Dillon reloader

[Mistered]

This is something I posted on another forum - and in several variations but it is what I believe one should actually consider about reloading before taking it up:

I have heard I won't save any money

Technically you will not except on paper. However I have said it many times (and variations) but still the same - DON'T get into reloading thinking you will save money - get into reloading as an extension of your interest in firearms and the desire to get the best performance out of them or variations of performance and specialized loadings you can NOT get unless by reloading. An example of this would be reduced velocity loads that are simply not available for some calibers. Eventually as you build up supplies by finding deals or components you know you will use you will always be ready to 'knock out' however many rounds you think you will need instead of driving around looking for what you want and unsure of the prices. With reloading you will always know what your per round cost is and depending on the caliber can be a significant savings over store bought. And while I never thought it would happen the recent shortages of certain calibers during the 'panic' phases kept some people I know from shooting while I was able to supply myself.

[Jdl447]

I also saw a couple of youtube videos where guys seemed to be quite focused on "static electricity" while reloading. Ok I get it, it's gunpowder, but is this something that's an issue you think about when you reload? Just curious. If I blow myself up my wife will kill me.

Not until now.

[Mistered]

I also saw a couple of youtube videos where guys seemed to be quite focused on "static electricity"

These are most likely the same people who go out into the woods armed to the teeth for 'bear and cougar' defense.

[BigAl52]

One thing about the Dillon and Im sure the others have some also there is good ole Youtube. Dillon also comes with a manual that is very complete and can teach even a guy with only just horse sense how to reload. Al

[Mistered]

I have often responded in similar threads and always the same. Reloading should be taken up as an extension of your interest in shooting and firearms, and not as just a chore to save money. As previously stated you will save (eventually after initial costs are 'absorbed') but the ability to tailor ammo to your own needs or for better performance in your guns is priceless. Also once you get some supplies built up you will always have a ready supply of ammo whenever you want - this is what saved me on the first, and the latest go around of ammo availability which I only noticed when I saw the empty shelves, but was not affected by it. You do however need to understand reloading is a science as well as a hobby and requires dedicated concentration, reading and follow up study and, as stated before, you need to have the patience to perform repetitive tasks while maintaining a serious attention to detail. Reloading is not for everyone and you should find someone who does so you can assist and give it a try before investing in equipment.

[RanchRoper]

lots fo sound advice. thanks.

[Oksrt]

Wish I still had my RL550.

[NoFlyZone]

My $0.02... I had a Dillon Square Deal press back when I was shooting a lot (competition). I have to say Dillon makes super fine products. They are in Scottsdale AZ, not real far from me. I've been to their place many times over the years. Great people, great company, great warranty.
About the Square Deal... I think its a fantastic press if all you want to do is load handgun ammo (which is all I did). I had it set up for .380, 9mm, .38/.357, and .38 super and 44 mag. No problems with it.
I got out of shooting for a few years and sold the press and all. Wish I had it back, but I don't do near as much shooting as I used to.

Long story short... I vote for the Dillon Square Deal.

Dale

[tractortad]

Hey RR -
I had all the same questions you are asking when I decided to get into reloading earlier this year. I agree with previous posters that the Dillon is a fantastic press from a great company, but a progressive Dillon is probably way too much press for what you want to do. I ended up getting a Redding T-7 turret press. A turret is faster and more convenient than a single stage press, but slower and less mechanically complicated than a progressive. In my case, I saw it as a good compromise - both in $ and capability. Redding is an American company known for their high quality reloading equipment. As with most things nowadays, one of the best ways to research these things is on the internet using u-tube videos. There is no shortage of videos on all the different presses out there in the reloading world...
-Tad

[RanchRoper]

I will check it out. Thks.

[clovishound]

A lot boils down to how much you plan on reloading each week/month. If you are going to load a couple hundred a month, I would stick with a single stage press. RCBS makes excellent presses. Lee makes a good single stage, but spend a little more and get the Lee classic, they are much more robust. If you are going to be loading more, then a turret press might be the best way to go. I have the Lee classic turret. I can easily run 150 rounds per hour. They do require a little more setup and tinkering, but are not as complex as progressives. If you are going to be loading a whole bunch of ammo every week, then a progressive is the way to go.

If you decide to go with the single stage or turret, you won't have that much invested in the press, and most people that upgrade to a progressive end up keeping their SS or turret for certain operations, so it isn't a waste.

