Getting up to speed from reloading years ago

[KOPBET]

Ok, I reloaded thousands and thousands of 38s, 357s and 45 ACP back in the mid 70s with a single stage RCBS Rock Chucker, manual powder scales, etc. while in the AF, but later sold all my gear after getting out. I want to get back into it, reloading 9mm and .40S&W but I'm a little rusty. I am considering a Dillon 550B, and pretty much starting all over again. My primary weapon is a Glock 23 shooting 40S&W, and also using a Lone Wolf 9mm conversion barrel in that gun. My Speer reloading manual is just as old as the 70s, so I will of course be buying more recent publications.

As far as getting up to speed goes, I doubt things have changed that much since the 70's, so I'm hoping I can pick back up pretty easily. I'm considering buying an EZ-Buy 550B kit in 9mm from brianenos.com.

Any suggestions, recommendations regarding getting back into the sport?

 

[Shadowrider]

Our background is similar. I loaded for years on a couple of Rockchucker Jr's.

Question: Will you ever want to reload rifle cartridges in enough quantity to warrant a case feeder? If not, by all means go with the 550. Adding a case feeder to a 550 won't help you, it will only do pistol calibers. If you want to do large qty's of .223 or .308 you'll want a 650, not necessarily need it, but want it. I have the RT1200 trimmer and with my 650 I can decap, size and trim 1000 cases an hour very easily. 5000 in a day would not be any tall feat. The 550 will do the same just not quite as fast. Look to the future and see if you are likely to need more than the 550 is what I'm saying. But the 550 should do you well for quite some time even if you do start into the large quantities, I know some very serious USPSA and 3gun shooters that are still running the 550 and some actually prefer the manual index over an auto index. Brian Enos has some good criteria on the proper press to buy for your needs, check it out. I got my 650 from him, he's good to go and I'm pretty sure you save the shipping charge by buying from him.

Good choice!

 

[Blitzfike]

I have to echo Shadowrider, everything he said is spot on. I have 3 of the Dillon 550B machines and wish I had gone for a 650 instead. When I started, I loaded a very small percentage of rifle cases compared to pistol. After buying about 28 conversions for the 550, I can't justify scrapping it and going 650. I do have the case feeder and it is a great addition for bulk pistol loading, but I sure wish it would handle 223 and 308. Welcome back to the addiction. Blitz

 

[KOPBET]

Well, I have never reloaded rifle cartridges, and at this point I don't plan on reloading them but you never know I suppose.

 

[MoBoost]

I went through the same deal - ended up with two Square Deals - one in 9mm and one in 45ACP. I do all my rifle reloading in the single stage - Square Deal auto index sealed the deal.

 

[Revived]

All of the above is good insight.... I had a 550 long ago... sold it... just my preference - 650 and 1050 and have a couple of each.... Not mentioned is the added station on the 650 vs the 550... for pistol rounds the powder check is nice to have... As far as where to buy: Brian's a good guy - I got a 1050 from him with no hitches... he also has "the way it should be" packages with tray etc... I don't care for the Dillon bullet trays (just prefer the "Inline" swinging trays) so bought my most recent from Graf's since availability was a/o and shipping was $6.95...

 

[castleeleven]

I do mine on Hornady LNL AP for 9mm and .40S&W. add a tube bullet feeder for just $24. Fun and safe. Switched dies fast and no need readjust. But I will not reload with the spent brass from Glock not fully support chamber for 0.40S&W. I had seen too many swell/bulged spent brass from that case with a squared punch on that primer.

 

[Shadowrider]

Well, I have never reloaded rifle cartridges, and at this point I don't plan on reloading them but you never know I suppose.

In that case go ahead with the 550. You can always load rifle on a single stage for your needs at the moment and later on setup your 550 for it or add a 650. I'll also add that for doing load development a single stage is nice. Once you have the load dialed in, you can then setup the progressive and crank them out.

 

[Fyrtwuck]

Get a 650. Progressive auto-indexing reloader with a case feeder that can load rifle cartridges.

1050 is a great machine that can also Swage your primer pockets as you reload, but the caliber conversions are expensive.