Researching and learning

[AJBert]

I've been wanting to get into reloading for sometime now, and I know right now isn't the best time but there is no time better than the present to research and learn as much as I can.

My dad reloaded shotgun shells back in the '60s and '70s. Seemed pretty simple to me as a kid as even I could do it. What I didn't realize then was the setup of the press.

After reading much from many sources over the last few weeks, I'm thinking the Hornady LnL AP press is what I'll go with. Yes, I know a single stage or turret would be a better starter but I also know you can set up a progressive to be a single stage. I also like the idea of being able to switch over dies to load something else in 5 minutes, give or take. I do understand you need to set up each die individually for each caliber, but once they are set up change over is very easy.

I'm not wanting to "upgrade" to something in a couple of years; rather, I want something I can use the rest of my life time. I plan on reloading, primarily, .45 ACP and .40 S&W for range fodder. I may get into rifles to see if I can beat factory loads for accuracy. Have to say, I'm more than happy with my Win XP3's in the 150gr variety.

I also know of a number of other accessories that will be needed and others that would be nice to have. The number one thing I'll need is a good manual, and I know there are a number of them out there.

For you seasoned reloaders, any opinions on where I'm headed at the moment? I know most presses and supplies are on backorder and thus the research and learning going on.

Any advice/input would be much appreciated.

[mr surveyor]

If you're gearing towards accurate rifle loading, I'm going out on a limb and suggesting that a single stage press may just be your best bet. You're gonna want to measure every powder charge for precise consistancy...if you want to find the sweet spot gor your rifles and beat factory loads. So, it's one die to resize/deprime all the brass, line 'em up in a loading block, measure the powder into the brass, then pop in the seating/crimp die into the press and finish them up.

High volume handgun rounds...sure, progressive is the way to go (if that's your thing). I don't shoot more than 50-60 magnum loads in a session (.357 and .44), and maybe 50 rounds of .45 acp or .38 spl, so single stage keeps up with my needs anyway. No more than a couple of range trips per month now.

[Bawanna]

I agree single stage if you want rifle but if your doing pistol range ammo the Hornady LnL is the ticket.

You can do one step at a time, you can check stuff at each station, it's a good press.

I think Midway has a good sale going on them right now too.

You just have to keep your wits about you when you have an issue but this is true even going from a single stage. No magic, just focus and paying attention. Once your all set you can crank em out safely and still double check stuff.

[mr surveyor]

I seem to have that adult attention disorder thing going, so I have to keep it simple and have double checks on my first checks


edit to add.... when the waitress asks "Mayo or mustard"....I just say "Yes"

[Bawanna]

I find myself in that category as well of late. No more walking and chewing gum for me, well that's silly I don't walk and don't have the teeth for gum so hardly worth consideration. Maybe I'm ok afterall.

My wife and kids get a big chuckle out of some of my waitress responses. Apparently being deaf is very humorous to some.

Something to drink sir?

Salad please.

Fries or baked potatoe?

Whiskey.

[downtownv]

Pistol only? Dillon Square deal b once set you can't f it up.....
I got a lot of my stuff from my **** *** buddy in metarie... Katrina drowned out about 10000 rounds of ammo and he gave me some of his reloading stuff that was left un damaged and never got back into it. Dillon large tumbler digital scale and caliper. and a media sorter.:)

[AJBert]

I do understand that a single stage is best for precision reloading but my main focus right now is having fun with the Tommy gun. Like I said, I'm more than happy with Winchester Supreme XP3's for hunting right now. A few years down the road I might like to play around in that arena.

I'm looking more at range ammo right now, just to get out and shoot. This is why I'm looking at a progressive. If/when I get into the accuracy game I'll probably look at a turret press.