[THE GUESS WHO]

I am looking to buy an new or used reloading press for .38 special. I am not a pro and my realoading skills are just above a novice. What brand would be a good brand to buy. Looking for something simple but durable.

Thank you ,

[paradox998]

Lee presses work, and are fairly inexpensive. About $30 and up....

[oneounceload]

RCBS Jr. press (single stage), will load anything you need to load. Once you get real comfortable, you can always upgrade to a progressive and keep the Jr. for special loadings

[hydraulicman]

How many rounds a month do you want to reload?

[ezypikns]

I started with a Lee (and they ARE great products), moved to an RCBS RockChucker, then to a Redding turret press, finally to a Dillon 550B. The faster you load, the more you can shoot.

Probably a single stage press is the best way to learn though, and the most inexpensive route too.

It's lots of fun, and you may still save a little money......maybe.

[Marlin 45 carbine]

if you decide on a single stage leave room on your bench for another in tandem. if you have a 'buddy' to pull the lever and extra shellholders can crank some rounds out after you set the die in 2nd press.
I have a chucker (bottle neck sizeing) and lee classic in tandem. handy for loading rifle too.

[ranger335v]

For your need, any press made will do the job quite nicely. Used can be good but beware of eBay, a LOT of dummies pay more than new retail for old, well used stuff there!

I would suggest you look at the little Lee "Reloader" bench press. It's about as inexpensive as you will find and plenty strong/durable enough to allow you to load quite a few thousands of .38 Specials. The Reloader press does NOT reprime, so you would need to add a hand primer of some kind.

Again, I'd recommend the Lee Autoprime tool, and it's special shell holder will be required too. (Lee's Pacesetter and Delux die sets include the proper shell holder for the press, at no extra charge.)

[Otto]

What brand would be a good brand to buy.
All brands are serviceable, so it doesn't really matter.

[lordmorgul]

I just bought a Lee Classic Turret press, along with the auto-disk powder measure and safety primer feed, so it is basically a start to finish 4-stage press for a single cartridge (no batch loading). I think this is a very good way to go. The reloading rate is dandy for low volume (150+ per hour once setup and running) and it will avoid alot of risk with running in batches and forgetting which casings are charged and which aren't.

I'm new to this also (less than 1k cartridges loaded on it, assembled three weeks ago), and I would absolutely spend my money this way again if I needed to rebuy already.

FYI: with current prices I spent roughly $350 in equipment, and assuming a pro-rate over 5000 rounds to recover costs I'm reloading 40 caliber S&W for 21 cents each. Local bulk ammo prices in California are near 75 cents each.

[Landric]

I would suggest this kit:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productnumber=423081

It doesn't include absolutely everything, but it has most of the basics, is a fine press for .38 Special, and is an especially good deal right now.

[lordmorgul]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=770vZha0rdA

[krs]

lordmogul: "I just bought a Lee Classic Turret press, along with the auto-disk powder measure and safety primer feed, so it is basically a start to finish 4-stage press for a single cartridge (no batch loading). I think this is a very good way to go. The reloading rate is dandy for low volume (150+ per hour once setup and running) and it will avoid alot of risk with running in batches and forgetting which casings are charged and which aren't".

This is good to hear. In my opinion too many new reloaders feel that they have to have a progressive loading system either because they get intoxicated with the numbers of rounds per hour or because of some other reason without first establishing good loading habits and without due consideration to the dangers involved.

Progressives can be very impressive, and for experienced reloaders they can provide a lot of ammo in a relatively short time. But they don't generally have an easy method to double check the process and I think new loaders should be double checking every part of their procedures and never stop doing it.

ONE double charge will blow up an expensive gun. So it can cost a lot of money to make one mistake.

More than that though is that that one mistake can take fingers or eyes and sometimes it can even take the life of the errant reloader.

It takes a lot of time, a lot of repetitions to get loading right for sure every time. The most successful loaders NEVER take any part of their loading for granted no matter how long they've been doing it.

I think progressive loading takes away the kind of forced slow solid learning curve that can keep a person safely reloading ammunition over the course of a lifetime.

