We ordered our reloader

[TD2K]

We've been saving $ for a reloader, as much as we shoot it's silly not to have one. Grandparents gave us our Christmas money over the weekend (they don't shop anymore, tell us to do our own shopping and tell them what they bought us), so that finished it out. We're staring with 9mm for me and .38 special for hubby since he's been into revolver competitions lately. Will eventually move into .40, .45, and .45LC, .223 and others as needed.

1 K12xxx Dillon RL 550B in Caliber as Specified, Caliber: 9mm
1 22051 Strong Mount - 550/650
1 13795 Machine Cover: RL 550B / SqDeal
1 17950 Roller Handle - Aluminum - 550/650
1 10xxx Dillon 3-Die Set, Caliber as Specified
1 DIGCA BrianEnos.com Digital Caliper
1 21528 Depriming Pins
10-Pack: Dillon Pistol Dies
1 11541 550 Toolholder w/o Casefeeder - w/Wrenches
1 20048 550B Spare Parts Kit
1 11185 550B Empty Case Bin and Bracket
1 200xx 4-Pack Primer Pickup Tubes,
1 13480 Eliminator Balance-beam Scale
1 13606 Primer Flip Tray
1 17999 Bullet Puller (New Style, Berrys)
1 HPSCA BrianEnos.com Digital HP Scale/RCBS Powder
1 13733 Dillon Case Lube
1 22214 Bullet Tray - 550/650/SqDeal
1 21045 CM-500 Media Separator
1 13804 Rapid Polish
1 14400 Dillon 38/357 Carbide 3-Die Set
1 20132 RL 550B Caliber Conv: 38 Spec/357 Mag
1 22058 550B Deluxe Quick Change Kit

We already have manuals and a friend is making us a vibratory cleaner like he uses. I'm sure there are things we forgot, but we'll get there.

[muggsy]

Looks like you are very well equipped. I find reloading to be a pleasant winter months distraction. Reloading requires your full attention, so be careful. Don't allow anything to distract you from this distraction when at the bench. I doubt that reloading has saved me much money, but it sure has allowed me to shoot a lot more. Enjoy.

[wayneo1]

Congratulations I bought the same EXACT thing from dillion only about 17 years ago. I was shooting 38 and a 9 mm. You bought a great press and you will have great support. Don't be afraid to call them with questions there happy to help.

[TD2K]

good to know. everybody I know that reloads has good things to say about this press.

[otium]

I found many reloading frames cast a hard shadow on to the plate area below the top of the reloading frame making it difficult to see in to the brass around the powder loading area.

My workaround, since I could not move the overhead light, was to get a Dritz Flexible battery powered LED light. This unit has a fairly long and flexible arm and is inexpensive - think I paid around $9 for it. It's been a few years ago, so YMMV.

This light is primarily targeted for sewing machines and was just the ticket for me to be able to see in to the brass to ensure powder dropped properly and see the rest of the plate a lot better.

Unlike an incandescent bulb, being LED, there is no heat generated by the head which is a good thing around powder.

If you find it may be helpful for your reloading, it should be available online or in sewing departments.

Have fun.

[TD2K]

awesome. thanks for the tip!!!!!

[TucsonMTB]

Good for you, TD2K! Here's wishing you many thousands of satisfying and safe rounds.

For anyone who is wondering what the excitement is all about, here is a nice overview video by my favorite "old guy", Hickock45.



Anyone on the fence about reloading will probably be able to make up their mind by the end of his discussion.

[MW surveyor]

Looks like you're just about set.

Now all you have to do is...............decide on what powder and bullets. HA HA HA!

[muggsy]

Good for you, TD2K! Here's wishing you many thousands of satisfying and safe rounds.

For anyone who is wondering what the excitement is all about, here is a nice overview video by my favorite "old guy", Hickock45.



Anyone on the fence about reloading will probably be able to make up their mind by the end of his discussion.

Gee, someone who likes the 147 gr. 9MM projectile besides me. Amazing.

[Fredr500]

I'm new to shooting, have a CM9 and a few other guns I've picked up in the last 5 months. Haven't looked at reloading yet.

Would you mind me asking the rough cost of your setup? Not sure I can sell the wife on it, but need to know what budget I'd be talking.

If you don't want to say I understand.
Thanks

[Bawanna]

That's a really tough question to ask Fred on account of all the options. You can go first cabin on a progressive with all the very best stuff and spend a grand pretty easy.

Or you can do a single stage, good quality press and get the other stuff, the scale, powder measure, dies etc as you go.

Most sell kits that have everything you need to start and then add to or upgrade as you go along.

I've had my stuff so long I'm out of touch with a price.

For a press and some of the other stuff you can do well on used stuff too. It last forever. Many buy the stuff and realize they don't have as much time or desire as they thought and end up selling at a loss of course.

[Bawanna]

I'm new to shooting, have a CM9 and a few other guns I've picked up in the last 5 months. Haven't looked at reloading yet.

Would you mind me asking the rough cost of your setup? Not sure I can sell the wife on it, but need to know what budget I'd be talking.

If you don't want to say I understand.
Thanks

I just had a Midway flyer hit my desk and they have an RCBS Rock Chucker Master reloading kit. (this was my first press and I still use it today) Its on sale for 287.99.

It has the press, a powder measure, a balance scale, hand priming tool (nice tought), a loading block, a case lube pad and lube, funnel and a Speer reloading manual.

Everything you'd need except dies, powder and bullets.

[TucsonMTB]

And for a few dollars more at $420, Cabella's has a similar RCBS Progressive press kit with free shipping.

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/produ...AL%3BIK-214924

Watch the Hickock45 video for one experienced hand loader's strong opinion that starting with a progressive press will save you money in the long run.

[Bawanna]

I do love my Progressive but I don't regret having the single stage and still use it for special stuff and most all rifle reloads but I don't reload much rifle. I do think its coming soon though.

In learning reloading it's nice to take each step at a time and learn exactly whats happening, how to adjust the die, what to look for and stuff.

After 40 + years on a single stage I was still a bit overwelmed going progressive. Not insurmountable and most are more mechanically adept than I am but still a challenge.

Not to say that a progressive isn't the way to start. They crank out a lot of rounds in short order with a round popping out with every pull of the handle. That's a nice thing.

[TucsonMTB]

It appears that the model at the link I posted can be operated either as a progressive or a single stage press . . . However, you are the guy with the experience. I just stumbled across an item on the Internet.