Thank you to all that share their knowledge.

JGalt · June 29, 2013, 06:47 PM

I wanted to thank all of those here that share their knowledge and expertise with those like me, new to this hobby. Brian, Unclenick, BigJim and many others not only respond accurately, but do so in a way to encourage learning. I have been skulking among the forums for about six months now, and decided I had something worth sharing. It might be a tad long introduction.

A little background - in December, my best friend told me he was going to build his own AR-15. Knowing him well, and also knowing he wouldn't make that claim without some research. We talked about for the ensuing weeks, and thanks to him he pointed me in direction of videos out there by pros building their own rifles (thank you ITS Tactical and others!). With more reading and research I ordered a lower receiver and other parts from different suppliers. Was kind of a fun treasure hunt right in the thick of abnormally high demand. I was successful in building my rifle piece be piece, and verified at the range soon after. I probably would not have purchased a rifle straight off the shelf, but thru building one, the knowledge of what is going on each time you pull the trigger is priceless.

So, then the ammo crunch and bare shelves at Wal-Mart, shooting my rifle becomes difficult for a bit, and empowered by my recent creation, immediately began to research reloading. ABCs, Modern, Lyman's 49th and endless Internet info. I was leaning single stage or turret, but really liked the Dillon 550. I know a lot of people here think single stage was the way to start, but my best friend had a good nugget of wisdom again. He said I could load one round at a time on a Dillon too, then could 'grow' into the full progressive function when ready. And I give a methodical engineering approach to most things, and decided I would go slow enough to always be safe. Also my shop is free from distractions - a bonus room off the garage. Saw that there was an 8 week wait on the Dillon in April, and pulled the trigger. HA!

While waiting, I picked up a tumbler, puller, scale, calipers, trimmer, prep tool and commenced to prepping the brass I had been collecting from range visits. I was going to load .45 ACP and .223 specifically which covers all weapons. My wife also likes to shoot, so reloading was a no-brainer. Received the press two weeks ago and set up all my dies, and loaded two different loads in both calibers to test. Went to the range yesterday and I can now say I successfully loaded both types of ammo.

))). The .45 with a 4.7 of Red Dot was smooth as silk through the Glock and Kahr. With my test .223, my first two shots at 25 yds in my rifle, checked with scope, and I split the upper arms of the X and the lower with the 2 shots (24.3 gns of TAC). So once again, thank you to all that share experience here for us laymen - it is much appreciated.

Gster · June 29, 2013, 07:00 PM

Congratulations JGault! Welcome to reloading. Hopefully this shortage of components will go away soon. I have been able to pick up more of what I need as of late, it is easing a bit. Enjoy your new hobby, it is addicting but extremely gratifying when you are shooting ammo that you made yourself.

BigJimP · June 29, 2013, 07:30 PM

I'm flattered to be in the group you mentioned...and thanks....a lot of guys on here try really hard to help !

and welcome to the forum officially ....

m&p45acp10+1 · June 30, 2013, 03:39 PM

Well looks like you are the type of person that I would suggest to start reloading when people ask me if I think it would be a good idea for them to. You researched abundantly, took time to consider your wants, and needs. As well as lucky you to be able to afford a Dillon press. Happy reloading.

Jim243 · July 2, 2013, 03:04 PM

Good luck and welcome to the hobby.

Jim

Misssissippi Dave · July 2, 2013, 06:34 PM

I work up my pistol loads on a 550b. I think the only things I have really done to my press since I got it besides cleaning and lubrication is to replace the cotter pin used for the used primer door with a piece of round steel crimped on both ends to keep it from coming out. A large safety pin works well for the metal. I also replace a few E-clips on the pin of the sizing die. Mine seem to break around 20 k or so.

It is good to hear you did your research first and things went well. You also have a great press.