[alfack]

You learn the same habits, regardless if the machine is progressive or not. The thing is, you can use a progressive just like a single stage and make 1 round at a time, if you want. Except, you don't have to change the toolhead between every stage! In fact, when you change calibers on a progressive you do use it like a single stage, until you get the dies set properly, then it's rock and roll time.

Of course, if you are the type that can't walk and chew gum at the same time, I digress. I spose riding around in a horse drawn carriage is safer than riding in one of them new fangled automobiles, too. :)

[dmazur]

Except for some time with the Lee "whack a mole" loaders, I started reloading with a Dillon 550B:

Read the instructions. Maybe 4 or 5 times. Then read them again. :)

Read the introductory chapters in a reloading manual.

Load a few pistol rounds, using one station at a time.

Read the manual again.

Finally get progressive operation working for pistol.

Try to get grin off your face. (Fail...)

Decide to reload bottleneck calibers, order dies and additional toolheads.

Read the manual again.

Fight headspace, order Wilson gauges.

Load a few rifle rounds, using one station at a time.

Get trim length and headspace figured out, and use press progressively after doing resizing as a separate operation at station 1.

Try to get grin off your face. (Fail...)

Anyway, that's the general idea. Progressive presses are more complicated, but I believe they are not beyond mastery. If you are into details, and understand what the machinery is trying to do, you can usually get it working correctly.

Did I mention reading the manuals?

I believe I ultimately saved money, because I didn't wind up with a garage full of "beginner" presses and tools. However, I will readily admit that, if I'd gotten frustrated with the whole business and gave up, it would have been a more expensive mistake.

So, if you are determined to make this a lifelong pursuit, and if the initial investment isn't more than you can handle, I wouldn't give up on the idea of starting off with a "low end" progressive like the 550B.

Good luck!

[oneounceload]

I digress. I spose riding around in a horse drawn carriage is safer than riding in one of them new fangled automobiles, too.

For some people who have the attention span of a gnat, you are more correct than you know

[krs]

It's for those who can't walk and chew gum at the same time BUT THINK THAT THEY CAN that I make a post like that above. Progressive reloading is a breeding ground for complacency, for idiots to say "Aw heck, this is easy" and then come to a forum asking what on earth could be wrong with their revolver that blew out the cylinder and lifted off the frame bridge, leaving their fingers and eyes alone of course, but only because someone protects the foolish ...... for a while.

[TOTC]

I would suggest this kit:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tnumber=423081

It doesn't include absolutely everything, but it has most of the basics, is a fine press for .38 Special, and is an especially good deal right now.

It's even better than when I bought that kit a month ago from Midway.

I concur as far as equipment goes. I'd also find an electronic readout dial caliper and a small electronic scale. The VERY FIRST THING I'd buy or rather the very first two things is The ABC's of Reloading 8th edition by Chevalier and some kind of load data manual. I bought the Lyman book myself, but there are other quality books out there as well. Good luck.

[dmazur]

Progressive reloading is a breeding ground for complacency

I guess I can see this angle, if you equate speed with complacency, but I'm not sure how a single stage press prevents complacency...

I probably should have mentioned, along with reading the manual, that absolute concentration is essential for safety. (Kind of like how driving one of them new fangled automobiles is supposed to require your full attention...but that was before texting while driving :) )

I believe, from my limited experience, that an appreciation for safety is necessary before you even start. If the new reloader can't grasp that, I maintain that he is going to get into trouble, regardless of the type of press he uses.

[THE GUESS WHO]

I checked with midway on a couple of presses. I am looking to reload 300-500 rounds a month.

[Lloyd Smale]

my advice to you would be to buy a lock and load hornady. right now they have a deal where they will give you 200 free bullets with a single stage press and thats worth about 60 bucks so there hard to beat at that price. I bought one and its every bit as good as my rock chucker or the old lyman orange crush i used to have. the lock and load feature is pretty handy to boot.

