Introduction To Reloading

[butt]

I really like this guys videos. Dont know anything about his background, but hes got 700+ videos posted to his utube Chanel, and generally are very informative.


That press he uses is awesome! 

[Hamltnblue]

That press is the Dillon 550. It's a 4 stage manual index press.
Here's the one I have. It's the XL650. It's a 5 stage auto indexing press. I also have the case feeder shown and powder check system that isn't shown.
The guy running the machine is pretty slow. Once you get going you can easily do 600 rounds an hour and if very good can do up to 800.  An optional bullet feeder can get you to 1200/hour.

[butt]

Here's the one I have. It's the XL650. It's a 5 stage auto indexing press. I also have the case feeder shown and powder check system that isn't shown.

Must be nice, as they say. 

[butt]

Getting ready for the annual B-day/Xmas "gift card bonanza" and seeing I am done buying guns (I super triple swear) I have my mind set on an entry level (not uber expensive) reloading press. Open to used if in good shape.


So, question to you two that have experience reloading, any suggestions for a make/model for a dingaling with nothing better to do than to make bullets???

Not looking to make a ton of ammo... Probably only looking to work with 6.8 spc, 7 mag, and 9m.

TIA

[tarsier]

Here's a shootout for the most popular progressives if that's the direction you want to go.  In my opinion progressives are best for your medium to lower accuracy pistol and ar-15 rounds.  http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCQQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.comrace.ca%2Fcmfiles%2FdillonLeeHornadyComparison.pdf&ei=pOcjVIn1BIWRyQSCrYKIAg&usg=AFQjCNEe7oKkK_D1_kaAvSJyRNa4ZrRCxA

I've got the el-cheap-o lee loadmaster.  It's good if you're okay with fiddling with it every once in a while.  You'll very certainly have to make adjustments here and there while using it.  For example, the screw that holds the turret has to be hand tightened every 50 rounds or so, or it'll back out.  And it can't be threadlocked because it has to be removable.  That said, I do prefer the Lee primer loading method.  Dump them all on the plate and wiggle till they're rightside up. With the others, you have to pick up the primers, individually, in a little tube.

If I had to do it again, I may spring for the lock-n-load.  It's probably 50% more $, but a bit more precise regarding the fitment.  The positive feel of a pull of the arm seems to be better than the lee from what I've read.  The lee has a sweet spot regarding how hard you can crank on it.  If you go too far bullets seat too deep, too soft and primers don't seat fully.

The dillons are nice.  I just can't justify Mercedes benz cash when I am so used to driving a VW that does the same thing.  I guess when I retire some day and reloading becomes a bigger part of my time, I may revisit it.

I use a rcbs rockchucker for my rifle rounds.  It's a single stage so it takes much longer to make one round, but it's a matter of taking your time with these loads anyway.  I measure every single case with calipers, weight every single charge, and make sure the bullets are seated perfectly with these.  If you're just starting out, and patient (I know you are), this may suit your needs.  You'll press the primers out of all your brass, resize all your brass, load all your powder (50 or so rounds at a time), then seat the bullets and crimp on the last set.  Pretty much all 50 or so rounds go from one stage to the next, together.  I have loaded pistol on this press, but within a couple days it left me wanting a progressive.  That said, I still use it for precision rifle rounds.  So it's not like buying it was a waste.

[butt]

Here's a shootout for the most popular progressives if that's the direction you want to go.  In my opinion progressives are best for your medium to lower accuracy pistol and ar-15 rounds.  http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCQQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.comrace.ca%2Fcmfiles%2FdillonLeeHornadyComparison.pdf&ei=pOcjVIn1BIWRyQSCrYKIAg&usg=AFQjCNEe7oKkK_D1_kaAvSJyRNa4ZrRCxA

Great read! Thanks.

I've got the el-cheap-o lee loadmaster.  It's good if you're okay with fiddling with it every once in a while.  You'll very certainly have to make adjustments here and there while using it.  For example, the screw that holds the turret has to be hand tightened every 50 rounds or so, or it'll back out.  And it can't be threadlocked because it has to be removable. 

Would teflon tape on the threads help?

I use a rcbs rockchucker for my rifle rounds.  It's a single stage so it takes much longer to make one round, but it's a matter of taking your time with these loads anyway.  I measure every single case with calipers, weight every single charge, and make sure the bullets are seated perfectly with these.  If you're just starting out, and patient (I know you are), this may suit your needs.  You'll press the primers out of all your brass, resize all your brass, load all your powder (50 or so rounds at a time), then seat the bullets and crimp on the last set.  Pretty much all 50 or so rounds go from one stage to the next, together.

Might be perfect for someone w/ ocd

Check this Midway link for a rebate/free offer on the Hornady Lock and Load:
http://media.midwayusa.com/cms/rebate/2014_1/hornady-get-loaded-2014.pdf