I Need Help Getting Started

[Muscles Glasses]

I have been wanting to get into reloading for a while now and purchased a Dillon RL 550b on an impulse buy which came with a powder system and primer check system I also purchased the 9mm conversion kit and carbide 3 die set. I have the appropriate powder bar and primer slide as well primer tubes but that is about all. My question is what else do I need for a COMPLETE set up?

Which reloading manual do I need?
How do I properly adjust my dies?
What else do I need to prep fired and or unfired brass? (I plan to mainly load new unfired brass but want to be able to load fired brass if need be.)

[banta134]

I am a reloading newbie as well with Dillion RL550b! I'll throw these out though you might have them to complete your setup. Either a digital or dial caliper ( i bought the dial caliper from Dillion), a 9mm case gauge and a powder scale will be needed. I bought a Hornady compact digital scale. I couldn't afford the D-Terminator from Dillion as i had already tossed in a chunk of cash to get started. Oh and you might want to get a primer flip tray. I bought the trays on the Dillion site. My buddy has these trays so i used them and like that they weren't just plastic like some of the others i had viewed on the internet.

You might check you tube for die setups. I found some good ones by searching for "Dillion RL 550b". Between those videos and my buddy i was able to get my dies setup. I would have to admit it was a huge help having a friend come over to show me how its done. Plus he let me try to setup a set of dies on my own and when i messed that up he helped me fix it. Just my 2 cents and i'm not an expert but thought i would toss my offerings in.

[XDRoX]

If you plan on loading new brass you won't be saving any money. The majority of money saved is from reusing your brass.

Everyone that reloads reuses their brass.

[afrancke]

Which reloading manual do I need?
How do I properly adjust my dies?
What else do I need to prep fired and or unfired brass? (I plan to mainly load new unfired brass but want to be able to load fired brass if need be.)

Are you just loading for pistol, i.e. the 9mm you mention? Or will you be loading for rifle as well, and if so, what calibers?

A useful item is the Wilson Pistol Max Case Gage (http://www.lewilson.com/pistolmaxgage.html) . It will not check for undersized cartridges, but it will confirm any dimensions that are oversized. Better than chambering your rounds to check them.

You'll need something to clean fired cases. If you are the Steve Jobs type who believes in beautiful objects inside and out even where nobody can tell without taking things apart, you'll want a stainless steel wet tumbling system, but personally I would strongly advise just going with a vibratory cleaner that uses corn or walnut media and then adding stainless (or ultrasonic, I suppose) later if the spirit so moves you.

You should consider getting a reloading manual from the bullet manufacturer whose projectiles you intend to use (let's say Hornady for the sake of example); these will commonly list loads with a number of powders, and you can then typically download the powder manufacturers' own recommended loads from their website. IMR/Hodgdon/Winchester powder load information is available directly from them. Each manual has its own assortment of other useful information besides just the load information - they all typically cover the basics of loading procedures. Berger's new manual, for example, has all sorts of discussion around different types of competitive rifle shooting (but this would not be interesting for pistol). Over time you may amass a great many manuals - they are all interesting in their own way. Some may recommend "ABCs of Reloading" or what have you, but I think that one isn't particularly special.

If you are wondering, "what powder should I get? how would I know/what factors should I use to help?" and you are an analytical person, you would also benefit from the QuickLoad software application distributed by Neco. It is unfortunately an ancient Windows-only (as in from the days of Windows 3.1, it looks like) application that runs on Windows 7 but is very funky and has no obvious documentation, so you'd have to get some advice on how to use it and what's significant - but it really helps answer questions about what sorts of powders would be useful. More useful, I'd imagine, for rifle than pistol, but I'm sorry I missed buying this sooner in my reloading career. You can coerce it to run on Linux or Mac via Wine - but this is not for the faint of heart (I suppose if you are running Linux, you are already sufficiently strong of heart to go the Wine route, but for Mac, which I run, there are more hoops).

If you are brimming over with money, you might also consider a magnetospeed chronograph. This is what I would buy starting out as a first chronograph based on the reviews I'm seeing around.

Others will have to fill in the details on what else is needed for the Dillon to make it great.

Good luck loading. And if you're the real MusclesGlasses, say hi to the EpicMealTime gang.

[Muscles Glasses]

I am a reloading newbie as well with Dillion RL550b! I'll throw these out though you might have them to complete your setup. Either a digital or dial caliper ( i bought the dial caliper from Dillion), a 9mm case gauge and a powder scale will be needed. I bought a Hornady compact digital scale. I couldn't afford the D-Terminator from Dillion as i had already tossed in a chunk of cash to get started. Oh and you might want to get a primer flip tray. I bought the trays on the Dillion site. My buddy has these trays so i used them and like that they weren't just plastic like some of the others i had viewed on the internet.

You might check you tube for die setups. I found some good ones by searching for "Dillion RL 550b". Between those videos and my buddy i was able to get my dies setup. I would have to admit it was a huge help having a friend come over to show me how its done. Plus he let me try to setup a set of dies on my own and when i messed that up he helped me fix it. Just my 2 cents and i'm not an expert but thought i would toss my offerings in.

