How much space required and other Newb Q's

[spyderco monkey]

Hey all, I'm thinking of getting into reloading, and I've got $900 to spend. I'm looking to load primarily .45acp, but also need to be able to load 9mm, 5.7x28mm, 7.62x39, and other rifle calibers down the road.

I'm also moving into a one bedroom apartment with the GF- so the most important question is- how much space does the average reloading set up require- can I use a small table in the corner, or do I need my own workshop?

Provided I have enough space to operate, my next question is: Do I get a Dillon 550b, and start off with the best, or do I get a single stage press, and spend the extra $ on components? If the latter, which is the best single stage press?

Finally, what else is needed (other than lead, primers, powders, and dies) to turn my pile of collected range brass into live ammo?

*edit* I've noticed a severe shortage of pistol primers- is now a bad time to get into reloading, and should I wait a few months for the Great Panic to subside?
Thanks!
Mark

[Fjold]

I started with a 2'x2' table with two presses mounted on it that I had set up in the closet of the spare room. You can get away with a small table set up in a corner of the bedroom if your girlfriend will leave you alone while you do it.

You will need a couple of reloading manuals, a powder scale and shell holders.

[phish]

You can get away with a small table set up in a corner of the bedroom if your girlfriend will leave you alone while you do it.

ahahahahahahahhahahahahaha!

[badreligion]

I started reloading in a small area in the corner of the bedroom of my apartment. I was able to fit everything into a foot locker and use the top as the bench itself. I sat on the edge of the bed to reload. This way everything was able to hide in the box when not in use. I now have a house with a 12' long custom work/reloading bench but am still using the single stage set up I started with. Will be upgrading to a Dillion 650XL when time and money permit. This is to speed up the loading of my large batch ammo (40/45/5.56/308) and using my single stage for match grade ammo(5.56/308)

I would suggest starting out using a single stage press to understand the basics and save some money so you really understand what your doing. I started with the RCBS Rock Chucker Kit.

I have seen setups where people used a smaller roll away tool box for their reloading. People using small nooks even a set up in broom closet. Be creative.

The Great Panic (WWZ?) is a b**** but the worst part is the Great Gouge it has created. It will pass, I hope.

[joelogic]

Honestly I have been reloading for a while now and you really have to shoot alot to make it worth while. Price Dillon's 7.62x39 trimmer. You have to buy everything in bulk to get your money's worth. 6k .224 bullets $450. 10k primers $500. There your $900 right there. When everything is said and done its probably about $5k. If you are reloading just to save money, just wait for good deals.

[Gunsrruss]

Dillon

Get the dillon along with a digital scale. That way you can check your loads easy. Also get a RCBS primer hand tool. Your welcome to contact me off line. I too started with a Black and Decker workmate bench. I took their wood off and mounted my press to 4 X 12 board that I used "C" claps to hold onto the workmate. I also put a RCBS electric trimmer and a Dillon swedger on there also. Please contact me off line and I will share what not to do. Goood luck

[Offroader]

I started reloading about 3 months ago. To my suprise what takes up all the room is not the reloader but all the supporting equipment, accessories, components (brass, bullets, powder and primers) and finished bullets. So far I have a workbench and am using 1and 1/2 full size cabinets and a small fireproof cabinet for my powder. I continue to take up more room in the 2nd cabinet. My suggestion is to try to connect with an established reloader (person) and check out his reloading room to as to how much space is needed.

It is possible to find primers and fun doing so. I guess you would say I am hoarding primers, but until California politicians discontinue their efforts to restrict ammo I will continue to purchase more along with the other components.

Good Luck

[popeye4]

I started handloading in a one bedroom apartment with the gear set up in a closet. Where there's a will, there's a way. I'd recommend getting the single stage press first, it will let you learn the attention to detail at each step that is required of handloading. Dillons are extremely nice machines, but you are going to need to buy quite a few accessories as you are getting started and you might want to spend that extra cash on those items. A chronograph is often overlooked as a valuable handloading accessory, but they are worth their weight in gold when it comes to assessing your results.

You are correct in observing that primers of almost any flavor (except shotgun and percussion caps) are scarce as hen's teeth right now. So you might be a bit frustrated if you spend several hundred dollars on equipment and supplies and then can't find primers (all dressed up and no where to go). But one must stake out a claim to space in a small living area, or the space will become occupied with other, less desirable items.......

[popeye4]

One other thought: unless you are loading a lot of ammo, it will take a while to amortize the cost of the equipment. So don't get into the game thinking you'll save a ton of money. You'll probably spend the same amount (shoot more), you'll just enjoy it more.... Consider it an investment in a lifelong hobby.

Regarding single stage presses: I like Redding equipment, it is solid and well-made. Consider a turret press as well, it allows you to change stations without removing and installing each die. Might save a little time.

The Harrell equipment is also very nice: http://harrellsprec.com/index.php?cr...on=show_detail