I'm getting back into reloading

Tmitch · April 13, 2013, 01:47 AM

I'm getting back into reloading after I retired. Should I wait and buy new or try to buy used equipment after the dust settles? I will be reloading only pistol, 44 mag, 45 auto rim. I'll be shooting 100/200 rds each every week or so maybe more maybe less. Any sugestions on on what press I should look for?

ligonierbill · April 13, 2013, 06:28 AM

If you can find a good price on a used press from any of the major makers, go for it. My old RCBS Rockchucker is good as new at 15. Doesn't sound like you are loading enough to justify the cost of a progressive setup, but you might get there. Recently I added a RCBS turret press, which is convenient. Just get a turret for each caliber, set your dies, and you're good to go. I started with RCBS and have stayed with them. Good sturdy stuff, but I can't say it's better than the others.

Misssissippi Dave · April 13, 2013, 06:54 AM

I think it might depend on how much time you plan to spend loading your ammo. The Lee Classic Turret should get the job done in an hour or two each week. You can get different plates for the dies so the switch is fairly straight forward. It can be used in single stage mode and switched to progressing mode. It isn't a true progressive. You still pull the handle once for each station.

Progressive presses can make very short work of your loading. I do believe they would similar to getting a top end race car for 25 mph drive in the city to go to work with. I load about 100 rounds in 20 minutes with a Dillon 550b when it is already set up for a caliber. I'm not all that fast either. I also don't switch calibers unless I have at least 1000 rounds to load. It isn't worth the effort to me.

If you want to spend more time each week loading a good single stage press will get the job done. It is relaxing and there is nothing a single stage can't do in my opinion. They are just slow going.

Shootest · April 13, 2013, 06:59 AM

Try this it is new, in stock and all you need except dies.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/785...dex-deluxe-kit

L2R · April 13, 2013, 07:11 AM

It will run over 200 / hour but I probably average just over 100 / hour because I stop, check and measure often.

Still, for the money and amount I shoot, it seems to be a good price for it's capacity.

Biggest plus might be the ease in popping off one turret and putting on another in just a few seconds if you want to change die sets.

BumbleBug · April 13, 2013, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tmitch

I'm getting back into reloading after I retired.

What happened to your old gear? Except for the multi-station/progressive presses, not a lot has changed. Some of my stuff is 45+ years old & still serves me well.

...bug

April 13, 2013, 01:47 AM	#1
Tmitch Member Join Date: January 22, 2013 Posts: 33	I'm getting back into reloading I'm getting back into reloading after I retired. Should I wait and buy new or try to buy used equipment after the dust settles? I will be reloading only pistol, 44 mag, 45 auto rim. I'll be shooting 100/200 rds each every week or so maybe more maybe less. Any sugestions on on what press I should look for?

April 13, 2013, 06:59 AM	#4
Shootest Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2011 Location: Just outside Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 722	Try this it is new, in stock and all you need except dies. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/785...dex-deluxe-kit __________________ The private ownership of firearms is an American Heritage. Anyone who disputes that is Anti-American and unpatriotic. NRA Life Member

April 13, 2013, 07:11 AM	#5
L2R Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2010 Location: North Carolina Posts: 358	^ +1 on the start up kit It will run over 200 / hour but I probably average just over 100 / hour because I stop, check and measure often. Still, for the money and amount I shoot, it seems to be a good price for it's capacity. Biggest plus might be the ease in popping off one turret and putting on another in just a few seconds if you want to change die sets. __________________ L2R

April 13, 2013, 06:28 AM	#2
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,456	If you can find a good price on a used press from any of the major makers, go for it. My old RCBS Rockchucker is good as new at 15. Doesn't sound like you are loading enough to justify the cost of a progressive setup, but you might get there. Recently I added a RCBS turret press, which is convenient. Just get a turret for each caliber, set your dies, and you're good to go. I started with RCBS and have stayed with them. Good sturdy stuff, but I can't say it's better than the others.

April 13, 2013, 06:54 AM	#3
Misssissippi Dave Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2009 Posts: 1,411	I think it might depend on how much time you plan to spend loading your ammo. The Lee Classic Turret should get the job done in an hour or two each week. You can get different plates for the dies so the switch is fairly straight forward. It can be used in single stage mode and switched to progressing mode. It isn't a true progressive. You still pull the handle once for each station. Progressive presses can make very short work of your loading. I do believe they would similar to getting a top end race car for 25 mph drive in the city to go to work with. I load about 100 rounds in 20 minutes with a Dillon 550b when it is already set up for a caliber. I'm not all that fast either. I also don't switch calibers unless I have at least 1000 rounds to load. It isn't worth the effort to me. If you want to spend more time each week loading a good single stage press will get the job done. It is relaxing and there is nothing a single stage can't do in my opinion. They are just slow going.