ for them.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I like my single stage press for loading rifle ammo but I also use my Lee turret press without the auto-index rod for rifle ammo too. If you have limited space and want something that's not too expensive I would buy a Lee 4 hole CLASSIC turret press, not the Deluxe. It will safely load between 180 and 200 rounds of handgun ammo per hour. And like I said above you can easily load rifle rounds too.