Should I start with a single stage press

[Bert Gamble]

I have never reloaded before. I will be doing Berry's plated .45 ACP 230 gr RN. I have ordered a Hornaday Lock N Load AP, but am seriously considering canceling the order and buying a single stage press to start out. Initially I was only going to get the single stage and not do the progressive at all, but everyone told me to get a progressive or I would go crazy doing the 500 - 1000 rounds a month that I anticipate shooting. I think I feel more comfortable doing one step at a time, and doing it perfectly. Does this make me crazy? If I were to get the single stage, how long would it take me to load 250 rounds for a day at the range? 2-3 hours? More?

When you give your advice, please note that I work out of the country on a rotational basis, so when I am home, I have nothing to do but golf, shoot and play computer games while my wife is at work. I don't golf on Mondays because the course is closed. I figured I would shoot 4-5 boxes on Saturday, and then reload them on Monday.

Thank you for your opinions

[Mr. Burns]

My brother-in-law bought a single stage press. Not long after he got a progressive.

He said the single stage was a good learning tool but like you said when you go to do 500 rounds it will take you a while.

We busted out 250 rounds with his progressive in 45 min.

The good news is he is lending me his single stage

[AAShooter]

Find someone to help reload that has a single stage press. But unless you will have a need for low volume loading, perhaps hunting loads. Buy the press that fits your needs. At 500-1000 rounds monthly, a single stage press does not fit your needs.

[Southpaw45]

Most new to reloading start off with a single stage. I did 22 years ago and it wasn't until 12 years into it that I bought my first progressive reloader. Most reloaders have them both. I would say don't cancel your order but also get yourself a single stage press also. I do a lot of handgun reloading still on my single stage and with practice and getting everything layed out, you can get pretty quick. I can't say how fast because I never timed myself. If you ever want to get into precision rifle reloading, the single stage will be your go to press. I recommend getting some good reloading books like from Lyman of Hornady and read them good. Keep it safe.

[MaHoTex]

I started with a single stage for about 6 months and then just got my progressive last week. With the Single stage I was able to get 200-250 rounds in a full day. I am easily able to do that in under and hour with the progressive.

That said, I would not be able to use the progressive if I did not start with the single stage. I would go wtih SS first, then acquire a Progressive later. SS is cheap and you will continue to use it.

[not-fishing]

Get a single stage and a good 22 lr.

My second compromise is a RCBS manual turret to decap & bell. I take the time to set and crimp the bullet in two stages in my single stage press. Being a rifle shooter I tend to be anal retentive about reloads.

I find that I shoot much less of the bigger stuff and so do the boys that I take shooting (38 cal, .357 cal, 40 cal, 44 special & 44 mag this last weekend

With less big stuff shooting I have less reloading to do and I'm not so concerned with developing a flinch because I'm tired.

Besides Pistols need to run in Packs - just like dogs

[freonr22]

Ap user here. Get it. You can always use it as a single stage. Also get a casefeeder if you can it makes life soo much easier. After awile you will get their bullet feeder

[Mr. Burns]

I started with a single stage for about 6 months and then just got my progressive last week. With the Single stage I was able to get 200-250 rounds in a full day. I am easily able to do that in under and hour with the progressive.

That said, I would not be able to use the progressive if I did not start with the single stage. I would go wtih SS first, then acquire a Progressive later. SS is cheap and you will continue to use it.

[NapaCountyShooter]

I started about a year ago on a Rockchucker. I'm glad that I started that way. I've really learned the fundamentals and will be confident with the process when I'm ready to step up to the progressive. Also' you can keep the single stage for depriming and precision loads.

[mnguyen84]

if you have the money and the space for a progressive press, then go for it.

[Super Spy]

I have an RCBS single stage on the way and I'm a NooB to reloading. I plan on getting a progressive down the road once I've learned the ropes. I thought about getting the same press your getting, but the advice of veteran re-loaders to start with a single stage was enough to reign myself in and start simple.

[bumpo628]

You don't have to run the LnL full auto right off the bat.
Run it one by one until you've got the hang of it and then release the hounds.

Or, you can buy both. You'll always find a use for a single stage press later. It can be used for sizing cast bullets, bullet pulling, universal decapping, rifle reloading, etc.

You can get a Lee for $60 to $100, so it won't break the bank.
Classic Cast: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=317831
Breech Lock: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=176078

[MaHoTex]

You can get a Lee for $60 to $100, so it won't break the bank.
Classic Cast: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=317831
Breech Lock: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=176078

That is what I did and was in for under $100 for the complete setup (minus dies, calipers, bullet holder and other misc stuff.) Almost the best $100 I spent.

[Cowboy T]

That is what I did and was in for under $100 for the complete setup (minus dies, calipers, bullet holder and other misc stuff.) Almost the best $100 I spent.

+1, and I'll take it even further. Heck, even the little cheapie $30 "Lee Reloader Press" is good enough to get started. It should not cost a lot of money to get started, which is what we're talking about here. With dies, calipers, tumbler, and the other misc. stuff, you can have your entire basic setup for under $250 including shipping. I reloaded about 1,000 revolver cartridges with just such a setup before I went progressive.

[LGB Loader]

First thing's first. Get yourself a good Manual like the Lyman 49th. Read it till you can quote it.
When handloading ammo, you should never try to break any speed records. I can load 100 rounds in about an hour at a nice safe pace. If you like handloading, you'll enjoy the 3 hours or so (per 250 rounds) a week of spending time in the man cave in front of a good single stage press. Add a thermos of coffee and some good country music in the background... very Zen like.
If you decide to load rifle, nothing beats a good single stage (unless your going to shoot bench rest - then straight dies and an arbor is what you want.) The main thing is that you take your time. It's not a race. Besides, what is the hurry. Most folks are in such a rush that they forget to breathe properly. Take your time and enjoy it.

If you are going to load side arm ammo only, are very precise and are not careless or allow yourself to get sidetracked easily, keep the order for the LNL AP. It's a good press. The only thing I don't like is about the LNL AP is what I actually love about it. It is an auto indexing press. It is great when you know the craft but learning on it can also be a hinderence.
Same thing with the 1050 or 650 or, for your Green guys, the 2000. But the 45ACP is an easy caliber to learn on. If you take your time and don't rush through or try to take any short cuts, you should be okay.

The main thing is to do your reading. really read the front part of a good loading manual like the Lyman 49th edition. Read, Read and then read more. Read to the point you can quote it. If something don't make sense, come on back yonder and ask away. We'll be there for you. But you have to do your part and woodshed by reading.

LGB