[JEBar]

Realistically I shoot maybe 1200 rounds a year based on 7 months of ideal weather. 1500 tops.

my bet is, if/when you load your own, that number will go up .... doing so won't give you any more months of ideal weather but it will offer you an opportunity to increase the number of rounds fired during your trips to the range ... this morning we are baby sitting our 10 month old grandson .... while here I picked up another couple of hundred rounds of our handloaded 44 Mag ammo .... that gives us a little over 300 rounds on hand .... we are due to pull out in a little over a month on our trip west I hope to be able to take 750 to 1,000 rounds with us .... we've scheduled 4 days on this trip to spend at Missouri shooting parks and do hope for some unscheduled firing while in South Dakota .... by the time we get back we hope have thoroughly exercised our Henry rifles, Ruger Redhawk and 11-87 shotgun .... a thousand rounds of cheap American Eagle factory loaded 44 Mags at Cabela's would run about $800 / 80 cents each .... given, our equipment is old and has more than paid for itself, by reusing our brass, our handloads (of a considerably better quality) cost us in the neighborhood of 25 cents each .... that difference of about $550 alone would buy some very nice equipment .... in our case we can afford to shoot more and shoot more often

REVISION : I just got back from Cabela's where we stocked up on W296 and CCI Large Pistol Magnum Primers .... they've gone up a bit since we stocked up a couple of years ago .... just figured it up and our cost per bullet is up about 4 cents each to about 29 cents per round .... that's still a good bit better that 80 some cents each

[PT7]

Over the last few years, I've asked myself similar questions that RR is posting on the Forum. I've tried to run some estimated figures both on reloading .357 magnums, and also 1-oz. shotgun slugs. Never have come to an adequate, clear answer yet.

I know you've been reloading for a long time now, JEBar, and you're experienced. It's good to read your numbers showing the bottom-line savings you acquire: 80 cents/round manufactured ammo vs. 25 cents/round reloaded ammo.

$550 is nothing to sneeze at!!

I also agree with those who have commented about the "why reload" question. In any number of chats with CT_Shooter, he has said the primary reason for him to reload is not the goal of saving $$$; rather, it is an important and fun extension of shooting. It's pretty simple from that perspective when he said "it really is a good feeling to go to the range and shoot bullets you just have made yourself." Sounds good to me, and I agree with that focus of reloading being a part of the shooting sports.

Good Luck as you ponder your final decision, RR. And BTW, I do trust that if you blow yourself up due to generating a static electricity powder explosion, your wife "won't kill you."
PT7

Realistically I shoot maybe 1200 rounds a year based on 7 months of ideal weather. 1500 tops.

my bet is, if/when you load your own, that number will go up .... doing so won't give you any more months of ideal weather but it will offer you an opportunity to increase the number of rounds fired during your trips to the range ... this morning we are baby sitting our 10 month old grandson .... while here I picked up another couple of hundred rounds of our handloaded 44 Mag ammo .... that gives us a little over 300 rounds on hand .... we are due to pull out in a little over a month on our trip west I hope to be able to take 750 to 1,000 rounds with us .... we've scheduled 4 days on this trip to spend at Missouri shooting parks and do hope for some unscheduled firing while in South Dakota .... by the time we get back we hope have thoroughly exercised our Henry rifles, Ruger Redhawk and 11-87 shotgun .... a thousand rounds of cheap American Eagle factory loaded 44 Mags at Cabela's would run about $800 / 80 cents each .... given, our equipment is old and has more than paid for itself, by reusing our brass, our handloads (of a considerably better quality) cost us in the neighborhood of 25 cents each .... that difference of about $550 alone would buy some very nice equipment .... in our case we can afford to shoot more and shoot more often

I also saw a couple of youtube videos where guys seemed to be quite focused on "static electricity" while reloading. Ok I get it, it's gunpowder, but is this something that's an issue you think about when you reload? Just curious. If I blow myself up my wife will kill me.

[RanchRoper]

I will keep you posted. I am talking with a company right now that may reload my brass for me at .35 cents a round. They supply the cowboy action shooting crowd for years. Might be a good option.

[CT_Shooter]

I will keep you posted. I am talking with a company right now that may reload my brass for me at .35 cents a round. They supply the cowboy action shooting crowd for years. Might be a good option.

This might be a great solution for you. The only downside is that it eliminates the pleasure of reloading your own, which (IMHO) is a substantial sacrifice. I really do enjoy the reloading process and consider it integral to the shooting sport. Nonetheless, this seems like a good first step toward containing the cost of ammo.

[RanchRoper]

They will only reload their own brass; still a good deal cuz I was buying more ammo anyway. .78 cents a round for the first order, send the brass back and .37 cents a round after that until the brass is done I guess. Some freight but still better than Cabelas at $1.24 / round.

I'll think about the reloading; truth is I really cannot get excited about physically doing it, even after watching a dozen or so videos; which is maybe a good reason not to based on what most guys are telling me. I would be that guy just looking to save a few cents per round. Hey at least I'm honest....

[JEBar]

I will keep you posted. I am talking with a company right now that may reload my brass for me at .35 cents a round. They supply the cowboy action shooting crowd for years. Might be a good option.

certainly worth considering .... will they provide you with full power or cowboy action level loads .... its worth considering that at .35 a round they are making a profit

[RanchRoper]

I would buy just the 200 gr light load target stuff just for the range.

[CT_Shooter]

They will only reload their own brass...

Then, you might likely find some interested buyers for your own already collected brass right here. Just a thought.

[JEBar]

I would buy just the 200 gr light load target stuff just for the range.

have you fired much of the light load ammo .. .. I know with our 44, out to 25 - 30 yards, not much difference in trajectory .... after that they start dropping .... the longer the distance, the higher the rainbow .... not saying that's something that can't be handled ... just that it will be considerably different than firing full power loads