What all should I get to get started?

[srv656s]

So I've settled on a few things finally for my reloading… I'm sure I want the Dillon 550B. I was thinking of getting the 650, but a the 550 seems to be more popular and I've heard that a new reloader should probably not start on a progressive reloader like the 650.

550B:

What I need to know are the basic things I need to get now to get started. I am planning to reload for .308 and .45 mostly and will probably start off with .308.

If I order the 550B from Dillon, what other things do I need to order to be effective? I looked through the catalog for other things that I might need to order and started to get confused as to what I really needed to get started…

Do I need any of this as well?

1. Automatic Powder measure
2. Case Gauge
3. DeBurring tool
4. Lyman E-ZEE Case Length Gauge
5. Stoney Point OAL Gauge
6. Vibratory Case Cleaner
7. Case/Media Separators
8. Polishing Media
9+…. Anything else?
Thanks-

Shawn

 

[caz223]

http://www.brianenos.com/store/dillon.html
Give this gentleman a call.

 

[caz223]

If you think you'd like to stand up when you reload, you need the strong mount and bullet tray.
The 550 comes with an auto powder measure.
I personally would recommend a deluxe quick change kit, esp. for this because of the rifle charge bar you'd need in your powder measure for the .308, and the pistol powder measure you'd need for most small pistol calibers.

You'd need as a minimum, a powder scale, dial calipers, whatever case prep tools you deem necessary, (I'd just need a tumbler, media, polish, and lube.) components, dies, a flip tray, a conversion kit for each caliber, and I'd recommend spare primer tubes, and a very solid bench.

I can't speak to the rifle caliber, but if you use carbide dies, you wouldn't need to lube the .45 cases. The 550 is set up to seat and crimp in different steps, so if you already have RCBS dies, your best bet would be to buy a lee carbide factory crimp die (Pistol), and use it for crimping, and just use the combo seat/crimp die for seating.
Also, some time savers: a 5 pack of 1" die rings and a 1" bench wrench.

 

[srv656s]

Wow, great info at that linked website!

Shawn

 

[caz223]

Brian's a no-nonsense kinda guy, he won't sell you something you don't need to make more money.
Seriously, give him a call, even if you just want to know the story.
And if you buy a 550, buy it from him when you're ready.

 

[neoncowboy]

I embarked on the same journey recently.

Get reloading manuals and read them.

After you've done that, you'll know exactly what you do and don't need and you'll be much better off starting out.

I have Lee's manual and a Lee press and couldn't be happier.

 

[The Bushmaster]

I agree with Neoncowboy...I didn't see a manual or two in your list...

 

[lee n. field]

What I need to know are the basic things I need to get now to get started.

Mr. Moderator, this question comes up fairly often. It might be a good idea to pick a good thread on that topic and make it sticky.

 

[Smokey Joe]

Basic info

SRV656s--If you're just starting reloading, get and read The ABC's of Reloading. Publisher: Krause Publishing, www.krause.com or available from Midway, your local shop, or a gun show. It is the best basic primer available IMHO. It will give you a clear indication of all you do need, might need, and might just enjoy, as well as a clear outline of safe and effective procedure.

If you're an experienced reloader, please forgive my wrong impression.

 

[neoncowboy]

The reason I say to get/read the manuals is to help you save some money.

When I first started I bought a bunch of stuff that it turned out I didn't need. If I'd just read the manuals before ordering stuff I would have known better.

 

[CB900F]

Srv656's

Just going over your list. Thought I'd chip in with some suggestions. Case length gauge for individual cases, such as the Dillon or Wilson product - yes. You'll want two, the .45 & the .308. Dial caliper reading 0 -100 instead of any other length guages mentioned. Primer flip tray, OH YEAH. Get the Dillon dies also, they have the radius'd entry that makes life easier on a progressive machine. A decent set of allen wrenches for setting up your 550. A decent 7/16th combo wrench for adjusting the powder measure bar.

VERY IMPORTANT: Get a good beam scale, powder trickler, and a set of check weights. These will allow you to: 1. Know that your scale is accurate. 2. Be able to check the charge your Dillon's auto powder measure is dispensing. Oh, get a set of tweezers & handle the check weights with them instead of yer sweaty lunch hooks.

Note: Regardless of whether or not you use carbide dies for the .308, your gonna need to lube the cases. If you don't, you ARE gonna wish you had lubed 'em. Stuck cases are about as much fun as fine case of: The Sailor's Disease. So either get a lube pad & some goo, RCBS's Case Lube-2 is fine, or one of the spray-on lube's. A light, repeat light, coat is the way to go.

The bullet tray is a very nice thing to have also.

900F