If you plan on loading new brass you won't be saving any money. The majority of money saved is from reusing your brass.

Everyone that reloads reuses their brass.

Looks like I will be using fired brass then.

Are you just loading for pistol, i.e. the 9mm you mention? Or will you be loading for rifle as well, and if so, what calibers?

A useful item is the Wilson Pistol Max Case Gage (http://www.lewilson.com/pistolmaxgage.html) . It will not check for undersized cartridges, but it will confirm any dimensions that are oversized. Better than chambering your rounds to check them.

You'll need something to clean fired cases. If you are the Steve Jobs type who believes in beautiful objects inside and out even where nobody can tell without taking things apart, you'll want a stainless steel wet tumbling system, but personally I would strongly advise just going with a vibratory cleaner that uses corn or walnut media and then adding stainless (or ultrasonic, I suppose) later if the spirit so moves you.

You should consider getting a reloading manual from the bullet manufacturer whose projectiles you intend to use (let's say Hornady for the sake of example); these will commonly list loads with a number of powders, and you can then typically download the powder manufacturers' own recommended loads from their website. IMR/Hodgdon/Winchester powder load information is available directly from them. Each manual has its own assortment of other useful information besides just the load information - they all typically cover the basics of loading procedures. Berger's new manual, for example, has all sorts of discussion around different types of competitive rifle shooting (but this would not be interesting for pistol). Over time you may amass a great many manuals - they are all interesting in their own way. Some may recommend "ABCs of Reloading" or what have you, but I think that one isn't particularly special.

If you are wondering, "what powder should I get? how would I know/what factors should I use to help?" and you are an analytical person, you would also benefit from the QuickLoad software application distributed by Neco. It is unfortunately an ancient Windows-only (as in from the days of Windows 3.1, it looks like) application that runs on Windows 7 but is very funky and has no obvious documentation, so you'd have to get some advice on how to use it and what's significant - but it really helps answer questions about what sorts of powders would be useful. More useful, I'd imagine, for rifle than pistol, but I'm sorry I missed buying this sooner in my reloading career. You can coerce it to run on Linux or Mac via Wine - but this is not for the faint of heart (I suppose if you are running Linux, you are already sufficiently strong of heart to go the Wine route, but for Mac, which I run, there are more hoops).

If you are brimming over with money, you might also consider a magnetospeed chronograph. This is what I would buy starting out as a first chronograph based on the reviews I'm seeing around.

Others will have to fill in the details on what else is needed for the Dillon to make it great.

Good luck loading. And if you're the real MusclesGlasses, say hi to the EpicMealTime gang.

So it looks like I still need to purchase a
Caliper
9mm case gauge
Powder scale
Primer flip tray
Vibratory case cleaner
Reloading manual (probably hornady)

As far as case prep goes I am seeing things about a case trimmer and case swager? In the foreseeable future I only plan to be loading 9mm .233 and .308 will I need these items to properly prepare the cases for these calibers? Keeping in mind that I plan to upgrade to a 650 or super 1050 for the .233 and .308 or both but I would like to start loading those on the 550b.

Am I missing anything else that I will need for case prep??? or anything else for that matter?

And if I were the real Muscles Glasses why on earth would I be on a firearm forum? I could just remove my glasses and burn a hole through the paper target

[Colt562]

Looks like I will be using fired brass then.



So it looks like I still need to purchase a
Caliper
9mm case gauge
Powder scale
Primer flip tray
Vibratory case cleaner
Reloading manual (probably hornady)

As far as case prep goes I am seeing things about a case trimmer and case swager? In the foreseeable future I only plan to be loading 9mm .233 and .308 will I need these items to properly prepare the cases for these calibers? Keeping in mind that I plan to upgrade to a 650 or super 1050 for the .233 and .308 or both but I would like to start loading those on the 550b.

Am I missing anything else that I will need for case prep??? or anything else for that matter?

And if I were the real Muscles Glasses why on earth would I be on a firearm forum? I could just remove my glasses and burn a hole through the paper target

I dont use a case guage for pistol but most do. Everything else you listed is a very important. Do you have a scale?

You will only need a swager if you plan on shooting military 223 brass with crimped primer pockets. A cheaper way is to use your deburr/Chamfter tool. You might also look at case reamers. Luckily I dont have any military brass.

[afrancke]

As far as case prep goes I am seeing things about a case trimmer and case swager? In the foreseeable future I only plan to be loading 9mm .233 and .308 will I need these items to properly prepare the cases for these calibers?

If you are going to load for rifle cartridges, then yes, you do need a few more things:

- a case gage for setting up your sizing die(s) - the RCBS precision micrometer is the perfect tool for ensuring you're bumping the shoulders back the nominal amount you're after

- case lube for resizing (Imperial wax is fine)

- something to trim the cases (Giraud is the gold standard, though if you are going to prep on a Dillon I suppose you might consider the Dillon trimmer instead)

- (optional) something to clean and/or uniform your primer pockets

- a swaging solution for removing primer crimps if you are going to reload military brass (Lake City, et al.) - the Dillon 1050 will do this, but otherwise you need a separate tool (e.g. Dillon Super Swager or that RCBS equivalent)

You haven't mentioned dies yet. What are you getting?

