What Reloader do you use? [Archive]

Descreet38

01-27-2009, 06:27 PM

Thought I would open up a poll to see what equipment everyone uses. All I listed are manufacturers so please annotate what model(s) etc.

All my presses are Dillon except for three Shotgun which are MEC. I have three RL 550's, three 650's and two 1050's. Most of the die sets are also Dillon. There no BS guarantee is just that.

So far I have had two of the 550's and one 650 rebuilt :). Upon receiving each pressback in various years it looked to be brand new rather than rebuilt. I want to say I might have $30-35 involved in shipping. They covered everything else to include return shipping.

They have earned me as a life-long customer. And yes - I have used others but in MHO Dillon is the best.

hun100

01-28-2009, 06:05 AM

I use a Dillion 550 for pistol reloading and a Lyman Turrert for rifles ammo.

Scooter

01-28-2009, 05:26 PM

Don't reload...yet. I'm actively looking now and really like the Lee Progressive. Don't get me wrong, I like the Dillon's alot. But the price kills me. I know plenty of people with Lee and they have the same no BS warrenty just don't advertise it like Dillon. Two guys I spoke to today told me stories of Lee replacing worn out or broken items no questions asked, just sent the new items free of charge. With the Lee it's about $300 to the door ready to load the caliber of your choice...dies and all.

Scooter

01-28-2009, 05:29 PM

Any opinions out there on Lee loaders?

Bman505

01-28-2009, 05:48 PM

I guess I need to start reloading. Ammo is just to damn expensive anymore.

Descreet38

01-28-2009, 08:13 PM

I owned a Lee for three whole days. If memory serves it was a Lee 1000. I was very happy with the gun store in Oklahoma when he took it back and gave me back my money.

The reason for my happiness - One day - well evening two the primer tube blew with about 60 primers and a quarter pound of powder in the press. While I came out of it OK the press didn't survive too well. I found out this was an occassional occurance in those days but I also understand that Lee is a little better today than in yesterday.

I just did a google and found the like/dislike about 50/50. Just for comparrison - one of the Dillon 550's I had rebuilt was close to 400,000 rounds. The other 550 I had rebuilt was because it had 50 (guessing) strokes of a sledgehammer from a cute ex-wife. Dillon didn't charge for that one either. There are other very positive features of the 550 also. Dillon quick change kits let's you change caliber setup in about 1 minute. Five minutes if you have to move from small to large primer or vice vera.

When you load as many different calibers as I do that is a tremendous plus.

BTW - I'm not meaning to bad mouth the Lee. Just stating my experience and what I can still see on the net.

Scooter

01-28-2009, 10:42 PM

BTW - I'm not meaning to bad mouth the Lee. Just stating my experience and what I can still see on the net.

Understood this is why I asked. But I think I'm going with the Lee LoadMaster. Looks like a nice set up and after talking to those who use Lee I think I should be extremely happy. Time will tell right.

PPK

01-29-2009, 06:29 AM

I've used the Lee Handloader. Incredibly slow but it does work. Fine if you only want to reload a couple of hundred rounds a month. I got the Lee Pro 1000 for Christmas but haven't got it set up yet. It says to use only Winchester or CCI primers or they may go off. Descreet38 didn't say what primers he was using but this may have been the problem.

Descreet38

01-29-2009, 09:39 AM

Back in those days I was loading only small pistol which means I was using either Win or CCI (still the only two I use in small pistol). Only time I use others like Rem - is when loading large Magnum or Match which I didn't do back then.

Grampa

01-29-2009, 06:55 PM

Dillon 550B. Very consistant and I can knock out a couple hundred rounds of 45ACP in an hour with coffee and smoke breaks included. It doesn't get any better than Blue. :)

Jkwas

01-30-2009, 01:42 PM

I just have the simple base model single stage Lee. I just started loading .38spl with the Lee dippers. I'll shoot the first batch tomorrow, let you know how it works out.

