Getting started

[GaCracker63]

I told my wife when she ask what I wanted for Christmas I want the basement cleaned up and a reloading press kit. Well finished basement and built me a reloading bench yesterday. Now I have to order a reloading press, dies, and components. I am thinking I will go with Hornady single stage kit from all I have read its that or Dillion, found some deals on Hornady. Can't wait to get started I'm sure I will be bugging the crap out of all of you on here with all kinds of stupid questions.
Post Script - I will try and post a pic of my bench for Idea's latter today.

 

[CCW]

I too have been studying a reloading setup and I think I am down to Hornady and RCBS Pro. A bunch of folks have mentioned to me their love of the Hornady kits. I'd love to see pics of your bench.

 

[GaCracker63]

got pics on my phone my camera batterys are dead got to go to store and get some i had some 2x4s bought other stuff at lowes spent 200 bucks plenty of storage and very sturdy i can tex you pic if want or ill put picks on here later today just pm me with phone number if you want me to tex pics.

 

[Chuckdog]

If you're getting started, learn the basics on a good single stage or manual advance turret press. I wouldn't consider a progressive until you have the basics down to a science. Even when you do get it down pat, you'll still need the single stage or turret for short runs and case prep. I prefer a press without the cam over feature, other than that difference, most brands are more than adequate for the task.

 

[RIDDLE]

Now thats a gift that will keep on giving! Conrats man! Keep us up to date on how it goes.

 

[GaCracker63]

I just ordered a lee 50th aniv. kit 119.00 and 45acp and 223 dies, i need to know what powder to use and dies to order if anyone can help don't want to order stuff i don't need. I'm also online looking for best price on bullets and brass. Thanks for any help.

 

[RamRoddoc]

This is a good book for starting: http://www.amazon.com/Metallic-Cartridge-Reloading-M-McPherson/dp/0873491807?tag=dogpile-20
Describe the powder measure you ordered or a link. Some powders have problems with specific powder measures. Check starline for .45 ACP brass. It's good stuff. http://www.starlinebrass.com/index.php?cPath=1.
Go down the reloading list and look for the topic "group bullet purchase". There are several good links there for bullets jacketed and lead cast. Check them out.

 

[19 Kilo]

If you're getting started, learn the basics on a good single stage or manual advance turret press. I wouldn't consider a progressive until you have the basics down to a science. Even when you do get it down pat, you'll still need the single stage or turret for short runs and case prep. I prefer a press without the cam over feature, other than that difference, most brands are more than adequate for the task.

This^^^^^

The faster you load the more you'll screw up until you get everything figured out.

After you get into reloading I suggest you go for the Dillion progressive model of reloaders, which ever one fits your need. I've had a few of the others and my Dillon holds up better and customer service is great.

 

[nelsonatlbuilders]

dillon customer service is awesome. i have broke a few parts on a dillon press and they sent me new ones no questions asked and no charge. good company

 

[Junior_357]

My first reloading rig was (still is) a Lee Classic 4-hole turret. For the type of reloading I do (only .38/.357), it's a nice budget-conscious set up. The only major upgrade I have done is buying a nice, uber-sensitive digital scale that has helped speed up my loading ever so slightly. But I have been reloading a while, so I can go slightly faster than I could when I started without sacrificing consistency and safety.

I agree with 19 Kilo...stay away from full progressive set-ups at first. KISS (keep it simple stupid) is a great way to learn to reload.