Going to Start Loading

[tbcollins]

I going to start loading my own shells. Used to re-load shotgun shells, but this was about 25 years ago. Would really appreciate the opinions of some of the experts here. Plan to load .45ACP, .40 S&W, .357 Sig, .357 Mag, 30-30 Win, 30-06 for now, maybe others later. Looking for a good press that will do a quality job. Current models I'm looking at are RCBS Pro 2000, Dillon RL 550B, and Hornady Lock-N-Load AP. Was also looking at the Lee Loadmaster, but all the reviews for it say it's terrible to get set up and jams alot. Any opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[BigBronco]

I am still using the grandfather to the lock and load. A Hornady pro7. I thought about upgrading and I looked closely at what is available today. I would go with the Lock n Load. in a heart beat. If you go with Dillon the only choice is the 650, as the 550 only has 4 stations. If you wish to add a powder check or a factory crimp you cannot on the 550 line. Dollar for dollar you will get more with L&L it will cost less to add calibers. If you are any where near Westminster Field Time Sports has the Dillon's and the Hornady both set up and you can compare them.
I have been told by the owner of said gun shop that there have been complaints about the pro 2000 and suggested I not get one if upgrading. As most of the users he knows are not pleased with them.

The big 3 all have good customer service. I just received some no hassle replacement parts from Hornady. for a 25 year old press. Parts were limited however they sent me what they could at no charge.

Dillon, Hornady and RCBS are all good company's. compare the cost and features and you will most likely make the decision that is right for you

[Southpaw45]

I have been rolling my own for 22 years. I tried the Lee presses and they ain't bad but I don't recommend them. You get what you paid for. Don't buy something that your going to end up replacing in the future. If I was in your shoes, I would not think twice on getting the Dillon 550 but I would want to start on a good single stage press to learn the basics. RCBS rock crushers or Hornady presses are the ones I would be looking at. I run a Dillon 650 for all pistol ammo but use a Hornady 700 single stage for precision rifle ammo. Don't forget to get a couple of good reloading manuals for researching good and safe recipes.

[383green]

I'm also just about to start reloading. I'll be starting with an old Lyman Spartan single-stage press that my next-door neighbor gave me for free, but I suspect that I'll want a progressive press sometime in the future. I found this very helpful comparison of the Dillon XL650, Hornady LnL and Lee Loadmaster presses earlier today:

http://www.comrace.ca/cmfiles/dillonLeeHornadyComparison.pdf

I'm personally leaning towards the Hornady, but the Dillon also sounds very good. And I really like Dillon's calendars.

[bjl333]

haha .. cant help you with the pistol/rifle shells. I still run a RCBS Rock Chucker single stage. Single stage loaders build good habits, it allows you be more organize about your loads. I never upgraded for the fact I dont load much anymore. The Dillions have good reviews for a progressive.

If you do get back into shotshell loading then go with a MEC9000G, I use them for all my shotshells.

[Divernhunter]

I load a whole lot for a whole lot of different cartridges. I have axcess to a Dillon(and they are good) but I have never had a problem making as much ammo as I neded with a RCBS or Hornady single stage press. I batch process my atuff and I always hand prime anyway. I would suggest a RCBS or Hornady single stage kit to satrt with myself.

[383green]

Single stage loaders build good habits

A friend of mine who has been reloading for a very long time told me that, too. Even though I expect to get a progressive someday, I plan to start off on my simple single-stage press, and build experience with common calibers before I try anything tricky like reloading for one of my odd-ball C&R guns for which I have limited reloading data. Even after I eventually get a progressive, I expect that my old single-stage will still have a place on my reloading bench for some tasks.

Other similar advice that I've gotten: Learn to weld with a torch before picking up a MIG welder, and learn to fly a glider before getting behind the yoke of a powered plane. They build up skills which transfer over to the fancier stuff, and which you may not pick up otherwise.

[RaymondMillbrae]

Start with the Dillon XL 650...period.

If you get a single stage press, in a very short while you will be looking at your buddies XL650, and will be coveting that.

Rule of thumb (for me), always buy a little more than what you initially need.

Look at my "RELOADING .223" tutorial below my signature.

In Christ: Raymond

[SuperSet]

I agree with Raymond. Go straight to the 650 to save time and expense.

[Chief-7700]

I am still using the grandfather to the lock and load. A Hornady pro7. I thought about upgrading and I looked closely at what is available today. I would go with the Lock n Load. in a heart beat. If you go with Dillon the only choice is the 650, as the 550 only has 4 stations. If you wish to add a powder check or a factory crimp you cannot on the 550 line. Dollar for dollar you will get more with L&L it will cost less to add calibers. If you are any where near Westminster Field Time Sports has the Dillon's and the Hornady both set up and you can compare them.
I have been told by the owner of said gun shop that there have been complaints about the pro 2000 and suggested I not get one if upgrading. As most of the users he knows are not pleased with them.

The big 3 all have good customer service. I just received some no hassle replacement parts from Hornady. for a 25 year old press. Parts were limited however they sent me what they could at no charge.

Dillon, Hornady and RCBS are all good company's. compare the cost and features and you will most likely make the decision that is right for you

Dillon RL550B:
Station One: Resize/deprime/prime
Station Two: Bell case mouth/powder charge
Station Three:Seat Bullet
Station Four: Remove case mouth bell/Taper Crimp or Roll Crimp
By using Dillon dies there is no need for the Lee FCD.

[Rwnielsen]

Someone posted this link and it's is terrific if you're looking at different presses.
There are setup and in-use videos of all the main players, Lee, Dillon, Hornady etc.....
I have an xl650 but I enjoyed looking/learning about the others

http://ultimatereloader.com/

[freonr22]

Raymond is da man! I ended up with a lock n load and am very happy