Newbee to reloading. Where do I start?

[blacklisted]

I just started, and I must say it is a very addictive hobby. You'll end up discovering that you need all sorts of 'extra' equipment. I didn't really know what extra stuff I needed until I actually started to load some rounds and found what worked for me. I also ended up buying a bunch of 'Akrobins' at the hardware store, they are very useful for sorting brass and holding bullets.

You should be able to get what you want AND a bunch of primers, bullets, powder, and brass with $2500. I ended up with 2000 CCI #41 primers, 6 pounds Varget, 5 pounds Reloader 7, 100 300gr .458 JHPs, 100 pieces of Starline .45-70 brass, 1000 Federal #210 primers, and 500 55gr .224 FMJs to start. Now I need some H335 because it should meter better from my powder measure.

Here's what I have so far (cost was less than $2000 including materials listed above):

RCBS Turret Press
RCBS Competition Powder Measure
RCBS Rangemaster 750 Digital Scale
RCBS Bench Mounted Automatic Priming Tool (I bought this because the priming unit on the press didn't work right with the small rifle primers)
Redding 2400 Case Trimmer
Redding #5 Powder Trickler
Shellholders for .223 and .45-70
Frankford Arsenal Perfect Fit Reloading Trays (2 in each caliber, each holds 50)
Frankford Arsenal Powder Funnel with 16 Nozzles and 4" Drop Tube
Redding 3 die set for .223 (I wanted a neck sizer in case I decide to use that later)
Redding 3 die set for .45-70
Lee Factory Crimp die .223
Lee Factory Crimp die .45-70
RCBS Trim Mate Case Prep Center
Lyman VLD Deburring Tool
Lyman Flash Hole Uniformer
Dillon Case Lube
Lyman Turbo 2200 with Autoflow
Redding case prep hand tools (primer pocket cleaners and neck cleaning brushes)
Lyman Case Length Gauge for .223
Lyman Treated Corncob Media
RCBS Primer Turning Trays (2)
Frankford Arsenal Digital Caliper (surprisingly good for the price)
RCBS Primer Pocket Swager Combo

Here's what is on the way:

Shooting Chrony Beta Master Chronograph
Lyman 48th Edition Reloading Handbook
Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading: Seventh Edition
Lee Modern Reloading Second Edition (it was cheap, so what the hell?)

Here's what I still 'need':

Dillon Case/Media Separator
Redding Small Base Full Length Sizing die for .223
RCBS Universal Hand Priming Tool
Hornady Overall Length Gauge
.223 Modified case for OAL gauge
Hornady Comparitor
Comparitor inserts for .224 and .458
Sierra 5th Edition Rifle and Pistol Manual of Reloading Data
Lee Universal Decapping Die

Future Wishlist:

RCBS Chargemaster 1500 Combo
Giraud Trimmer
Dillon XL650 and Accessories

And all of this had made me want to get in to casting as well!

If you're like me, you'll also end up building workbenches to accommodate all of this.

[1stLineGear]

I have a XL650 and a Super 1050. If I was just starting out, I woul get the 650. The Super 1050 primer system can be touchy. Once you get the basics down on a 650, the 1050 will be a shorter learning curve.

Keep in mind, the press/dies/conversion units are the cheap part of reloading. Keep in mind that bullets, powder and primes will costs many times the price of the press over the years.

My advice.... cry only once and get the Dillon 650. Later on if you decide to upgrade to a 1050, you will get about 75% of your XL650 back when you sell it.



Jerry

Nice set up. I have decided on purchasing the Dillon XL 650. Now which accesories would you recommend for it. Also for those of you in Southern California where do you go to purchase your brass, primers, bullets, and powder from?

I am grateful for all of your input and hope you all have a great Christmas!

[ar15barrels]

If you ever make it to the LA area, I have all 3 Dillon presses setup side-by-side on my bench.
I can show you how each works and go over what I see as the advantages and dis-avdantages of each.

I load for over 40 cartridges and I have a total of 8 dillon presses as well as about a half a dozen other single stage, turret & arbor presses.

[PistolPete75]

powder and primer from powdervalleyinc.com

brass and bullets from graf's if you have a c&r ffl license.

[What Just Happened?]

If you're set on getting a dillon (which isn't a bad thing in the least), then I'd check out http://brianenos.com/pages/dillon.html#which It has a lot of information covering the various dillon models.

[rebelmark26]

Where are you located? I would first do a search on this subject and find someone close by to show you the ropes. I would suggest you buy Lymans reloading manual and read it from cover to cover. Not just what interests you. That will help you understand the mindset of reloading. It is a safe hobby and nowadays a necessary one. It can be dangerous if you are the careless type.

If you are in the bay area I would love to show you how it is done and what you would need.

Ivan

Ivan,

I am also interested in reloading and would love to take you up on your offer. I live in the bay area and am free most weekends. I haven't bought any equiptment yet because i'm not sure what I need.

[ivanimal]

Ivan,

I am also interested in reloading and would love to take you up on your offer. I live in the bay area and am free most weekends. I haven't bought any equiptment yet because i'm not sure what I need.

I will PM you my info. I would love to share my knowledge on the subject.


I have 2 550's running side by side, If I had to start over it would be a 650 all the way. I recommend a Dillon and a single stage press for precision loads. For hunting ammo I still use the 550 but I load the powder separately and weigh each charge. I reload 223 by volume, separately as well.

[chiefcrash]

i might take you up on your offer too ivan...

[MrNiceGuy]

Ivan,

+1 on the reloading for newbies hand holding session please.
I'll bring pizza and beer...

Thinking about either the 550 or the 650 but concerned it'll be too much learning curve for a complete reloading newbie.....