[Muscles Glasses]

If you are going to load for rifle cartridges, then yes, you do need a few more things:

- a case gage for setting up your sizing die(s) - the RCBS precision micrometer is the perfect tool for ensuring you're bumping the shoulders back the nominal amount you're after

- case lube for resizing (Imperial wax is fine)

- something to trim the cases (Giraud is the gold standard, though if you are going to prep on a Dillon I suppose you might consider the Dillon trimmer instead)

- (optional) something to clean and/or uniform your primer pockets

- a swaging solution for removing primer crimps if you are going to reload military brass (Lake City, et al.) - the Dillon 1050 will do this, but otherwise you need a separate tool (e.g. Dillon Super Swager or that RCBS equivalent)

You haven't mentioned dies yet. What are you getting?

I have seen some set ups where people have an electric trimmer (dillon brand), some other specialty die, and one for lubrication all mounted to a tool head. Is this some easier way to prep brass all in one shot aside from cleaning it in a vibrator?

I also purchased the 9mm conversion kit and carbide 3 die set.

I'm actually not too sure if it is carbide anymore, can anyone clear that up for me? They are dillon.

[MIAMIbaseballer]

I am a reloading newbie as well with Dillion RL550b! I'll throw these out though you might have them to complete your setup. Either a digital or dial caliper ( i bought the dial caliper from Dillion), a 9mm case gauge and a powder scale will be needed. I bought a Hornady compact digital scale. I couldn't afford the D-Terminator from Dillion as i had already tossed in a chunk of cash to get started. Oh and you might want to get a primer flip tray. I bought the trays on the Dillion site. My buddy has these trays so i used them and like that they weren't just plastic like some of the others i had viewed on the internet.

You might check you tube for die setups. I found some good ones by searching for "Dillion RL 550b". Between those videos and my buddy i was able to get my dies setup. I would have to admit it was a huge help having a friend come over to show me how its done. Plus he let me try to setup a set of dies on my own and when i messed that up he helped me fix it. Just my 2 cents and i'm not an expert but thought i would toss my offerings in.

A case gauge is not NEEDED at all.... the chamber of your gun is the best case gauge. There are rounds that will fit in a case gauge but not your chamber FYI

[MIAMIbaseballer]

Looks like I will be using fired brass then.



So it looks like I still need to purchase a
Caliper
9mm case gauge
Powder scale
Primer flip tray
Vibratory case cleaner
Reloading manual (probably hornady)

As far as case prep goes I am seeing things about a case trimmer and case swager? In the foreseeable future I only plan to be loading 9mm .233 and .308 will I need these items to properly prepare the cases for these calibers? Keeping in mind that I plan to upgrade to a 650 or super 1050 for the .233 and .308 or both but I would like to start loading those on the 550b.

Am I missing anything else that I will need for case prep??? or anything else for that matter?

And if I were the real Muscles Glasses why on earth would I be on a firearm forum? I could just remove my glasses and burn a hole through the paper target

A case gauge and primer flip tray are not needed to reload. They might make things more convenient but are not a necessity. A vibratory/tumbler is also not needed. You could use soap,water, vinegar, salt. Just an FYI, I'm not sure what your budget is. I would buy what you NEED first, then get the other stuff unless you have a nice budget.

And you will need what the other members mentioned for rifle

Dillon's pistol dies are carbide

[afrancke]

A case gauge is not NEEDED at all.... the chamber of your gun is the best case gauge. There are rounds that will fit in a case gauge but not your chamber FYI

What pistol rounds will fit in a pistol max gage (not a fired case gage) but not the chamber? More details, please.

[afrancke]

I have seen some set ups where people have an electric trimmer (dillon brand), some other specialty die, and one for lubrication all mounted to a tool head. Is this some easier way to prep brass all in one shot aside from cleaning it in a vibrator?

You have to clean them manually - so that step is a predecessor to putting anything in your press, whether you are working on pistol or rifle. The lubrication is for rifle brass most commonly, so if you have carbide pistol dies then it's not (usually) used. There are some who believe that a little lube always helps (so long as it's not too much), even with carbide, but I'll let them pipe up here if so.

I don't know if you'll have enough stations to do all-in-one prep and load or not with the 550b (I suspect you'll be able to get all the prep in one shot, but not load), but have a look at this video series from a Calguns member here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7tFxx9W-Yk. It should give you a good idea of all the things that go into using a progressive to load, including a press-mounted trimmer. You may spot some things that nobody else has suggested here.

[Bill Steele]

What pistol rounds will fit in a case gauge but not the chamber? More details, please.

I have a couple of 1911's that have what is euphemistically referred to as "match" barrels, my Dillon case gauge doesn't work reliably for those guns (when loading lead), the barrel is the only reliable "case gauge" for those guns.