Relaoding rifle rounds - equipment needed?

[txgolfer45]

I've been reloading .45ACP for awhile on a Dillon 550b. I understand that most recommend a single stage press for rifle rounds. I'm interested in reloading for 308 and 223. So, I'm considering getting a single stage press. What all additional equipment do I need for reloading rifle rounds beyond what I already have to reload my pistol rounds?

Press
Case trimmer
dies
Powder measure/dispenser
Cartridge gauge
Priming tool

I already have a digital caliper and powder scale.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[rfwobbly]

You can also do both those rounds on the 550B. There's nothing wrong with that. If you'll take out the brass buttons you can then use it as a single stage. Or if you're loading more than 15 rounds you can use it in progressive mode. You may have to run the brass through twice (once to size, then once to powder and seat after trimming) but you're going to save a lot of money using what you got, and quickly make some great ammo to boot.

• The only time you would need a better press is if you were doing bench rest, 1000 yd matches, or entering the Olympics. Something that demanded ultra-precision.

• There might be some slight advantage in using a single stage, but only if you could buy a used single stage very cheaply and dedicate it to de-capping or making one-off test rounds.

The real down-side here is that the buying wouldn't stop with the second press. You'd also need a second powder measure system. And since the Dillon PM is so good, buying it's equal or better PM would get into some serious money. If I were in your shoes, I'd be sticking with the Dillon PM and using that cash for 1) a really good case trimmer and 2) a pocket swaging tool, both of which are "must haves" with rifles that shoot mil brass.

Hope this helps!

 

[txgolfer45]

Thanks for your input. I'll look at getting the additional components for my 550B and run it in single stage mode.

 

[rfwobbly]

Sure thing. What you'll find as soon as your rifle reloading gets into the hundreds is that a power trimmer is a "must have". Trimmers are expensive enough, but adding a motor to a trimmer seems to add ~$125 or more.

Enjoy!

 

[LiveLife]

txgolfer, I too just started reloading .223 and .308.

Additional things I would suggest to your list is Sinclair hex nut comparator, tool to remove the military crimp from primer pockets (if you use once-fired military cases), spotting scope.

 

[WNTFW]

Not listed
Case lube
Debur/Chamfer
Shell holder if not coming with dies

Make a list of your steps and check to see if you have the tools.

Down side to the 550b is the startup cost to change calibers.

 

[dmazur]

I started reloading .45 ACP on a Dillon 550b. I'm now loading .30-06 and .243 and I don't have any complaints.

Yes, I have to break out resizing/repriming from what would be considered a full progressive process, but after that it works as a "3-station progressive".

I suppose I can offer a few pointers -

1. You're going to have to do something I don't have to, which is change the primer mechanism to handle small primers. This isn't hard to do, but it does take a little bit of time. I'd take advantage of having things apart to clean things thoroughly. I do that once in a while, even though everything I load uses large primers.

2. You are going to need a different shell plate for .223, and when you change this part, make sure you get it adjusted for minimum play or you can wind up with "cocked" primers. The shell plate will allow the case to tip as the primer punch tries to seat the primer. Put a small amount of oil on the little detent ball.

3. While the Dillon powder measure is excellent, it doesn't seem to like to throw extruded powders into bottleneck cases if they have any residue of lube in the neck. You can get powder bridging and have a real mess on your hands. You can try to use powders designed to meter well (like Varget), and you can use dry lubes for the case neck, like graphite or motor mica. If you use RCBS case lube, use just a trace on a case neck brush. I have occasional trouble with .243, and .223 is going to be just a little smaller so I can't see it being any easier.

4. Every once in a while, I go through a few hundred rounds at a time trying to feed a hungry Garand. While a powered trimmer like a Giraud seemed expensive at the time, I find it means I can trim as fast as the 550b can load. If you have plenty of time and are trying to save on equipment, a Giraud is not necessary. I'm still glad I got one instead of a single stage press, second powder measure, etc. (Different strokes for different folks, and there's nothing wrong with single stage presses. Except they're slow... )

Good luck.

 

[HOWARD J]

Don't forget--cartridge cases, primers, gun powder & bullets.
A couple good reloading rifle manuals.
Have fun