Scooter

01-31-2009, 02:40 PM

I've now gone from actively looking at reloaders to actively buying. My Lee LoadMaster progressive is in the mail now from Midway along with a scale, tumbler, media, media seperator, and already own calipers. Now lots of reading and talking with others who load to learn about powders, bullets ,etc and start my own loading. Just got tired of not being able to find ammo anymore and I've already got a decent amount of brass.

Any recommended reading for me, I've just picked up The ABC's of Reloading and started reading that.

PPK

01-31-2009, 03:21 PM

Way to go, Scotter. Let us know how it works out. Check out the prices for corn cob or walnut media at a pet store some time. They sell it for reptile bedding and I found it's a lot cheaper there.

Bman505

01-31-2009, 03:27 PM

Descreet38

01-31-2009, 07:16 PM

Hey Scooter - good deal. Just be careful getting into reloading if you currently shoot a lot. Most people who do find they don't save any money - they just shoot twice as much. :)

ABC's of reloading is a great book to begin with. You can also order across the net the different load books from powder manufacturers.

Grampa

02-01-2009, 10:39 AM

Sounds like you're on the right track. Don't forget to take the max load in whatever load data you're using and back off the powder charge by 10% then work up a grain at a time from there. Also watch the OAL (over all length). You need to remember not all semi-auto's will feed the same, even those of the same caliber and manufacturer. Just knock out a few at a time of different charges and lengths until you find what you and your gun are happiest with.

When you buy bullets from different manufacturers you need to start over again as they may be shaped differently. As you get more comfortable with it you'll wind up with a pretty good stock of shootable ammo and the pride of knowing it's all yours. :)

On a different note, many sporting goods and gun stores offer classes on reloading that will give you a hands on learning experience. This will greatly increase the comfort level if you have no one to help you with your initial setup. For the Alamogordo guys, I know Dave's Guns has classes and he is always willing to help.

And lastly, I second the vote for "The ABC's of Reloading", I have a copy myself.

Grampa

02-01-2009, 10:46 AM

Sounds like you're on the right track. Don't forget to take the max load in whatever load data you're using and back off the powder charge by 10% then work up a grain at a time from there. Also watch the OAL (over all length) you need to remember not all semi-auto's will feed the same, even those of the same caliber and manufacturer. Just knock out a few at a time of different charges and lengths until you find what you and your gun are happiest with. When you buy bullets from different manufacturers you need to start over again as they may be shaped differently. As you get more comfortable with it you'll wind up with a pretty good stock of shootable ammo and the pride of knowing it's all yours. :)
On a different note, many sporting goods and gun stores offer classes on reloading that will give you a hands on learning experience which will greatly increase the comfort level especially if you have no one to help you with your initial setup. For the Alamogordo guys, I know Dave's Guns has classes and he is always willing to help. I think he has a Dillon 550 already set up in his back room.
And lastly, I second the vote for "The ABC's of Reloading", I have a copy myself.

Scooter

02-01-2009, 11:51 AM

BMan, it was about $400 for the set up delivered from Midaway and that includes the progressive reloader, tumbler, media seperator, media, digital scales and die set of choice.

Grampa, thanks for the advice and I am fortuante enough to have lots of help. A couple of my co-workers have been loading for years and offered their assistance and my neighbor also loads and has already worked up a custom load for my 7mm mag that he custom built for me. And my father, who hasn't loaded in probably 20 years, has already told me that he only uses one powder for 45 and his choices for bullets. But I'm always open to advice and suggestion so please keep them coming....you never stop learning; unless you're dead.

Jkwas

02-02-2009, 06:57 PM

Success! I took the 50 handloads I made up to the range Saturday and the wife and I did some "comparison shooting". At first I was amazed that they fired, and afterwards amazed at how consistent and accurate they shot. We ran them thru three different guns with no problems at all. In fact my wife preferred them to the factory loads due to the lower recoil. I liked them as well, but as the author I find it harder to be objective It took me about 1/2 hour to load 50 more last night. I ran some FMJ thru all the revolvers before leaving the range to get any lead out and all bores were clean as a whistle. A little spray of Rem oil and three passes of a boresnake is all it took. To quote Flounder in Animal House: " This is gonna be great! "

PPK

02-02-2009, 07:02 PM

A guy at a sporting goods store told me that when using dippers to pour the powder into a glass dish and dip from that. He said if you dip from a plastic dish it could build up static electricty with pretty bad results. Doesn't make much sense to me since it's sold in plastic jars. Anyone else ever hear of this?

