Which Caliber for a First Time Reloader

[grant22]

I'm about to order my Dillon setup and want to start with ONE caliber. I understand it's best to start with a handgun caliber to learn the ropes.

I only have 2 reloadable handgun calibers at this time: 380 ACP, and .38sp/.357mag.

I shoot them both equally, so which should I start with? is one easier than the other? Is one more 'learning friendly?'

If .38/.357 is your consensus, should I get the spacer thing on Ebay that raises the toolhead for 357 loads (as opposed to adjusting the dies for 357/38?)

Thanks men!

[Dark Mod]

do .357, you save more money and its pretty satisfying to shoot .357 all day for dirt cheap. I reload .357 and my RCBS dies have the ring spacer to trade off between .38 and .357, but it doesnt really do anything so i never use it. Just set your dies up each time and youll be fine. Honestly that ring thing is completely useless

[popeye4]

Get carbide dies for pistol rounds and dispense with the lube (and lube removal) step. Yes, some people recommend lube AND carbide, but I don't know if I'd go that route on a progressive. Don't bother with carbide rifle dies, they just last longer and I doubt anyone who takes care of the equipment will wear out a die.

[sequoia_nomad]

.38/.357 are going to be the easiest, most forgiving rounds for a beginning reloader. I also use Rcbs dies, I myself use the ring spacer they come with but it still usually needs to be fine tuned when going between .38 and .357.

[Fjold]

Start with the 357/38 special. It gives you a much larger variety of loads to work with and there is a lot of reloading data available.

+1 on the carbide pistol dies and no lube, it makes life a lot easier.

[grant22]

Thx men. You made that easy!

[Cowboy T]

Definitely .38/357. That's probably the easiest and most forgiving cartridge family on Earth to reload for. You can do loads from mild to wild, assuming a typical revolver. Suggest you start there.

[Rotting]

I disagree with everyone's recommendations so far. If you are wanting to choose ONE caliber to learn on, 380 ACP would be my choice. 38 SPL is one of the handgun calibers more susceptible to double charges for beginning (and careless) reloaders. 380 is MUCH less so. For both calibers, you'll need to learn the exact some "basics", other than the type of crimping (roll for 38 SPL, taper for 380). With that in mind, go with the "lower risk" cartridge, in terms of critical mistakes one can make when learning to reload.

HOWEVER, I think the learning process will be rather rapid and once you "have it down", you can quickly and seamlessly move to the 38 SPL. Once you're comfortable with 380, you'll be moving on to 38 SPL in no time.

[Tzvia]

The round I learned reloading on was 45 Colt, talk about easy to double charge . If your press has a stage for a charge warning die-get it. I second the carbide dies, get Dillon-they work great. Also get a good small bright LED flashlight to shine into the cases to check the powder throw because looking at what you are doing is a good habit to pick up. Just reloading something that is easy to spot double charges on does not teach good habits so I would go 38/357. Save more $$. So many loads and bullet choices. Get a good reloading book or three and read read read. (Lyman, Sierra, Speer, Hodgdon...)

Dillon is great- (no red vs blue flame wars here please, I do have green presses too), their warranty really is NO BS. I've used it twice in the almost 20 years I've been reloading and they mean what they say. Good choice. Good info on their website too. I love my 650.

Oh, btw, we women reload too

[XDRoX]

38 is a lot more fun to reload for, but as already stated, you don't have to worry so much about a double charge with 380.

[grant22]

It's too late now, I placed my order with Brian Enos yesterday and am starting with .38 spl.

Rotting: At least I know to be extra cautious of double loads now, though. THX

I am now going to check out Midway and order somereload supplies (primers, projectiles, powder).

[XDRoX]

It's too late now, I placed my order with Brian Enos yesterday and am starting with .38 spl.

Rotting: At least I know to be extra cautious of double loads now, though. THX

I am now going to check out Midway and order somereload supplies (primers, projectiles, powder).

F midway. Real hand loaders shop at Grafs, Wideners, and Powder Valley.

You're welcome

[ds272]

Check out powdervalleyinc.com for price comparison. They have decent prices.

Make sure to buy primers and powder at the same time from the same place so that you only have to pay your hazmat charge once.

[XDRoX]

Check out powdervalleyinc.com for price comparison. They have decent prices.

Make sure to buy primers and powder at the same time from the same place so that you only have to pay your hazmat charge once.

Unless you're buying from midway. They'll charge you two hazmat fees.

[grant22]

F midway. Real hand loaders shop at Grafs, Wideners, and Powder Valley.

You're welcome

I'm definitely not a real loader (yet). Thx for the hot tip boys......I will 86 Midway and try those other places.

I hate to start a new thread for this question: Is Lake City 5.56 reloadable with common commercial primers? I heard these may need some type of military primers.........search turned nothing up.