How did you get started in reloading? How do I?

[Mr_Maim]

Making ammo on a large scale is not for some people, some will never have the mental capacity to think all I need to worry about is powder in the case and don't pull the handle so fast it throws the powder out. Some are so anal they would rather not shoot as much than to admit progressives are better.

Just like firearm technology progresses so does reloading. Right now for 10K you can buy a fully automatic reloader but when you started it was single station or production level machines nobody would sell you. I guess by your logic we should all start with a cap and ball to gain some perspective then a revolver and a lever action because those auto loading guns are just dangerous.

I have taken people with zero experience and put them on Camdex and Ammoload machines that pump out 3K per hour and once they were trained zero issues. After about a month or two of training they were competent to run a line of 10 machines, a line of ten machines can produce up to 35K a hour and about 250K rounds in a shift. I am yet to have a accident or get a report of a blown up gun.

@338lapua - Out of curiosity: are you in the ammo reloading business? I'd never heard of those companies until just now and man, they make some fascinating machines! Would love to see one run some day. The mechanics of machines like that fascinate me.


Getting back to the thread topic: I'm getting into reloading myself finally. I decided to start with a Hornady Classic single stage press and 2x Hornady Lock-N-Load AP presses. I shoot beltfeds in three calibers and subguns in two calibers so I am reloading for quantity.

I'm still getting a reloading bench together so it'll be a couple months before I start pulling handle.

 

[mifsuud]

This is my second go round on the forum and have been preparing for a reloading space over the past year. I am about to purchase a Lee Classic Turret press to start. Primarily getting into hand loading because .44 Spcl is about impossible to find via retail these days beyond the occasional cowboy loads. Picked up some of the accessories already as I've been grabbing a piece on sale here and there. Doubtful I will exceed 1000 rounds a month unless I become addicted to reloading. And that would be if I give 9mm a try too.

The cost of the Dillon 1050 is too much for me on something I might not use too often. Certainly want a progressive press, with a good reputation. From what I have read the Lee Classic is reliable, can produce the amount I anticipate needing, can work as a single stage if I want, and can do rifle and handgun calibers if I expand with a turret and die swap. If you think there is a better kit that I can set up for no more than $500 feel free to recommend. Already have powder measure, primer feed, scale and dies for the press, all NIB if I need exchange or trade it.

 

[Elk34]

I use a dillon 650XL for my 44 mag. No reason to get a 1050.

 

[rbt50]

I started 58 years ago. some one gave me a lee reloader it was the one that you make one round at a time. I spend a lot of time loading 30-30 rounds with it. then about 5 years later I bought a rcbs single stage press.

 

[Flash]

I started out with a C&H single stage press when I was 9. It was my Dad's. It got lost somewhere along the way but through the generosity of a board member, I got another and refurbished it. Still works great.

There are other progressive presses besides Dillon that work well. Do yourself a favor and look into them.

 

[Dogslayer]

I enrolled in the Yavapai Community College gunsmithing program in 1984. Never finished all the required classes to get a degree. One of the students helped me get started reloading, bought an RCBS press, powder scale and the Speer reloading manual number 10. I have probably loaded over 250,000 cartridges with that press.

 

[Bigshooter]

Lots of good info here. I started reloading back in the 70's and still have the single stage RCBS loader and have not changed. You can start "cheap" and then upgrade as you like. I have two digital scales and a digital micrometer that I feel are important upgrades IMO.

Good luck

 

[Bottom Gun]

Gunsmoke,

My advice is to buy a single stage and learn on it before you get a progressive loader. You'll always have use for the single stage so the cost won't be money wasted.
I've used Dillons for 40 yr but still use my single stage on occasion.

Find an experienced reloader to give you some hands-on instruction. You can't beat one on one instruction and troubleshooting when you're learning.

Where do you live?

 

[Bigfoot]

I got started on a whim believe it or not. Wife was looking at Christmas gift ideas and saw an ad in the Cabela's flyer. Single stage something or other. It interested me so I looked into it.

I wound up with a Dillon 550 progressive press and now load 45, 9 and 223. Might start doing some 300BO soon too.

 

[Ben7]

Dillon 550b user here. Also have an RCBS single stage that I like to do resizing on. It’s a great hobby; I don’t shoot nearly as often as I’d like, but reloading in between shooting sessions keeps me plugged in to the hobby. There is always a new bullet/powder combination to play with.

 

[Bigfoot]

Dillon 550b user here. Also have an RCBS single stage that I like to do resizing on. It’s a great hobby; I don’t shoot nearly as often as I’d like, but reloading in between shooting sessions keeps me plugged in to the hobby. There is always a new bullet/powder combination to play with.

I just use a separate tool head for resizing when it comes to 223. For my pistol rounds, I just do it all in one shot.

 

[Ben7]

Dillon 550b user here. Also have an RCBS single stage that I like to do resizing on. It’s a great hobby; I don’t shoot nearly as often as I’d like, but reloading in between shooting sessions keeps me plugged in to the hobby. There is always a new bullet/powder combination to play with.

I just use a separate tool head for resizing when it comes to 223. For my pistol rounds, I just do it all in one shot.

I have a separate toolhead for resizing .223 as well. Resize&deprime, then trim. I use the single stage for hand measuring powder charges or loading small sample batches of bigger caliber rifle rounds, and also resizing 7.62x51 into .308win. I just leave the toolheads alone when I find “the load”; then they get labeled with the specifics for bulk loading.