Oh yeah. Congratulations on the reloading success!!

Jkwas

02-04-2009, 07:28 PM

Scooter

02-04-2009, 09:03 PM

My loading equipment showed up today. I need to do a little online reearch for setup because the directions are horrible. Let you know how it goes after I get it set up

Jkwas

02-05-2009, 06:29 AM

Go to the Lee precision website. They have how to videos that are really helpful. ;)

Scooter

02-06-2009, 10:05 AM

I actually ended up going to The Loadmaster Zone, a Lee Forum, and found the unofficial setup guide. It provided detailed pictures and instructions. It took about 2 1/2 hours to setup, first time so I was being cautious. The only problem I had was that I broke the chain that runs between the frame and powder charge. It was my fault as I didn't read enough before trying to assemble so I over tensioned the chain and broke it the first time I operated it. Other than that it seems great. I was however a bit disapointed that it didn't come with the seperate crimping die. I already have my brass tumbling and now just need to get out and buy primers, bullets, and powder. I'll try and get pics posted later

Descreet38

02-06-2009, 06:42 PM

I worked from home today so decided to play with one of my Dillon RL 550's to reload 9mm since I was under 5,000 reloads.

I began at 9am. - set-up required a change from .38/.357 to 9mm this took me until 9:03. Since I have my pet load and setup and the quick caliber change kits all I had to do is to slowly load the first five and check each station for accuracy. I did have to do a quarter turn on the seating die since I was using a different bullet than the last reload session. Time is now 9:07.

Filled up the powder jar, pulled out 30 preloaded priner tubes and now ready to do some loads.

time - 9:15 - pulled the first stroke. Loaded to 12:10 and did lunch till 1. Loaded from 1 to 4 non stop.

final count 3,000 rounds which are now boxed, labeled and on the shelf. That an average of 8 rounds per minute even while checking every 100th round but measuring every station before proceeding.

Scooter

02-07-2009, 12:08 AM

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa254/scooter_hldn/Guns/STA71353.jpg

Here is my new reloading setup. Modest, but a start. Any input from the experienced guys out there?

Grampa

02-07-2009, 08:14 AM

MP3Mogul

02-07-2009, 02:35 PM

I use a RCBS single stage press. It works great for me, and I usually load 300 or so rounds in a batch.

Scooter

02-07-2009, 07:36 PM

Nice bench. What's that red thing?:D Looks like you've got a real good start.

Laws of Life #34. Thought for the day: Never be afraid to try something new.
Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals
built the Titanic.

If you mean the fire extinguisher, it's actually out of the Jeep. But may not be a bad idea to keep one at the bench too.:D

Bman505

02-23-2009, 07:40 PM

Man, I am really contemplating getting my own loader. It would save me so much more money in the long run.

Jizzle

03-03-2009, 02:01 PM

i made my decision carefully and i am going to buy a Lee Classic. Atm I'm only doing 10mm and I don't wanna get a progessive yet. So as far as turrets go Lee is the one for me.

sinclair

05-10-2009, 05:10 PM

i made my decision carefully

+1 Jizzle - and so you should. Most of the equipment out there will last a lifetime if properly used and maintained. Select what you feel will be more to your reloading desires.

Guess I arrived too late for the poll. I use a Dillon 550. Note I left off the "B". I acquired mine right after the 550 design came out in the early 80's. It is backwards compatible with the 550B and everything for the 550B can be used on the old design.

This will sound strange but I think the 550 is the best single stage reloader on the market. I have never been a fan of the potential hazards associated with progressives but it does not take long to modify the 550B to single stage use, while preserving many of the progressive advantages.

