First reloader

[Anthony]

Will a $400 get me a descent reloading machine. I will only be reloading pistols in .45, possibly a 9mm. I looked at RCBS Rock Chucker at a local gun shop and it seems like it fits the bill, including dies and shell holder. Any reason to stay away from RCBS get something else?

[gose]

Anyone who tried a Dillon swears by it.

For 379 you'll get a 550 and a 650 for 489. If you plan to load a lot of ammo, go for the 650, it's definitely worth the extra money...

[Anthony]

I wish I could afford the Dillon but it is a bit out of my range. I think that the $379 only includes the press.

[Blue]

Get the Dillon. If you can't afford the whole thing you can special order an AT500 from them. It's the same thing as an RL550 but it is more stripped down. They're $209 and have a universal shell plate. Doesn't come with an automatic powder measure or auto prime system. It won't reload nearly as fast as a full blown 550, but in the future when the funds allow you can beef it up. That's what I would do.

ETA now that the wife is off of my back.

The AT500 comes with a universal shell plate. It has four sizes that they some how fanangled it to fit a ton of calibers. You can only use one slot at a time. So you put a shell in, size/decap it, then you can either take the shell out and do a bunch more, or you can take the shell out, put a primer in, put the shell back in, and prime it, and then move to the next reloading station. I normally size/decap a metric buttload, and then prime afterwards. The AT500 doesn't come with an auto powder measure either. So you've gotta scoop the powder into the little funnel thing on top. So I'm thinking for your $400 budget, you can buy the AT500, some dies, a powder thrower and a scale. Where in San Jose are you at? I live near the pink poodle I've got a 550 that started life as an AT500 (still don't have the auto prime system...) and I can show you alot about that press. I've been reloading a ton of 45 on it.

[50ae]

If all you want is 9mm and 45acp then the Dillon Square Deal B will suit you just fine. You'll need some extra money for a scale and reloading books on top of components. Harbor Freight sells tumblers to clean the brass and they will work just fine for what your doing.

[Anthony]

... Where in San Jose are you at? I live near the pink poodle I've got a 550 that started life as an AT500 (still don't have the auto prime system...) and I can show you alot about that press. I've been reloading a ton of 45 on it.

Now that's nice. I've spent a lot of time reading, but actually seeing the actual process is something. I'd like to see the actual setup and steps involve for the following reason:

1. Space required to have it setup
2. A safe location in the house to set it up. (I've got smokers in the family
3. How much time is involved.
4. My dog likes to eat stuff that falls in the floor

[LCAZES]

All good advice so far. If you are planning on loading for matches stay away from a single stage like the rockchucker. It is a good press but you will quickly outgrow it and want something faster. I have one sitting on a shelf that I use for small amounts of rifle cals only. The dillon square deal is a good setup if you cant afford a 550B. the 550B is gonna run you $500+ before you are done with evverything you need not including components but it will last a lifetime.

[sargenv]

One thing I've not seen mentioned is maybe you should look for a used 550. You may be able to get a deal on a press that someone is trying to get rid of. Same goes for the square deal press.

Vince

[50ae]

Used is a great idea. With the No BS warranty you don't even have to worry if it's broke in half, they'll fix it.

[zyl8tr]

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=646599

Hey how about this one? Seems like an good deal.

[50ae]

It'll get the job done and done well but it will be insanely slow.

[Anthony]

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=646599

Hey how about this one? Seems like an good deal.

That's the kit that I was looking at.

50ae, when you said "insanely slow", how slow is slow?

[chunger]

I've seen the Dillon Square Deal go regularly for $200 used. I just sold 2 at that price just a few months ago 'cause I found them local, and they followed me home. Keep your eyes out in the usual places, and if you're not in a huge hurry, you can find one. Square deal comes with dies, so that saves another $50 on the front end.

Also, don't forget your "extras":

caliber conversion and dies
powder scale
dial caliper
primer flip tray
case tumbler
Hornady one shot case lube
Loading manual or 2 (amazon.com) I found the Lee manual to be very helpful in .45 and 9mm.

I got my mechanical balance scale on Ebay for $25. . .primer flip tray from Midway for ~$3 (it works), and I had a pair of cheap chinese dial calipers that I've used for years and years on other things. If you buy new from dillon (which is inside your budget if you go Square Deal) buy it from Brian Enos.

www.brianenos.com free shipping, good prices, and TONS of gettings started info and support.

You'd be surprised how small a footprint you can set up a functional loading bench in (here's mine). I just started loading a very short while ago. Wife got me a 550 for Xmas

[eckerph]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=45445

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=44448

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=43809

[LCAZES]

That's the kit that I was looking at.

50ae, when you said "insanely slow", how slow is slow?

HAHA! "Insanely slow" is pretty self explanatory and quite accurate. Last night I loaded 300 rounds of 38super for the TASC match this weekend in 1 hour on my 550B. I guess you have to ask yourself if you want to spend the bulk of your spare time shooting or loading ammo. I choose to shoot so the rockchucker sits on the shelf