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Want to start re-loading. Don't know squat though.

Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 1:30 pm
by Spanky
I would like to start reloading 45 ammo and I have no equipment to do so. I am new to reloading and am open to buying a turret style or progressive reloader. Any advice on what a good starter system is would be greatly appreciated. I would like to be able to reload 45acp and 223. I shoot around 1500-2000 rounds of 45 a year and probably 600-800 of 223. What models/brands are junk, what is decent, who makes a good quality turret reloader. Buy used or new, does it matter. I am totally starting from scratch and I dont know squat about reloading. Can someone point me in a good direction?

Spanky

Re: Want to start re-loading. Don't know squat though.

Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 2:44 pm
by chamberc
Love my Dillon Blue Press 550...

Re: Want to start re-loading. Don't know squat though.

Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 2:52 pm
by longtooth
First thing is to read. There are several good starter manuals out.
One of the best is ABCs of reloading.
Do you know anyone that loads? Where are you located.??

Re: Want to start re-loading. Don't know squat though.

Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 3:01 pm
by Keith B
I don't know what area you are in, but in my and many others on here opinion, Marty at Cabela's in Fort Worth is THE expert on reloading (as well as a member of this forum.) If you are close enough to go talk to him, he can recommend the books to start with, then can move you on to a good set of equipment that will do what you want without breaking the bank. :thumbs2:

Re: Want to start re-loading. Don't know squat though.

Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 5:00 pm
by Rex B
Lee makes a single-caliber progressive press that does everything except pull the lever - drops cases, bullets, powder.
Reviews look good, sells complete for under $200.
Anyone used one?

Re: Want to start re-loading. Don't know squat though.

Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 7:17 pm
by Spanky
Rex that sounds like it's worth looking in to. Know a model number or name? Anyone know about this setup?

Re: Want to start re-loading. Don't know squat though.

Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 10:50 pm
by longtooth
Not I.

Re: Want to start re-loading. Don't know squat though.

Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 11:14 pm
by LaserTex
I'm watching this thread too. I don't like depending on a supply that is iffy..... Subscribed I-)

Doug :txflag:

Re: Want to start re-loading. Don't know squat though.

Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 12:43 am
by Beiruty
Rex B wrote:Lee makes a single-caliber progressive press that does everything except pull the lever - drops cases, bullets, powder.
Reviews look good, sells complete for under $200.
Anyone used one?
Where is the link?

Re: Want to start re-loading. Don't know squat though.

Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 2:40 pm
by Spanky
Why is a lee classic better thAn a lee deluxe? Also, what is the deal with 3 versus 4 hole turrets.

Re: Want to start re-loading. Don't know squat though.

Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 2:45 pm
by Keith B
I would suggest this link http://www.exteriorballistics.com/reloa ... /index.cfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for some good info and explanations of the differences in presses, and reloading basics in general. It is a great primer (no pun intended) for the wanna-be reloader! :thumbs2:

Re: Want to start re-loading. Don't know squat though.

Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 10:09 pm
by lrb111
Rex B wrote:Lee makes a single-caliber progressive press that does everything except pull the lever - drops cases, bullets, powder.
Reviews look good, sells complete for under $200.
Anyone used one?
If you are talking about the Lee Loadmaster, I use one. It's the 4 hole progressive.
The auto bullet feeder is extra, and there area few different sizes of them for varying lengths and calibers.
The one tricky bit about Lee is the auto primer. It has some plastic parts and one should order spare parts, up front.
The machine allows me to crank out a lot of rounds in a short time.
If you are new, like me, get a bullet puller, and a can of patience, too. :lol:

Re: Want to start re-loading. Don't know squat though.

Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 10:28 pm
by HankB
For progressive loaders, there's Dillon . . . and then there's everyone else.

I have a Dillon SDB for loading pistol, and I use it mostly for .45s; I can comfortably load a 50 round box in six minutes. Of course, with refilling the primers, checking the powder charge being dropped from time to time, etc., my overall sustained loading rate is about half that.

The SDB will not load rifle - for that you'd have to step up to the RL550 (no auto indexing) or the 650, which is the one I'd buy today if I didn't already have an SDB that was paid for long ago.

But for rifle, I tend to be a little more precise about things like trimming to length, cleaning primer pockets, etc., so the absense of a progressive rifle loading press on my bench isn't all that much of an inconvenience - I just use the 35+ year old RCBS Rockchucker my Dad and I bought when I was still in elementary school, which still works fine, and will certainly outlast me.

Re: Want to start re-loading. Don't know squat though.

Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 12:56 am
by stroo
Lee is great for starting out because you don't have to put a lot of money into one only to find out you don't like reloading. I have a Lee single stage and a Lee turret. For my limited needs - under 10000-4000 rounds a year - the Lee works fine. Obviously however, Dillon and other presses are better, but much more expensive as well.

Re: Want to start re-loading. Don't know squat though.

Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 3:35 pm
by Clutch
If you haven't already done so, See http://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=30974 it is a good thread that will answer many questions. Also do a search for CWOOD. He has a couple GREAT Posts that have helped me! Best to you!