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I want to start reloading bullets...
phxtravis
Member Posts: 738 ✭✭✭✭
I was thinking about the Dillon RL550B($329.95, http://dillonprecision.com/template/p.cfm?maj=12&dyn=1& ), I mainly only want to reload .223, .357mag, and maybe .45ACP.
What I want to know is what else would I need to have a complete system? ie, Case cleaner/prep, etc...Dillon has three different Dies per caliber, Carbide Size/Deprime dies, Seating dies, and Crimp dies, do I need all three for each caliber? do you tighten thee dies by hand or will the RL550B handle that. I have never reloaded anything nor I have seen one in person. I have a source for cast bullets who also reloads(I buy guns and ammo from him aswell), next time I talk to him I will ask him about it too.
thanks for the response.
Spring 1911-A1 Mil-Spec
Glock 19C
Cav Arms CAV-15 MKII(AR-15)
S&W 19-4 .357 Mag 6" bbl
Henry Lever Action 22Mag
Marlin/Glenfield Mod 60
Russian M38
What I want to know is what else would I need to have a complete system? ie, Case cleaner/prep, etc...Dillon has three different Dies per caliber, Carbide Size/Deprime dies, Seating dies, and Crimp dies, do I need all three for each caliber? do you tighten thee dies by hand or will the RL550B handle that. I have never reloaded anything nor I have seen one in person. I have a source for cast bullets who also reloads(I buy guns and ammo from him aswell), next time I talk to him I will ask him about it too.
thanks for the response.
Spring 1911-A1 Mil-Spec
Glock 19C
Cav Arms CAV-15 MKII(AR-15)
S&W 19-4 .357 Mag 6" bbl
Henry Lever Action 22Mag
Marlin/Glenfield Mod 60
Russian M38
Comments
I know there are probably a number who will disagree, but a good single stage press is a perfect way to learn what can be a lifetime hobby. The single stage will teach you each facet of the reloading process. While slower than the Dillon, you learn reloading rather than just how to pull a handle.
Hours have been spent by me carefully sliding the cleaned case into the shellholder and watching it accend into the decrimper/resizer die.
The resized case then coming back down a fairly perfect case ready for the next operation.
I learned about proper lubrication (my first stuck case was my LAST stuck case). I learned that certain powders filled only half the case (I switched to a powder that filled up the case).
If speed is your primary concern, by all means go for the Dillon. I understand it is a very good machine. If your primary emphasis is enjoyment and learning, there are several companines that make good tools. I have used them all and I've never tired of them.
Good luck.
Yes, you need a complete die set for each cartridge.
Unless your shooting several hundred (of each) rounds a week, IMHO your better off starting with a quality single stage press kit (like the RCBS Rockchucker Supreme kit for example). Even with a progressive press, like the Dillon 550, you will find yourself using the single stage press for various reloading tasks.
Purchase several manuals first, they tell you what tools are needed and how they are used (the Speer manual comes with the RCBS kit, and, IMHO, the LEE manual isn't worth the paper it's printed on).
Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.
JJ
Got a new gun for my ex-wife.....pretty good trade, huh?
Spring 1911-A1 Mil-Spec
Glock 19C
Cav Arms CAV-15 MKII(AR-15)
S&W 19-4 .357 Mag 6" bbl
Henry Lever Action 22Mag
Marlin/Glenfield Mod 60
Russian M38
Initial purchase of all your necessities will be expensive. Eventually, you'll save money reloading yourself. Especially if you shoot a lot.
I have a 550B. It's a great machine. Some will say you shouldn't start reloading on a progressive machine, but it's my first one. I helped my Dad many years ago on an old turret press though.
It's work to get it set up. Once you start making rounds, it goes fast. You have to set up the dies in the press so that the round will be the correct size when done. A good thing about the 550B is the toolheads are changable. So you can have one for each caliber and leave the dies set. You have to adjust the powder measure so the correct charge is in the round. This is very exact stuff!
