Reloaders?

[bigndn]

OK, with the cost of ammo going thru the roof, I'm considering getting a reloader, mostly for rifle ammo, probably some pistol.

I have rifles in .22-250, .223, .30-.30, .30-06, 7mm mag, .300 RUM and pistols in 9 mm, .38, .40, and .45 ACP. Mostly I'd be reloading the .223s.

Any recommendations?

I've heard Dillon's are really good.

[PHBeerman]

RCBS

They are the market leader. You can buy their dies anywhere. However, I don't know how much you will save reloading. Components prices are through the roof.

[Fly Rod]

If you shop right and are efficient in building new loads you can save $. I sure haven't! I enjoy it too much. The initial investment is higher but the equipment will last 20+ years.

The Dillon 550B is a great machine if you are going to be loading any kind of volume. I am considering it to replace my bomb proof RCBS Rockchucker. What will likely happen is I will keep the Rockchucker for load developement and use a 550B for loading volume. If you are going to load a couple hundred rounds per year go with the Rockchucker.

If you shoot alot for practice and enjoyment look into casting and shooting cast bullets. Lead is up in price but is still way cheaper than jacketed bullets. It's also fun.

I have a friend with a NIB press. He may want to sell it because he wants me to load for him. I'll let you know if he does.

[e9999]

do keep in mind that progressive presses are really best suited for straight case handgun ammo, where carbide no lube dies are available. Sure you can use it for large rifle cartridges but it's a pain (lube issues etc) and taxes the press (the rotating platter) if you do full length resizing. 223 is sort of OK but doesn't save that much time compared to good single stage presses. Basically, even with a good progressive set up, I do use the single for all my rifle ammo. Makes better ammo too.

[brian]

do magazines count?

[2damslow]

I load .308 on my dillon with a carbide button die and I can produce 200 per hour.

The dillon is a bargain at three times the price. I've loaded thousands of rounds on it.

[bigndn]

Originally Posted by Fly Rod

If you shop right and are efficient in building new loads you can save $. I sure haven't! I enjoy it too much. The initial investment is higher but the equipment will last 20+ years.

The Dillon 550B is a great machine if you are going to be loading any kind of volume. I am considering it to replace my bomb proof RCBS Rockchucker. What will likely happen is I will keep the Rockchucker for load developement and use a 550B for loading volume. If you are going to load a couple hundred rounds per year go with the Rockchucker.

If you shoot alot for practice and enjoyment look into casting and shooting cast bullets. Lead is up in price but is still way cheaper than jacketed bullets. It's also fun.

I have a friend with a NIB press. He may want to sell it because he wants me to load for him. I'll let you know if he does.

KEWL!!!! Thanks! I'd definately be interested in talking about it.

Originally Posted by e9999

do keep in mind that progressive presses are really best suited for straight case handgun ammo, where carbide no lube dies are available. Sure you can use it for large rifle cartridges but it's a pain (lube issues etc) and taxes the press (the rotating platter) if you do full length resizing. 223 is sort of OK but doesn't save that much time compared to good single stage presses. Basically, even with a good progressive set up, I do use the single for all my rifle ammo. Makes better ammo too.

If they're best suited for straight case, why do people use them for rifle cases?
Define 'better ammo' as you state.

Originally Posted by brian

do magazines count?

[phrogg4evr]

Originally Posted by PHBeerman

RCBS

They are the market leader. You can buy their dies anywhere. However, I don't know how much you will save reloading. Components prices are through the roof.

x2

Go with a Rock Chucker if you want a single stage press, go Pro 2000 for a good progressive press. Prolly a progressive press if you plan to load a bunch of pistol - bulk ammo, single stage for rifle ammo or you plan to reload on a part time basis. reloading is not for the faint of heart! Be prepared to trade cruiser wrenching time for reloading time

[cruiserdan]

I have a ~30-year-old Rock Chucker that I bought new. It has been a wonderful piece of equipment and I imagine it will be part of my estate and I bet it will still be doing fine.

[e9999]

Originally Posted by 2damslow

I load .308 on my dillon with a carbide button die and I can produce 200 per hour.

snip

does this do full length resizing?

[AJP]

I have RCBS (a "Big Max") with a universal shellholder ... I like it and would buy it again or a Rockchucker . Universal shell holders are ok .. but can slip off the rim if your expander pull is too heavy.. standard shellholders generally work better.

I also like the Forster Co-Ax press, the Redding Ultramag or The CH Champion if you can find a good price on a used one...these are all single stage and all excellent tools ...don't know anything about the progressives but most folks like Dillon.

I think I have managed to collect samples of most manufacturers dies (RCBS, Forster, Lyman, Lee, Redding etc etc ) I think they are all pretty good .. the Redding have a beautiful finish though
also don't turn your nose up at the Lee Collet dies .. they are very good. Nothing wrong with the Lee dies with the little dipper either.

[lobo loco]

If cost is a concern, go with a RCBS. If volume or time is of concern to you get a Dillon 550B. I have both and they sit side by side on the bench. I use the Dillon for the calibers that I use a lot and the RCBS for smaller batches that I load less frequently. Dillon adapters are a bit pricey, while RCBS doesn't need all that stuff...just dies and a shell holder. Redding also makes some great stuff, especially their powder measures.

One more point I should add is don't reload to save money...you won't save much especially if you value your time...DO IT FOR ACCURACY and FLEXIBILITY and OPTIONS to create loads that you can't buy otherwise. Pistol ammo at Wally World is just about the same what the components cost new. Powder is up to around $20 / lb, primers are $2-3 /100 , bullets $15-20+ /100 Brass - depends on the cal. but at least $10/100...Do the math, then make yor decision. If you shoot a lot it's the way to go, but for the reasons I mentioned.

[Alz Toy]

Originally Posted by lobo loco

If cost is a concern, go with a RCBS. If volume or time is of concern to you get a Dillon 550B. I have both and they sit side by side on the bench. I use the Dillon for the calibers that I use a lot and the RCBS for smaller batches that I load less frequently. Dillon adapters are a bit pricey, while RCBS doesn't need all that stuff...just dies and a shell holder. Redding also makes some great stuff, especially their powder measures.

One more point I should add is don't reload to save money...you won't save much especially if you value your time...DO IT FOR ACCURACY and FLEXIBILITY and OPTIONS to create loads that you can't buy otherwise. Pistol ammo at Wally World is just about the same what the components cost new. Powder is up to around $20 / lb, primers are $2-3 /100 , bullets $15-20+ /100 Brass - depends on the cal. but at least $10/100...Do the math, then make yor decision. If you shoot a lot it's the way to go, but for the reasons I mentioned.

X2. I have a Lyman Orange Crusher set up that goin on 20+ years old, single stage, as I mainly load for rifles. Dies? I like Redding first, as I like wildcat calibers, then Hornaday. Its not the press and dies that cost 'ya, its the incidental items that go with it. Kind'a like black powder/archery. Once you buy the gun/bow, its the little things over time that drive up the cost. BUT!, it also depends on how technical you want to get with it. Mainly, have fun, and keep an open mind. Al

[rgsiii]

RCBS Rock Chuckers are very reliable and depending on your useage/technique may be a good choice. I have one, about the same age as Dan's, and it is bullet proof. If you are starting off, they may be a good way to go. I have loaded many pistol and very large rifle cartridges with them.

I think a single stage press would be a good way to start and may be adequate for your needs. If you find that reloading is fun and are you going to load large volumes of cartridges, the Dillons would be a good way to proceed.