Starting Reloading

[emc002]

Ok, I've read all the "Starting/Beginning/Wanting to Reload" threads I could find here and I've gotten the basic idea of what I want to do.
1) I don't want a single stage, either a turret or progressive.
2) I'll be reloading: .38 (200 rounds/month), .357 (minimal), .40 (200 rounds/month), .45 ACP (1000 rounds/month), .45 LC (600 rounds/month), .223 (minimal,) and .308 (200 rounds/month)
3) Most of these rounds are for practice/plinking/fun, only some portion of the .45 ACP, .45LC and .308 will need to be match grade.
4) I've bought the Lyman manual and am reading that now.

My wife has asked for a Christmas list so I'd like to give her one to start me into reloading.
So, fellow Calguners, give me a list: tumblers, scales, dies, tools, powders, everything (except the bench, I've got a good workbench that'll do). We usually spend about $1000 on each other.

Also, I know Dillon 550B is the preferred progressive here, but what about RCBS?

[ivanimal]

I have 2 550 B's, I would have had a 650 if I had the option back then Once you start its expensive to go back and change machines. The fella that I bought the last 550 from upgraded to the 650. If I did not already have 20 conversion kits I would have done so myself. I say go for the 650 with a case feeder.

If you come down to the bay area this wekend I can give you a personal lesson on the 550. We can then exchange the parts I bought from you.

[rksimple]

I have an old Dillon 300 or 350 (can't remember). Its quite old and still works like a champ. Theres a reason the Dillon is top dog.

Can't really comment on the rcbs. See no need to switch from dillon.

[PistolPete75]

for your usage, you definitely want a dl550.

you also need more large and small primer pick up tubes, primer flip tray, dillon roller handle, dillon cv-500 vibratory tumbler, a few quick change kits, case guages for each caliber, case lube, corn media, rapid polish, and caliper.

for dies go forester, rcbs, hornady.

for trimming, get the giraud trimmer. expensive, but it's the best.

if you still have money left over, get a powder dispensor like a rcbs or lyman. forget buying a digital scale, just get an electronic powder dispensor. if you have no money left, then just buy a cheepo scale till you have enough money to get a rcbs or lyman electronic powder dispensor.

good luck.

[What Just Happened?]

I'm just getting started with reloading. I finished my bench this morning and attached the Lee Turret and C-frame I bought to the bench. I'm just waiting for my 9mm dies to come in and I can start reloading this weekend. With my auto indexing turret, I'm hoping for maybe 200 rounds an hour once I work out the kinks and figure everything out. I'm only looking at using 600 rounds a month total (400 for steel shoots and 200 for practicing). At a rate of 200/hour, your time at the bench would be near twelve hours each month. I assume that you've got a full-time job, so I would suggest that you go all out for a progressive.

Dillion's have been out for quite some time and have gained a strong following. The 550b is the one that most will recommend, but take a look at the 650. Check out brianenos.com for a lot of information pertaining to the Dillions.

Another good progressive is the Hornady LNL-AP. It's not been out for long, but I hear it's better than the 550b and for less money and is closer to the 650 in function.

Good luck with getting into reloading.

[thmpr]

550B or the XL650 will work fine for your application.

[ar15barrels]

Dillon is absolutely the way to go.
There's a reason they OWN the market...

If you can swing the 650, go for it.
Within that $1000 budget, you are going to be in 550 land though and might not even get all the tooling and accessories covered.

Study on on caliber conversion kits.
Many of your cartridges will share shellplates so you don't need to buy every caliber conversion kit, just some extra powder funnels.

[ar15barrels]

I have 2 550 B's

Amatuer.

I have a 450, three 550's, two 650's and two 1050's

[Rangerat]

I spent several months deciding which reloader to buy. Finally decided on the Dillon 550. Brian Enos's web site is a good place to find what you will need. For 2 pistol calibers with quick change together with some "extras" that I am using regularly, I spent $1,100 at eguns.com. Dillon distributors sell at MSRP so purchase from who you think will give the best service.