Reloading Equipment

[BallTurret]

Can anyone give me some pointers on the purchase of reloading equipment for loading .38 Special ammo? I've been shooting for years, but after paying nearly $50.00 for a box of 50 rounds of ammo this past weekend, thought I should look into learning to reload.

[45 ACP]

While there are a lot of options out there for reloading equipment, Dillon is top notch in the industry.

http://www.calccw.com/Forums/carry-g...650-press.html

[El Gato]

Originally Posted by BallTurret

Can anyone give me some pointers on the purchase of reloading equipment for loading .38 Special ammo? I've been shooting for years, but after paying nearly $50.00 for a box of 50 rounds of ammo this past weekend, thought I should look into learning to reload.

Ball Turret...
Reloading is a great hobby and we have some great resources here in Bakersfield....

Ron at PB Casting makes bullets locally and they are great bullets!...you can buy them at 5 Dogs range or directly from Ron... I shoot his 240 gr. 44 bullet behind 21 gr. of **** powder and have shot 6 shot 3 inch groups at 100 yards from a 6 in. Dan Wesson with a scope on it... no leading to speak of either.... That's all I use for reloading at this time is Rons bullets!

Valley Gun occasionally has used reloading equipment and they sell the major brands... they have some experts there... call first and ask if Terry will be in the shop and he will give you great advice... Pete at the Ammo dump is also a great source for info and parts....I'm not sure if Gene at Bear Mtn. has alot of reloading experience but they have alot of equipment too....

I use a Hornady progressive but don't have used single stage presses for years...and they are slow but a good way to start... Lee has some good prices on some OK equipment but alot of people find it better to just save and buy the equipment you think you might end up with... I am saving for a Dillon 650... I have a buddy who loads 38spl/357 mag with a Dillon Square Deal and loves it....

Read a reloading manual... I favor the lyman manual but the speer/hornady manuals are great.....they have good general information and will explain in detail what must be done....

There is much to learn and reloading can be alot of fun....

[Bombard]

The top dog these days is Dillon.

A lot of people will argue over the 550 being adequate or the 650 being superior. I just bought a used Dillon Square Deal B with 4 sets of dies (380, 38/357, .40 and .45) used, for $220. It doesn't use "standard" dies (only proprietary dies from Dillon) and only does handgun ammo, but that's plenty for me. It's a true auto-indexing progressive, can EASILY do 300 rounds per hour.

[1buba]

Originally Posted by 45 ACP

While there are a lot of options out there for reloading equipment, Dillon is top notch in the industry.

http://www.calccw.com/Forums/carry-g...650-press.html

+1

[BallTurret]

Thanks to all for the wonderful weath of information... I will surely be delving into the art of reloading - and hopefully keeping my fingers in the process

[emc002]

I drank the Blue Kool-Aid too, but then just bought a Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Progressive.
I like it better and it's cheaper. Then again, you don't see me selling my Dillon!

If you're starting out, try this thread.
For the New Reloader: Thinking about Reloading; Equipment Basics -- READ THIS FIRST - THR

[NSP]

If you are only looking to reload .38 specials then a Dillon square deal b would be the right choice for you.

[emc002]

Originally Posted by NSP

If you are only looking to reload .38 specials then a Dillon square deal b would be the right choice for you.

I wouldn't recommend the Square Deal because of the proprietary issue and complete lack of interchangability with other reloading systems, including Dillon's other reloading machines.

[1buba]

Originally Posted by emc002

I wouldn't recommend the Square Deal because of the proprietary issue and complete lack of interchangability with other reloading systems, including Dillon's other reloading machines.

It's a great machine, but this is indeed it's achilles heel. That, and the fact that we knew we would be loading for 2 (my dad and I), and the fact that we would be loading for at LEAST 3 cal's (it would be foolish for 99.9% of the shooters to think they will ONLY load for the guns they currently shoot), we went w/ the 650. It has been mistreated and needs to be rebuilt before i start using it again, but that is coming quickly.

[emc002]

Originally Posted by 1buba

it would be foolish for 99.9% of the shooters to think they will ONLY load for the guns they currently shoot

That's an excellent point, too.
I started with a simple old Lee single stage, then added an RCBS progressive, sold that added a Dillon 550, then added the Hornady LnL AP.

Even thought the Dillon only gets used for .45 ACP now, it's a great machine. I am just loving the Hornady and the quick release bushings, plus the cheaper price for reloading different calibers.

I started out only loaded .45 ACP, then added .40 S&W and .38 Spl on my Dillon.
Wtihthe ease of change out and multiple calibers useable with single shellplates, I've added a bunch of new dies (.204, .223, .45 LC, .454 Casull, .308) for use with the Hornady knowing I don't have to calibrate them every time I set them up.

[1buba]

Originally Posted by emc002

That's an excellent point, too.
I started with a simple old Lee single stage, then added an RCBS progressive, sold that added a Dillon 550, then added the Hornady LnL AP.

Even thought the Dillon only gets used for .45 ACP now, it's a great machine. I am just loving the Hornady and the quick release bushings, plus the cheaper price for reloading different calibers.

I started out only loaded .45 ACP, then added .40 S&W and .38 Spl on my Dillon.
Wtihthe ease of change out and multiple calibers useable with single shellplates, I've added a bunch of new dies (.204, .223, .45 LC, .454 Casull, .308) for use with the Hornady knowing I don't have to calibrate them every time I set them up.

Yup. Shooters and guitar players - PLEASE don't try to fool yourself into thinking that you will only own one or two... It won't happen. I think I have over a dozen guitars/basses now. I'm afraid to count the guns. Kind of like a woodworker - there's ALWAYS another tool that fits a empty spot you didn't realize was there until you saw the new one...

[emc002]

Originally Posted by 1buba

I'm afraid to count the guns. Kind of like a woodworker - there's ALWAYS another tool that fits a empty spot you didn't realize was there until you saw the new one...

I always try to do a tally when friends or family ask "How many do you have" and lose count or double count at some point. My answer always ends up being "Not enough, apparently!"

And yes, woodworkers are the same. My Dad in EDH always asks for another tool or woodworking book EVERY Christmas, Father's Day, Birthday.
At least shopping is easy for him!

Me, I just ask for reloading equipment lately with ammo prices being what they are!

[1buba]

Originally Posted by emc002

I always try to do a tally when friends or family ask "How many do you have" and lose count or double count at some point. My answer always ends up being "Not enough, apparently!"

And yes, woodworkers are the same. My Dad in EDH always asks for another tool or woodworking book EVERY Christmas, Father's Day, Birthday.
At least shopping is easy for him!

Me, I just ask for reloading equipment lately with ammo prices being what they are!

Woodcrafters gift cert!

[maldos]

I went through this earlier this year. I purchased the Hornady LNL progressive press after reading

http://www.comrace.ca/cmfiles/dillon...Comparison.pdf

The clincher was that Hornady is offering 1000 bullets with the purchase of the LNL press. It's a great press and makes very accurate ammo.

Hornady and Dillon both offer the same warranty and excellent service.

Hope this helps