Hello; I'm going to try to reload so I thought I'd ask about buying my first ever reload manual, reloading Press, powder despencer, and scale, brass tumbler,media, brass lube, exc, exc. exc. I'm trying to buy smart the first time and be happy. I'd like to reload both rifle, and pistol ammuntion. I would say for me accuracy is the most important thing followed by volume. I been talking to a few older shooters I know and they tell my go with a single stage reloader and I'll get accuracy. I keep hearing good things about the Dillion 550, and 650 mostly for pistol. I really only want to buy one press and get as accurate ammuntion as I can. can I get some help from you guys here who have bought a few different types of manuals, press, powder despencers. scales, tumblers, media, case lube. exc. I'd like to get the name of the differn't products and where I can get a good price on buying them. Also is it good or bad idea to buy used? Thanks up front
What reload equipment for accuracy and volume ?
- Thread starter WK&U
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Re: What reload equipment for accuracy and volume ?
I'll try and make this brief as this is a huge topic to cover and 90% of the info your looking for can be found by searcing, but the only real answer is research, research, research!!! Read the reloading stickies here, track down a copy of the "ABC's of Reloading" etc.... For max accuracy and volume??? well, slow down skippy!!! For rifle/accuracy I use a single stage RCBS , (well 2 of them actually) After all the anal tedious case prep and each hand weighed powder charge, you can use a thrower/dispenser but you'll just have to trickle up on scale (start with a RCBS 10-10 and get a digital later.. for rifle I plan to change over to an arbor press and a Wilson seat die in the near future for the least runnout possible, sorry off topic there.. For pistol ammo, aka "the production side" of my bench is a Dillon RL 550B which can kick out about 400-500 9mm and .45 acp per hr. if I am not distracted by kid, people, tv, etc.. The 650 is great but will just cost more with accessories, I'd rather have 2 550's I've been at it for about 20 years. and the only real answer I can give ya worth a shit is "Reasearch" & be careful. Rock.
ETA: You could by all means use a Dillon 550 for rifle also, it's just a PIA in my opinion since you have to lube rifle cases (I am sloppy with lube, so I'll keep it off the Dillon) , deprime/size/ etc. then remove said lube, re-tumble, trim, chamfer/deburr, uniform primer pocket/flash hole, neck turn if you want/chase the donught etc.. Once you've done all that, then ya could by all means use a progressive press, but since ya can pick up a decent single stage press for about $150.00 new, might as well as it's easier to leave the progressive set up for the pistol caliber you use most anyway.. Good luck.
I'll try and make this brief as this is a huge topic to cover and 90% of the info your looking for can be found by searcing, but the only real answer is research, research, research!!! Read the reloading stickies here, track down a copy of the "ABC's of Reloading" etc.... For max accuracy and volume??? well, slow down skippy!!! For rifle/accuracy I use a single stage RCBS , (well 2 of them actually) After all the anal tedious case prep and each hand weighed powder charge, you can use a thrower/dispenser but you'll just have to trickle up on scale (start with a RCBS 10-10 and get a digital later.. for rifle I plan to change over to an arbor press and a Wilson seat die in the near future for the least runnout possible, sorry off topic there.. For pistol ammo, aka "the production side" of my bench is a Dillon RL 550B which can kick out about 400-500 9mm and .45 acp per hr. if I am not distracted by kid, people, tv, etc.. The 650 is great but will just cost more with accessories, I'd rather have 2 550's I've been at it for about 20 years. and the only real answer I can give ya worth a shit is "Reasearch" & be careful. Rock.
ETA: You could by all means use a Dillon 550 for rifle also, it's just a PIA in my opinion since you have to lube rifle cases (I am sloppy with lube, so I'll keep it off the Dillon) , deprime/size/ etc. then remove said lube, re-tumble, trim, chamfer/deburr, uniform primer pocket/flash hole, neck turn if you want/chase the donught etc.. Once you've done all that, then ya could by all means use a progressive press, but since ya can pick up a decent single stage press for about $150.00 new, might as well as it's easier to leave the progressive set up for the pistol caliber you use most anyway.. Good luck.
Re: What reload equipment for accuracy and volume ?
This is my opinion, diluted down to a few lines.
For benchrest type accuracy out of a bolt gun a single stage press works best.
For semi and pistol shooters, letting off more rounds in a shorter time frame possibly over a shorter distance, a progressive press is good as it is faster.
So if you want high consistency ammo, single stage is the way to go.
If you want both, but prefer belting out hundreds of rounds per hour... then the decision is really up to you.
IMO RCBS rockchucker kit is a good place to start for a single stage setup for a precision rifle shooter.
This is my opinion, diluted down to a few lines.
For benchrest type accuracy out of a bolt gun a single stage press works best.
For semi and pistol shooters, letting off more rounds in a shorter time frame possibly over a shorter distance, a progressive press is good as it is faster.
So if you want high consistency ammo, single stage is the way to go.
If you want both, but prefer belting out hundreds of rounds per hour... then the decision is really up to you.
IMO RCBS rockchucker kit is a good place to start for a single stage setup for a precision rifle shooter.
