Jeeeze I am so confused! I want to handload, want to do it right!

ACfixer · 06-09-2008, 08:45 PM

I want to start handloading, and I want to get it right the first time. I shoot a couple hundred rounds a week so I think it would make sense. Here is what I need the machine to do:

9mm
.45 ACP
.22-250
.223
.308
30-30
.30-06

And down the road .300 Win Mag

I just want to buy the right stuff and get it over with. Laying out $500 to start doesn't bother me, if I have to spend a little more I will. What do I want??? I just watched an RCBS reloading video and of course it pushes their gear, it it ok?

The guys at the gun club tell me to get a Dillon 550, I also hear abut Hornady. What do I want????

~!

billy · 06-09-2008, 08:47 PM

i just got a dillon 550.
i dont know very much about reloading i have only been doing it for about 2 or 3 years.
this dillon is my 3 rd press and i am in love with it.

billy · 06-09-2008, 08:48 PM

getting a dillon IS doing it right!

Quote:

Originally Posted by feralchild v 3

The gear you buy is not nearly as important as personal instruction from one that is experienced.

i had no help in person.
but this site saved me a lot of confusion!

ACfixer · 06-09-2008, 08:56 PM

Where can I buy the Dillion 550 with all the goodies I need in one pop? Will anybody's dies work? I see several brands at Bass Pro shops. I'm clueless guys, I'd really like to get going especially on the .22-250 and .30-06 rounds because they're killing me!

Feral, I think with the good folks here and my new buds at the gun club I can get the help I need, I just don't want to regret my purchase. I know some people don't like Lee? Bass Pro has a decent deal on those but I want the good stuff.

GlockMeister · 06-09-2008, 09:06 PM

Hornady is offering 1000 free bullets with the purchase of their LNL AP Press. You can get 1000 .45acvp HP/XTP hornady bullets to help get you started. Only cost is $21.95 for shipping.

They also have an offer for 500 free bullets on one of their other presses and 100 free bullets on certain dies. $14,95 shipping on the 500 bullets and $6.95 on the 100 bullets.

If you'd like more info on the Hornady presses and free offers, here's the link.
Hornady

If you want dillon, click on this one...
Dillon Precision: Reloaders, Reloading Equipment, Bullet Reloading, Bullet Reloaders

If you like the Hornady LNL AP Press, I got mine here. Cheapest price I found.
Midsouth*HORNADY/PACIFIC RELOADING TOOLS*LOCK-N-LOAD AUTO PROGRESSIVE PRESS

ACfixer · 06-09-2008, 09:12 PM

Love the look of the Hornady and the 1000 bullets are a clincher, but the place you posted is out of stock... anywhere else that you know of?

Thanks!

telkev · 06-09-2008, 09:15 PM

The dillon 550 is a great press for reloading pistol ammo. The automatic powder dispenser works really great for pistol powder, but I have not had good luck with it on rifle powder. I would suggest a single stage press for your rifle ammo, and measure your charges individually. You can get a good one for not much more than the cost of a set of dies, and it gives you one more toy. The dillon will reload 223's pretty well if you are just wanting to reload fast for plinking rounds.

ACfixer · 06-09-2008, 09:19 PM

Thanks Telkev, the guys that recommended it to me at the club are pretty much handgunners but I spend at least 60% of my time on the rifle range. What about the RCBS Rock Chucker press?

GlockMeister · 06-09-2008, 09:20 PM

Here, slightly more, $379.99, but they have them.
Graf & Sons - HRN PRESS LOCK-N-LOAD AUTO PROGRESSIVE
Also, here's a link, same place for a Speer reloading manual #13, a good one to have which is on sale for $9.99. >Graf & Sons - SPEER RELOADING MANUAL #13

deadman03 · 06-09-2008, 09:34 PM

i would say start off with a single stage press to start with, then after a while get proggressive press. you might want to get a book about reloading first. modern reloading second edition by richard lee is a great all around book, it has many many loads in most caliburs. Nosler 6, only has list for nosler bullets, but has a step by step prosses of reloading, i like both books.

as for a press i always recomend lee's aniversery deal for starters. that comes with almost everything you need. some people dont like lee, but i think that they have good products, at lower prices than competition.

telkev · 06-09-2008, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACfixer

Thanks Telkev, the guys that recommended it to me at the club are pretty much handgunners but I spend at least 60% of my time on the rifle range. What about the RCBS Rock Chucker press?

