Reloading 101

[Onetyme]

Very helpful post. I'm just getting started myself. Thanks

[Silverone858]

Thank you for this great post and I would love to start loading on a Dillon press but from every thing I have read I think maybe a turret press may be a better idea seems like the best pace vs output.

[slo5oh]

Let’s say the foundation would be a Turret style (Dillon brand?) press. .223 reloading.
With a turret press, how easy is it to retool (switch from .223 to .44 mag to 9mm to 45....etc)?

Since when did Dillon start making a Turret style press?

My question was not meant to be smart. Just a question that all.

I think the point there is that Dillon does not make a turret, they only make progressive?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Veteran reloaders help me out here please
I've read this entire thread 3 or 4 times through and my summary is:
1) Everyone seems to love all their different loaders, so not much help for us noobs there...
2) Nearly everyone that buys an inexpensive loader eventually buys a more expensive one (yep, I see that)
3) Several people think it's BEST to start with one of the inexpensive kits. (I can't argue against that)
4) Some think it's better to start with the biggest baddest progressive unit (buy once cry once theory?)

What I have NOT read anywhere in here is "I bought XYZ cheap kit and HATED IT", instead I do see several "I started with XYZ cheap kit and I still use it today even though I own and use several others"

I liked what WTKAISER wrote a few messages above and I see great value what he said. While I was leaning toward a Dillon for many different reasons, I'm now leaning away from it for a starter unit for a couple good reasons. #1 it's a progressive and I'm new to this. #2 it only does handgun rounds and I'd like to reload a couple different handgun and a couple different rifle rounds.
That being said I'm now leaning toward either a Lee Turret or the 50th Anniversary Breech Lock with a heavy sway toward the Turret already. That said, there seems to be 2 Turret kits listed on the Lee website ,the Classic and the Value. Cabela's has the Classic for $220 right now and also lists a "Deluxe Turret Press Kit" for $114... I'm guessing more comes with the Classic than the Deluxe? Cabela's website doesn't exactly list everything so think some more googling is in order.
*Answered one of my own questions*
The interweb is telling me that the Classic is a better design in 2 obvious ways. #1 it drops the primers through a tube instead of on the bench/table and #2 it's cast iron where the Deluxe is cast aluminum.

[bikr4jc]

Tag to referance!! Got to read this and learn this. Thanks for having this topic!!

[marklyftogt]

Natchez Shooting supplies has better prices than any of the others and great service.

[chiz_65]

+1 ^^^ ...What kind of initial start-up costs?

[SB30]

Good stuff

[MrElectric03]

I know I wont be starting reloading anytime soon, will probably be a year or so until I can have everything to get started. I am however very interested in it and would like to get a good starters manual to read through so I can see the differences and everything that goes into reloading. Everything on here says to start by getting a manual but can someone reccomend a good starting manual? They cant all be the same im sure.

[Fyathyrio]

ABCs of Reloading is very good, breaks it down into many different sections. It's entirely devoted to various aspects of reloading. Reloading manuals are roughly 10% information and step-by-step procedures, with the remainder dedicated to various caliber load recipes. If you are leaning towards a particular press manufacturer, then thier book would make a nice compliment to the ABCs.

[Chrisazelaya]

I want to start reloading but i don't know where to begin or what to buy. any help will be greatly appreciated.

[ar15barrels]

I want to start reloading but i don't know where to begin or what to buy. any help will be greatly appreciated.

Buy the latest Lyman reloading manual.
Read through it.
It will give you a real good idea of what you need to buy, though all reloading manuals tend to read like advertisements for the manufacturer publishing the manual...

[paintballsurfer]

I appreciate you having the info. up here! I am interested and starting up this new hobby/endeavor with a friend. Single stage Hornady.

[1911 Shooter]

Nice read. I'm new to reloading, which press do you suggest for 9 mm, 45 ACP, 38 special, & 223/556?
Are classes available in So Cal, Inland Empire?
Thanks!

[1911 Shooter]

Nice read. I'm new to reloading, which press do you suggest for 9 mm, 45 ACP, 38 special, & 223/556?
Are classes available in So Cal, Inland Empire?
Thanks!

[ar15barrels]

I'm new to reloading, which press do you suggest for 9 mm, 45 ACP, 38 special, & 223/556?

Read my stickied thread "handgun ammo is too expensive" for some equipment lists at different budget levels.