You'll have to have a scale to measure the powder charge. Digital ones are really convenient!
You'll need the dies for your caliber. The 550B takes standard 7/8 dies, so you don't have to use Dillon's, although they are good dies. You'll need lube for the rifle dies.
Then you will need to clean your brass before you load it. So a cleaner, tumbler.
You'll definately need a manual for loading data.
Probably a case trimmer to size your .223 brass.
There are lots of accessories that you may want to add later to speed up or ease your process. But the 550B will crank out rounds pretty quickly. I like to load almost as much as shoot.
Dillon has a video maybe you should get. Might help with your decision.
Initial purchase of all your necessities will be expensive. Eventually, you'll save money reloading yourself. Especially if you shoot a lot.
I have a 550B. It's a great machine. Some will say you shouldn't start reloading on a progressive machine, but it's my first one. I helped my Dad many years ago on an old turret press though.
It's work to get it set up. Once you start making rounds, it goes fast. You have to set up the dies in the press so that the round will be the correct size when done. A good thing about the 550B is the toolheads are changable. So you can have one for each caliber and leave the dies set. You have to adjust the powder measure so the correct charge is in the round. This is very exact stuff!
You'll have to have a scale to measure the powder charge. Digital ones are really convenient!
You'll need the dies for your caliber. The 550B takes standard 7/8 dies, so you don't have to use Dillon's, although they are good dies. You'll need lube for the rifle dies.
Then you will need to clean your brass before you load it. So a cleaner, tumbler.
You'll definately need a manual for loading data.
Probably a case trimmer to size your .223 brass.
There are lots of accessories that you may want to add later to speed up or ease your process. But the 550B will crank out rounds pretty quickly. I like to load almost as much as shoot.
Dillon has a video maybe you should get. Might help with your decision.
Love them Pre-64's!!!!-Bob
You will need auxiliary equipment such as a powder scale, etc. RCBS puts together a basic package deal which is a good starting point. At some point, you may decide you want a digital scale & other more sophisticated items, but don't invest until you actually feel the need.
Two best references: NRA Guide to Reloading and the Lyman Metallic Cartridge Reloading Manual. I have many others, but I find I *always* consult the Lyman *first* and then, sometimes, look elsewhere. The great thing about Lyman is that they are not beholden to a particular line of bullets or powder as are the publishers of other manuals, so there are a variety of combinations, including lead bullet loads, across the entire spectrum of possibilities for most all 'normal' calibers - obviously, loads for .600 Nitro Express and the like are not covered.
Absolutely essential - IMCO - are a good set of calipers and, ideally, a good 0 - 1.000" micrometer. But the calipers for sure. Don't go cheap on this. Good measuring tools will pay for themselves many times over and properly maintained will last practically forever. I still have the verniers I bought when I started and the mic I bought a few years later. I'm sure I've used both 20,000 times ('Course, I measure a lot of collector ammo, also). Note - you can often find quality used tools; both of mine came from machinists moving up to digital tools, both had been used for a good five years in machine shops before I bought them and, like I said, they are still going strong. If you are in the bifocal generation, I'd invest in digital tools; I will have to do that soon.
Now here's the truth: don't plan to save money! Plan to shoot many more rounds for the same cost while taking pride in the knowledge that you "rolled your own!" You *may* be the exception, but 95+% of the people I know who reload don't reduce their overall outlays, they just shoot two to ten times more ammo.
Good luck - have fun - and if there's ever anything I can do to help you, please drop me a direct eml or post here.
"There is nothing lower than the human race - except the French." (Mark Twain)
Reloading bullets is very very difficult and dangerous to shoot
There are a good number of single stage starter kits on the market. A good econonomy starter kit is the Lee Challenger Kit, for about double the cost you could go with an RCBS Rock Chucker.
A good place to look for Kits is at midwayusa.com Pricing is resonable and they often times have kits on sale.
If you ain't got a sense of humor you got no business bein here!