Looking to get into reloading.

quinn762x39

quinn762x39

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I know nothing about reloading so far. I recently got a 38 s&w revolver and realized its a pain to find ammo. After doing some research the best solution i can find is reloading the 100 rounds i have. I am looking for the best value way to try out reloading. I know this has probably been asked before but i dont know what the differences are with different companys that make loading presses. From what i have heard i should start with a single press.
any advice is appreciated.
 
bill gass said:
I just got into reloading in the summer for. 223,with a single stage press. Going back only thing I'd change would be to get a turret press.
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About how much do you think you spent on getting into it with a single stage press and what brand did you go with?
Do you know what the cost difference is for the turret press?
 
If you're just starting, get a single stage press. Both Lee and RCBS make kits that include a press and all the other basics (save dies) to get you going. The Lee is the cheapest (~200$), but works fine - I've been using one for 20 years. Dies and presses from different manufacturers are compatible.
The turret press is a justifiable upgrade if you wish to increase your production to thousands of rounds per year.
 
Singles are good platforms to do whatever you need, you can move up and onward to more sophisticated presses if you have a desire to later
 
Rbcs supreme kit,dies,shellholder,CT calipers. Should get you going.$550.
Then plan on another $1000 or so when the bug bites :)
 
Everything in my reloading setup, for the most part, is used and it works for me. A lot of reloaders are doing one of 2 things....upgrade or get out of it all together. In either case I have managed to find some great deals. One exception to buying used gear for me was the powder scale and a decent set of calipers...there's no room for 'cheap' here......my $0.02
 
I picked up a Lee classic press on its own used from the EE then pieced together the rest separate. All said and done around 400 investment with dies. Don't get me wrong it's perfect for low volume reloading and perfect to start out with. But now I'm looking for a progressive press for my hand gun caliber reloading.
 
I agree with the advice regarding going for a Turret press, rather than a single stage. The Lee Classic Turret can be used as a single stage, but then let you move on to using as a Turret. So kills two birds with one stone. And although some people stick with a single stage, many people tire of the amount of time required to keep up on their ammo needs.

And since the cost really isn't all that much more, it makes sense for a lot of folks to start there, rather than upgrading 6 months later.
 
Go big or go home.

I bought a Dillon RL550, and I already regret not going the XL650 route.

Life is but fleeting, and when handgun loading the faster the better. More shooting less tinkering around. The long winter evenings are not for handgun loading, precision rifle maybe.

Go progressive and never look back. (And if you do, you'll finding selling the kit easy).

Candocad.
 
I just started reloading for 9mm and .223 this winter. After looking around at all the different alternatives I decided to go with the Lee classic turret press. I am very happy that I did seeing that I am not a high volume shooter. It is halfway between a full on progressive and a single stage. A single stage is nice but the lee turret can function as a single stage aswell if need be. I can do about 150-175 rounds per hr of 9mm and my .223 plinking rounds (assuming my .223 cases are prepped and ready for a primer). I am happy with my setup and would recommend it to somebody starting out who wanted a decent setup on a budget.
 
Candocad said:
Go big or go home.

I bought a Dillon RL550, and I already regret not going the XL650 route.

Life is but fleeting, and when handgun loading the faster the better. More shooting less tinkering around. The long winter evenings are not for handgun loading, precision rifle maybe.

Go progressive and never look back. (And if you do, you'll finding selling the kit easy).

Candocad.
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A Dillon 650 is a pretty hefty price of admission to try out reloading.

If I were in the OP's situation I would look at the least dollar outlay for a start. This translates to a Lee single stage press/kit plus a set of dies.
I know there are a few folks on here who rag on Lee reloading stuff; it may not be the best / most precise / fanciest gear out there, but it does provide good value for what it is intended to do.
 
I would recommend a Lee Challenger kit to give it a shot. There's plenty of good stuff to get you started and the price is right. The big thing I like about the Lee is the Breech Lock system. It makes switching dies on my Lee Classic Cast press as quick as a turret. The Challenger press has the same system but in a cheaper fully capable press.
 
I started with the lee anniversary kit and all I needed was a set of dies. From there I bought a second single stage and use it when I am reloading to crimp after I seat the bullet and that makes things a bit quicker. This worked for me for many years, then I got the automatic powder dispenser and won't go back. Anyhow, get a simple single press and see if it is your thing. You can always sell/upgrade.
 
Whatever way you start is good, just start. I began with a RCBS single stage press which is great, followed that with a Redding Turret, which is fantastic. I may go for a Dillon 650 but so far the single stage and turret work for me, I use both. Bottom line, you can start small and work your way up, if needed.
 
OldDude said:
A Dillon 650 is a pretty hefty price of admission to try out reloading.

If I were in the OP's situation I would look at the least dollar outlay for a start. This translates to a Lee single stage press/kit plus a set of dies.
I know there are a few folks on here who rag on Lee reloading stuff; it may not be the best / most precise / fanciest gear out there, but it does provide good value for what it is intended to do.
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Yes, you are entirely correct it is a hefty amount of cash to drop as a start up, however, the equipment keeps it value well and to go from a basic set up to a top end unit is about $1,000 - $1,250 difference? Less than an average rifle say. You could go the Lee route, and then 12 months later replace the whole lot because you have got into reloading?

I suppose the decision depends upon what you do now, what you want to do in the future with your shooting and the depth of one's pockets. I bought the Dillon to do: 9mm by the thousand / 30.06 hunting loads to begin with. It has enabled me to load precision 308 and 300WinMag rounds + 300AAC Blackout. I do not think I could afford to shoot any of those calibers if I relied on surplus / sales. So it does boil down to where do you want go with it?

I don't mind Lee, but much prefer Dillion / Redding and RCBS. There is a cost difference, but I think you get what you pay for in terms of dies and the like.

Candocad.

Candocad.
 
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