Sorry to see that since this thread started, one of the responders has had a bad experiance will the Lee. (Scooter's thread is right below this one as I write.) It happens with all brands, even the Dillon. We all have certain expectations with every enterprise, and sometimes they do not match up with our choices. Don't give up. Try again. The Lee is not for everyone. Neither is the Dillon. No matter what the reason for reloading, it has the potential to become a hobby separate from shooting, enjoyable for its own sake. The goal here is simple. Match your choice (carefully made) to your expectations. Even if it takes a while.

Scooter

05-10-2009, 10:43 PM

I did stick with it Sinclair, and Lee took good care of me. It appears now as if I just got the bad apple out of the factory the first time. The feed guide was cross threaded into the frame, but got it replaced and steadily cranking out rounds. Couldn't be happier with the setup. And it's nice to see someone say that the Dillon isn't for everyone (especially someone who owns one)All I hear about my Lee is that it isn't a Dillon.

rtuck77

01-18-2010, 08:03 PM

so the Lee reloading is a good way to go for a beginner in reloading, I have been looking at getting into reloading and I just want to get my moneys worth

Sam

01-18-2010, 10:33 PM

1 Rockchucker
2 Herters A3
1 RCBS Junior
2 Dillon SDB
3 MEcs and a Poness Warren

You couldn't give me a Lee on a dare, any model, any price. Rather use a Lyman 310 than any Lee.
The SDB's are for pistol amo only and make all I want
Rifle I prefer to do single stage.

rtuck77

01-19-2010, 04:24 AM

I would perfer a single stage loader now,maybe later after I get some reloading uder my belt I would like to get into the progessive loaders,but my budget is small,and right now Lee seems to be the way to theirs are chaper than the rest but you only get what you pay for

Colt 45

01-19-2010, 06:16 PM

If you are talking about the Lee handloader I would advise against it. My experience with it was back about 1980 or so. I don't remember exactly the year, but I wanted to get into reloading and my dad said I should get one of those. I was not happy with it at all. The sizing die only sized part of the neck, which caused a problem with chambering the ammo into the revolver -- sometimes.

Another experience I had was from a gun shop that sold reloads. They were reloaded with the Lee handloader and I had the same problem, maybe even worse.

I finally bought a Rockchucker and never looked back. At that time I don't think there were any progressive presses available, or at least I was not aware of them.

Max

NMDawg

01-19-2010, 08:25 PM

rtuck,

Sounds like you are getting some good advice from some very experienced reloaders. But with all due respect I have used a Lee single stage press (Lee Anniversay) and I really liked it. I only reload .45 acp and everything I have reloaded has run through my Kimber with no problem. I got a Lee four hole turret press for Christmas and so far I like it too.

I am not really interested in reloading anything else at this time and the turret press is versital enough that I do not need or want my Lee single stage press any longer. I am willing to sell it and a few other accessories. If you are interested send me an email or leave me a private message.

I did the same thing you are thinking on doing. Getting into reloading as inexpensive as possible to see if I liked it and wanted to continue. I think you will like it.

Let me know.

rtuck77

02-27-2010, 03:34 PM

thanks NMDawg, i got it in the mail today, just so everyone knows I bought his single press reloading kit, he is a real stand up guy IMO. thanks alot NMdawg

NMDawg

02-27-2010, 11:42 PM

You are most welcome rtuck, and thanks for the kind words. Enjoy the press. :)

El Perro

12-31-2010, 12:32 PM

I started reloading just over a year ago, and I started with a simple Lee Reloader Press, which continues to work quite well. Yesterday, December 30, I received a new Lee Classic Turret Press (placeholders for four dies). This press seems well made and fairly simple to operate. It's definitely the kind of press one would want if one is on a tight budget. Anyway, last night a processed 15 7mm-08 cartridges and it worked pretty good. One more thing, I bought it through Graf and Sons for ~$95, and Grafs offers free shipping.