startup
Quote from Reloader on September 15, 2013, 2:58 pmLooking to get started in reloading. Some people say don't start with a progressive unit. I don't want to buy a unit only to say I need to upgrade so that I can be more efficient. Not sure what I need to get started. I will only be reloading 9mm luger for now but would like to be able to run 30-06 in the future. I currently have a sonic cleaner for handgun parts. Will this suffice for brass cleaning as well? Will a progressive unit complete all of the steps besides cleaning? I bought a reloading book and am just getting started in it. I joined a reloading Facebook page but mostly just view posts and comments to get ideas.
Looking to get started in reloading. Some people say don't start with a progressive unit. I don't want to buy a unit only to say I need to upgrade so that I can be more efficient. Not sure what I need to get started. I will only be reloading 9mm luger for now but would like to be able to run 30-06 in the future. I currently have a sonic cleaner for handgun parts. Will this suffice for brass cleaning as well? Will a progressive unit complete all of the steps besides cleaning? I bought a reloading book and am just getting started in it. I joined a reloading Facebook page but mostly just view posts and comments to get ideas.
Quote from Reloader on September 16, 2013, 12:45 pmGo on to youtube and check out videos from “OBXSOLWIND” and ”SoCals Preps”. The both use Dillon products and probably should be on the sales payroll. They will show you what you need, how to use it, advantages of different models, and how to set up a reloading room. I found them very informative.
Go on to youtube and check out videos from “OBXSOLWIND” and ”SoCals Preps”. The both use Dillon products and probably should be on the sales payroll. They will show you what you need, how to use it, advantages of different models, and how to set up a reloading room. I found them very informative.
Quote from Reloader on October 9, 2013, 2:47 amHey G-
I went thru exactly the same decision process. I reloaded by hand match loads for my Colt Diamond Back 35 years ago and then purchased target loads because they were so cheap (.38 SP), NOW however I don't shoot match and I have a 9MM, 2 - .40 Sigs My wife has a Bersa .380 and we also are looking at a possible AR in 5.56, so we decided since all ammo was scarce and will never do anything but climb in price and I love burning rounds weekly at the range, we bought the 650 so I could do both pistol and rifle rounds quickly. It was the right decision for us as I can easily do 400-500 rounds an hour and afford the trips to the range.
Hey G-
I went thru exactly the same decision process. I reloaded by hand match loads for my Colt Diamond Back 35 years ago and then purchased target loads because they were so cheap (.38 SP), NOW however I don't shoot match and I have a 9MM, 2 - .40 Sigs My wife has a Bersa .380 and we also are looking at a possible AR in 5.56, so we decided since all ammo was scarce and will never do anything but climb in price and I love burning rounds weekly at the range, we bought the 650 so I could do both pistol and rifle rounds quickly. It was the right decision for us as I can easily do 400-500 rounds an hour and afford the trips to the range.
Quote from Reloader on October 14, 2013, 6:43 pmgo for the 650 you can do anything on a progressive you can on single. the only thing that you may want to do different is the powder measure part of it for rifle charges as the powder measure on a progressive press usually is accurate to one tenth of a grain. the learning curve isn't bad as long as you read carefully and follow directions. you will have those rookie mistakes but those mistakes shouldn't be catastrophic as long as you pay attention. worse thing I did was not check the powder bar when working out my first 9mm powder load and the first cartridge got almost 20 grains of powder and went well that was a rookie mistake powder went everywhere but dialed it down and didn't happen again. and you will probably make a mess a few times by forgetting to seat a primer and all your powder from a charge going through the flash hole but other than that it was pretty easy to pick up. but I reccomend getting the powder check system that extra 60 bucks saved my rear on more than one occasion.
go for the 650 you can do anything on a progressive you can on single. the only thing that you may want to do different is the powder measure part of it for rifle charges as the powder measure on a progressive press usually is accurate to one tenth of a grain. the learning curve isn't bad as long as you read carefully and follow directions. you will have those rookie mistakes but those mistakes shouldn't be catastrophic as long as you pay attention. worse thing I did was not check the powder bar when working out my first 9mm powder load and the first cartridge got almost 20 grains of powder and went well that was a rookie mistake powder went everywhere but dialed it down and didn't happen again. and you will probably make a mess a few times by forgetting to seat a primer and all your powder from a charge going through the flash hole but other than that it was pretty easy to pick up. but I reccomend getting the powder check system that extra 60 bucks saved my rear on more than one occasion.
Quote from Reloader on December 10, 2013, 11:19 pmI started reloading almost 6 years ago. I started out with a simple Lee single stage press. I graduated to the Lee Classic turret press and still use it for small batches of rifle cartridges.
I went through 3 different progressive presses, the Lee, the Hornady, and finally the Dillon 650XL. While I think that a progressive press is a bit much for someone starting out it is undoubtedly what you will end up with. If you do an honest, fair, and scientific evaluation of all the presses on the market the 650XL is the best value. It has the lowest cost per round, especially if you are reloading for pistols. It is so well built and engineered that, unless you are doing commercial reloading, it's all you will ever need. While accessories are expensive they are worth it. The case feeder assembly alone is worth the price of the press. Dillon's warrantee is unmatched.
So, if you have the money, even if you are just starting out, consider the Dillon 650XL. It will take you some time to learn about reloading; find a old time reloader and pick his brain. Keep good records of what you do and start slowly. It is one of the most satisfying and cost saving hobbies you will ever participate in.
Additionally, you may want a good single stage press if you are reloading highly accurate rounds for competitive shooting, where absolute precision is required. Redding, Hornady, and RCBS all make great single stage presses that will last a lifetime.
I started reloading almost 6 years ago. I started out with a simple Lee single stage press. I graduated to the Lee Classic turret press and still use it for small batches of rifle cartridges.
I went through 3 different progressive presses, the Lee, the Hornady, and finally the Dillon 650XL. While I think that a progressive press is a bit much for someone starting out it is undoubtedly what you will end up with. If you do an honest, fair, and scientific evaluation of all the presses on the market the 650XL is the best value. It has the lowest cost per round, especially if you are reloading for pistols. It is so well built and engineered that, unless you are doing commercial reloading, it's all you will ever need. While accessories are expensive they are worth it. The case feeder assembly alone is worth the price of the press. Dillon's warrantee is unmatched.
So, if you have the money, even if you are just starting out, consider the Dillon 650XL. It will take you some time to learn about reloading; find a old time reloader and pick his brain. Keep good records of what you do and start slowly. It is one of the most satisfying and cost saving hobbies you will ever participate in.
Additionally, you may want a good single stage press if you are reloading highly accurate rounds for competitive shooting, where absolute precision is required. Redding, Hornady, and RCBS all make great single stage presses that will last a lifetime.