Topic: Where to start?

[rnrphoto98]

My Dad is looking at getting a reloader, we have not reloaded for years and even then it was with the Lee hand loaders.  He wants one that will produce a finished round with each pull once all slots are full.  He also wants to be able to reload rifle and pistol rounds. 

From what I have read it seems like after you buy a press there are still parts needed to complete everything.  I have been looking online and it is hard to tell what kits are complete and whats not.

What would you recommend?

Also what is a good book to get that will help us along?

Thanks

Rob

[mopeman440]

What it seems like you are asking about is a progressive loader. While they are fast at producing rounds, they do come with a cost. There are many manufacturers of progressive reloaders: Dillon, Lee, RCBS and Hornady are the big guns. I personally have a Dillon 650, but most go with the 550. Both can reload pistol and rifle rounds. I do have lots of extras for my machine, but they all help produce very good quality ammo. Any of the major powder manufacturers have loading data on their web sites, and there are many reloading books that will help with the basics and jargon. Also keep in mind that all reloading books will not have the same exact recipe for the same bullet/cartride. I have three different books I go by. There is a ton of info on line too, and I'm sure there are a few guys on here willing to show you thier machines and how they work.

[RGinIdaho]

You can reload for one pistol caliber with just a Dillon, dies, calipers, scale and data source. You can even skip the calipers and use a ruler for length and your barrel for a guage. If you use the Square Deal you get the dies in the press but they are proprietary so multiple calipers become a PITA.

Go to the rifle and you need to be able to trim overlength cases.

That is all you HAVE to possess to get it done. Everything else is handy or helps solve the very few issues that can crop up.

If you want to load multiple calibers then you need dies and a conversion kit for each caliber assuming a Dillon 550 or 650.

Any of the major powder/bullet companies' manuals will lead you down the right path as far as process goes.

[Beamncoke]

It always helps to see one in action before you purchase.  I have a Dillon 550 that you are welcome to check out if you like.

[Jaggy13]

how much volume are you planning to load? what is your ratio of time vs funds vs patience?
I load about 1000 a month and am not happy with my current setup. adversly if I only loaded 200 rnds a month I would be very happy with it.
My setup reqires a bit more attention and double checking but was free.
I'm saving for a dillon 650 and would assume  550 would be a great fit for you.

[No-One]

I have a Dillon 550 as well that is set up to load 4 different calibers . I am probably into the entire setup over 1000 dollars . Progressives are nice but the caliber conversions can get spendy and they take a lot of time to get setup and running when you change calibers .

[avking]

Cliff's Gun & Safe in Boise offers reloading classes and sells the whole line of Dillon. They don't mark up the Dillon any more than Enos, so it is a really nice local resource. I'm not sure what the class costs, if anything, but for someone brand new, it might be worth checking out.

[RGinIdaho]

Well, you already have plenty of offers for help so I'll hold back. Take them up on their offers. We've helped a lot of folks on this board get going with handloading.

[carharttfarmer]

for those of us that drink the hornady koolaid the LNL is $380 at cabelas right now shell plates are about $29 apiece and bushing run about $3 (need 4per cailber) and about 15 for a powderstem so not super spendy but has been working great for 10+yrs
 

[luvmy45]

Dillon 550 here with 5 Calibers that I reload. Cliffs is a good reloading resource if you want to see one in action and ask questions, he does know his stuff about reloading.

The big question is how much reloading are you going to do? High volume pay up front for a quality machine that will work for years... low volume, you can probably live with the short comings of a smaller press like the Lee Progressive 1000, which work great for a single caliber. I used one for years, before moving on to the Dillon.

[Jrhoney]

I have pounds of once fired 9mm brass that I'd sell you at a reasonable rate if you need it.

[rnrphoto98]

Thanks for all the info, sorry it took me so long to reply, my computer was down for a couple days.  My dad ended up getting the Hornady Lock N Load.  He also got the Hornady book.  Hoping to have it set up next weekend and then figure out a load for the .243 to start with.  He still needs to get a scale though.  I am sure we will have more questions soon.

Thanks again

Rob

[luckypunk]

he chose......................wisely

[No-One]

Thanks for all the info, sorry it took me so long to reply, my computer was down for a couple days.  My dad ended up getting the Hornady Lock N Load.  He also got the Hornady book.  Hoping to have it set up next weekend and then figure out a load for the .243 to start with.  He still needs to get a scale though.  I am sure we will have more questions soon.

Thanks again

Rob

Check ebay for an Ohaus 1010 beam scale . It is identical to the RCBS 1010 but generally sells for a lot less even though they are the same scale .

[Grumblecakes]

you guys are weaksauce, real men use a hand press