Final advice on new reloading setup before ordering?

[bp78]

I'm just about ready to slap plastic and get started reloading. I was hoping that some of the more experienced reloaders here could offer some final advice on the selections I've made. Or point out any other items I need to add to this list. Shopping list is below.

I think the 550 is right for me as it's quicker and cheaper to switch calibers on. I only hesitate on the concerns of it being a manual progressive and the risks of a squib.

I mostly shoot 9mm in IDPA and will reload it initially. I'll probably add .45acp soon after, and perhaps .223 & .38spl down the road. I only have a small bench in the garage that I also have to share for cleaning. Hence I'm looking for a single press that I can change easily enough and getting the cover to be extra careful about not mixing solevants & cleaners with anything reloading related.

I'm looking at getting the Lyman (or Hornady, Lee) 3-set carbide dies since they're a good bit cheaper than the dillon dies. (1/2)

Any suggestions on the scale choice? I don't want anything too cheap that I might regret.

Thanks.
barry



-- Brian Enos ---
Dillon 550b press
http://www.brianenos.com/store/dillon.ez.550crbasic.html
+ Strong Mount
+ Primer Pickup Tubes: 4-Pack
+ 1" Bench Wrench& 5, 1" Lock Rings
+ 550 Spare Parts Kit
+ 550 Machine Cover
Total: $ 484.70


-- MidwayUSA ---
Lyman Carbide Dies
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=143461

Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=587176

Rainier LeadSafe Bullets 9mm (355 Diameter) 124 Grain Plated Flat Point
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=711972

RCBS Model 505 Magnetic
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=758842

Hornady One Shot Case Lube 5.5 oz Aerosol
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=438512

Loadbooks USA "9mm Luger" Reloading Manual
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=185458

Lyman "Pistol and Revolver: Reloading Handbook: Third Edition" Book
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=277752

Total: $137



-- Other Sources ---
* 9mm Brass -- ebay/forums
* 147gr bullets from Precision/Masterblaster
* Digital Calipers from Harbor Freight $14
* Unique Powder
* Winchester small primers
* Walnut Media from PetSmart

 

[Dr. Dickie]

For a scale, I have had great success with this little booger:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=814722

Nothing fancy, but it works well.

You also need a bullet puller:
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=215517

 

[Idano]

bp78,

Well you asked for any last minute advice so here it is; I would recommend buying the Dillon 650 or the Hornady AP over the Dillon 550, I think you would be happier over the long run. The cost of the Dillon 650 is only slightly more then the Dillon 550 and the Hornady is about the same price. It is quicker to change calibers on the Hornady and only slightly longer on the 650 but nothing to complain about. That is my two cents worth. I personally own the Hornady but I like the Dillon 650 also, both presses are pretty equivalent.

Regarding the scale, if going with a mechanical my favorite is RCBS 10-10 it has been around for along time and was originally built my Ohaus. If you go with digital it really doesn't matter who you buy none of them build their own they are sub contracted most like overseas and they all use the same chip.

 

[taliv]

stick with the dillon dies, instead of lyman

 

[bp78]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll go with a digital scale, that suggested Lyman seems to get more solid reviews than the cheaper Frankford Arsenal one. (although my c&r price on it is $10 higher than retail for some reason)

Suggestions on dies have been hard to follow, everytime someone tells me the dillon dies are over-priced and not as good someone else tells me to stick with the dillon ones. I don't mind the extra $30 if the Dillon dies are worth it. I'll go read some more on dies.

I've read several dillon v. hornady threads, but for me, everyone I shoot with loads on dillon presses. So I'll go with a dillon so that I have locals I can talk to if and when I need help. I'll look again and the caliber change prices between the 550 & 650.

Seems that Unique is a pretty safe powder to start with to handle 9mm, .45acp, and .38spl

 

[1911user]

That looks like a good start to me. The 550 is a fine press.

