what reloader for me?

[fredj338]

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.

Good luck

Well, just not true. The initial investment is not cheap, but consider the price of even the cheapest factory ammo today, a bargain easily paid back in 1-2yrs of shooting for anyone that shoots more than 100rds/m, even 9mm only.
Example: A Dillon 550 w/ dies, scale & couple of other small bench tools, will run you less than $750. With 9mm ammo sitting around $20/100 & the reloaded cost around 1/2 that, you are saving $10/100. So in 7500rds, you paid for the press. Shoot 45acp, $40/100, reload for $20, press is paid for in 3750rds. If you have more time than money, a Lee classic turret or single staqge press will cu the cost in half but you are not breaking any spead records.
ANyone that tells you they do not save money reloading just isn't shooting enough. You per round cost will always be 1/2 of cheap factory or less. Some of us shooting our own cast bullets are shooting 45acp for the cost of 22lr.

 

[isaias_1]

Thanks to everyone that replied. I will look into a single press first and start to do the 30-06 and would maybe some .308 since I am looking to build an AR-10. Is it feasible to do .223 ammo on the single press also? As far as tool I have tons as I am an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force and an auto mechanic on the side. Thanks for the advice and any sales that you guys might have or see please let me know of them.
Isaias

 

[rburg]

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest you're approaching it the wrong way. Any press will do. I personally hate Lee press and dies, but use their priming tool. I attend a lot of gun shows, and most of them have private tables where shooters are selling (and buying) all order of things. If I were you, I'd look for a used press.

Very few of them ever wear out, more are neglected to death. Last spring I bought a top of the line Lyman (from maybe 25 or more years ago) for a huge sum... $50. But it had dies for .45 ACP in it. It will last till I die.

 

[paco04]

Bonanza Co-Ax -- smooth and easy without the hassel of shellholders.

 

[GearHead_1]

Now that I know you have a technical background and are good with your hands I'd say go for it and buy a decent progressive. Once again, I'd steer you towards the Dillon 550 B or the Hornady Lock-n-Load progressive. Having a single stage will never be a waste, so there is no problem with going the way you have suggested. You can always use it for a dedicated station in the future. That said, if you buy a progressive from the get go you'll never have a need to upgrade and there would never be a duplication of expense. A mechanic will have no issues mastering a progressive press. Stepping down from my soap box. Good luck and good reloading.

 

[armsmaster270]

A good single stage RCBS and a Dillon 550B should fix all your needs. Get good & current manuals, stock up on bullets. powders & primers and have fun.

 

[thetrio_94043]

Dillion 550 is the one that I would get!

 

[Fla_Sun]

Dillon 550

Dillion 550 is the one that I would get!

+1

This will do it all, single stage mode or progressive.

 

[isaias_1]

Well I got a good deal at least it seams to be for a Lee 50th anniversary with some dies (unknown caliber) and the 2nd edition reloading book that mee sells I think it's called Modern Reloading. All of it for $80. What do you guys think about this for a starter? Thanks
Isaias

 

[halco46]

Reloading

Lee makes some very fine stuff. The carbide dies are what I use for .45ACP,they work great!. I`m using a Lee 4 hole Turret press and have loaded many thousands of rounds without any problems. Works for me.

 

[novalty]

Well before I got my reloading set up I spent months looking over and researching presses-pros and cons. Narrowed my search down to the Forster Co-ax, Redding Big Boss 2, and a CH4D 444. Then after much thought and deliberation narrowed it down to the Forster & Redding. Looked at the calibers I was going to be reloading:45acp, 9mm, and .223 remington. Then ruled out the Redding due to long stroke design, and secondly I couldn't purchase through Cabelas, & use discount and points to reduce cost. So there I was ready to purchase a FOrster Co-ax. Then local gun seller, says "hey I saw a reloading setup at a garage sale you that you might be interested in." Drive over check it out and now I have a RCBS Rockchucker II. Purchased the RCII, Uniflow, 5.0.5 Scale, 44 mag dies, 2 boxes of 44 mag lead, inexpensive gun rest, all like new in the box $125. Still want a Forster...maybe someday.

 

[38-44HD45]

Another vote for the Dillon 550.

 

[Bongos17150]

if you go single stage (which is great for rifle cartridges) I would recommend the Forster Co-AX, if progressive the Dillon 550B is a great choice (nice and slow, everyging is manual, though I biase with Dillon as I run a XL650 w/casefeeder. The Hornady LNL progressive is good but if you plan on adding a casefeeder, go with the 650 as Hornady haven't figure their casefeeder problems yet..

Oh, btw.. reloading doesn't save money, you just end up shooting a lot more

 

[williamlayton]

I do not begrudge starting out with the Hornady single stage---it is a dang good press. It will always be used.
Get the single stage and learn--learn what you like and don't like--when you get tired (and you will) of a single stage at least you have learned good habits before you move on to the Dillon 650.
Blessings

 

[Arizona5906]

I started loading on a Dillon Square Deal progressive press 21 years ago. I was shooting lots of 9mm and wanted to be able to sit down and load 250 rounds at a time. Then I bought an old used RCBS JR3 single stage press from a friend along with a bunch of accessories. Once I figured out the routine and reduced it to as few steps as possible it's not really too slow and I like the results much better. The Dillon dies sized the tapered 9mm cases poorly and I sometimes had a bit of trouble with the primer system. These problems are gone on the single stage press and changing calibers is SO much easier. Since the single stage press does just one thing at a time the feel is much better and quality control is almost built into the process. I think lots of reloaders overlook the single stage press. It's worth considering.

 

[SMSgt]

With that many calibers on your reload list, look for a setup that offers easy versitality, which may take some (like Dillon) out of the picture. I've always used a simple single-stage press. Cranking out massive quantities of ammo has never been my agenda, so it works for me (since '75, mind you). Swap dies and shellholder and I can reload any caliber of my choosing.

 

[isaias_1]

Well the lee loader is nice. It's a bit older as it doesnt have the breech lock. It is a challanger press. Came with a hand primer and a set or 30/30 RGB dies. I don't have a need for them so would like to trade someone that would like to have them. Thanks. Also the book is the 1st Ed.

 

[Bongos17150]

With that many calibers on your reload list, look for a setup that offers easy versitality, which may take some (like Dillon) out of the picture. I've always used a simple single-stage press. Cranking out massive quantities of ammo has never been my agenda, so it works for me (since '75, mind you). Swap dies and shellholder and I can reload any caliber of my choosing.

if you are only looking at 200 or so rounds of each caliber to be reloaded in succession, the 550B would be a good choice, change over is like 5 minutes if that.

 

[SatCong]

Dillon!!

Dillon!

Dillon!

PLUS 1 on Dillon.