RustyFN
Member
I think you will be very happy with the 550. I started on a Lee classic turret and am very happy with the way I started. I do own a 550 now and think you will be fine to start on it, just take your time.
First Press Overkill?
- Thread starter guyfromohio
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I'm a noob. I need bullets for five calibers. I started where I'm likely to end up in the equipment department. I bought a Hornaday LnL AP. There are lots of great progressives out there besides Hornaday. I am still experimenting with the tricks of the trade. Like crimping and preventing set back. I will eventually master reloading, I'm sure. I've made a commitment and have set a goal for how many bullets I want to shoot next year. No regrets so far.
Certaindeaf
member
That's a neck tension issue. Crimp will not increase neck tension. Use the search function and check out one of the many threads addressing this subject.
Lost Sheep
Member
abq87120
Always test your setup by loading a single cartridge all the way through, then measure and check every aspect of that cartridge before you start with the progressive operation. Run in progressive mode for a handful of cartridges and check THEM individually. Only after those checks go into full production.
To do otherwise is to invite catastrophe.
Then, set aside every 50th round to come out of the machine for examination and testing (bag or box the other 49 with #50 set atop the bag) and keep the 50s in order of production so you know which were produced when.
To do otherwise...
You do not have to use my quality control procedures exactly. Make your own QC.
But DO design a thoughtful and reliable QC process. To do otherwise is to invite catastrophe.
Good luck.
Lost Sheep.
p.s. I read between the lines of your post. Please forgive me if I have over-reached. I know loading is not rocket science, but it does involve flame and smoke and things that go very fast. To lose sight of that fact is to invite catastrophe.
Remember that quantity MUST ALWAYS take a lower priority than quality. To do otherwise is to invite catastrophe.
Always test your setup by loading a single cartridge all the way through, then measure and check every aspect of that cartridge before you start with the progressive operation. Run in progressive mode for a handful of cartridges and check THEM individually. Only after those checks go into full production.
To do otherwise is to invite catastrophe.
Then, set aside every 50th round to come out of the machine for examination and testing (bag or box the other 49 with #50 set atop the bag) and keep the 50s in order of production so you know which were produced when.
To do otherwise...
You do not have to use my quality control procedures exactly. Make your own QC.
But DO design a thoughtful and reliable QC process. To do otherwise is to invite catastrophe.
Good luck.
Lost Sheep.
p.s. I read between the lines of your post. Please forgive me if I have over-reached. I know loading is not rocket science, but it does involve flame and smoke and things that go very fast. To lose sight of that fact is to invite catastrophe.
OP
OP
guyfromohio
Member
Well..... My mind and wallet size has changed a few times. By the time I would have purchased a 550 and EVERYTHING needed to start reloading, I would have been well past a grand. In the meantime, my very generous staff gave me a $600 gift card to Cabelas. I decided to just take the plunge instead of pondering and studying and procrastinating. My Lee Classic Turret and everything needed arrived at my door today. I know it isn't the Mercedes of reloading, but I think it will suit a rookie just fine. I chose to start with .38 special for a few reasons.... I have some brass, reloading will actually save money, and perhaps the revolver will be more tolerant of mistakes. I'll update when the first round is completed... Likely after Christmas. Thank you all for the input. Perhaps the Dillon will come later as my comfort level grows.
So does it ever make $$ sense to reload 9mm when I can buy it for $9.99/50?
So does it ever make $$ sense to reload 9mm when I can buy it for $9.99/50?
Certaindeaf
member
It's up to you. I think good reloadable ammo is more than $10/50 now. I can reload 9 for about $3-4/100. I cast also.
thump_rrr
Member
A single stag press to develop your loads and a progressive to pump them out.
A progressive is a pain in the butt when you want to make very few rounds of something.
A progressive is a pain in the butt when you want to make very few rounds of something.
jwrowland77
Member
I'd say yes, considering you could load consistent quality 9mm for $14-$16 per 100. Reloaded rifle ammo is where you really see the savings, but I'd reload regardless of savings. Around my area, 9mm goes for about $22/100
Certaindeaf
member
Did you check that today? Probably not. lolz
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