Getting into reloading

[John]

Your first press should be a single stage.

Take it from another reloader, he is 100% correct. If anyone tells you different they are wrong.

[John]

For what its worth I have a year reloading under my belt and I'm still on a single stage.

[DevinMelder]

As stated above, starting with the single stage is a good idea. You will gain an understanding of how each step works and why it is important. The other thing you will gain from it is a feel for when something is right and when something is wrong. Without learning the feel on a single stage it will be difficult to tell by feel what is wrong on a progressive. It will make safely transitioning to a progressive much easier. I've seen a lot of new reloaders jump to a progressive and then have lots of problems. The other thing that makes a difference is good lighting. Make sure you have a clear view of every part of your operation. The Lyman reloading manual is a good general manual with a good explanation of the step by step process. It is a good place to start and then buy brand specific manuals later as needed.

[doughboy519]

I strongly recommend Dillon presses. Primarily for their customer service and their warranty. No metter if you buy one used from ebay or brand new they offer a lifetime warranty on their equipment. An example of their customer service: I started reloading about 2 years ago using a Dillon Square Deal B progressive press. At the time the only information I had about reloading was from watching you tube videos. The set up of the press was fairly easy even with an issue with the reloading rod. The pin hole for the connector was drilled slightly off causing the mechanism to bind up. I called them describing the problem, they offered to mail me a new part at no cost, since their main office is right here in Phoenix I asked if I could just go up there. I took my defective part up there they looked at it and said yup, its wrong, handed me a new piece and asked if I needed any other help. No hassle no fuss, just great service. My suggestion, go with a dillon, you wont regret it. Just take your time, watch their videos, watch everything you can online. Ask around if you have questions, and finally use your brain, if it doesnt look right dont force it, easiest way to keep things from going BOOM!

[doughboy519]

Aside from the press, For a reloading desk, since I dont have a garage to work in, I went to Goodwill where I found a good old heavy hard wood desk. It works great for my reloading bench. I had also thought about picking up a regular work bench, but this was able to pick that up for $15

It is helpful to have a nice compact bright light that you can angle over your work area, on my dillon press I aim it over the 3rd stage where the powder is loaded so I can see inside the case to verify the powder has dropped, and the amount of powder looks correct. I found a nice desktop LED light at Ikea for about $10. It throws off very little heat so I am not concerned about it getting to hot being near the gun powder. You will need a good little digital scale for measuring powder, and set of calipers. I found both on Amazon at better prices then what I could find locally. Also you will need a bullet remover - for the mistakes you make. They look like a hollowed out hammer. I think we picked that up at cabela's or Bass Pro. For cleaning my cases I use the Hot water, salt, vinegar & Dish soap method. Here's a video on it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8vJ7MiHAuI It cleans the brass just fine although it doesnt give that shiny look as you get from using a tumbler. I have a couple of old cookie sheets lined with tinfoil that I use for drying after cleaning it. To keep from getting in trouble with the Mrs I picked her up a couple of new ones BEFORE I stole the old ones. If you are planning on reloading rifle brass you may need a case trimmer, I cant speak to that as I only reload straight walled handgun ammo. Hope this helps. Oh the most important thing you will need, it is essential to your success in reloading. LOTS and LOTS of patience.

[omeletman]

Dillon Precision. Excellent manufacture, lifetime warranty. Knowledgeable people can help with anything you need. Hornady for other accessories and bullets if you need anything more than round nose.