new to reloading

[TeckLancer]

hi i want to start reloading. but i want to spend the money to get a better reloading station going. im looking to spend about 1k. any suggestions?

[AAShooter]

What are you reloading and what volumes?

[J-cat]

I recommend a Redding single stage press, RCBS dies, Hornady hand priming tool, RCBS Chargemaster powder dispenser for rifle loads, RCBS Little Dandy powder measure for pistol loads, a Lee case trimmer, Starrett dial caliper, Redding competition shell holder sets, and Sinclair case trays.

[TeckLancer]

i will be reloading from 9mm, 40 s&w, 223, 30 carbine, 45 LC, 7.62.54r,45 acp when i get my 1911. i hear progessive is the fatest way to reload. but i hear turret is kinda quick but more accurate. also what the best way to clean brass?

[CSACANNONEER]

Tumbling brass is the most accepted meathod. I suggest getting a decent single stage press and a Dillion 550. Many people will suggest a Dillion 650 instead (I have both) but, Ilike the 550 as an only progressive press because, it is eaiser and faster to change caliber conversions and primer assemblies, the caliber conversions are a lot less expensive and, Dillion makes more caliber conversions for the 550 than the 650. Since your budget won't allow for a hi end trimmer like a Giraurd, I'd suggest getting Possum Hollow trimmers for each caliber that you need to trim. The only problem with that is, I don't know if they make a trimmer for 30 carbine. You might be stuck getting a lathe type trimmer or a K&M because of that.

[AAShooter]

I am struggling with the 550 vs. 650 decision. But in this case it sounds like frequent changes in caliber tips the scales towards the 550.

[J-cat]

i will be reloading from 9mm, 40 s&w, 223, 30 carbine, 45 LC, 7.62.54r,45 acp when i get my 1911. i hear progessive is the fatest way to reload. but i hear turret is kinda quick but more accurate. also what the best way to clean brass?

There is no best way. Each way has positives and negatives. Most people use a vibratory tumbler and walnut or corn cob media. Some use a rotary rumbler with either dry or wet media. Still others use ultrasonic cleaners and chemicals.

[TeckLancer]

what does a trimmer do. and is it worth it to get?

[freonr22]

lnl ap w/ case feeder, most bang for the buck

[J-cat]

what does a trimmer do. and is it worth it to get?

It trims the cases to a specified length. it is needed for rifle rounds as they grow in length after each reload. Allowing them to get too long will cause the case mouth to pinch the bullet as the bolt goes into battery and will increase pressures to an unsafe level.

[Divernhunter]

Start with a RCBS or Hornady KIT. Get a Lyman reloading manual and read it before you DO ANYTHING. This will get you started and give you an idea about what it is all about. You will want to keep the kit for future use even if you get a progressive. You will be surprised how many rounds you can reload if you batch prep your brass. I started with a RCBS Rockchucker kit and still have it and use it. I also have a Hornady press/dies/powder measure for my 50bmg. I have a RCBS Jr press for seating bullets and sizing pistol brass as all the leverage of the rockchucker is not needed for those operations. I have a second RCBS uniflow measure so I have one each with large and small drums. I have axcess to a Dillon 550B but never use it. I like the lee hand primer but the RCBS or Hornady with trays are good. I like Hornady/RCBS/Redding/Lyman dies. I mostly have RCBS and Hornady dies. "I" do not like the Lee dies. As far as changing dies once the lock ring is adjusted on any but the lee it is just a matter of screwing them in and out. Takes about 15 seconds. Big deal. Just learn to batch process and load. Caliper can be bought at harbor freight or a auto part place for little money and will serve you well.

Been loading since the early 1960's and load for more than 35 different cartridges. So many on this board are sure you cannot get along without a progressive or turet press. I disagree and probably shoot as much as most of them. I never run out of ammo. As a matter of fact I probably go shoot now so I will have brass to reload. I usually have in excess of 30,00 rounds of loaded ammo at any time on my shelves. All loaded with a single stage RCBS loader

[Bulleh]

I don't want to start a new thread for the same topic asked by the OP. I was wondering if you kind folks could help me figure out what I need for my first reloading equipment.

I only have pistols, and would like to reload .45 ACP. I also have a pistol in 9mm, but reloading that is not a priority until I get my .45 set up.

I shoot only 500-600 rounds a year, so I don't think a progressive is necessary in my case. My target goal is to produce about 1000 rounds of ammo a year. I already ordered a Lyman's manual and am just waiting for it to be shipped to my house. I was thinking about getting a Lee's hand press kit because it's convenient and I don't consider myself a frequent shooter. It can also be used later (on the side or at the range) if i choose to upgrade to single stage, turret, or progressive.

If not the Lee's, which single or turret would you recommend? I wouldn't mind recommendations like auto primers or something not to extravagant if it's something that makes my life a lot easier, nut not too costly. Please keep in mind that I don't want to buy something that provides more than what my needs are. Thanks!

[Divernhunter]

I would get a RCBS kit but not hte Rockchucker as it is overkill for those pistol rounds. I have done many on mine but the Jr press is smaller and easier. I would get a single stage press over the hand model even if you get a cheap lee one. Buy Carbide dies for all straight walled cases and then you do not have the trouble of lubing brass. I would get a Lee hand primer. You can hand prime while watching TV and batch prep and load. This what I do and I still shoot thousands of reloads each year. If you get lee stuff I would go to ebay and get a RCBS uniflow measure with a small drum(or both large and small) and junk the lee one. "I" also do not like the lee dies. Get RCBS/Hornady/redding/Lyman Carbide type dies.

My 2 Cents

[thomashoward]

Step # 1 Get a reloading manual
Step # 2 read it. There will be a test later

[CSACANNONEER]

I don't want to start a new thread for the same topic asked by the OP. I was wondering if you kind folks could help me figure out what I need for my first reloading equipment.

I only have pistols, and would like to reload .45 ACP. I also have a pistol in 9mm, but reloading that is not a priority until I get my .45 set up.

I shoot only 500-600 rounds a year, so I don't think a progressive is necessary in my case. My target goal is to produce about 1000 rounds of ammo a year. I already ordered a Lyman's manual and am just waiting for it to be shipped to my house. I was thinking about getting a Lee's hand press kit because it's convenient and I don't consider myself a frequent shooter. It can also be used later (on the side or at the range) if i choose to upgrade to single stage, turret, or progressive.

If not the Lee's, which single or turret would you recommend? I wouldn't mind recommendations like auto primers or something not to extravagant if it's something that makes my life a lot easier, nut not too costly. Please keep in mind that I don't want to buy something that provides more than what my needs are. Thanks!

Lee's hand press costs about as much as a Lee single stage press. So, if cost is the driving factor, I'd suggest getting a regular single stage press. If compactness and portability is what you are going for, the Lee hand press is perfect. When I do small runs (100 rounds or less) of handgun shotshells, non-toxic hunting ammo and stuff like 32-20 and 25-20, I tend to take my time and just use my Lee hand press, Lee priming tool and a quality powder dispenser.