[Advice Please] First Reloading Setup

[target_shot]

Hello everyone,

I am in the process of planning my first reloading setup. I have read the stickies, checks the forums, and watched plenty of YouTube, but am stuck in "analysis paralysis" because I have two goals with reloading that seem to conflict. I want to develop PRS-match level loads capable of optimizing on a 1/2 MOA rifle (6.5 Creedmoor & .308), and produce bulk range/training ammo in common calibers (9x19, 5.56, 10mm).

These goals seem to conflict in that accuracy is driven by tight tolerances and rigidity (optimized on by single-stage presses), and speed is driven by looser tolerances and increased automation (optimized on by progressive presses). I don't have room or a budget for two presses.

Any advice is appreciated, thanks

[Divernhunter]

RCBS Single stage and batch process brass. Hand prime brass.
Get a RCBS kit and add extras from there

[tabascoz28]

Look at lee stuff, yes you have the budget. Room you'll just have to get creative and mount them in a way that they can be removed easily. Ebaying an old single stage can save you money, precision ammo is made mostly by measuring and testing your rounds consistently. Not by how much you spend on the press. Making cheap range ammo is made faster by paying for the fastest system.

[Strafer]

For the past 8 years, I have reloaded precision 223 Rem and 22-250 Rem using an RCBS rockchucker single stage. I also used it for 45acp, 9mm, and 380 acp. It was my first press.

The single stage takes a bit more time than a progressive, but works fine. I still have it along with a Dillon Square Deal B that I just picked up. The Dillon is faster for pistol rounds yes, but I still use the single stage for pistol load dev and for all my rifle rounds.

IMO an RCBS or similar single stage is a solid choice for what you describe. I got the rockchucker Supreme kit when I started.

Good luck!

Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

[golfish]

Another vote for the RCBS kit

[target_shot]

Thanks for the advice, I will take a look at the RCBS setup.

I should have put in my first post, but I would like to be all-in for the equipment needed for the 3 calibers mentioned under $1500.

Any feedback on the Frankfort Arsenal M-Press using Redding dies? I like speed that dies can be changed....

[Mesa Defense]

Thanks for the advice, I will take a look at the RCBS setup.

I should have put in my first post, but I would like to be all-in for the equipment needed for the 3 calibers mentioned under $1500.

Any feedback on the Frankfort Arsenal M-Press using Redding dies? I like speed that dies can be changed....

That press is similar to a CoAx which is a great press.

[divingin]

You can do both.

Match ammo gets more inspection of brass, more care in measuring charges for variance, and more verification that stuff is done correctly.

Bulk stuff just gets thrown from the measure and loaded.

[waveslayer]

Go Dillon 550 or 750. Get the aftermarket kits that take out all the slack in the Dillon and remove the auto feeding section, dispense the powder as a second step. The Dillon can act like a single stage just fine. Then it will fly with bulk ammo.

Just ensure you hand dispense the powder and take up the slack on the dies mounting block. You thread them and screw in pins rather than the pins you use. Takes up the slack.

Consistency is the key

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[Donny1]

There are a lot of things going on when you first start. You need to learn how to reload, how to be sure what your doing is safe. If you know your going to be loading pistol calibers I would start there because it's easy, especially 9mm. I'm glad I started with pistol brass before rifle.

You also need to figure out scales, powder measure, how you will arrange and store everything, etc.

It's a monster that grows fast

[Imageview]

Having two goals is fine, I would pick one first. Specifically reloading rifle calibers, at first just to learn and later after learning you will have a great setup for that specific task. Single stage is great for this, and doesn't cost that much. Then later start reloading bulk stuff, the early grounding in how to do it will make that much easier.

[BB-Stacker]

Give a look into the Redding Turret. I have, and love, my RCBS Rock Chucker for sure. For a little "less" precision and a tad faster processing, I purchased the Redding Turret and I'm very happy with the tolerances. Just a thought.

[ysr_racer]

Start somewhere. RCBS Rockchucker or Reloader Special.

Either one is a good place to start.

[ar15barrels]

Hello everyone,

I am in the process of planning my first reloading setup. I have read the stickies, checks the forums, and watched plenty of YouTube, but am stuck in "analysis paralysis" because I have two goals with reloading that seem to conflict. I want to develop PRS-match level loads capable of optimizing on a 1/2 MOA rifle (6.5 Creedmoor & .308), and produce bulk range/training ammo in common calibers (9x19, 5.56, 10mm).

These goals seem to conflict in that accuracy is driven by tight tolerances and rigidity (optimized on by single-stage presses), and speed is driven by looser tolerances and increased automation (optimized on by progressive presses). I don't have room or a budget for two presses.

Any advice is appreciated, thanks

Start with the precision ammo first because you will be safer to start with a single stage press.
Later on, get a progressive press for your high volume reloading.
There really is no other way to do what you want to do WELL.

[Elgatodeacero]

I would recommend a Lee Classic Cast Turret, with Lee Deluxe 9mm die set and an Auto Disk Pro powder measure plus Auto Disk Riser, plus a Redding #2 scale. You could get all that for around 300 dollars and it will always be useful.

After you have experience loading 500-1000 9mm you will have a much better idea of what single stage gear you want to load rifle cartridges.