1. This is a bit disingenuous - but I'll say it anyway: Although I have a single stage press and have anti-interest in going to a press that is more complex/higher volume, it seems to me starting with a single stage is the way to go. Use a simple system to get the basics and concepts internalized - and develop muscle/brain memory for the reloading process. I think it's similar to how I (and I assume many others) was taught to shoot: The first gun my dad handed me was a single shot .22. Simple gun and simple cartridge - so I could learn the basics of handling, safety, body position, sight picture, trigger control, etc. After a while then he handed me a semi-auto.
2. I think the "How much is your time worth?" (or it's variant - "One only makes <some small amount of money> per hour.") is only a valid point *if* you actually would be doing something else with that reloading time where you ARE making money. Although I'm retired now, even when I was working, I was never "choosing not to work" when I was reloading. I was always off work - and making the choice between watching a movie, or mowing the lawn, or some other project around the house. In none of those scenarios was I calculating how much my time was worth. In my opinion the primary driver for reloading needs to be overall interest and fun. I think that is how we stay focused on really understanding it - because it's fun. I consider any cost savings I get a serendipitous side benefit. And given we do get some cost savings that tends to get discussed. I'm positive if 9mm, for example, ever becomes cheaper to buy than reload, I'd still reload it......because I find it fun and I end up with ammo I have much more confidence in.....because I know it performs well in my guns.
3. I have a very small space for reloading. I use a Black & Decker Workmate (<$100) and it works GREAT. More than solid enough for what I need.
2. I think the "How much is your time worth?" (or it's variant - "One only makes <some small amount of money> per hour.") is only a valid point *if* you actually would be doing something else with that reloading time where you ARE making money. Although I'm retired now, even when I was working, I was never "choosing not to work" when I was reloading. I was always off work - and making the choice between watching a movie, or mowing the lawn, or some other project around the house. In none of those scenarios was I calculating how much my time was worth. In my opinion the primary driver for reloading needs to be overall interest and fun. I think that is how we stay focused on really understanding it - because it's fun. I consider any cost savings I get a serendipitous side benefit. And given we do get some cost savings that tends to get discussed. I'm positive if 9mm, for example, ever becomes cheaper to buy than reload, I'd still reload it......because I find it fun and I end up with ammo I have much more confidence in.....because I know it performs well in my guns.
3. I have a very small space for reloading. I use a Black & Decker Workmate (<$100) and it works GREAT. More than solid enough for what I need.
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