[JER44]

I am interested in starting to reload handgun ammunition. I have done a little research but need some advice on what equipment I will need.

I don't have a lot of spare time, so the idea of a "progressive" press appeals to me. Everyone seems to recommend the Dillon presses. In addition, I don't know what other equipment I would need, i.e. powder scales, case cleaners, trimmers, ect...

I would be interested in some recommendations on the type or brand of press to get, what equipment I will need, and a good manual for instruction. I will probably just be reloading handgun ammunition. .38 spec., .357 mag., .44 spec., and .44 mag. Thanks for your input.

 

[cheyenne ranger]

Trying to get started reloading. What do I

I would echo Dillon as a good choice. Have two Sq Deal B's, one set up for large primers, one for small.
Buy a RELOADING MANUAL!!! They are cheap insurance and will give you a wealth of info. That said, you will need a scale to measure your powder charges--or at least when you set them on the Dillon. Of course you will have powder, primers and bullets--the consumables.
Didn't say if you had brass. Dillon sells it or sometimes you can buy it from the ranges for dirt cheap prices. I have a tumbler, media and a seperator to clean the brass--very important.
While not required a few loading blocks in which to put the clean brass and I spray them at this time with a sizing lube, again Dillon sells this. Another place to look for odds and ends is www.midwayusa.com. While they handle other reloading machines they do have reloading supplies. Compare prices with Dillon.
A primer flip tray is needed to fill the primer tubes on the Dillon, some spare tubes are also nice. Low powder sensor is a nice to have item. Other nice to have's: plastic boxes for the reloaded bullets (I place them in these point down and can check to see all primers are fully seated--if not then back in station #2 at the end to reseat them) , a cartridge gauge to see if the rounds are within specs. A spare parts kit in case you lose something. Dillon will replace but you're not reloading while waiting for the USPS.
'Bout all I do is drop the primers in, add powder, and cycle two or three rounds to let the powder measure fill correctly. From there I'm reloading. When done, pour powder back in orginal container, empty the spent primers and refill primer tubes for next time.
Hope this helps

 

[butlerford45]

Trying to get started reloading. What do I

Howdy JER I'd like to to toss in my two pennies worth, Get a reloading manual, there are a lot of them out there, and I don't mind telling you that in my opinion, the Lyman manual is the best for how-to's, why-not's, did-ya-know's and don't-ever's. Loading data can be found on most powder manufacturers websites, but for the "more information than ya ever dreamed of", ya gotta pay. They're not really expensive, and you'll find yourself going back to them even after 10's of thousand's of rounds and years of experience. They are worth every penny you pay.

If I misinterpreted, and you are an old reloader and you already know this, Sorry! But I'm going to leave it for the new reloader.

Butler Ford

 

[savageT]

Trying to get started reloading. What do I

We've got some very serious reloaders among us......bear with me please. I want to reload rifle cartridges in .30-06;.300Sav; 6.5X55mmSE. I need to get a detailed list of what to buy/order cause I'm itching to get started: What's the cheapest way out?

I believe most of you recommend the RCBS Rockchucker Press?
Is it economical to order the "Master Reloading Kit?
As follows:
1) Rockchucker Press
2) 5-0-5 scale (mechanical)....... I would want an electronic scale later
3) Uniflow precision powder measure
4) Rotary Case Trimmer-2 w/three collets and nine pilots
5) Case Loading Block
6)Case Lube-2 & Case Lube Pad
7) Auto Primer Feed Combo
8) Primer Tray-2
9) Powder Funnel
10) Deburring Tool
11) 2 Case Neck Brushes w/ handle
12) Hex Key Set
13) Speer Reloading Manual #12

** Dies ordered seperately. What brand, carbide? Any other necessities? How do I clean brass?

$269.99 KIT.............. Press alone $99.99
Prices: Cabella's 2001 catalog

savageT

 

[cheyenne ranger]

Trying to get started reloading. What do I

On cleaning brass:
Either a vibrating tumbler or the RCBS Sidewinder (very pricey) will work. Corn or walnut media are the two most popular. When I get home from shooting I drop my cases in the tumbler and turn it on. The vibrating one is on a light timer and runs for about 1-2 hrs depending on how dirty--if it is filthy then it can run longer. The is also a cleaner you can put in with the media to help clean them a bit faster. The RCBS has its own timer built in. With the light timer if you're not careful it will turn on each day--not a bad thing but not needed. I have a Dillon media seperator that I pour the cases and media in and turn it a few times to seperate media from cases and I'm ready to go. www.midwayusa.com is a good source for these items as well as Dillon (though I feel Dillon is a bit more other than their reloading presses which I love.)