Thinking about reloading....

[mblat]

Well with ammo prices what they are I am thinking about starting to reload. I was wondering if we have any reloader(s) in West LA/SFV/Pasadena/Glendale that can actually SHOW me what involved in the process.
Let's say you buy really good equipment. How many rounds of ammo one can reload in one hour - start to finish? I understand that this will take SOME ( hmmmm..... ) practice.... but on average..... how many do you do in one hour?

[What Just Happened?]

I'm in southern Orange County so I can't help you with the demo, but I use a single stage. Don't go this route unless you have too much time on your hands. I'm a student, with no girlfriend. I have the time to spare, I doubt you have that much.

My suggestion is either a turret or a progressive. I hear they're about 100-200 rounds per hour and 300-400 rounds per hour, respectively.

[1lostinspace]

it's not only easy but you will create rounds that will be 100 times more accurate then anything you can buy at the store. get a digital dispenser it will save your sanity.

[awheelman357]

pistol or rifle? i have a dillion 550 and i can load about 400-500 an hour if i have my primer tubes loaded with pistol stuff. rifle takes a little longer because of case prep like lube and that kinda thing i usually do about 2 to 3oo with rifle. for percision i use a single stage press wich is a different ball game.

[anyracoon]

It is not about how many you can load in an hour race, but producing good quality handcrafted ammo at a decent price!

[CSACANNONEER]

I'm in Thousand Oaks. It's not to far from the valley. If you want to drive up here, I can show you how to cast your own bullets, size and lube them, brass prep and load many calibers from .25acp to 50BMG. It costs me less than $2.50/50 to load .45acp if I don't need to buy brass or lead and they shoot better than any factory ammo.

[Full Clip]

I've just started reloading and have only done .45 ACP thus far (gearing up for others calibers). I can probably produce about 200 rounds in an hour, and I'm just a short-bus beginner.

[mblat]

Thank you for all your responses. I am mainly pistol shooter and can easily go through 1500 rounds a month. However I shoot mainly indoors, so lead bullets probably out.

CSACANNONEER - I sent you pm

[CSACANNONEER]

No PM yet. But, I PMed you my number. Feel free to call ASAP.

[f4tweet]

I have a progressive, and I usually do 200-300 @ hour. I feel it is not a race to the number, but the journey. I like to turn on XM, and have a peaceful evening in the garage.

[thebloodsonthewall]

I bought a Dillon 550B the same day that I picked-up my first handgun and I am glad I started reloading right from the start. Once you get everything set and dialed in it is easy to do and goes real fast. If you can find a cheap source for bullets reloads are much cheaper than factory ammo. I recommend the Dillon 550B if you decide to get one. I bought my press from CSACANNONEER. If you can, I would take him up on the offer. When I met him he was very knowledgeable and I wish that I lived closer so I could learn how to cast bullets and whatnot from him.

[ojisan]

Got Dillion 550 for pistol. PM if you want. East end of the SFV, 91214

[rayra]

I'm using a 550B for everything from 9mm to .30-06. I can do about 200-300/hr, with about 20mins of prep / setup, filling primer tubes etc.
But that's after many years of doing so and with everything properly set.

It isn't difficult ,but you need to be consistent and eliminate distractions. No kids, no booze, no TV set and if you have to interrupt what you are doing I've found a good trick is to leave the press arm down / everything engaged, then just resume the cadence when the interruption is over.

And IIRC Dillon has a training video (as well as a very helpful staff on the telephone), if you can't arrange in-person instruction.

[thebloodsonthewall]

I'm using a 550B for everything from 9mm to .30-06. I can do about 200-300/hr, with about 20mins of prep / setup, filling primer tubes etc.
But that's after many years of doing so and with everything properly set.

It isn't difficult ,but you need to be consistent and eliminate distractions. No kids, no booze, no TV set and if you have to interrupt what you are doing I've found a good trick is to leave the press arm down / everything engaged, then just resume the cadence when the interruption is over.

And IIRC Dillon has a training video (as well as a very helpful staff on the telephone), if you can't arrange in-person instruction.

CSACANNONEER helped me put mine together but I had to make all the adjustments after he left. It is pretty simple and the instructions that come with the press are enough to get you going. Reloading pistol ammo is pretty easy. I have yet to reload rifle ammo.

[uscbigdawg]

Well with ammo prices what they are I am thinking about starting to reload. I was wondering if we have any reloader(s) in West LA/SFV/Pasadena/Glendale that can actually SHOW me what involved in the process.
Let's say you buy really good equipment. How many rounds of ammo one can reload in one hour - start to finish? I understand that this will take SOME ( hmmmm..... ) practice.... but on average..... how many do you do in one hour?

Well...just finished 1000 rounds going slow and taking my time on my RL1050. .38 Super.

That said, if you would like some instruction/information let me know. NRA Instructor in Reloading.

Rich