Starting to reload

[happydude]

After doing a few site searches with mixed results, I've come to the conclusion I need help . Anyway, I want to start reloading sometime in the fall but I've got no experience in doing so. I'd like to start around the same time I pick up my first CF handgun (9mm, .40, or .45, no idea), which I will reload for. I'm also tired of shooting corrosive ammo in my SKS so I'll be reloading 7.62x39 too. I don't currently shoot anything larger than that, other than 7.62x54R which I assume I'll just get a cheap single stage press for one day.

My first question is, should I be going for progressive or turret presses (no idea what a turret press is by the way ). My reading tells me that the Lee 1000 progressive gets mixed reviews but the Lee Loadmaster is a pretty good. I've also seen the idea that a turret press for a first-timer would be better. I'm not looking for super speed here, but loading 500-750 rounds or so per month (estimated max usage) on a single stage press doesn't sound like fun. Also, trying to do it on a budget so anything Dillon is not really in the cards. Reccomendations?

Second, can handgun rounds be downloaded and still shoot well out of a semi-auto? I figure I could always buy a .40 or .45 and just download to get the feel of it without recoil. That and I don't yet shoot competitively so all I'd need are light plinking rounds.

Thanks guys.

 

[sgtrock]

happydude
go with the lee auto index turret press with the lee auto disk powder measure,get a scale to confirm powder weights as powder measures throw volume,not an actual weighed amount.
semi-aoto handguns work by way of recoil(force of bullet weight moving foreward and gases pushing bullet out and case backwards),do not down load as the handgun may fire but not come to battery(full recoil and cocking firing mechanism)
start at middle recomended load and work up. only load a few test rounds,then make lots when you get the load/powder/bullet type and weight you like.
I was a gd/gs for over 30 years and when someone come in we had presses set up and showed them the hows and not too's of reloading as well as the finer points. find a local gun shop that has the time and experience to help you.
also buy a good reloading manual,or manuals and read them back to front many times
sgtrock