New to reloading. Need advice

ELavertu

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I'm not new to the world of firearms, but I just got my first pistol last week (Springfield XD40 tactical .40 S&W) and, considering the price of ammunition, am intersted in getting into reloading.

Unfortunately, I don't know much about the process, or what equipment I need. From what I've managed to piece together on my own, I believe you need a press, dies and such (of course cassings, bullets, primers, and powder), but all I need is something cheap and simple. Also, what are people refering to when they discuss "three-stage" presses?

If someone would be so kind as to recommend what equipment I would need to load, say 300 rounds a week, conveniently and cheaply. Any explanation of the process would be helpful.
Also, if you're selling any reloading equipment that would apply to me then send me a pm!

Thanks for your Help!

-Etienne
 
I'd start by reading up on handloading. The lyman 48th Edition Reloading Handbook is an excellent guide having good explanation & photos of the different steps, and components as well as having well rounded data for rifle and pistol loads.

For presses, there are a few who would disagree, but I'd start with a progressive, especially for pistol. Dillon 550b is what I have, and it is a very good machine, with unequalled service and support. You can get instructional videos which make setup and startup a snap.
 
Don't let the Dillon/RCBS snobs push you around :p . If you're only reloading 300 rounds a week, this will be ample. >Deluxe Turret Press Kit<
Pretty much add dies and you're set to go. It won't break the bank and will work just fine for the volume you stated. Some will say to upgrade the scale and get a hand priming tool. Personal choice. You can also upgrade the press and get primer system for it and other toys.

_______ stage presses refers to how many holes are on the toolhead/die holder.

This is a single stage press
CLASSIC.jpg


and this is a multistage press
ClassicTP.JPG


Any decent reloading manual can explain the process better than I can.
Hornady, Lyman, Sierra and Lee manuals are all good starting points.

(E) :cool:
 
Madness said:
Go Dillon or don't bother

Good grief, there are other presses that are perfectly good and have great warranties as well.

I'm one of the people that thinks you should learn to reload on a single stage. However, if you're mechanically inclined, at 300/week you would be better served with a progressive. You can get good results with a Lee Loadmaster, Hornady LNL AP, or Dillon 650.

Here's a website that will tell you about how reloading works (single stage): http://www.reload-nrma.com/

Get a couple of books as well - I like the Lyman and Sierra, as they both have good 'how to' sections and have non-overlapping data (lyman does a lot of lead loads, sierra is more geared to jacketed and rifle).

Here is a lengthy writeup on the three main contenders in progressive reloading (by yours truly): http://www.comrace.ca/cmfiles/dillonLeeHornadyComparison.pdf The manuals for each are available online from the manufacturers - studying them will help you to decide what to do.
 
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Read then do

I suggest reading as much as you can - from reloading manuals.

Lyman, Speer, Lee - I read all of them before I bought an RCBS Rock Chucker kit. I started loading 4 years ago and load only for Rifles so quantity is not a requirement for me - I'm after accuracy.

Some great info posted - just remember advice is free - you decide what to do with it !

Have fun and good luck - SD
 
I have both the Dillon and Lee presses,no question the Dillon is a stronger press,but I have loaded well over 100k with my Lee with minimal problems for about 1/3 the price.I wouldn't shy away from the Lee press.
 
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