I want to start reloading

[LenBob]

I've mostly been a rimfire shooter and have never considered getting into reloading. However, I recently acquired a couple 223 AR's and a few 9mm pistols and that has me thinking a little differently.

This forum has some good info on reloading, (the sticky is great reading!) and after spending the entire weekend doing more research, I've decided to buy a Dillon press. I will most likely get a 550B and that would suit my needs just fine; unfortunately, I can't help but want a 650! Is that just plum crazy?

What's your thoughts on the subject.

Thanks.

 

[bottomcoon]

My thought is buy a cheap single stage setup to start with. Going to a progressive Dillion right out of the box is a lot like buying a single shot twenty two shooting it once and getting an M249

 

[TCummings]

I started with a Lee turret press and it has taught me a lot already, there's a learning curve with any press so don't be afraid to ask questions. Everyone the loads on here has been a great help so far.

 

[Rod Snell]

I too started with a Lee turret press back when dirt was young, and still have it for small batches. Dillons are the main loaders for me.

However, I have mentored several people who started out on Dillons, which are far faster.
It isn't rocket science, but you do need to follow directions exactly and learn the process.

 

[aeropb]

I started with an RL550B because you can use it as a single stage if you want to learn at a normal pace and then be able to speed up as soon as you feel ready. Plus its so easy to convert to a different caliber and I shoot a variety of calibers. So I learned on it at my own rate. When I wanted to start going faster, I just started going faster. The machine was already set up and in place. Later I spoiled myself and bought another so I wouldn't have to change primer sizes/powder bars/conversion kits.

I later bought an XL650 to produce a single caliber even faster. I never have plans to change the XL650 to any other caliber, even though many people do. If I begin shooting another caliber at the rate I shoot 9mm, I'll just buy another XL650.

 

[Blitzfike]

I started with the old Lee loader hammer driven reloading set, went to a single stage RCBS and after several years then to a Dillon RL-550B. I now have two of the RL-550B presses up and running, one with a case feeder. The main drawback to the 550B is that the case feeder only works for pistol calibers. I have way too much invested in conversions to switch at this point in time to a 650, but if I was starting over, I would go with a 650 just for the ability to load rifle stuff with the case feeder. I'd have to count them, but I think I am set up to load about 30 different cartridges with the 550s. You will need a good powder scale to set your powder measures with, and I think everyone ought to have at least one beam scale (mechanical, not electronic) just to be safe. I have several friends who load with the Hornady Lock 'n Load AP which is their progressive press. They swear by it, but I have never loaded on one. Get something and get going. You will shoot a lot more for less money. You won't save money, but you will shoot a heck of a lot more... Blitzfike

 

[LenBob]

Get something and get going. You will shoot a lot more for less money. You won't save money, but you will shoot a heck of a lot more... Blitzfike

Not only can I see myself shooting a lot more, but I can also see myself getting into the calibers I've been avoiding because of ammunition costs. For instance, if I have a press, I will predict about a half dozen 1911's in my future! It will be one of those "if you build it, they will come" scenarios.

 

[JCW355]

Personally, I went right for the progressive press for my pistols. You shoot a lot of bullets from pistols and will want to load lots of them. Loading pistol bullets on a single stage press will only MAKE you get a progressive press quicker, that's if you shoot a lot.

 

[aeropb]

exactly. plus the 550 is excellent for rifles. Even if you shoot lots of calibers like I do and only make 50-100 rounds at a setting.

 

[MoBoost]

Quality or Quantity.

I personally personally prefer single stage - there is a lot more "feel" to it, and to make very accurate ammo you'll have to learn the "feel".

Pistol rounds - just "yank 'em out".