It is a great press, I use one all the time. I also like the Redding presses, as well as their dies. Most of my dies are Redding, and I've never had any problems. Their shellholders are checkered and easier to grip than most others. The cheapest way to go on the shellholders is to buy a complete set made by Lee. I like some of the Lee dies as well.
Digital scales are not needed, but for precision loads for rifles, a good powder trickler is a must. They make a lot of them out of plastic and they are cheaper, but they don't have any weight to them, so you keep sliding them all over the place. Pay the extra 5 bucks and get the Redding powder trickler. Its heavy and won't tip over. Nothing more aggrivating than having to stop loading and clean up powder that has been slung everywhere when you knock the trickler over.

sc928porsche · 06-09-2008, 09:44 PM

For someone just starting in realoading, I would recommend a single stage press. The progressives do several stages at once and should be used by those who are more familiar with the reloading process.

As for the manufacturers, they all produce a decent single stage press. You cant go wrong with an RCBS, along with their scales or dies.

As for the dies, I prefer the Lee because they are easier to use, but there again, that is my own choice.

I would suggest the book "Cartridges of the World". It helps give you an understanding of what the whole process is about along with a lot of history of the gun.

Reloading manuels are available through powder and bullet manufactures labels i.e. (Speer, Hornady, Sierra, Hogdon) to name a few and can be purchaced through some sporting good stores or online through places like Midway etc.

I hope that some of this information is a help to you and I welcome you to the fastenating world of reloading.

ACfixer · 06-09-2008, 09:44 PM

Man I wish I had some clue as to WTF a powder trickler is! Hahaha oh well I guess I'll get a press and figure it out the hard way like everyone else.

Ok, I can use an RCBS press and Lee dies or Hornady dies or... etc?

By the way, thank you everyone for your time, this place is great.

telkev · 06-09-2008, 09:59 PM

When you are measuring out your powder charges, it is very difficult to get the exact amount, even if you have a good powder dumper set to throw a charge of powder.( example= you may want a charge of 45.5 grains and you measure out 45.3) A powder trickler is a little device that holds a small amount of powder and has a rod through it that has kind-of-like threads in it, when you turn the rod, the powder trickles down the threads to the end, which is positioned over your powder pan. As you spin the rod, it trickles powder grains into the pan to get your charge up to what you want it to be. I hope that helps.

Palladin8 · 06-09-2008, 10:06 PM

I have a RCBS Rock chucker and really like it. If you shoot more rifle rounds than pistol I might look into a single stage press. As a previous poster said the Dillon is great for pistol calibers but has trouble with the rifle powders. One way you might go is with a Turret Press. Faster than a single stage and you can load pistol and rifle.
I have heard great things about the Redding press' and I own 5 dies made by them and love them. I don't think you can use Lee dies with other press' but I could be wrong. Lee or Hornady I can't remember.
Maybe one of they guys there at the Gun club could show you their set up and show you how to operate the press prior to you shelling out the money.

Good Luck

single shot · 06-10-2008, 10:29 PM

You can reload a nice round with a handpress (you squeeze it like cracking a pecan, not bolted to anything- about $30.00) and a cheap scale( about $25.00). Reloading is largely about you and your patience.
Single Shot

billy · 06-10-2008, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by feralchild v 3

Getting a bit of experience first will help you decide what to buy. Hang with them first then go get your Dillon>

+1!!!!!!!!!

single shot · 06-10-2008, 10:36 PM

(Lee Loader)Lee Loader
rooster3006 - thread in handloading - check it out - I think Rooster3006 is talking about probably $20.00 worth of equipment. I used on for shot shells - long time ago. Worked good then.
Single Shot

neophyte · 06-11-2008, 05:20 AM

ACfixer: adding more info.
Books to read and have on hand
Lyman 48th Edition Reloading Handbook
ABC's of Reloading
Norma Reloading Manual
Nosler Reloading Guide
Speer Reloading Manual #14
Gun Digest Handgun Reloading

ABC's will take most i.e. some of the guess work out.

