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Ammo Reloading

Posted on 2/16/20 at 1:16 pm
Posted by 4Ghost
Member since Sep 2016
8562 posts
Posted on 2/16/20 at 1:16 pm
I am beginning to put together my retirement plan. It may be 6 months, a year or so. I am going to have alot of time on my hands. I was thinking about getting in to reloading 5-6 pistol calibers and 5 rifle calibers. What do I need to plan on shelling out so far as purchasing equipment/Dollars? Semper Fi
Posted by mallardhank
Atlanta
Member since Feb 2006
1310 posts
Posted on 2/16/20 at 3:19 pm to
Go to Midsouth, Natchez shooters supply, Redding reloading and look. You’re only limited by your checkbook
Reloading press
Scale, either balance beam or electronic
Powder thrower
Powder trickler
Dies specific for each caliber
Beam calipers either dial or electronic
Reloading manuals
Case trimmer
And other things I’ve forgotten about
Posted by bbvdd
Memphis, TN
Member since Jun 2009
27038 posts
Posted on 2/16/20 at 3:57 pm to
How much shooting do you think you will be doing?

The reason I ask is, if you think you will be shooting your pistols a lot I would recommend a progressive press like the Dillion RL550c.

You should be able to load around 500-600 an hour with that.

If you will only be shooting a little I'd say a single stage press like the RCBS Rock Chucker.

Dies will typically be around $50.
Some will be cheaper and some will be much more expensive.

You will need a tumbler to clean your brass.
Lub for the brass (for resizing rifle brass)
primers, bullets, powder.

there is a thread from a couple of weeks ago talking about manuals:

Reloading Manual

Posted by ODP
Conroe
Member since Oct 2015
1978 posts
Posted on 2/16/20 at 4:13 pm to
If shooting a lot of pistol go straight to a Dillon xl750 with case feeder. I’ve been using Dillon and Redding does for the past 25 yrs on my xl650. I shoot about 95% 9mm these days, and the only rifle caliber I shoot is 556. If you shoot more boutique rifle you want a good turret press along side your Dillon. Plan on about 2k+ as your initial investment,buy quality stuff first and you won’t be sorry.
This post was edited on 2/16/20 at 4:16 pm
Posted by armsdealer
Member since Feb 2016
11996 posts
Posted on 2/17/20 at 4:57 am to
For pistol reloading don't get anything less than a Dillon 750xl. If you shoot a lot get a Dillon 1100.

I wouldn't buy a hobby level reloading machine that wasn't blue.
Posted by Boat Motor Bandit
Member since Jun 2016
1891 posts
Posted on 2/17/20 at 7:27 am to
Start watching FB marketplace and classifieds now. You'll be surprised how much great stuff you can pick up dirt cheap from folks getting out the game.
Posted by Buck_Rogers
Member since Jul 2013
1988 posts
Posted on 2/17/20 at 3:52 pm to
quote:

For pistol reloading don't get anything less than a Dillon 750xl.

Lee Load Masters work great if you're on a budget.
Posted by jdavid1
Member since Jan 2014
2528 posts
Posted on 2/17/20 at 4:05 pm to
quote:

For pistol reloading don't get anything less than a Dillon 750xl. If you shoot a lot get a Dillon 1100.

I wouldn't buy a hobby level reloading machine that wasn't blue.


I went with Hornady when I started out because of my budget. I wish I would have saved a little more and initially went with Dillon. After tweaking the hornady press and getting the bugs figured out it's actually a pretty good system for the price. I could probably sell my setup and upgrade, but right now it does everything I need it to which is around 2K 9mm rounds a month.
Posted by TigerOnThe Hill
Springhill, LA
Member since Sep 2008
7186 posts
Posted on 2/17/20 at 7:47 pm to
4Ghost,
Welcome to the world of hand loading. I've been doing it >35 years using the same press I started with, a Lee Classic 3 Hole Turret. Handloading's an integral part of my hunting experience. I don't remember the last time I killed a deer using a factory load. I suggest you consider the turret press instead of a single stage press. The turret is twice as fast as the single stage, but not as fast as a progressive. The turret is easily converted to a single stage. One way to increase your volume when using a single stage or turret is to use a powder charger instead of weighing each round. If you anticipate loading high volume for handguns or plinking 223/5.56, you can find an acceptable powder charger that's not very expensive.

As far as cost vs benefit ratio, I had the same discussion this weekend w/ my son who's thinking about starting hand loading. What I recommended to him (and everyone else) is don't expect to save lots of money; expect to shoot more for the same amount (or slightly less) of money. One benefit of hand loading is being able to load for rounds that are hard to find or not loaded by the factory.

As far as what type of press to start w/ (single stage, turret, or progressive), I think a lot of rounds can be loaded w/o going straight to a progressive. My turret press can turn out a couple hundred pistol rounds/hour. For some years, I've been using my turret press as a single stage press as I've been loading for precisions loads, but the capability for high volume is still there. I've been thinking about loading some 9mm pistol rounds. The main thing about hand loading is to do it SAFELY by learning good loading habits. It's easier to learn these habits on a single stage or turret presses, especially when one's just getting started.

I share a lot more thoughts and recommendations on equipment at this old thread. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have. Keep us updated.
Posted by Bagger Joe
Baton Rouge
Member since Mar 2014
853 posts
Posted on 2/18/20 at 9:11 am to
I would also recommend starting with a Dillon. Their lifetime warranty cannot be beat. I have called them with questions before and they wound up sending me new parts. Great company to deal with. Check YouTube for some videos on Dillons machies and reloading in general.
Posted by 4Ghost
Member since Sep 2016
8562 posts
Posted on 2/18/20 at 1:03 pm to
Thanks for all the info pardner and the rest also. I may just start simple as you said, load 327 Federal Mag and go from there. I love the round for my wife and daughter shooting at the range, or should say, they love it. Semper Fi!
Posted by TigerOnThe Hill
Springhill, LA
Member since Sep 2008
7186 posts
Posted on 2/18/20 at 1:35 pm to
quote:

327 Federal Mag and go from there. I love the round for my wife and daughter shooting at the range, or should say, they love it.

I've always thought the 327 Fed Mag should've been a fine self defense round, especially for women. I considered it for one of my daughters, but opted for the 38 Spec as it had a lot more good self defense rounds available; at the time I didn't have time to start loading the 327. Keep us updated w/ your progress.
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