Reloading Equipment/Procedure Basics For Beginners - Read This First!

[2dogs]

I am sure that I am not alone here - I am considering reloading as an option. The last post here was 2019.

Any suggestions (equipment) for someone considering this as an option?

[Walleye Hunter]

I am sure that I am not alone here - I am considering reloading as an option. The last post here was 2019.

Any suggestions (equipment) for someone considering this as an option?

What calibers are you looking to load? Do you have any particular goals or needs? I have a Dillon 550 for handgun rounds and an RCBS single stage for rifle. I expect that small rifle can be run on the Dillon but I don't reload any of those right now.

[Walleye Hunter]

I am sure that I am not alone here - I am considering reloading as an option. The last post here was 2019.

Any suggestions (equipment) for someone considering this as an option?

What calibers are you looking to load? Do you have any particular goals or needs? I have a Dillon 550 for handgun rounds and an RCBS single stage for rifle. I expect that small rifle can be run on the Dillon but I don't reload any of those right now.

[Lycanthrope]

I'd add that the best single stage press under 1k is the Forster Coax. Fast, accurate and no need for shell plates.

[2dogs]

What calibers are you looking to load? Do you have any particular goals or needs? I have a Dillon 550 for handgun rounds and an RCBS single stage for rifle. I expect that small rifle can be run on the Dillon but I don't reload any of those right now.

9mm, 5.56, .243, .270 would be the extent - at least at this point. I am sure that 9mm would be the primary, followed by 5.56. The .243 & .270 would be a rarity - if at all.

[Delkal]

9mm, 5.56, .243, .270 would be the extent - at least at this point. I am sure that 9mm would be the primary, followed by 5.56. The .243 & .270 would be a rarity - if at all.

For 9mm and 5.56 you would want a progressive like a Dillon 550. Problem is since they are so common reloading the 9mm and 5.56 rounds barely saves you anything vs buying new. If you loaded anything like .357, .44 mag, or 45 Colt then a progressive is worth it but do the math to see your investment makes sense for 9mm.

For rifle rounds you want a single stage press. You can get by with a progressive but when developing loads it takes longer to change the settings on a progressive and a single stage gives you more control and more accurate ammo. As far as I am concerned if you shoot rifle reloading is required. There are many once common hunting rounds that are impossible to find and spending $2-3 a shot takes a lot of the fun out of shooting.

[DukeConnor]

I am sure that I am not alone here - I am considering reloading as an option. The last post here was 2019.

Any suggestions (equipment) for someone considering this as an option?

The answer is always a RCBS rockchucker. Here is a kit to get started.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/37344618770...2b8aff01b8f998

[JDA58]

The answer is always a RCBS rockchucker. Here is a kit to get started.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/37344618770...2b8aff01b8f998

That kit would give you all the basic things needed other than the dies.. That price is $100 or more high from what I've seen..
Now!! I will say with the rise in price on things like primers and powders.. It might not the best time to jump in.. But better now than never.. Rolling your own is something that could come in VERY handy.

[Walleye Hunter]

I agree with Delkal except that I'd be careful above 5.56 on that Dillon. It's not extremely heavy and if you get one of your rifle cases stuck in it, it bites and you can mar the wrist pins. Ask me how I know. I feel like it's best to get into it now and accumulate supplies rather than wait until it's a 'need' and you can't get anything. Besides, there is something of a learning curve to it all and it might take a little bit until you get the hang of it. For the 9s, right now, consider it a hobby and not a money saver, we all have hobbies that we spend money on they don't return the investment. And if you want to load your own defensive rounds, those bullet heads don't cost enough extra to justify the price of the finished product at the gun shop. I can't understand why a box of 20 of them costs $$$$$$$$$.

[2dogs]

Thanks to all who have chimed in on this thread. I truly appreciate it as I am in the dark on this subject. I realize that this is probably not the optimal time to get started, but I don't know when things will calm down a bit. I realize that it might take a lot of reloading to justify the cost, but there is definitely an intangible value in the comfort of being able to reload. I doubt that things are going to get cheaper, and I also think that those in power want to make it increasingly difficult to buy ammo, especially at the prices we have become accustomed to over the years.