Having members ''''showing''' you the ropes

with hands on

Equipment, Researching will show the Basic 3

Single Stage [do one operation at a time]
Turret [ set up each step; to complete phases without taking and removing dies]
Progressive [Same as the Turret """except''' you have the ability to continual feed cases in an automated format.]

Can you learn on your own. Yes, billy; here; has pretty much done that. Along with many many others.

Read as much and watch the shows on You Tube. Strange; but true.

Follow up as you go

Thanks

lefty o · 06-11-2008, 06:42 AM

before you do anything, buy a reloading manual, and read it. that way you are somewhat informed when you start buying equipment. for a first press , buy a single stage.

06-09-2008, 08:47 PM	#2
billy spiritual counselor Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: a secret lab on the shores of lake titicaca Posts: 11,929 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 145	i just got a dillon 550. i dont know very much about reloading i have only been doing it for about 2 or 3 years. this dillon is my 3 rd press and i am in love with it. __________________ internet yards and real yards are completely different units of measure.

06-09-2008, 09:06 PM	#5
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 5,362	Hornady is offering 1000 free bullets with the purchase of their LNL AP Press. You can get 1000 .45acvp HP/XTP hornady bullets to help get you started. Only cost is $21.95 for shipping. They also have an offer for 500 free bullets on one of their other presses and 100 free bullets on certain dies. $14,95 shipping on the 500 bullets and $6.95 on the 100 bullets. If you'd like more info on the Hornady presses and free offers, here's the link. Hornady If you want dillon, click on this one... Dillon Precision: Reloaders, Reloading Equipment, Bullet Reloading, Bullet Reloaders If you like the Hornady LNL AP Press, I got mine here. Cheapest price I found. MidsouthHORNADY/PACIFIC RELOADING TOOLSLOCK-N-LOAD AUTO PROGRESSIVE PRESS __________________ I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6!

06-09-2008, 09:20 PM	#9
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 5,362	Here, slightly more, $379.99, but they have them. Graf & Sons - HRN PRESS LOCK-N-LOAD AUTO PROGRESSIVE Also, here's a link, same place for a Speer reloading manual #13, a good one to have which is on sale for $9.99. >Graf & Sons - SPEER RELOADING MANUAL #13 __________________ I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6!

06-11-2008, 05:20 AM	#19
neophyte Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 3,491 Blog Entries: 2	Read ACfixer: adding more info. Books to read and have on hand Lyman 48th Edition Reloading Handbook ABC's of Reloading Norma Reloading Manual Nosler Reloading Guide Speer Reloading Manual #14 Gun Digest Handgun Reloading ABC's will take most i.e. some of the guess work out. Having members ''''showing''' you the ropes with hands on Equipment, Researching will show the Basic 3 Single Stage [do one operation at a time] Turret [ set up each step; to complete phases without taking and removing dies] Progressive [Same as the Turret """except''' you have the ability to continual feed cases in an automated format.] Can you learn on your own. Yes, billy; here; has pretty much done that. Along with many many others. Read as much and watch the shows on You Tube. Strange; but true. Follow up as you go Thanks __________________ Craig By the standards of most

06-09-2008, 08:45 PM	#1
ACfixer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Turning base to final -KAPV- Posts: 248	Jeeeze I am so confused! I want to handload, want to do it right! I want to start handloading, and I want to get it right the first time. I shoot a couple hundred rounds a week so I think it would make sense. Here is what I need the machine to do: 9mm .45 ACP .22-250 .223 .308 30-30 .30-06 And down the road .300 Win Mag I just want to buy the right stuff and get it over with. Laying out $500 to start doesn't bother me, if I have to spend a little more I will. What do I want??? I just watched an RCBS reloading video and of course it pushes their gear, it it ok? The guys at the gun club tell me to get a Dillon 550, I also hear abut Hornady. What do I want???? ~!

06-09-2008, 08:56 PM	#4
ACfixer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Turning base to final -KAPV- Posts: 248	Where can I buy the Dillion 550 with all the goodies I need in one pop? Will anybody's dies work? I see several brands at Bass Pro shops. I'm clueless guys, I'd really like to get going especially on the .22-250 and .30-06 rounds because they're killing me! Feral, I think with the good folks here and my new buds at the gun club I can get the help I need, I just don't want to regret my purchase. I know some people don't like Lee? Bass Pro has a decent deal on those but I want the good stuff.