[benzuncle]

GUESS, when I decided I wanted to start reloading my own ammo I lurked a lot and learned a whole lot! I read whatever I could find about all the brands. What I came away with was this: I didn't want to invest too much only to find out I did not like reloading. (I later realized that this didn't matter as there will always be someone out there that will buy your stuff if you want to unload it.) Lee products seemed a very good compromise. I began by looking at the single stage stuff. Then I noticed the Lee Classic Turret Press. It's a compromise between a single stage and a full-tilt boogie progressive. You can use it as a single stage or, with 4 pulls of the handle build ammo a bit quicker; 150 to 200 rounds per hour. You can also easliy keep your finger on the pulse of the operation. By that I mean I can look at every charge and make sure there's no double charged loads, etc. So, I opted for the LCT and have not regretted it. My initial cost to set up for that first (45ACP) caliber using 4 carbide dies was $330. Add the bench I bought from COSTCO and 4ft fluorescent light fixture from Home Depot and my grand total was $436. I purchased the setup in a kit from Sue at www.kempfgunshop.com This included a tumbler, the upgrades that lordmorgul mentioned and assorted goodies like a scale, bullet puller and calipers. I have since added 2 more calibers at a cost of around $50 per caliber including the dies and turret. I'm way pleased with my setup, the cost, the quick payoff with the money I have saved reloading and have not seen the need to upgrade to a progressive. Others definitely needed the progressive. Good luck with your research and choice. There are plenty of folks on the forum that will be glad to help you work through any problems you may have no matter which rig you choose.

[lgbloader]

I am looking to reload 300-500 rounds a month.

LEE's Classic turret kit from Kempfs and then add yourself a Lee Classic cast single stage and you'll be set.

LGB

[oldreloader]

I prefer a single stage press because I enjoy reloading and am not concerned with speed. Presently I have a RCBS JR3 and a Lee Breechlock Challenger.They both work fine for what I do. The Lee Classic Cast and Classic Turret are both good presses and you can operate the classic turret as either single stage or turret. If I were going to get one today it would probably be the classic turret for the ease of handling the dies.Mount each set in a different turret. But for now I'll stick with what I have.

[Quoheleth]

Order the Lee kit (http://www.grafs.com/product/233045) and dies from Grafs and while you're there, get a couple boxes of Missouri Bullet .38 Match. You're all set, then.

Remember: Grafs includes shipping in their prices.

You'll note I did not link you to the "classic" turret. IMHO, this is perfectly adequate for pistol ammo (it's what I have), plus you get the whole kit for just a few shekels more than the Classic.

Q

[KenWP]

I bought a Pacific press at a gun show for next to nothing. Takes two guys to carry it but it says its for 30-06 type cases what ever that's supposed to mean. I have to get it bolted down and see what it can do.

[mallc]

I think progressive loading takes away the kind of forced slow solid learning curve that can keep a person safely reloading ammunition over the course of a lifetime.

Assuming, of course, that the new reloader is a slow learner.

If one really wants to load safely, then one should by all means load on a progressive press. You can purchase the machine with factory set dies and alarms to check primer availability, powder availability in the measure, and powder depth in the case. Mechanical safety devices are MUCH more dependable than the human attention span.

Just my 24.8 grains...

Scott

[jcwit]

Is that how you learned to walk? Just started out running maybe.

[mallc]

I took a NRA metallic reloading course and bought a Dillon 650 XL as my first press. Purchased dies and conversion kits for 9mm, 45 ACP, an .223 along with the press. Perfectly happy and never had regrets. Next I bought a Redding T-7 for small batches, and finally rebuilt a couple of junk Rock Chuckers for my Dillon trimmers. I just purchased 2 Hornady LNL-APs to dedicate to mid-volume runs. BTW, I'm installing the Dillon powder check on the LNL-APs.

But then again I'm a 55 year old engineer with who spent 10 years in tool design and tool making while working my way through school. Learning to reload, really wasn't all that difficult.

Now the flip side is that there are several very wise and experienced THR members who have shared their knowledge with me and kept me from learning some lessons the hard way.

Short answer is that the "single stage" learn slow advise is not necessarily good advise for everyone who decides to take up reloading.

Scott

[lykoris]

I fully agree with Scott, it really depends on the individual.

I also started on a 650 as my first press but in the months before buying a single piece of reloading equipment had bought and read cover to cover.

the abcs of reloading
sierra
lyman
lee

I knew I wanted a progressive for 9/45/357 & 223/308.

