[KYShooter]

I have a Dillon 550 and two RCBS Rockchuckers set up for active use and an old Herters press sitting in a box. With that, I am still in the camp of those who advocate that someone start out with a single-stage press. Economic, simple, and you'll always have a use for it even if you buy a progressive later.

Reloading may be somewhat economical but the real benefit comes from having ammo tailored to your rifles/pistols. Also the satisfaction of performing with ammo you assembled yourself.

There is a LOT to learn in reloading so I also ditto the advice of finding a mentor who will work with you. Make sure your first investment is in a reputable reloading manual like Lyman's.

When you go to get your equipment, ask around your local gun store first. Much of the time, there is always someone looking to offload their setup for very respectable prices. Heck, I even had a guy come by the house, couple of years ago, and GAVE me his whole setup. Wasn't the most expensive equipment made but functional none the less.

 

[Scorp]

Here's my recommendation which is worth just what you pay for it: buy a Hornady L-N-L single stage press. Unlike presses, you put bushings on each die and then can do a quick change from x to y die in like 30 seconds without worrying about setup.

Start off by learning how to reload safely on the single stage. If you only load rifle rounds, you don't need anything else. The basic process is 1) de-cap & re-size on the press, 2) case prep (ugh!) which is not done on the press, 3) prime, which is better done by hand or a bench primer, 4) charge each case with powder in a loading block giving you a chance to double check each and every case before moving on, and 5) seat the bullet - only the second time you use the press.

Sure, handloading for pistol rounds uses at least 3 dies. Much more press time and case prep is almost non-existent. I prefer crimping in a second step following seating the bullet, so that's 4 dies. I've just moved to a Lyman turret press for dies 2-4 but still use my single-stage for de-capping & re-sizing.

I'm just more comfortable NOT being in a hurry when reloading. When I read some guy saying "I just bought my Dillon ____ and was cranking out X rounds per hour the first day", I pray that they are no where near me on the firing line.

Seriously, the single stage press will serve you for rifle rounds forever plus it will give you a safe start. After you really understand the process and are comfortable with every step, then decide on which progressive (or turret) press will work best for you.

BTW the Reloading section of the 1911 forum has a good group of guys regarding reloading for pistols. Glock Talk might also be helpful.

I totally agree with the single press idea for the same reasons, number 1 and most important being safety. then after you get the hang of it you can always buy a progressive press. just saying

 

[dozier]

i was thinking about starting to reload, i know nothing about it.. just shooting alot of 40cal., join a lil group of idpa shooter or style of shooting and they meet at least once a week... is the cost of reloading cheaper than 90 bucks for 250rounds of factory ammo??

can anyone set me in right direction... dillion vs. RCBS, costs, difficulty, etc, etc????? any help or information would help..

Personally, before spending lots of money on equipment, see if you can't buddy up with one of your fellow IPSC shooters in the local area. Primarily he would be your tutor. Watch how he does it, read a few books, and maybe he will let you prep and load a couple of hundred rounds of your own ammo. That way you can see what labor is involved, what equipment is needed, and how to properly use the equipment. I've done this with two good friends that wanted to start reloading. One eventually gave up on the idea when he found out it requires some time and effort. The other is reloading to this very day. dozier