luvmyglock

My buddy wants us to split the cost of a reloader, and reload in his garage. I should mention that neither of us have reloaded before. He wants to get a progressive reloader and is exclaiming that we could reload 1000's of rounds in just a few hours, etc. Are these big, expensive reloaders worth it, and are they really necessary for the quantity that we are talking about? (Hell, I was just going to get a Lee Hand Reloader since I live in an apartment and don't need to load 1000s at a time). Can anybody tell me the pros and cons of these systems?

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dukalmighty

I reload and cast my own lead bullets,My master caster bullet maker will crank out about 5-600 bullets an hour and that ain't breaking a sweat doing it,A decent progressive will load around 3-400 bullets an hour pretty easy.The lee pro 1000 loaders seem to require a little more tinkering to get them running decent where my dillon 550 has a better primer feed and powder drop system,the powder amount on the dillon is controlled by turning a nut on the dispenser the lee dispenser requires replacing the powder disk to a bigger or smaller cavity,the dillon is easier and quicker.the lee is cheaper,the dillon I think is a better more problem free machine.But the lee setup for one caliber is around 135.00 and the dillon will run about 4 times that plus each calibre conversion depending on what you need is more expensive.I reload 9mm,45acp,380,40S&W,44 magnum,223,308 on my dillon and i believe I paid around 900.00 for the setup with only one powder hopper I just setup for whatever i'm loading.I personally have over 3000.00 in reloading equipment but I have paid for it at least twice over in difference between factory ammo and my reloads.If you have any questions you can PM me and we can talk by phone so you guys can decide which way is best for you to go.Steve

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Kerbouchard

I use and love the Lee Classic Turret. Less than 200 to get setup and I have paid for it many times over. You can find it at https://shooters.securesites.net/kgs...mart&Itemid=41

All you really need to add is a set of calipers and a scale. The upgraded version is worth the extra 20 bucks or so. It's a good value for getting started, and IMHO, splitting a $200 investment will probably work out better than splitting a $1000+ investment.

Caliber changes are easy and it comes with the 4 hole turret with the factory crimp die which seems to help me get more consistent ammo.

The best investment either one of you could make are several reloading books.

Good luck.

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cmidkiff

I started reloading just over a year ago.

I would highly recommend picking up an inexpensive single stage press of some sort, a good powder measure, a good scale, some case prep tools and a tumbler.

Start basic. If you later decide you need an expensive multistage press system, go for it. They're not the best idea for a beginner. If you purchase good tools, they'll last a lifetime, and you'll use them... even if you do decide later on you want a super-duper automated press.

Take your time, learn the process, and play it safe. An accident with this particular hobby can be very expensive indeed!

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Cupcake

Unless you are going to shoot A LOT, I'd go with less expensive stuff. Let me say that my lee classic turret is not in the same class as a dillon 550, but it got me going for 1/4 the $$. Even if I want to shoot 500 rounds a week, it's still only a couple hours one day after work to load that many. I'll probably only shoot that many a month, so I'm quite happy to have gone lee.

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GunnyBunny

IMHO a progressive is a good investment. You can quite often pick up a used Dillon at a gunshow. I have two Square deals which are great if you only load pistol calibres. And if you don't like it, you can probably re-sell it for what you paid for it

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luvmyglock

Looking at this one now. Dillion Square Deal reloader
What do you think?

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GunnyBunny

Sounds like a nice setup. Be sure to compare prices with what you can get a new one for. I may not be the best guy to ask if that's a good price. I got a package just like that a few years back for the same price including a Smith & Wesson 686 4" in new condition. Granted, I lucked out. This guy's wife had decided he didn't want to go shooting anymore.

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Sergeant Mac

Unless I'm mistaken, with the Square Deal, you're stuck with one caliber......

Danger Mouse

I am fairly new to reloading also, only for about 6 months now. I have the Dillon 550B which is a progressive.

The only problem with progressive loaders is you need to be careful of double loading the powder when you need to stop and remove a round and then start over.

I always run 10 rounds and leave them in the drop bucket, then check the powder measure and crimp and OAL. If this is good, I set them into the box. If not, then I only have to re do 10 rounds instead of 100 or more. As far as the Dillon goes? Never had one to change powder measure on me yet. Set it and forget it.

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