In need of help choosing a reloading setup

[jazzplayer9]

I need to reload for 380 auto, 45 acp, 30-06, and possibly 9mm. i don't need super high out put, but i do need 100% reliability, preferably for less than $600. suggestions?

[Kansas Slim]

It's a little underrated, but the Lee Classic Turret Press is a great way to build a fair amount of super-accurate ammo. It won't be as fast as a progressive press like a Dillon 650, but it will be just as well done and faster than a single stage like the RCBS Rock Chucker. Hope that helps.

[kaizenboi]

I have both the Dillon 650B and the Square Deal B.

Here's a link to the Square Deal B: Dillon Square Deal 'B': Dillon Reloading Machines

[fredj338]

Originally Posted by Kansas Slim

It's a little underrated, but the Lee Classic Turret Press is a great way to build a fair amount of super-accurate ammo. It won't be as fast as a progressive press like a Dillon 650, but it will be just as well done and faster than a single stage like the RCBS Rock Chucker. Hope that helps.

I agree, very few shooters actually need the volumn of an expensive progressive. The LCT is actually a decent piece of gear. If I could fit it w/ a better powder measure & priming system, I could be talked into buying one. I would probably still opt for a Dillon 550B for your needs though. The manual indexing lets you more easily control brass prep & such, basically an upside down turret press. You can go as slow as you like or as fast as you need.
A 550B w/ (4) tool heads & conversions, scale & calipers (about all you need), will run clsoer to $700, but consider it will hold it's value better than any other press & last longer than you will. Break it, Dillon fixes it for free. best money I ever spent on reloading gear. Now I also have a 650 but still load quite a bit on my ss press. For best economy, buy the press setup for one caliber form BrianEnos. Then look for dies & conversions on e-bay. You can save maybe $100 that way.

[theg33k]

I've enjoyed the heck out of my Lee classic loader. People think I'm crazy, but I get a lot of nostalgic enjoyment doing it the "old school" way. It's going to be slower than using a turret press but it's a cool toy for < $25 for a complete kit and is a fun way to get started reloading.

[1st Cav]

Dillon 550 is very hard to beat lifetime warranty you can't beat their tech's excellent pistol dies check out their sight and prices If you ever want to sell it will be gone quick Have used mine for 14 yrs plus

[fredj338]

Originally Posted by 1st Cav

Dillon 550 is very hard to beat lifetime warranty you can't beat their tech's excellent pistol dies check out their sight and prices If you ever want to sell it will be gone quick Have used mine for 14 yrs plus

Yes sir & you will get almost all of your money back. Not many things you can use for 14yrs & sell & get your money back.

[1st Cav]

Dillon, I have powder thrower for each caliber of pistol I shot 9, 40, 45, 44, and one rifle 223 reason just change out in minutes check charge, seldom have to make any adjustments unless changing to a different powder. Clean it, lube ram, any problems call Dillon and they will send shipping numbers and fix free I've never had a major problem only minor things and Dillon will replace free

[JustRick]

Remember that you need more than just a press and some dies. Powder measure if the press does not have one, scale, micrometer, case trimmer of some kind, etc. These can all add up quickly, so if your budget is $600 remember to price these first and then you have what you can spend on a press.

[fredj338]

Originally Posted by JustRick

Remember that you need more than just a press and some dies. Powder measure if the press does not have one, scale, micrometer, case trimmer of some kind, etc. These can all add up quickly, so if your budget is $600 remember to price these first and then you have what you can spend on a press.

Yes, but all progresives come w/ a powder measure. You still need a good scale (not the Lee) to set the measure. If you only load handgun, no case trimmer is needed. For rifle, you'll get 2-3 reloads before trimming. Calipers, good dial ones are cheap enough. You can add a tumbler later, but brass is easily cleaned w/ water & simple green in a bucket, let dry & load. Dies & shell holders/plates of course. Some shell holders/plates will work w/ multiple calibers, so best to check before ordering. You can get everything for several caliberss in a LCT for less than $600.