On the other hand I think we would be a small minority and from a safety perspective it is best to suggest a single stage/turret press as it is impossible to evaluate somebody across a PC screen.

I think for a progressive you also have to have a willingness to take things apart and understand how it all goes together.

[dmazur]

I tend to agree with mallc's viewpoint...

I believe a thorough study of the process is what is required, regardless of the type of press involved. Safe reloading should follow from that understanding.

I don't see how anyone can reload safely if they don't understand what they are doing.

From some of the questions I've read recently, there are some newer reloaders out there that haven't a clue about their single stage equipment.

Long ago, it seems that all shooters had to start out with a single shot bolt-action .22 -- nothing else would do. From that foundation, centerfire rifles were added, perhaps semi-automatic actions, etc.

Today that just isn't seen. The new shooter has a Glock, or an M4 copy, and that's what he's trying to learn with.

Like reloading, I'm sure there are shooters who are somewhat challenged by the complexity of their rifles/pistols. With time and study, they will probably figure it out. If they ask questions, they will probably figure it out faster. (At our range, I try to find time for any new shooter who will ask a question, and also avoid saying anything to those who don't.)

So, for my $0.02 worth, I'm not so much worried about what kind of press the guy is using as I'm worried that he isn't studying the process of reloading.

[jcwit]

Short answer is that the "single stage" learn slow advise is not necessarily good advise for everyone who decides to take up reloading.

No more than a Dillon 650 is the end all press for all new reloaders to learn on. Granted, a person with experience in engineering and tool and die design is a huge plus, very few people have this, and learing how things work in a slow way is very helpful to their learning process.

Another aspect to look at for many new reloaders is the cost of equipment. I would guess we would agree Dillon is on the high end of the sprectum of cost and possibly quality, this meaning single stage reloading gets many going at a minal cost. Also for many quanity is not important as they have no need to reload/shoot in high volume. I imagine their some out their still happy using a Lee Loader, one slap at a time.

With all this said I still believe a single stage press is an excellant start for the greater majority of beginning reloaders. And if nothing else they end up with a press for experimentation or dedicated for depriming or ect., ect.

[ranger335v]

"it will avoid alot of risk with running in batches and forgetting which casings are charged and which aren't". "

Only a self-destructive dummy would attempt to remember which cases are charged and which are not. When a loading block is filled, or you think it is, hold it under a strong light so you can look into each case to check for the height of the powder colume. It's as easy to see a double charge as it is to see an uncharged case.
ONLY after a careful eyeball check can you safely begin to seat bullets in the "batch" processing system.

I've been loading that way since '65. Never a blooper, never a double charge. It works, if you do! If you don't, nothing will.

New guys should go single stage, at least until they get their feet under them. Many will never need more than that. Far too many of us old hands love to recommend what WE like - and maybe even need - instead of what the new guy actually needs. The man set his criteria, respect him enough to answer his question as stated instead of being a guru speaking down from a mountain top.

[jcwit]

Well stated!!!!!

[alfack]

Money, not safety is the only reason to not go progressive from the start.

I started off on a Dillon 550B and have never had a double charge or other round that did not go bang etc.. On pistol cases, the seating die is right behind the powder die, so when I reach over to grab another bullet I visually check the powder level before putting the bullet on the case. Of all the calibers I reload, I don't think I have one that a double charge will fit in. I would surely notice powder dropping all over the shell plate.

I do rifle cartridges one at a time on my 550. This is only because the powder drop doesn't work as well with most rifle powders and I usually only do a small amount at a time. I like them to be accurate so I weigh each charge and use a trickler.

The only reason I wish I had a single stage press is so I could mount a case trimmer in it and dedicate it for that purpose.

If you are only loading for one caliber, you might look into the Dillon Square Deal.

[cook45]

lee pro 1000, its progressive, comes caliber specific, no chance of double charging, comes with everything you need and want....(case feed, primer feed) 159.00

[THE GUESS WHO]

I bought a RCBS Jr.today online. I appreciate all the input.

[oldreloader]

I think you will like the JR. I bought one in the early 70's and still use one today.They are almost indestructable and you won't beat RCBS warranty and customer service.You do know that the warranty is still good for you.

