Looking to getting in to reloading

[Flatwater77]

Lots of great advice here. One other quick thing I have learned... there are lots of different case sizing lubricants out there. Many of the liquid ones make a mess and are inconvenient. A serious reloader recommended that I try Imperial Die Wax. I have found it to be so much easier and less messy. Lots of good videos on proper use.

 

[Don Dial]

Exactly I had 2 beam scales and spare press I gave all but one scale to beginner but I use an electric trickler and scale now because it’s faster . However I still handload using a Pacific Multi C press I’ve had over 50 years.

 

[Steel head]

Locally there’s more factory ammo options for 280AI than my 260 or 7 saum.

I think 280AI is a fantastic option.

Great bullet selection
Modest powder charges for the speed.
Quite good brass options.

 

[Winningdog]

I hand load ammo because I enjoy it. may have started out thinking it was about saving money, and probably do save a little now. But it's just a hobby or drive to build better ammo than the ammo I would buy. Use a coax and a rockchucker, have thought about getting a Dillon for pistol ammo, but still enjoy the single stage.

 

[myronman3]

Just got an email from dillon...they are selling the 550bl for 299. It’d be foolish to pass that up at that price.

 

[ScottPriestley]

Sounds like I should splurge and get the Dillon. Just need to find room for all the equipment. I’m in San Antonio for those who asked.

San Antonio here too - also looking to get into reloading. Learned a lot on this thread - thanks for bringing it up.

 

[goosed]

Just got an email from dillon...they are selling the 550bl for 299. It’d be foolish to pass that up at that price.

550 BL is always $280-$300 at all the usual reloading retailers like grafs, gunstop, etc.

Yet, none of them seem to have any in stock besides Dillon... kinda odd?

 

[Snuby642]

Click bait.

 

[Steel head]

I’d love to get a 550 but I’d also need a minimum of 4 tool heads and large + small primer setup.
I’d just use a Hornandy case activated powder measure I have.

 

[Snuby642]

I recently adjusted a diilon powder die.
It was very consistant at dropping 4.2gr of whatever for our 38 special.

My tests were to look for fault as we are setting up 223 bulk loads soon.

The thing just kept repeating the load to + / - 0.1gr.

I plan on testing it by single staging a set round and then dillon an identical round.

It will be a relative test to my reloads and setup process and sure others will get different results.

How many presses does a man really need? I will tell you after buying some more to compare just to be fair.

 

[ScottPriestley]

@myronman3 I found this great video review of the top 14 single-stage presses - the guy (GavinToobe) is very meticulous and provides a lot of data. You can read the blog post too if you dont want to sit through the video -

 

[1moaoff]

Learning to load on a progressive as a progressive is adding confusion.

Single stage is the best way to learn.

If you start out on a progressive only run one operation at a time until you understand all the steps and the machine.

I'm not saying you arent capable but I have talked to lots of guys who tried starting out at full speed and most had mental trauma from it.

 

[myronman3]

550 BL is always $280-$300 at all the usual reloading retailers like grafs, gunstop, etc.

Yet, none of them seem to have any in stock besides Dillon... kinda odd?

Well i didnt know that. It’s been quite a while since i looked at the prices of the presses; last time i saw a rock chucker i about pissed myself seeing what the sticker price was. That taken into account, and that you can get a bl550 for 280-300ish....makes it a no brainer.

 

[myronman3]

I recently adjusted a diilon powder die.
It was very consistant at dropping 4.2gr of whatever for our 38 special.

My tests were to look for fault as we are setting up 223 bulk loads soon.

The thing just kept repeating the load to + / - 0.1gr.

I plan on testing it by single staging a set round and then dillon an identical round.

It will be a relative test to my reloads and setup process and sure others will get different results.

How many presses does a man really need? I will tell you after buying some more to compare just to be fair.

I’ve been down that road. Fast forward.....now i just use the press and get results that are plenty good.

The one downside to the volume measure is that certain powders do not meter well. I solved that problem by avoiding those powders.

 

[myronman3]

Learning to load on a progressive as a progressive is adding confusion.

Single stage is the best way to learn.

If you start out on a progressive only run one operation at a time until you understand all the steps and the machine.

I'm not saying you arent capable but I have talked to lots of guys who tried starting out at full speed and most had mental trauma from it.

I agree with that. You nailed it when you said to run only one operation at a time until you understand. And that is exactly what i’d suggest.

 

[ScottPriestley]

@1moaoff I was definitely looking at single stage until I saw @TxWelder35 recommend the Lyman Turret Press - that seems like a great option and Midway has it on sale for $187!

 

[Steel head]

@1moaoff I was definitely looking at single stage until I saw @TxWelder35 recommend the Lyman Turret Press - that seems like a great option and Midway has it on sale for $187!

I’m a big fan of turret press’s.
I have a head for every caliber so I’m never moving dies.

 

[dzander]

550's are great for high volume pistol loading. The 650 with a case feeder even better.
IF moneys no object hell go for the super 1050 .
For someone who's new to reloading, HMMMMM , maybe not.

 

[TxWelder35]

@1moaoff I was definitely looking at single stage until I saw @TxWelder35 recommend the Lyman Turret Press - that seems like a great option and Midway has it on sale for $187!

I really like mine. It’s so convenient to not have to ever change dies. Only think is that the priming system sucks. I’ve had to rig mine to make it work. I have to shove some paper under where the primer plunger is or add a plastic shim the size of a primer on top of the plunger to get it to seat the primers deep enough

 

[Don Dial]

San Antonio here too - also looking to get into reloading. Learned a lot on this thread - thanks for bringing it up.

There’s some of the guys at Bandera Gun club that used one for 223 loads but I still load one at a time and use electronic powder trickler & scale.