XD Talk

**phildavis516** · 07-07-2007, 06:18 AM

I am interesting in getting started reloading. Paying nearly $18 /100 for WWB target ammo is killing me. What reloading equipment are you using and what would you like to have. I shoot mainly 9 mm and have a .357 on order.

Riflemanz · 07-07-2007, 06:29 AM

How are you set for $$$$? Are you on a budget? How much can you spend?

AZXD · 07-07-2007, 07:42 AM

Riflemanz got a good point. What's the budget? I've got a list together but haven't made the plunge yet. Do you have any rifles you might load, or plans for a rifle in the future? There are reloaders that will only do pistol stuff, but I'd look toward future versatility and get something that will do both. Also, while determining budget, how much is your time worth? If your short on time, you'll probably want to go with a progressive press.

There's a bunch of stuff hiding in The Ammo Can try a search there for a few ideas also. If you haven't seen it, read Getting Started Reloading.

Best of luck with the decision process, I've been making a list for a few months as I learn and revise. IMO, don't just jump at the first thing that sounds good, keep asking questions.

RobFMJ · 07-07-2007, 08:55 AM

I'd recommend the RCBS RC Supreme kit. It comes with pretty much everything you need to start loading except for the caliber-specific dies and reloading components (primers, powder, brass, bullets). The press is built like a tank and very smooth (which cant exactly be said for the Lee and Hornady presses I tried):
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...847&id=0018937

Also, pick up a copy of the Lyman's 48th Edition Reloading Handbook. The intro to reloading is worth the price of the book alone.

MrBug · 07-07-2007, 09:21 AM

Budget is a very important question. It seems that Dillon is really favored by those who don't mind plunking down the dough for a really good press that cranks out the ammo fast. I haven't had the dough for that kind of investment yet. I use a Lee auto indexing turret press and my old RCBS RS press. I use the RCBS single stage press for all my rifle reloading and pistol resizing chores. With the pistol brass resized and primers already put in with my Lee EZ prime I can crank some serious production through my turret press, about 300 per hour if I am humping it.

It really does come down to how much money you are willing to part with as to what would be the best reloading setup for you. After that, how many do you want to crank out per hourand how many calibers do you want to reload?

dannyg0811 · 07-07-2007, 10:49 AM

As Riflemanz, AZXD & MrBug said, your budget, present and future needs, how many rounds you shoot and how much time you want to spend reloading should be considered. You will get loads of opinions, so I would suggest doing a lot of research. For the New Reloader: Thinking about Reloading; Equipment Basics at The High Road Forum. He talks about the benefits of different brands and types of presses.

This guy has links to just about everything to do with reloading.

M.D. Smith
MY RELOADING Pistol and Rifle AMMO pages (www.reloadammo.com). Extensive Calibers, equipment, commercial dealers and companies, black powder, Cowboy Shooting, bullet making, "how-to" on everything, FAQ pages, and TONS more !
HUGE LIST of GUN, SHOOTING and AMMO LINKS - - Over 300 great shooting, reloading, firearms, ammo and related pages. . . and the list is growing daily.

For me, I decided on the Dillon 550b. A friend of mine suggested I start with a single stage in order to gain experience. But after watching him on his single stage press I decided that was not for me. What works for you might be different.

Dillon ..... Brian Enos's web site is easier to navigate

Lee .......An Unofficial LEE Reloading Site

RCBS

Hornady

Redding

Forster

Lyman

Tard · 07-07-2007, 10:07 PM

Dillon Dillon Dillon

Paladin · 07-07-2007, 10:21 PM

I shoot USPSA with my XD-9 Tactical (Production), a .45 Springfield Black Stainless 1911 (L-10) and a 38 Super Brazos SC 2011 STI. I needed something that churns out lots of ammo in these calibers so it was a progressive press for me.

I started with a Hornady Lock-N-Load progressive and experienced nothing but frustration. The best run I had before experiencing some type of malfunction was 68 rounds. I sold it on eBay and was happy to be rid of it.

I then did what I should have the first time and bought a Dillon XL-650. The difference in performance is nothing short of amazing. I've loaded over 15K of rounds in the three calibers above. It is vastly superior to the Hornady. Do yourself a favor and buy the best from the start. Either a XL-650 or a 550 will make you another Dillon fan.

RobFMJ · 07-08-2007, 12:38 AM

Yeah, well, some people dont need to turn out so many hundred rounds per hour.

Some enjoy plodding along with the single-stage press yall are so quick to dismiss. I enjoy reloading from a hobby aspect... not just as a way to save money.

I think it is foolish to recommend a specific piece of equipment, and an expensive one at that, without knowing his goals and reasons for reloading (yes, I include myself in that for recommending the RCBS press).

Jmanwit · 07-08-2007, 01:26 AM

I too am looking into that. I just want to reload for my .45, AR, maybe 9mm and 30-06 as well. What would be a good set? I want everything that I would need (except for brass,bullets,powder,andprimers)