Re: What reload equipment for accuracy and volume ?
Speed is needed in the area of case prep, so get Giraud Trimmer, time can also be cut by using a Co-Ax single stage press, dies once set up never need to be checked and one can go from die to die in 2 seconds, T7 turret press is almost as fast, another area time can be saved is with powder measuring, a Chargemaster can dispense a charge every 20-25 seconds with reasonable accuracy, while its doing its thing a bullet can be seated, if dead nuts accurite and super fast is needed a Prometheus G2 is the shit hot ticket, 1/3 kernal accurite every 10-15 seconds, while none of these high dollar items can make loading faster than a Dillon, they will decrease the time involved in making match ammo.
Speed is needed in the area of case prep, so get Giraud Trimmer, time can also be cut by using a Co-Ax single stage press, dies once set up never need to be checked and one can go from die to die in 2 seconds, T7 turret press is almost as fast, another area time can be saved is with powder measuring, a Chargemaster can dispense a charge every 20-25 seconds with reasonable accuracy, while its doing its thing a bullet can be seated, if dead nuts accurite and super fast is needed a Prometheus G2 is the shit hot ticket, 1/3 kernal accurite every 10-15 seconds, while none of these high dollar items can make loading faster than a Dillon, they will decrease the time involved in making match ammo.
Re: What reload equipment for accuracy and volume ?
You should look closely at Hornady's LnL AP progressive press. I have one and its built very well. Its solid, easy to reconfigure and the quick change die set up makes die changes a 10 second affair. I reload rifle and pistol ammo on it and I've measured, compared and shot ammo loaded on a single stage with the ammo loaded on the LnL and there was practically no difference.
You should look closely at Hornady's LnL AP progressive press. I have one and its built very well. Its solid, easy to reconfigure and the quick change die set up makes die changes a 10 second affair. I reload rifle and pistol ammo on it and I've measured, compared and shot ammo loaded on a single stage with the ammo loaded on the LnL and there was practically no difference.
Re: What reload equipment for accuracy and volume ?
Thank you all for the advice. As I shared with you the old timers I've talk to say buy a single stage Foster Co-Ax they tell me it has a floating die or head somthing like that they tell me you can get use to the loading arm. They say its that good, I just don't want to regreat the volume that I'll be getting for the time I'll be stuck in the garage. I'll keep reading, before I slap down the cash (Thanks Again)
Thank you all for the advice. As I shared with you the old timers I've talk to say buy a single stage Foster Co-Ax they tell me it has a floating die or head somthing like that they tell me you can get use to the loading arm. They say its that good, I just don't want to regreat the volume that I'll be getting for the time I'll be stuck in the garage. I'll keep reading, before I slap down the cash (Thanks Again)
Re: What reload equipment for accuracy and volume ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">STOP USING PHOTOBUCKET! </div></div>
whats up with photobucket?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">STOP USING PHOTOBUCKET! </div></div>
whats up with photobucket?
Re: What reload equipment for accuracy and volume ?
I use the RL550B. I like its <span style="font-style: italic">lack</span> of the auto-advance feature. It allows me to do some stages progressively, and others (like powder charging) the same as if they were on a single stage press.
I use the RL550B. I like its <span style="font-style: italic">lack</span> of the auto-advance feature. It allows me to do some stages progressively, and others (like powder charging) the same as if they were on a single stage press.
Re: What reload equipment for accuracy and volume ?
I don’t use a progressive for bench rest ammo but I make ammunition that will shoot inside 1” at 100 all day (if you sort for head stamp). Dillon 650 with two deprime dies and trimmer and a 1050 with bullet feeder.
As for volume, click on this photo.
I don’t use a progressive for bench rest ammo but I make ammunition that will shoot inside 1” at 100 all day (if you sort for head stamp). Dillon 650 with two deprime dies and trimmer and a 1050 with bullet feeder.
As for volume, click on this photo.
Re: What reload equipment for accuracy and volume ?
I also use the RL550B for the reason Greg states. I load 9, 45 (Bullseye)and 223(Varget)in full progressive mode. My 308 shoots 42 to 43 grains and all points in between very well. Though I do load for the 308 in "turret mode", weighing and manually charging each round at 43g (Varget), I can load that progressively as well and easily stay w/in a .1. I tend not to load hundreds of rounds at a time of 308 so I just don't volume load it much anymore....
FWIW, I gave all my single stage stuff to my nephew. He's since given it away and is using a ... you guessed it ... 550B.
I also use the RL550B for the reason Greg states. I load 9, 45 (Bullseye)and 223(Varget)in full progressive mode. My 308 shoots 42 to 43 grains and all points in between very well. Though I do load for the 308 in "turret mode", weighing and manually charging each round at 43g (Varget), I can load that progressively as well and easily stay w/in a .1. I tend not to load hundreds of rounds at a time of 308 so I just don't volume load it much anymore....
FWIW, I gave all my single stage stuff to my nephew. He's since given it away and is using a ... you guessed it ... 550B.
Re: What reload equipment for accuracy and volume ?