June 29, 2013, 06:47 PM	#1
JGalt Junior Member Join Date: June 22, 2013 Location: Atlanta Posts: 4	Thank you to all that share their knowledge. I wanted to thank all of those here that share their knowledge and expertise with those like me, new to this hobby. Brian, Unclenick, BigJim and many others not only respond accurately, but do so in a way to encourage learning. I have been skulking among the forums for about six months now, and decided I had something worth sharing. It might be a tad long introduction. A little background - in December, my best friend told me he was going to build his own AR-15. Knowing him well, and also knowing he wouldn't make that claim without some research. We talked about for the ensuing weeks, and thanks to him he pointed me in direction of videos out there by pros building their own rifles (thank you ITS Tactical and others!). With more reading and research I ordered a lower receiver and other parts from different suppliers. Was kind of a fun treasure hunt right in the thick of abnormally high demand. I was successful in building my rifle piece be piece, and verified at the range soon after. I probably would not have purchased a rifle straight off the shelf, but thru building one, the knowledge of what is going on each time you pull the trigger is priceless. So, then the ammo crunch and bare shelves at Wal-Mart, shooting my rifle becomes difficult for a bit, and empowered by my recent creation, immediately began to research reloading. ABCs, Modern, Lyman's 49th and endless Internet info. I was leaning single stage or turret, but really liked the Dillon 550. I know a lot of people here think single stage was the way to start, but my best friend had a good nugget of wisdom again. He said I could load one round at a time on a Dillon too, then could 'grow' into the full progressive function when ready. And I give a methodical engineering approach to most things, and decided I would go slow enough to always be safe. Also my shop is free from distractions - a bonus room off the garage. Saw that there was an 8 week wait on the Dillon in April, and pulled the trigger. HA! While waiting, I picked up a tumbler, puller, scale, calipers, trimmer, prep tool and commenced to prepping the brass I had been collecting from range visits. I was going to load .45 ACP and .223 specifically which covers all weapons. My wife also likes to shoot, so reloading was a no-brainer. Received the press two weeks ago and set up all my dies, and loaded two different loads in both calibers to test. Went to the range yesterday and I can now say I successfully loaded both types of ammo. ))). The .45 with a 4.7 of Red Dot was smooth as silk through the Glock and Kahr. With my test .223, my first two shots at 25 yds in my rifle, checked with scope, and I split the upper arms of the X and the lower with the 2 shots (24.3 gns of TAC). So once again, thank you to all that share experience here for us laymen - it is much appreciated.

June 29, 2013, 07:00 PM	#2
Gster Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2012 Location: N.central Pa. Posts: 302	Congratulations JGault! Welcome to reloading. Hopefully this shortage of components will go away soon. I have been able to pick up more of what I need as of late, it is easing a bit. Enjoy your new hobby, it is addicting but extremely gratifying when you are shooting ammo that you made yourself. __________________ Gun control means: Being able to hit what you are shooting at.

June 30, 2013, 03:39 PM	#4
m&p45acp10+1 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,947	Well looks like you are the type of person that I would suggest to start reloading when people ask me if I think it would be a good idea for them to. You researched abundantly, took time to consider your wants, and needs. As well as lucky you to be able to afford a Dillon press. Happy reloading. __________________ No matter how many times you do it and nothing happens it only takes something going wrong one time to kill you.

June 29, 2013, 07:30 PM	#3
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	I'm flattered to be in the group you mentioned...and thanks....a lot of guys on here try really hard to help ! and welcome to the forum officially ....

July 2, 2013, 03:04 PM	#5
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	Good luck and welcome to the hobby. Jim

July 2, 2013, 06:34 PM	#6
Misssissippi Dave Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2009 Posts: 1,411	I work up my pistol loads on a 550b. I think the only things I have really done to my press since I got it besides cleaning and lubrication is to replace the cotter pin used for the used primer door with a piece of round steel crimped on both ends to keep it from coming out. A large safety pin works well for the metal. I also replace a few E-clips on the pin of the sizing die. Mine seem to break around 20 k or so. It is good to hear you did your research first and things went well. You also have a great press.