Need advice on reloading

[SpikeSpeigel]

I want to start reloading .233 what is a good inexpensive kit to get

[HighLander51]

Don't cheap out, you will just buy it again, Dillon 550.

[Steelplate45]

Definitely the 550

Mine's 25 years old, and cranks out perfect loads.

Best way to cut the cost, is to go in with a buddy 50/50.

[Enfield47]

How many rounds do you want to do at a time? Are you wanting this for plinking or for competition shooting? Do you other rounds to reload or just .223?

If you want to make up a hundred or so rounds at a time, a single stage would be good, or you could go with a turret press. Everybody has their favorite press, I like my Lee classic cast turret. I can use it in single stage mode for my larger rounds like 7.5 Swiss, .303 British, or .30-06 and I can use it with the indexing rod for .223 and pistol rounds. It's a great press that won't break the bank.

[SpikeSpeigel]

How many rounds do you want to do at a time? Are you wanting this for plinking or for competition shooting? Do you other rounds to reload or just .223?

If you want to make up a hundred or so rounds at a time, a single stage would be good, or you could go with a turret press. Everybody has their favorite press, I like my Lee classic cast turret. I can use it in single stage mode for my larger rounds like 7.5 Swiss, .303 British, or .30-06 and I can use it with the indexing rod for .223 and pistol rounds. It's a great press that won't break the bank.

Just .223 for now maybe 9mm later and I want to start reloading one at a time to avoid mistakes and really get the hang of it. Also plinking but you I'm always in competition with friends.

[Enfield47]

Where are you located? There are CG reloading clinics popping up all over the state. You should sign up for the class and get the hands on experience so you can see what you like or don't like about the different presses. I took the class in June and it was a great experience. And you you get to make your own ammo there.

[SpikeSpeigel]

Where are you located? There are CG reloading clinics popping up all over the state. You should sign up for the class and get the hands on experience so you can see what you like or don't like about the different presses. I took the class in June and it was a great experience. And you you get to make your own ammo there.

Im in Ventura county.

[BigBronco]

There is a class in Camarillo the second Sunday of October. It is being held by the Ventura club Chapter.

[SpikeSpeigel]

There is a class in Camarillo the second Sunday of October. It is being held by the Ventura club Chapter.

Cool I'll look into that thanks. And is that a bug assalt

[JagerDog]

Just .223 for now maybe 9mm later and I want to start reloading one at a time to avoid mistakes and really get the hang of it. Also plinking but you I'm always in competition with friends.

Good thought process. IMHO, one should become intimatly involved with each step before combining steps (progressive). Doesn't mean it can't be done, but it can be rather onerous depending on your understanding and problem solving skills. Besides, a good single stage press can still be a valuable asset on the bench even after going progressive if you feel the need down the road. Your shooting volume and your available time are prime considerations.

[jj805]

Cool I'll look into that thanks. And is that a bug assalt

Hit the link in my sig line. It will take you to the VC Chapter thread.

[bobgengeskahn]

I am starting out in basically the same situation. Mainly for .223, maybe 9mm later and anything else I might pick up after that.

I posted a thread that got some good advice: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=803342

Ended up with a Redding National Match die set, Lee universal decapping die and a Lee hand press. Like Steelplate said, its best to go in 50/50 with a friend, ideally one that is going to load the same ammo. My dad has a full RCBS single stage and powder scale that I'm gonna use for now. But I chose what I have now based on space and ability to fully prep and prime my brass before making the trip over to press.

Right now I'm using a citric acid wash for my brass, but once I can find some spare parts and time I'm probably going to build a BigDog SS tumbler.

[jetman624]

I went with two single stage presses and it works well for me. I don't ever do more than two stages in a day.

I will spend a day knocking out primers and tumbling the brass. Then another day I will size and prime a bunch of brass, and then another day I will load some powder and bullets. I always have lots of brass at any particular stage of reloading... just how I like to do it.

I went with the Lee classic cast and that cheap $28 press they make-- both have worked out just fine.

I watched lots of videos and did a lot of reading of how guys like to it and then decided on a routine I felt comfortable with.

[ExtremeX]

You can always start with a single stage; I think the RCBS RC Masters Kit is an excellent way to start… Even if you add another press like a progressive down the line the single stage will still come in handy as it’s a great utility press for odd jobs.

I use a single stage for match ammo for my rifles… most of my bulk .223 loading is done on my progressive.

Get familiar with the tools of the trade though reading, videos, books, and classes if you have trouble leaning on your own so you can make informed decisions on equipment and get an intimate understanding of the process.

[the86d]

With the cost of ammo, and as many as you can crank out, I went with a Dillon XL 650 with everything I needed for .223 and 9mm, and even with the price tag of about ~$1400 (everything for the 2 calibers) it has more than half been paid for in 1.5 years (and the last 6 months I really haven't reloaded more than 600 rounds). You really don't want to buy twice, and with what you can crank out with a progressive, it will save you more than in the long-run over a few years and never be out of ammo like many people are right now. On the XL 650 you CAN easily push 400/hour after getting to know her. I know it isn't inexpensive, but it is in the long run.