 

[Shoney]

I’ve reloaded for 46 years, own dies made by (alphabetically): - Dillon, Herters, Hornady, Lee, Lyman, Pacific, RCBS, and Redding. For pistol reloading, none of the carbide dies has an advantage over another for quality output, although some do not work as well in some presses. For rifle at a bench rest quality, only Redding makes a superior die.

Scale: Unless you are loading on a cement rock solid platform, the digitals will vary if you sit or stand at a different spot and are affected by minor air flows or air flow from open window anywhere in house or like those from forced air heating. Get the 10-10.

"A Nation of Sheep" comes to mind here.

bp78 "everyone I shoot with loads on dillon presses. So I'll go with a dillon"

Sad condolences on your logic.

bp78, "550 is right for me as it's quicker and cheaper to switch calibers on"

Nothing could be farther from the truth, wrong on both points; I have a 550, have loaded on a 650 and LNL is faster and changeovers are at less price.

bp78, "hesitate on the concerns of it being a manual progressive and the risks of a squib"

You are just as much at risk, if not more, for loading double charges on a manual progressive.

 

[bp78]

Shoney,

I acknowledged that the 550 would be more prone to a double charge and that is a big reason is my considering moving up to the 650. Why the disagreement?

I also fail to see the logic-fault in selecting a press that I can leverage the knowledge & service of those around me locally. Let's not turn this thread into another blue vs red thread, I've made my brand choice. And I do believe the caliber conversions on the 550 to be cheaper than a 650.

Thanks for the pointers on the scale. I don't do any precision rifle shooting and even any future 223 loading would be for 3Gun competition which is typically under 150yds.

 

[dmftoy1]

I think you'll be VERY happy with the 550. I love my 650 but I never had ANY complaints on my 550, my wife just gave me the excuse to upgrade. As far as worrying about double charges or squib loads it absolutely WILL NOT happen IF you adopt one habit.

Mount some type of light such that it shines down into the case at the bullet seating station . . . and visually check the powder level on every case before placing the bullet. It really takes NO time relative to not checking and if you did screw up it's very obvious.

Just my .02

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[bp78]

Thanks for all the advice. My orders were placed last night. A bit more expensive in the end than I initially thought but it'll be nice to have more choices in my loads even if it takes me years to recoup the costs. Picked up small quantities of several bullet types to see what works best for pistol. Some of my choices were influenced by what Midway had in stock, they seem to be sold out of a lot of stuff right now.

Just need to find a local source for powder & primers and I'm all set.

Including order snippets in case any new reloader finds it useful down the road.

Dillon RL 550B in 38 Super/9mm @ $ 379.95
550B - As it should BE - Upgrade @ $ 129.49
4-Pack - 2 Small & 2 Large Primer Pickup Tubes @ $17.95
550B Spare Parts Kit @ $ 14.95
One in. Bench Wrench w/Five 1 in. Lock Rings @ $7.95
Dillon 9mm Carbide 3-Die Set @ $57.95
Total: $ 608.24

185458 Loadbooks USA "9mm Luger" Reloading Manual $5.49
204960 Frankford Arsenal Case Lube 8 oz Pump $5.99
377852 Rainier LeadSafe Bullets 9mm (355 Diameter) 147 Grain Plated Round Nose Flat Point Box of 100 $8.39
384876 Frankford Arsenal Plastic Utility Box UB-36 Blue 4 $3.56
414369 Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler Master Kit with Quick-N-EZ Rotary Media Separator 110 Volt $49.99
423689 Frankford Arsenal Plastic Ammo Box 100-Round Flip-Top 1001 30 Luger, 380 ACP, 9mm Luger, 9mm Makarov Blue 5 $9.95
432193 Frankford Arsenal Plastic Utility Box UB-10 Blue 4 $2.76
526034 Rainier LeadSafe Bullets 9mm (355 Diameter) 124 Grain Plated Hollow Point Box of 500 $33.49
656090 Frankford Arsenal Vibra-Prime Automatic Primer Tube Filler $28.99
711972 Rainier LeadSafe Bullets 9mm (355 Diameter) 124 Grain Plated Flat Point Box of 100 2 $15.18
713372 Frankford Arsenal Micro Reloading Electronic Scale $29.99

9mm Brass 1000 Count Free Shipping $24.95
9mm 147 Gr. TC Polymer Bullets
9mm 147g TC 250 Ct $19.95
9mm 122 Gr. CCRN Polymer Bullets
9mm 122g CCRN 250 Ct $18.95
9mm 125 Gr. RN Polymer Bullets
9mm 125g RN 250 Ct $19.95
Total $83.80

 

[leper65]

Are you getting your powder/primers locally in Cary ? I have one shop here in Goldsboro that carries some powder/primers, I don't think their prices are that good though.

