Beginning Reloading

Thedragonslayer · #1 03-18-2012, 02:30 PM

(from a non-reloader as of yet.)

I was considering reloading myself just a few months ago, but the economy has put a lot of things on hold.

I have "played around" with very small set-ups and large multiple stage set-ups. I felt the multi-stage presses such as the Dillion could load a lot of ammo quickly. You may not have to worry about time though, but that is a consideration. If you are punching paper, speed is king IMHO. But if you want precise reloads for specialized shooting, the hand work is preferable.

With the larger presses, you also get several alarms that will limit "serious" mistakes and thats what I liked the most. Once you start the process and have everything measured out correctly, the process and alarms work to keep you out of the "danger zones." Visual inspections of each load and an occasional measure check are very easy to do and also help build on your quality.

The bad part is price. I was just over $1,200 for a fully set-up Dillion 650 with all the bells and whistles.

Just some thoughts.

Good Luck and please let us know what you decide to do.

Big Smoke · #2 03-19-2012, 10:19 AM

I started out with a used Dillon 550b, and a used case cleaner and separator. It came with .45acp dies. I slowly added some bells and whistles, and more dies as the need arose, as time went on, and then came across another guy who was selling his Dillon 550b, and I bought his, and then slowly added some bells and whistles. I have a lot more bells and whistles I can add, but I have what works for me, for now, and I don't see a need to add a case feeder at the moment, although I'd probably love it if I did.
But it isn't everyday you find someone selling their Dillon press. Most people, like myself, hold onto them for dear life.
The down side to starting with a progressive press is you get spoiled. I bought a single stage press and tried to do some loads just to check for accuracy, but I just didn't have the patience anymore.

Jdl2 · #3 03-25-2012, 11:54 PM

Thank you my friends for all of your invaluable input. Regrettably, after reviewing your counsel, consulting family, friends and doc the overwhelming opinion is that I am not capable of reloading. So I will not be moving ahead with this endeavor. Bitter pill for me to swallow. However, nothing like giving up the Harley last year. Thank God I am able to continue shooting and derive great pleasure from doing so.
My best wishes to all of you.
Jim LaTulip
Oswego, NY