To speed up case prep, I use a Possum Hollow trimmer. I put the VLD inside de-burrer and outside de-burrer, primer pocket uniformer, and flash hole de-burrer in a drill clamped into a vice.
I use an RCBS Jr press, and Lyman automatic dispenser and measure. To speed that up though I throw the charges about a grain to two grains short with a powder measure, then let the dispenser top it off.
To reduce runout caused by any amount of crookedness in the decapping rod. I size and de-cap the cases, then while they are still lubed, remove the decapping rod and run them through the sizer die again to insure that any crookedness caused by the rod is removed. This has greatly reduced the runout.
I tried getting straight de-capping rods, but there are too many threads and connection points to have truly straight decapping rods unless you are unusually lucky. With my 6.5 Grendel, it took 5 different Redding decapping rods to get one really straight one, and one almost perfect one. Redding was the company that told me it is all the connections that make it so hard to get truly straight decapping rods.
Maybe a free floating carbide inside neck expander ball is what I need.
To speed up case prep, I use a Possum Hollow trimmer. I put the VLD inside de-burrer and outside de-burrer, primer pocket uniformer, and flash hole de-burrer in a drill clamped into a vice.
I use an RCBS Jr press, and Lyman automatic dispenser and measure. To speed that up though I throw the charges about a grain to two grains short with a powder measure, then let the dispenser top it off.
To reduce runout caused by any amount of crookedness in the decapping rod. I size and de-cap the cases, then while they are still lubed, remove the decapping rod and run them through the sizer die again to insure that any crookedness caused by the rod is removed. This has greatly reduced the runout.
I tried getting straight de-capping rods, but there are too many threads and connection points to have truly straight decapping rods unless you are unusually lucky. With my 6.5 Grendel, it took 5 different Redding decapping rods to get one really straight one, and one almost perfect one. Redding was the company that told me it is all the connections that make it so hard to get truly straight decapping rods.
Maybe a free floating carbide inside neck expander ball is what I need.
Re: What reload equipment for accuracy and volume ?
I've had a persistent problem with runout, in some cases really bad runout, which I might have just solved by dropping $200.00 on a set of Redding dies; neck sizer, neck bushing, body die, and bullet seater. The RCBS "Competition" dies I've been using weren't making it. I do not have a runout testing rig that uses a micrometer, I roll loaded rounds on a desktop. You can see if the bullet is in straight or not.
While I've only just started using the Redding die set it produces quality ammo. The die supports the entire case during neck sizing and during bullet seating using a spring-loaded sleeve. So far, so good, but I've only used the neck sizer and seater so far. I'm about to try the body die on some rounds for a gas gun. I also replaced the case holder that snaps into the single stage press ram; not sure why I suspected the case holder, but I was frustrated enough to get a new one.
Shot some of the new loads today, no flyers, three-shot groups all well under MOA; rifle exhibiting its normal vertical climb when it warms up, <span style="font-style: italic">but no unexplained flyers</span>. In fact, no flyers, period. I am more than cautiously optimistic.
I single-stage load all rifle rounds, and use a Dillon 550 for .45's.
I've had a persistent problem with runout, in some cases really bad runout, which I might have just solved by dropping $200.00 on a set of Redding dies; neck sizer, neck bushing, body die, and bullet seater. The RCBS "Competition" dies I've been using weren't making it. I do not have a runout testing rig that uses a micrometer, I roll loaded rounds on a desktop. You can see if the bullet is in straight or not.
While I've only just started using the Redding die set it produces quality ammo. The die supports the entire case during neck sizing and during bullet seating using a spring-loaded sleeve. So far, so good, but I've only used the neck sizer and seater so far. I'm about to try the body die on some rounds for a gas gun. I also replaced the case holder that snaps into the single stage press ram; not sure why I suspected the case holder, but I was frustrated enough to get a new one.
Shot some of the new loads today, no flyers, three-shot groups all well under MOA; rifle exhibiting its normal vertical climb when it warms up, <span style="font-style: italic">but no unexplained flyers</span>. In fact, no flyers, period. I am more than cautiously optimistic.
I single-stage load all rifle rounds, and use a Dillon 550 for .45's.
Re: What reload equipment for accuracy and volume ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use the RL550B. I like its <span style="font-style: italic">lack</span> of the auto-advance feature. It allows me to do some stages progressively, and others <span style="font-weight: bold">(like powder charging)</span> the same as if they were on a single stage press. </div></div>
I do the same for accurate loads.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use the RL550B. I like its <span style="font-style: italic">lack</span> of the auto-advance feature. It allows me to do some stages progressively, and others <span style="font-weight: bold">(like powder charging)</span> the same as if they were on a single stage press. </div></div>
I do the same for accurate loads.
Re: What reload equipment for accuracy and volume ?
I got a LEE single stage and a Hornady LNL AP. All precision work is done on the Lee and any plinking is done ont he LNL AP.
The LEE is a killer bang for the buck. The ammo I load through it shoots .5moa or less.
I got a LEE single stage and a Hornady LNL AP. All precision work is done on the Lee and any plinking is done ont he LNL AP.
The LEE is a killer bang for the buck. The ammo I load through it shoots .5moa or less.
