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kagia

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I've always liked the idea of reloading to save a little bit of money on ammo, but never planned to actually do it, but with my recent adoption of a couple new calibers (.44 mag and 45-70,) I don't think I really have a choice.

For now, I just want to load .44 mag and 45-70, but may eventually start loading stuff like .223/5.56, 9mm, etc.

I don't do any real precision shooting, and will mostly be loading for quantity.

What kind of setup would you recommend?
 
Pretty much everyone starts with a single stage press, although in your case a turret might be an option. Loading handgun ammo on a single stage gets old fast. Maybe look at the lee cast turret press.
 
I would suggest to get a good single stage press to start. All reputable brands make good machines, and most dies are interchangeable between them. You will be able to load more than enough with a SS especially for those calibers. this setup will teach you the fundamentals about setting dies to the right height etc, once you've progressed in abilities you may choose to get something bigger and fancier. Although a lot of us still choose to use single stage.
 
Does this kit have everything I'll need, or are there other components I'll need to buy?

htt ps://x-reload.com/lee-classic-turret-press-kit.html
 
That will get you started. You need dies. For pistol dies I suggest carbide. Saves a lot of lubing. I use Lee, but any brand works with any press.

Can you find a buddy who already loads to help you set up?
 
lubrication was my first screwup. from dented shoulders to finally getting a case stuck in the die. so my only suggestion is to get a good lube and apply it properly.
 
You will need a reloading manual. Coincidentally the first part of a reloading manual will answer a lot of your questions. The second and largest part has to do with the data you need to charge your cases safely.
 
If you really intend to reload 9mm and 223, get a progressive straight from the start. It's not complicated to use, you don't have to be a genius or anything, and you'll load 5 to 10 times faster than on a single stage.
 
Thanks for all the replies.

What would you all recommend for a good value prgressive press? I don't want to break the bank if I don't have to, but also don't want a piece of crap that I'll have to upgrade any tome soon.
 
I wouldn’t bother with a single stage. Buy once not twice. In my opinion, go for a progressive. I started out with a dillon 550b and never looked back. They are excellent quality. Like the guys said, single stage would get old fast. You can start slow, do one bullet at a time till you get used to it. Before you know it, you’ll be making hundreds an hour. Lots of good YouTube videos out there.
Cheers
 
marco594 said:
I wouldn’t bother with a single stage. Buy once not twice. In my opinion, go for a progressive. I started out with a dillon 550b and never looked back. They are excellent quality. Like the guys said, single stage would get old fast. You can start slow, do one bullet at a time till you get used to it. Before you know it, you’ll be making hundreds an hour. Lots of good YouTube videos out there.
Cheers
Click to expand...

I second that. Dillon make great presses and they have excellent customer service. They were quick to answer all my questions when I got started. I purchased a Square Deal B since I only reload handgun calibers. Got a great deal and service from Firearms Outlet Canada. Xreload also have great service. Youtube was my source for info. Not sure if that'll still be the case once the new guidelines take effect.
 
kagia said:
Thanks for all the replies.

What would you all recommend for a good value prgressive press? I don't want to break the bank if I don't have to, but also don't want a piece of crap that I'll have to upgrade any tome soon.
Click to expand...


A good progressive press that can do both rifle and handgun ammos isn't cheap. You can't have it all.

-A Lee loadmaster is inexpensive and can do both rifle and handguns, but isn't the best quality (I've used mine quite a lot before upgrading, and only upgraded because I had a huge deal on the new press).
-A Dillon square deal B isn't too expensive, is a quality piece, but doesn't do rifle. It doesn't do 45-70 so off the table for you.
-A Dillon 650 or a hornady LnL AP are good presses that can do anything, but they ain't cheap.
-A dillon 550 isn't auto-indexing, I don't consider that a real progressive, and for the price difference I'd go for the 650 anyway.
 
I load 9mm and 223 both on a Lee Turret press with no issues. Not as fast as a progressive, faster than a single stage.
There are big green and blue snobs about who will tell you otherwise.....for twice the price.
My $0.02 Canadian
Play safe........
 
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