 

[bp78]

Are you getting your powder/primers locally in Cary ? I have one shop here in Goldsboro

Guys I shoot IDPA with say there are some garage-type sellers locally with good prices. If that doesn't pan-out soon I'll be buying powder & primers from a local shop that I don't care for much. My usual shops don't stock any powder.

 

[homefront]

Look hard at the Hornady LNL progressive before you leap!

 

[RustyFN]

bp78, check out Powder Valley (powdervalley.com ) for powder and primers. If you and your friends order quantity and split it along with the shipping you will get some good deals even with the Hazmat fees. They even have some good prices on Zero bullets. I haven't tried them yet but have heard they are good. I am going to order some the next time I need bullets. Also congratulations on your new press.
Rusty

 

[okeybug]

I bought a 550 six months ago from Brian. He steered me correct. I'm no stranger to semi progressive loaders having owned a Hornady Projector and RCBS ammomaster. I like the 550 better than both of those. The Hornady was hard to keep adjusted and the ammomaster's priming system was sorry. I bought this press simply because I don't reload over 20,000 cases a year. It's easy to correct something making less down time. Don't use CCI primers in it. Use Remington or Winchester and you'll have a smoother time. CCIs quality control is not as good these days. Dillon doesn't recommend them. I've used some of mine up but they are not as smooth.
You'll love it!! You'll also love the bullet tray. I just ordered and installed the tool caddy that fits on the back. It's so nice.

 

[bp78]

The Masterblaster order arrived Saturday (only a couple days), MidwayUSA will arrive tomorrow, not sure yet when the press will arrive. Based on all the feedback here and from others, I'm pretty sure I made the right choice for me with the 550b.

A Powder Valley order will definitely be in order. I went to the local shop for WSP primers, $28/K and 1lb of Unique was $18.50. That $20 hazmat fee is easily made up on even just a somewhat-small order.

I'll avoid the CCI primers, planning to stick to widely used and recommended components like the WSP primers.

 

[redneck2]

I have Hornady, Lee, RCBS, Lyman, Herter's, and Dillon dies.

The Dillon are considerably better for pistol rounds in the Dillon press than the others. Reason is, there is more flair built into the opening. If you use other dies, if the case isn't exactly centered it will still go into the die. With the others, you'll crush the new case when it gets hung up.

This is where you run into problems. Anytime you stop, pull all the cases out. Take the partly finished ones and run them thru one at a time. It will save you from having squibs.

I would STRONGLY suggest that, when you get the press, you start with one case, go all the way thru the steps, and end up with one loaded round. Do this for at least the first 20 rounds or so. If you try to mess with the de-capping, flair, powder drop, bullet depth, crimp, etc all at the same time, it becomes overwhelming.

hth

 

[dcloco]

You do not need any case lube if you buy carbide sizer dies.

 

[jeepmor]

If you are as detailed in your reloading procedures as you have been in your selection process, you will turn out some fine ammo no matter what you buy. If time was money, which it rarely is in a hobby because that is not the point, you have already spent that much money or more doing your research. But then again, it is a decision you have to live with for quite some time.

Enjoy, have fun, be careful. One big learning I had with a progressive press...you prime on the upstroke, need to remember that if you've done any single stage loading it will not be intuitive and some high primers might occur. And check each and every case for correct powder charge before you put the bullet on top. You don't have to remeasure the charge each time, but visually, you should be able to observe a small charge vs proper charge vs double charge quite easily.