any suggestions on reloading kit?

[thmpr]

Dillon stated that the XL650 will not accodomate the cartridge size which is true. But the 550 will... I guess I need to buy another Dillon...

[ryang]

How many .223 cal. ammo can i make with 8lbs of powder?

Convert 8lbs into grains. Divide by max charge listed in reloading guide of your choice. Voila.

[C.G.]

For low volume reloading, such as hunting rounds, go with a single stage RCBS. High volume, pistol/AR's etc. Dillon progressives are an excellent choice. If you are going to stay with reloading as a permanent hobby/addiction, just go ahead and buy both types now and probably an extra single stage to bring to the range. A used single stage can be picked cheap.

That is what many have said and I am glad I listened. Best price I could find was here and they ship fast:

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000449357

[Brasspolisher]

There are 7,000 grains in a pound, so:

7000 (gr) * 8 (lbs) = 56,000

Divided by 25 (gr -- a middle of the road charge, depending on bullet weight and powder type)

= 2,240 rounds.

Call it 2,000 to account for charges slightly closer to max and/or the inevitable few granules lost to static in the powder measure, 'oopses,' etc.

If you've been saving your brass, just price out a keg of the powder of your choice, a couple thousand primers ($20/1K is a realistic round number), and 2,000 bullets, and you're on the way to figuring out how soon your reloading setup has 'paid for itself!' (Truth is, if you end up enjoying reloading you'll shoot more, or spend your 'savings' on new toys. But the truth hurts -- ignore it for now. )

If you're familiar with machine tools, you've probably got a leg up when it comes to understanding the assembly of the press, calibration, measuring, etc., and perhaps some of the necessary/useful gear (such as a good set of calipers).

Sounds like your're doing well already, by researching your equipment and getting some good reference material -- here's looking forward to seeing your first pressings in the "Ammo Pics" thread!

[grammaton76]

The post above causes me to think it's time for the obligatory link to the reloading cost analyzer...

http://thegunwiki.com/Gunwiki/ReloadCostAnalyzer