Need advice to get started loading...

[AKsoldier]

Okay, I understand the basics, but it's been awhile. My first (and so far ONLY) experience with handloading was with an old LEE hand-press and some dies for a cheap .25 ACP handgun. I have always been an avid shooter, but haven't always had the money to shoot avidly!

I now have several firearms utilizing several different calibers, and I'm beginning to gain interest in loading my own ammo again. My questions: What is a good starter system that allows easy caliber changes, and what are the best dies, etc...also - what can I expect to pay for the entire setup, roughly? I understand that there will be many opinions as to the best setup, and variations in equipment will obviously effect overall cost, but I'm simply looking for a ballpark figure here. This is my initial research phase and I'm only collection information at this point. Any and all advice is appreciated!

[Cannibul]

Personally I would take a hard look at the Hornady LockNLoad. It's a true progressive press. Handles both pistol and rifle.

Press runs about $350-$375 but they have a deal going on right now where you get 1000 free bullets.

Then you will also need a shell plate $28 and dies. I have always used RCBS dies in the past. Hornady makes great dies also.

I would say that by the time you have everything you need to load one caliber you will have $600-$1000 invested. That covers the scale, case cleaner and all the little stuff. Then figure another $75 or so for each additional caliber.

[Riflemanz]

I went with this kit.I take my time and turn out great ammo 50rds at a time.A single stage is the best way to learn.I use rcbs dies and lee 4 die carbide die sets for 45acp,44mag.
http://www.natchezss.com/brand.cfm?b...gSubGroup=1696

[rogerxd45]

my advice is start with the lee aniversery set and if you decide you really like reloading then upgrade to a more expensive one.
i have been useing my lee ($65.99) for about 6 months and i love it next summer i might upgrade but so far i have been very happy

[fredj338]

While I agree, a single stage press is the simplest setup to learn on, if you are a high volumn shooter, there is no real problem learning on a progressive. A turret press is another way to go. It offers some speed the single stage doesn't, & it's easier to learn than the progressive. You can use it like a single stage to start, then speed up by using the turret function. Lee is the cheapest, but if you are looking for abit higher wuality, go to the RCBS or Redding, even Lyman. For a progressive, the Hornady LNL is probably the best deal going for a high end machine. I like Dillon, but it's pretty much what was affordable back when I went progressive. Pick up a copy of ABCs of Reloading & read the sections on metallic handloading, then decide what equip. investment you want to make. You can spend as little as $250 or as much as $2000. It's always a time v money thing.

[AKsoldier]

Unfortunately the distance from a safe shooting area prevents me from being a high-volume shooter so I think a single stage or turret press should be more than adequate. I'm just looking for a setup that will allow me to save a little money on ammo as well as get a little more enjoyment and education out of my shooting hobby. I will start with just the .45 ACP for the XD, then later get into loading rifle cartridges for my hunting rifle. (Mossberg 4X4 .300 WSM)

Besides, when the temp drops below about -15 I can't spend a lot of time tinkering outside, so I could use an indoor hobby.

[eightmillimeter]

Originally Posted by Riflemanz

I went with this kit.I take my time and turn out great ammo 50rds at a time.A single stage is the best way to learn.I use rcbs dies and lee 4 die carbide die sets for 45acp,44mag.
http://www.natchezss.com/brand.cfm?b...gSubGroup=1696

+1 on the Lee 4-Die deluxe pistol die sets. Best choice for a beginner. You get a data sheet with each set of dies too.

[KEVWYO]

Originally Posted by AKsoldier

Unfortunately the distance from a safe shooting area prevents me from being a high-volume shooter so I think a single stage or turret press should be more than adequate. I'm just looking for a setup that will allow me to save a little money on ammo as well as get a little more enjoyment and education out of my shooting hobby. I will start with just the .45 ACP for the XD, then later get into loading rifle cartridges for my hunting rifle. (Mossberg 4X4 .300 WSM)

Besides, when the temp drops below about -15 I can't spend a lot of time tinkering outside, so I could use an indoor hobby.

I just sold my Lee turrets to members of this forum. I bought a Hornady and boy is it nice! However, for the guy just starting out I can whole heartedly endorse a Lee turret press. Easy to set up, easy to use, easy on the checkbook .....

[SIG232]

I would recommend the Lee Classic Turret Press. You can get everything you need to load .45 on it for a very reasonable price, including the 4- die set, which has the invaluable Factory Crimp Die . You can easily produce 100-150 rounds an hour on it, and it is easy to change calibers if you decide to start reloading for your rifles. I have one, and I have been pleased as punch with it.

[fredj338]

Originally Posted by SIG232

I would recommend the Lee Classic Turret Press. You can get everything you need to load .45 on it for a very reasonable price, including the 4- die set, which has the invaluable Factory Crimp Die . You can easily produce 100-150 rounds an hour on it, and it is easy to change calibers if you decide to start reloading for your rifles. I have one, and I have been pleased as punch with it.

FWIW, I've never had a problem handloading all these years w/o the Lee FCD. A good roll crimp for rev. & taper crimp for pistols has always been more than adequate. I should probably pick one up & see what all the fuss is about.