Complete noob - Looking for some advice

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Bodain

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Hey all, been looking at getting into reloading as I'm going through a fair bit of ammo now.

Been eyeing the Dillon 550 to get my feet wet, but I'm finding it difficult to figure out exactly what parts I need.

So far I figure I need;
Dillon BL 550
.223 3 die set
.308 3 die set
9mm 3 die set

I shoot the above calibers, as well as 6.5 creedmor. Haven't been able to find the dies for it yet.

But I'm really not sure about all this swage stuff, and which powder measure I should get etc. I'f there are other suggestions for a progressive system I'm all ears. lol

Preferably, I'd like to be in for ~$1000 or so. A little extra is ok if it's the best solution.
 
The 550 is a nice press. I use one for my pistol calibers and for 223.

The Lee dies will work well on it. You need the Dillon powder thrower. It mounts on the press, with a Dillon powder die and insert to match the caliber.

You also need a powder scale to weigh powder charges as you set up the thrower.
 
new reloaders should start out with a single stage to start out as there can be some problems with progressives that can lead to catastrophic things happening.

with a single stage reloading is not that time consuming reloading a batch of ammo can be done fairly quick and is much safer.
 
antiqueguy said:
new reloaders should start out with a single stage to start out as there can be some problems with progressives that can lead to catastrophic things happening.

with a single stage reloading is not that time consuming reloading a batch of ammo can be done fairly quick and is much safer.
Click to expand...

New reloaders should start out by reading reloading manuals...
 
yomomma said:
New reloaders should start out by reading reloading manuals...
Click to expand...

that's pretty much a given but I don't see how someone can safely assume there's enough powder in a bottle neck case on a progressive press unless they have some understanding of the process and experience. only thing id ever use a progressive for is pistol calibers or shot shell
 
antiqueguy said:
new reloaders should start out with a single stage to start out as there can be some problems with progressives that can lead to catastrophic things happening.

with a single stage reloading is not that time consuming reloading a batch of ammo can be done fairly quick and is much safer.
Click to expand...
The 550 can be used as a single stage, just put one piece of brass thru at one time
 
Thanks for the replies, folks.

I'd really rather have this be my one setup. Don't really want to bu a manual one, t hen upgrade.

I've watched some videos, I'm a reasonably smart guy; I don't think It'll be too hard if I go slow and check my steps.


Shot 40rnds of 6.5CM, and 30rnds of .308 today and it was all factory loads. Adds up quick. lol
 
I average about 300 rounds a month and for the last 40 years I have been using a Lee single stage. It works great and (probably because I am anal retentive) I don't have any problems with it or the rounds. I recently purchased a basic turret press from Lee and find that it works just as good as the single stage but is a bit faster. I am not in any rush to do my reloads - kind of like a zen thing. I still use the single stage for my 45-70 but the turret press for everything else.

You can get a Lee single stage fairly cheep and it is a good way to start. Once you understand the stages, perks, and details of reloading it is easy to move up to something more elaborate. As I said - I still use the single stage press and you will find that a lot of people here do also - no matter what else they have so it is not money wasted. A nice thing about the Lee turret press is that you can get several plates for your dies so changing calibers is not a problem (the plates are already loaded with the dies and you just change plates). The other manufacturers may have the same but I am not familiar with them.

I am not saying that is the way you have to go, just that is the way I went. The only thing I would strongly suggest is that you do not jump right in and get a progressive press unless you are loading many hundreds of round each month. You will find that you run into a lot more problems and bad rounds with progressives even if you are an experienced loader.

If you get a Lee press you will want to change out a couple of things right away. The scale being the most pressing thing.

Bottom line - I would suggest that you find someone who does reload and have them sit down and show you how it is done and the advantages and disadvantages of each system. Learn the basics and have fun.
 
Been at this game for a few years. I've used several single stage presses, have a Lyman turret, and have a added a dillon 550 recently. I haven't tried it yet but I bought a single stage adapter for the dillon. My friend has used his and it worked very nicely for him.

I've only loaded 45 ACP with the dillon, and I like it. A bit intimidating at first, and reloading experience helps for setting it up. I got mine used, so more issues than with a new one.

I think you are on the right track, but if you are not an experienced reloader, get help setting it up.

I bought the L N L option on the single stage adapter, I recommend that.

Ebay - snowshooze. Ships fast. Nice stuff.
 
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bodain said:
thanks for the replies, folks.

I'd really rather have this be my one setup. Don't really want to bu a manual one, t hen upgrade.

I've watched some videos, i'm a reasonably smart guy; i don't think it'll be too hard if i go slow and check my steps.


Shot 40rnds of 6.5cm, and 30rnds of .308 today and it was all factory loads. Adds up quick. Lol
Click to expand...

go for it
 
I started off with a single stage Lee press, then went to a Dillon 550. I found out that I could not make loads as accurately as I wanted on the 550, even when using it as a single stage press. Loading for long range shooting. I ended up going back to a better single stage press (Redding Big Boss) and selling the Dillon. I am now changing to a Forster's Co-Ax press but keeping the Redding mounted on the bench. If was only loading for pistol or something to run through an AR I would use a Dillon 550, but if accuracy is your main focus, get a single stage.
 
antiqueguy said:
new reloaders should start out with a single stage to start out as there can be some problems with progressives that can lead to catastrophic things happening.

with a single stage reloading is not that time consuming reloading a batch of ammo can be done fairly quick and is much safer.
Click to expand...
yes,,,,
 
maynard said:
I started off with a single stage Lee press, then went to a Dillon 550. I found out that I could not make loads as accurately as I wanted on the 550, even when using it as a single stage press. Loading for long range shooting. I ended up going back to a better single stage press (Redding Big Boss) and selling the Dillon. I am now changing to a Forster's Co-Ax press but keeping the Redding mounted on the bench. If was only loading for pistol or something to run through an AR I would use a Dillon 550, but if accuracy is your main focus, get a single stage.
Click to expand...
THE FORSTER is a great press I still use mine when precision rifle shooting is my objective
 
Hi!

I'm in the same boat: wanting to start reloading, trying to figure out what would work for me and being in front of a great number of available products.

I've watch a few videos, read a bit about it, and based on my needs, budget and plans (I'm in no hurry and don't case about time required to complete a set of 60-100 bullets), here's what I'm planning to buy, so, advises on extras to buy at the same time are more than welcomed:

LEE 50th Anniversary Breech Lock Challenger Kit
LEE 308 win ultimate 4 DIE SET, S/H #2
Hornady case trimmer
FRANKFORD ROTARY TUMBLER LITE

+

HORNADY 30C (.308) 168GR BTHP BULLET MATCH BULK P/100
CCI - PRIMER - 250 - LARGE RIFLE MAGNUM 100/BOX
IMR POWDER 4895 1LB
GD 308 WIN BRASS ONCE FIRED - IVI HEAD STAMP - 100/BAG

Thanks in advance!
 
Most of us started with a single stage. It allowed us to learn all the steps in reloading.

You can learn on Dillon. Just a little more complicated and the change of several wrong things happening at once. On a single stage you get to make mistakes one at a time. Easier to figure out.

If your bench has room, you can start with a single stage and add the Dillon later. I use a single stage for many operations, like decapping and sizing - which I do not do on the Dillon, because I prefer to hand prime.
 
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