Getting into reloading need help

[Lu(ky]

Hey guys,

I have been thinking of getting into reloading my brass. I recently just got back into shooting (fun/sport) and finding out the more I shoot the more it $$$$ not to mention I been bitten by the gun bug and I cant stop buying new guns..
My recent purchase was a Kimber Stainless TLE/RL II 1911, along with a LMT CQB 16" 1/7 M4 and a Glock 19. I plan on purchasing at least 2 more handguns for sure.. Looking at a S&W M&P 9c/40c or a 45

I want to get a membership so I can shoot weekly (Burro Cyn) or Insight indoor range without breaking the bank etc.

So as of now I want to reload 9mm (maybe .40s&w).45 acp and 5.56 (Not sure what loads I can create but I hear my rifle likes BlackHills 75gr 5.56) I'm sure I will want something from 55gr-75gr in the 5.56

Anyways I was thinking of pulling the trigger on the Dillon 550b not sure where or who is the cheapiest to buy from.
Also what dies should I buy with the Dillon 550b? Lee? or just use the Dillon dies etc..

Much is appreciated

[davek8s]

Dillon makes the best stuff, my brother swears by it. You'll be happy with it.

I like Lee dies with unbreakable decapping pins. But if you go with another brand make sure to get extea deprimming pins before you need them.

[kmca]

I've got 3 Dillon presses on my bench. You won't find much difference in price no matter where you shop. I like Brian Enos's website. Give him a call and he'll tell you what you need and besides that, you get to talk to a shooting legend. I've bought Lee dies to save a little money. I've now switched to all Dillon dies for the progressives, they just work better, especially the size and decap die.

[Lu(ky]

Dillon makes the best stuff, my brother swears by it. You'll be happy with it.

I like Lee dies with unbreakable decapping pins. But if you go with another brand make sure to get extea deprimming pins before you need them.

Thanks

I've got 3 Dillon presses on my bench. You won't find much difference in price no matter where you shop. I like Brian Enos's website. Give him a call and he'll tell you what you need and besides that, you get to talk to a shooting legend. I've bought Lee dies to save a little money. I've now switched to all Dillon dies for the progressives, they just work better, especially the size and decap die.

Thanks you answered my question on Lee vs the Dillon dies.

Just a little confused on the BrianEnos site on ordering I want to select 2 separate dies 9mm and .45 acp just confused because the drop down menu is asking for one then I select another below for the next caliber etc..

[kmca]

If you're looking at a 550 for example, use the ez-buy package. That gets you one caliber. Toward the top of the page, there's the ez-buy caliber conversion kits.
Really, the best thing to do is give him a call. He's really very helpful in getting you started in the right direction.

[Bill Steele]

Best thing to do is give him a call. Great guy to talk to and he'll steer you in the right direction.

I agree 100%, Brian will steer you straight, likely sell you off of a few things you don't need.

I also agree on the Dillon dies. They cost twice as much as Lee (maybe even more now), unfortunately they are worth the money. That is not to say the Lee dies won't get the job done, they will, just that the Dillon dies are that nice. If you are still in doubt, buy one set of each (say 9mm in Dillon and .45ACP in Lee) and see if you think the Dillon are worth the extra bucks, you may not think so. If you decide further Dillon sets are what you want, you won't lose much selling your Lee set.

[Divernhunter]

I bought a Dillon650 and was going to use my RCBS dies. Then I changed my mind and bought Dillon Dies in 9mmLuger and 45ACP. I am glad I did. The Dillon dies come with an extra decap pin also

[Lu(ky]

Sweet I will give him a call on Monday.. Has anyone tried Brian's High-performance Digital Scale $135.00? can you recommend me one.. I am thinking I may need something that has a dust cover around it, because I am making a portable wood rolling tables to mount the Dillon 550B on. I plan on using it outside while making my rounds. (is this a good thing vs bad?) I can also move the bench into a garage area as well.

Thanks for your guys help...

[john16443]

If your set on getting a digital scale, then consider the Jennings Mack 20 and the AC adaptor. http://www.oldwillknottscales.com/je...e-mack-20.html Half the cost of your selection, built in cover, and has resolution to 0.02 grains.

Outside vs inside the garage? I'd say do it in the garage. That way you have some limited control over the ambient conditions, can close the door, and reload at night. Can't do any of those outside. Heaven forbid you drop a pin or something from your press or a primer outside, that could be tuff to find.

[Bill Steele]

Sweet I will give him a call on Monday.. Has anyone tried Brian's High-performance Digital Scale $135.00? can you recommend me one.. I am thinking I may need something that has a dust cover around it, because I am making a portable wood rolling tables to mount the Dillon 550B on. I plan on using it outside while making my rounds. (is this a good thing vs bad?) I can also move the bench into a garage area as well.

Thanks for your guys help...

I would load inside, definitely keep things covered when not in use. I would get a Dillon Eliminator (beam scale). They are inexpensive and extremely reliable, although a friend swears by his Dillon digital scale.

[erik_26]

Sweet I will give him a call on Monday.. Has anyone tried Brian's High-performance Digital Scale $135.00? can you recommend me one.. I am thinking I may need something that has a dust cover around it, because I am making a portable wood rolling tables to mount the Dillon 550B on. I plan on using it outside while making my rounds. (is this a good thing vs bad?) I can also move the bench into a garage area as well.

Thanks for your guys help...

Looks like everyone beat me to suggesting Brian Enos.

I have a 550B, load 9, 40 and 45. Will be expanding to others in the future.

When I first was looking to buy a press, I was set on the XL650. But while talking to Brian on the phone and discussing how I was planning to reload, he suggested I would be much happier with the 550B.

Works perfect for me. I can change calibers quickly (3-7 min) and keep and on trucking. I have reloaded just ~2200 rounds so far with no issues.

I have Brian's scale. I think it is a littler over priced (made in china) but it is very sensitive. I guess compared to spending $200+, $135 isn't so bad.

[Divernhunter]

The electronic scales are more sensitive to air temp changes and air drafts etc. I have 2 but use them inside with no ceiling fan on. I also have 2 beam scales and if I am not sure how the electronic ones are doing I will get out one of the beam scales. I like the Dillon beam scale and it is not expensive. I have a PACT electronic and a Lyman measure/scale combo electronic.

[Lu(ky]

Well I probably will not have everything up and running for 45 acp couple weeks. So I need some .45 ammo to shoot now. So far I have 100 brass rounds of Winchester whitebox, and another 100 rounds of PMC brass as well.
I was wondering about buying some of these rounds Remington UMC Nickel Plated 45 ACP AUTO 230 Grain Full Metal Jacket Bulk Ammunition, but my buddy at work says the Nickel Plated brass is hard on the dies? Is this true? If not can I get more use out of Nickel brass vs regular?

Again thank yous guys for your help.

[kmca]

I wouldn't worry about that. Nickel brass seems not to last as long as plain, but it also seems to load "smoother" than plain. Your dies will probably out live you no matter which one you use.

[sargenv]

In the lower pressure cartridges like the 38 and the 45, you will likely lose the brass way before the nickel plating becomes an issue. With the higher pressure 9's and 40's, the nickel cases seem to split a bit easier, but that just means you toss 1 or 2 pieces a bit more often. It's really nothing to worry about. The steel or carbide dies will be harder than the brass or plated brass.. and while you need not lubricate the pistol cases with carbide dies, you will find that if you do lube them, life will be a lot nicer.. For pistol cases, the hornady One shot seems to be about the best.. I've run my 650 with and without lube on the brass and things seem to run smoother when the brass has some case lube on them.