[oneounceload]

Got rid of a Dillon 550 and went BACK to my RCBS Jr. for all my metallic - works well with no issues like primer feed issues........but then I don't shoot 500 rounds a week either

[jcwit]

RCBS makes excellent reloading equipment. To bad they now outsource their castings and dies to china and/or India. The almighty dollar at the U.S. workers expense.

[bullseye308]

I started loading around 94 for my lever action and my contender. Ordered the Lee anniversary kit, bolted it to the coffee table, and loaded what I needed. I did that for 2 years. Stopped loading for a while then got back into it 4 years ago when I started shooting again a lot. I ordered the Lee Reloader press and a Loadmaster. I do all my resizing on the single stage then hand prime in a comfortable chair, then load without the auto index on the Loadmaster. I manually index it every stage so I can check every case for powder. When I load small batches(150 or less) I do it all on the Reloader press.

The point of all that was that everyone will load in their own way on whatever equipment they have. I loaded 14k+ last year that way on the loadmaster and had fun doing it. I knew every round would do what it was supposed to because I went slow enough to ensure it. Just cause you have a fast car doesn't mean you have to drive fast.

[hydraulicman]

THE GUESS WHO

I bought a RCBS Jr.today online. I appreciate all the input.

good choice. and a great start

[ARTinCT]

I load my 38 Special on an old Star progressive which I pickup up about 10 years ago. These STAR machines are quite impressive with their accuracy and ease of use. They occasionally show up on Ebay or Gunbroker. It would be an investment as these machines, if in good shape and complete, are a joy to use and have a solid user following.
In this press the cases move in a rotary manner from station to station. You just manually place in a bullet and the next empty case.

However, since you are reloading 300-500 rounds per month, then a single stage machine would work for you given you have enough time. In the area of non-progressive machines, a CH 4D Pistol Champ is a wonderful press with 4 stations and an optional powder charge capability. In this press you need to move the case(s) from station to station.

In the modern sense, the Redding line of presses should be given some consideration as well as the RCBS line and Lee as well.

Personally, I use the Star for 38 Special, an CH4D Autochamp Mark V for 45 ACP, another CH4D Autochamp Mark V for 9mm and use my CH4D Pistol Champ for load development purposes. The Progressive presses are not a good choice for load development in my opinion as once these are set up they are not often really easy to modify powder charge amount and such.

[THE GUESS WHO]

Thank You, it should be here anyday. I cant wait to get started.

[TexasRedneck]

Started w/single stage, reloadin' 500-1k rounds/month (when ya have 4 kids that shoot competition with ya.....). Got out of it for a while after the kids were gone, then jumped back in after the last election - found a helluva deal on a Dillon 650. When I set up for a caliber, I load 2-4k rounds - so the progressive is more fun than a cheap floozie on Saturday night!

[Marc257]

I first got into reloading with a Dillon Square Deal B. As long as you keep your powder hopper full, you would have to have a brain fart to make a mistake. It's a great machine, especially if you load primarily one caliber.

[angus6]

I first got into reloading with a Dillon Square Deal B. As long as you keep your powder hopper full, you would have to have a brain fart to make a mistake. It's a great machine, especially if you load primarily one caliber

The SDB can be found used from around $160 and up would be a great starter press for someone planning on handgun only.
Started with a Lee CT and added a SDB to the bench, could not imagine doing h/g on a single stage or the Need to start that way either

[Landric]

I did handgun, well everything, on a single stage from 1994-2001 when I got myself a Dillon SDB in .45 ACP. After that, I did everything except .45 ACP on a single stage until this year when I got myself a Lee Classic Turret.

I will be the first to say that since I switched the majority of my handgun loading to the LCT, I don't like to load in volume on a single stage. I use the single stage for mostly rifle now, and low volume rifle at that.

However, none of the fast presses are necessary, they just make the process quicker. The Lee 50th Anniversary Breech Lock Challenger kit is a fantastic value, and perfectly fine for loading .38 Special or any other handgun cartridge. Other systems are faster (and more expensive), but they don't make better handgun ammunition.

The SDB is a fantastic press for a single handgun chambering. I'm very happy with mine, but if I decide to add another press for .38 Special it will probably be a 550b since its more versatile than the SDB.