06-09-2008, 09:12 PM	#6
ACfixer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Turning base to final -KAPV- Posts: 248	Love the look of the Hornady and the 1000 bullets are a clincher, but the place you posted is out of stock... anywhere else that you know of? Thanks!

06-09-2008, 09:15 PM	#7
telkev Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: SW MS Posts: 234	The dillon 550 is a great press for reloading pistol ammo. The automatic powder dispenser works really great for pistol powder, but I have not had good luck with it on rifle powder. I would suggest a single stage press for your rifle ammo, and measure your charges individually. You can get a good one for not much more than the cost of a set of dies, and it gives you one more toy. The dillon will reload 223's pretty well if you are just wanting to reload fast for plinking rounds.

06-09-2008, 09:19 PM	#8
ACfixer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Turning base to final -KAPV- Posts: 248	Thanks Telkev, the guys that recommended it to me at the club are pretty much handgunners but I spend at least 60% of my time on the rifle range. What about the RCBS Rock Chucker press?

06-09-2008, 09:34 PM	#10
deadman03 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: nc Posts: 251	i would say start off with a single stage press to start with, then after a while get proggressive press. you might want to get a book about reloading first. modern reloading second edition by richard lee is a great all around book, it has many many loads in most caliburs. Nosler 6, only has list for nosler bullets, but has a step by step prosses of reloading, i like both books. as for a press i always recomend lee's aniversery deal for starters. that comes with almost everything you need. some people dont like lee, but i think that they have good products, at lower prices than competition.

06-09-2008, 09:44 PM	#12
sc928porsche Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: living in Alabama now Posts: 238	For someone just starting in realoading, I would recommend a single stage press. The progressives do several stages at once and should be used by those who are more familiar with the reloading process. As for the manufacturers, they all produce a decent single stage press. You cant go wrong with an RCBS, along with their scales or dies. As for the dies, I prefer the Lee because they are easier to use, but there again, that is my own choice. I would suggest the book "Cartridges of the World". It helps give you an understanding of what the whole process is about along with a lot of history of the gun. Reloading manuels are available through powder and bullet manufactures labels i.e. (Speer, Hornady, Sierra, Hogdon) to name a few and can be purchaced through some sporting good stores or online through places like Midway etc. I hope that some of this information is a help to you and I welcome you to the fastenating world of reloading.

06-09-2008, 09:59 PM	#14
telkev Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: SW MS Posts: 234	When you are measuring out your powder charges, it is very difficult to get the exact amount, even if you have a good powder dumper set to throw a charge of powder.( example= you may want a charge of 45.5 grains and you measure out 45.3) A powder trickler is a little device that holds a small amount of powder and has a rod through it that has kind-of-like threads in it, when you turn the rod, the powder trickles down the threads to the end, which is positioned over your powder pan. As you spin the rod, it trickles powder grains into the pan to get your charge up to what you want it to be. I hope that helps.

06-09-2008, 10:06 PM	#15
Palladin8 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 400	I have a RCBS Rock chucker and really like it. If you shoot more rifle rounds than pistol I might look into a single stage press. As a previous poster said the Dillon is great for pistol calibers but has trouble with the rifle powders. One way you might go is with a Turret Press. Faster than a single stage and you can load pistol and rifle. I have heard great things about the Redding press' and I own 5 dies made by them and love them. I don't think you can use Lee dies with other press' but I could be wrong. Lee or Hornady I can't remember. Maybe one of they guys there at the Gun club could show you their set up and show you how to operate the press prior to you shelling out the money. Good Luck

06-10-2008, 10:29 PM	#16
single shot Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: N.E. Oklahoma Posts: 56	You can reload a nice round with a handpress (you squeeze it like cracking a pecan, not bolted to anything- about $30.00) and a cheap scale( about $25.00). Reloading is largely about you and your patience. Single Shot

06-10-2008, 10:36 PM	#18
single shot Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: N.E. Oklahoma Posts: 56	(Lee Loader)Lee Loader rooster3006 - thread in handloading - check it out - I think Rooster3006 is talking about probably $20.00 worth of equipment. I used on for shot shells - long time ago. Worked good then. Single Shot

06-11-2008, 06:42 AM	#20
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 4,783	before you do anything, buy a reloading manual, and read it. that way you are somewhat informed when you start buying equipment. for a first press , buy a single stage.