handloading

dchristian

I am interested in getting into loading my own ammunition. I shoot .223 in rifle and .380, .38 and .45 in handgun.
Can anyone give me some information as to how to start, what to get, etc.
Thanks,
dchristian

CS8161

I would get a Dillon 550 machine. It is the simplest, easy to use, reliable machine on the market. You can use it as a single stage press doing one procedure at a time, then when you get the feel of things, you can speed up and use it as a progressive. Its easy to change calibers and their tech suppot and warranty are the best in the business.

Chris8161
Admit nothing, deny everything, demand proof!

CS8161

I agree with Saxon that RCBS makes very good machines, but with a single stage press I have found that most people get bored and want higher production capability. In the store where I work, single stage presses just don't sell anymnore, especially when they are displayed side by side with the progressive machines. The RCBS is a very good machine to learn the basics, but you will eventually want to upgrade to a faster, more versatile press. If you know anyone who reloads, sit down with them and watch how it is done. And as Saxon said...READ THE RELOADING MANUALS FIRST! Don't jump in cold or you could have a catastrophe on your hands. Reloading is safe and fun, but you have to always pay attention to what you are doing..NO DISTRACTIONS!

Chris8161
Admit nothing, deny everything, demand proof!

JustC

I beleive SAXON's point rests in his experience with rifles. He is absolutely correct in the fact that a progressive is no good for loading a truly consistent rifle load. The progressive will vary the loads slightly, which does not matter in a non-exact science like pistol bullets. Close is good enough. BUT, BUT, BUT, with a rifle, exactness is what seperates the 2nd place guy from the winner. There is no fast way and no simple way to reload for a rifle with any consisitency. Now, if you are shooting a semi-auto type gun, then all you want is probably a reliable feeding, plinker. A progressive is fine for that, but if you are going to try to group well at 300+yds, you will be disappointed. There is my little addition for you to consider. If you just want to blast away with the pistols and a semi aotu like an AR or mini-14 then the progressive is the way to go. But if you are like Saxon is (just a guess) and myself, and you want to cut the proverbial "one ragged Hole", the RCBS rock chucker is the choice. Take your time and MOST IMPORTANTLY, have an experienced handloader help to show you the ropes!!!!!!!!!!!

When in doubt...empty the magazine!!

MIKE WISKEY

JUSTC, I HAVE TO DISAGREE WITH YOU. YOU CAN LOAD TOP OF THE LINE ACCURATE (PRECISE) AMMO ON A PROGRESIVE LOADER. A DILLION WILL LOAD ANY THING ACCURATE ENOUGHT UP TO BENCH REST. MANY LONG RANGE AND CAMP PERRY SHOOTERS USE DILLION EQUIPMENT. I HAVE PERSONALY LOADED AMMO THAT WILL STAY UNDER 1/2 MIN. OF ANGLE WITH A STANDARD DEV. OF LESS THAN 10 F.P.S. (.222 REM., TO .338 WIN MAG.).

JustC

either you got one of the better ones or I got the worst one they made. My dillon, which I purchased from a competition shooter, would deviate OAL up to .005" and powder up to +/- .2gr That is with the use of RCBS competition series dies which I checked at every loading as well as during the process to be sure it was still lined up on the marks. Just my experience.



When in doubt...empty the magazine!!

thunderbolt

If you just want to get your feet wet, buy a single stage press
with a set of dies for the caliber you shoot the most. That way, if you find you lose interest, you're not out a lot of money. If, however, you are in it for the long haul and want to reloads hundreds of rounds per session, go with a progressive reloader. Read and obey
your reloading manual, the powder manufacturer knows more than you do!

Shootist3006

Saxon has it right (for once ). Start with a good single stage press like the RCBS Rock Chucker. This will force you to go slow enough to learn and will always be of use, especially when developing new loads/calibers. Since you are heavy into pistols (from your list) you will eventually go to a progressive and the Dillon 550 is about the best. I bought my Dillon about 20 years ago (it was a 450 then) and, as Dillon brought out upgrades for it, I progressed also. My 450 is now a 550 just by upgrading as time went along and still works great. However, I still feel that EVERY new reloader should start with a single stage press (and a good teacher and several reloading books).

Quod principi placuit legis habet vigorem.Semper Fidelis

S&W Man

The single stage TO START is the way to go. Get one set of dies in a caliber you shoot a lot. Lewarn the in's and out's of reloading. Once you know how to do it,, what tricks to use and avoid, and are sure that you want to continue and are doing things right THEN go to a progressive machine and all the calibers you want. I have been loading for 30+ years and I have just acquired my first progressive machine in the last 6 months. I have been laoding thousands of rounds a year on single stage presses. Now I am ready for a progressive.

Progressives are good, just be sure that you want to put the money into them before you get one.

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