I want to start reloading

[ar15barrels]

A single stage press is for competition shooters that shoot 1/2 inch groups at 200 yards.
And that is if they turn the necks, polish the flash holes, weigh each bullet and true them up before loading.

I don't turn the necks, polish the flash holes, weigh each bullet or true them up, but I do size my precision rifle cases on a single stage press and I do shoot 1/2" groups at 200yds.
I don't deburr the flash holes or weigh the cases either, but I do weigh the amount of powder that I put into the case.

[mrlonewolf]

I'll move your thread to the right forum.

Please feel free to elaborate your questions to our reloader gang.....



*Edit. Tons of great info in here.

Enjoy.

[bruceflinch]

Pretty much all has been said.....+1 post count for me!

[echang72]

dont think.. just do it [; reloading, i found, is another hobby.. even though im still new too it.. its exciting to make your own loads!

[the86d]

Dillon XL650:
Most bells and whistles for 2 calibers, say 9mm and .223, it was around $1400 w/the case feeder (no adding cases manually one-by-one, nor manually cycling every round after ever crank on the handle like you have to on the 550b).
If you have it, drop the cash on an XL650, and you will be happy @ a rate of (after you get the hang of it) about 300/hour for 9mm, and maybe 200+/hour on .223... being careful.

If you don't have a chunk of change for an investment of $1400, there are MANY options that are available, all w/great quality, and most people rave about their press no matter who made it.

Just remember you will not save a penny reloading, you will just shoot 2-3 times more for the same price as people buying retail ammo.

There are extras that you forget about such as a tumbler, media/media separator, case trimmer (for rifle brass), primer pocket swagger, case gauge(s for rifle), and such that add to the cost, but you only have to buy those once, just like the press as most reloading equipment has a lifetime warranty AFAIK.

You can always sell your equipment for almost what you paid if you don't like it right here on this forum... I keep reading.

[Cowboy T]

If you're just getting started, go with a single stage press. You'll always use it and it's much simpler and less intimidating than a progressive press. When you figure out the loads that work for you, and have mastered the fundamentals, then by all means, buy a progressive press (preferably a Dillon).

Agreed here on this concept. Start single-stage first, for your safety. I did my first 1,000 rounds on an inexpensive ($30) single-stage, which I still use, so it hasn't gone to waste. Ha! Hardly!

Regarding the progressives, there's plenty of time to go for one of those. The various vendors will be just as overjoyed to take your money 6 months from now as they would be today. And while Dillon's certainly good gear, Dillon Precision isn't the only company out here that makes good, useful gear. I use a pair of Lee Pro 1000's and they're great. Others like the Hornady LnL AP. Still others like RCBS's Pro 2000.

You'll know better which, if any, of those progressives to buy after you get some single-stage experience.