Questions about getting started on reloading.

[64physhy]

I'm very interested in getting started on reloading my own ammo. I don't need to reload 1000 rounds per hour, but I'd like a decent setup that I won't have to do a bunch of upgrades to. I figure I'd probably be reloading 200-500 rounds per month.
I have my eye on the Dillon 550.

If I got the 550, what else would I need to be fully set up to start reloading? Some of the ammo I'll be reloading is .300 WSM and .32 WinSPL, so I know that's an upgrade I will need. What else will I need (need, not "nice to have")?

[Bill Steele]

I have a Dillon 550B and love it for my handgun loading needs. I load all my rifle on single stage presses. The way I process brass (I don't make blasting ammo, only precision loads for my bolt guns) and do powder measuring, a progressive press doesn't save me any time.

My two favorite single stage presses are an RCBS Rock Chucker and the Lee Classic Breechlock (not Challenger Breechlock). A better single stage is a Forster Co-Ax but they are usually sold out everywhere.

There are stickies at the top of these threads covering all the basics of what else you will need.

[64physhy]

At the local store, the rock chucker is only about $50 less than the 550 (not 550b). I was originally thinking single stage would work for me, but figured for $50 more, I might as well go with the progressive. I'll also be reloading 9mm, .40, and .556/.223, so maybe it would be worth it for that?

[Revoman]

If you're looking for a blue press, you might give Brian Enos a try. They have a website that is FULL of Dillon products, input, tips and stories. Plus, you can purchase your press from Brian too!

[G-Man WC]

I'm new to reloading and have started with a Dillon 650 for pistol and a have Lee Classic Cast single stage.
I would get a single stage press. I love it for loading up large rifle rounds. Lots of used stuff (press/dies) and available on Flea bay. Lots of help here on CG's.
-g

[Dark Mod]

The 550 is a great press, and its simplicity will help a beginner. Even still i would start with a single stage, your gonna want one at some point anyway, and it will never become obsolete. Most reloaders i know still have the single stage they started with, including me.

[Bill Steele]

At the local store, the rock chucker is only about $50 less than the 550 (not 550b). I was originally thinking single stage would work for me, but figured for $50 more, I might as well go with the progressive. I'll also be reloading 9mm, .40, and .556/.223, so maybe it would be worth it for that?

It will cost quite a bit more for each caliber you load on the Dillon as you need a conversion kit for each (you also might check to make sure Dillon makes 550 caliber conversions for those rifle caliber, Caliber conversions are the shellplate, buttons for holding the case in the press as you index).

Again, I would check out the Lee Classic Breechlock (same as the Classic Cast, but with Breechlock Bushings), $95 at Midway right now on sale. Again for the handgun stuff, you will love the 550 (when it is upgraded to a full 550B).

Have fun, good luck.