Just Getting Started

[jraab]

Hey Kids,
I am just getting into reloading for the purpose of cutting the cost of shooting. I use 9, 40, 223, 270 and 300winmag.

Any thoughts or suggestions on what and where I should start educating myself.

I have done some reading and still am unsure what I need to get started.
Any suggestions?
I have watched and read alot about 650 presses. Seems like that is the press of choice.


Note: I have about 3 other friends also interested....we are going to split on a reloader as we all shoot very similar calibres. I am hoping that this will allow us to buy a pretty advanced press from the get go.

thanks,
jon

 

[lister]

I'd recommend something along the lines of a Lee Turret press for your rifle calibers, then once you get used to the loading cycle, pick up a progressive (I have a couple Lee Pro1000's, cheap and reliable)) for your handgun calibers. If money's no object it's your call on what brand/action of press.
My .02$

 

[wild1]

I would recommend a single stage press or get one in a kit and do one of your rifle rounds first to get used to the procedure. Then later on get a progressive for your handgun stuff.

 

[ahlsy]

Definately get a single stage or turret press first. A good understanding of the reloading process will make it easier to go to a progressive. In the long run I think it will be more enjoyable and less frustrating. Not saying you have to load thousands of rounds on a single stage first. Just get used to the process.

 

[tjhaile]

I think a Dillon 550 would be a better choice than a 650 for combined rifle/pistol reloading for a variety of calibres for the following reasons:

1. Toolheads and conversion kits are less expensive.
2. There is no speed advantage to automatic indexing unless you are willing to step up to the added cost and complexity of a case feeder. You can get a case feeder for the 550, but it is for pistol cases only and will get in the way when you want to load rifle ammo.

A more in depth discussion can be found here:
http://www.brianenos.com/pages/dillon.html

The 650 with a case feeder would be an appropriate choice if you plan on loading 2500-3000 rounds/month of 9mm and/or .40. The 550 provides ample capacity for most people's requirements.

Keep in mind that a progressive press can also process one case at a time, just like a turret press, while you are getting acquainted with the operation of it. Also, you will have to trim rifle cases, which means that you will have to do your case preparation separately from the rest of the loading process.