Starting out slow...Please Help!

[bmill8864]

As title states, starting out slow. I have parts to put together a 18" heavy fluted 6.5 Grendel and I accumulate ammo I that break that down (through shooting), for the first go around all 6.5 Grendel then off to break out onto 6.5 Grendel & 6 ARC, which I will keep an eye for a barrel, and then it will be 2. 1 quick question - Can you change 6.5 Grendel brass as quick and easy as it seems to change it to the 6 ARC? During the beginnings I will use some Wolf for the cheapest way to go, but since I don't live on a Lapua budget, once I start loading for 2 I will move to Hornady brass, that is if Hornady is up to par? I beieve a new tool head.

I will also be looking for a Dillon 550C, everything I have read has been top notch and if it is not taken care of quickly, I live about 5 miles from their plant.

Then the fun begins, or is really that straightforward? Looking at a Dillon 550C. Did have a question for all those with Dillon presses - how much pressure is needed on the strokes? Have some decent injuries in the upper neck/back are so I am not trying to make that anyworse, guess I could get a longer lever if I don't have enough force, or is that kind of thinking not takin to kind ness around these parts? By the way, any prints anybody cares to share? I am thinking 4-6' would my max width.

So I need to get rifle finished, get a Dillon 550C (if this is bare Lapua @ $1.42, unless I am looking at the wrong place, and if I am pointed in the wrong direction get me pointed in the correct direction), brass catcher also, if Hornady 6.5Grendel is decent enough to make some decent 6ARC down the line), tumbler, tumbler media. FWIW, I have 560rnds in back stock ATM.

Can someone tell me me what dies I need as I will be building things as I go, much appreciated!

May as well ask the question here - how do static and the Dillon 550C mix? Please be honest. I live in a condo so a spare room is open but it is carpeted, so is there any issue with that isand if there is may I ack wat is it?

If I missed something things I didn't get much sleep last night and Ian typing this on a phone, so theirs your warning. I will get on a laptop later today.

Last step - I will also reload for 9mm & .223

Answer - simple yes/no - is it still cheaper to
Load your own as prices sure have shot up over the last couple years and would I be better and building than reloading?

Thanks in advance all and thank you for your knowledge. Forgive me for the mistakes you may find in the documennt

 

[K22]

Regarding the question of is reloading still cheaper, "yes or no." Sorry, but it's not an absolute "yes or no" answer but a "maybe".

First, most reload today because they want custom ammunition tuned to their rifle since they need the best precision for their purposes.

Also, although you may find a specific brand of factory ammo, such as Federal Premium that is very accurate in your rifle, obtaining a consistent supply or if the mfg. decides to drop that offering then that becomes problematic so therein is another reason to reload. Also, some of the high-grade premium factory ammo is either on par with or more expensive than the reloading counterpart.

If you're just a recreational shooter and like to blast away at steel plates or other targets, then you can probably buy bulk "blasting" ammo much cheaper than reloading.

Hunters that do not spend time range shooting can be well served with high quality factory ammo. I have a good friend that took a 5x4 Elk in November with factory Nosler Accubond ammo. It was a one shot kill. He bought six boxes of it and is set for years to come since all he does is check zero before a hunting trip. For him, he has no desire to reload nor does it made sense for him.

Reloading today has it challenges, finding the components you want and of course, the costs have risen dramatically. Still, most of us prefer custom tune ammo for our purposes.

Thus the "maybe" answer I offered.

 

[bmill8864]

Appreciate you taking the time to read an answer my post.

 

[Doom]

It sounds like you do not currently reload. Reloading is a process that has potentially large safety consequences. Jumping in with a Dillon is a noble idea but I would advise against going that route. I would recommend going with a single stage or turret press first to learn the ins and outs of the specifics of case sizing (headspace, overall length, Base to ogive), load development, powdering and seating. This is especially true if you don't have a mentor who is familiar with the Dillon. Using a Dillon requires some very good quality control skills that need to be developed and understood.

You are also looking at reloading two different cartridges that use the same basic case with the same head stamp which is going to lead to mixing of brass between cartridges and potential issues with chambering. If you are loading for a Semiautomatic rifle this can end up being a big problem as the case base may not size to fit across the two rifle chambers.

@K22 has offered some sage advice and I concur with his observations.

 

[TrapperBR549]

Agree with the above. I can't imagine trying to learn on a Dillon.
If factory ammo meets your needs I would shoot that and sell the brass. I imagine that would be cheaper than loading.

 

[DGP4]

It is cheaper to reload MATCH ammo rather than buy MATCH factory ammo. More importantly, reloading will allow you to make whatever gun you shoot more ACCURATE. Start reloading with a single stage press to LEARN how. You can always use that press for single function service when you move on to a progressive press. READ a good reloading manual from cover to cover and watch all the you tube videos you can before you attempt to reload.

 

[bmill8864]

Appreciate the concerns and suggestions.

 

[Bill Norris]

I would definitely recommend starting with a single stage press. There are lots of pitfalls to work around especially with a progressive press. This comes from a hand loader since mid-90's as lots of other guys here have been at it longer than me. So we didn't just fall out of the back of the turnip truck. LOL. Beginning with a single stage press may very well be more rewarding as you get going and learn the do's and don'ts of the process. You may find spending the time is worth more than you could have imagined. Would be very good to read everything you can find in reloading manuals and good solid forums such as this one. ALWAYS remember SAFETY FIRST. Ask questions. It has been said the only crazy questions are the ones you did not ask.

 

[K22]

I would definitely recommend starting with a single stage press. There are lots of pitfalls to work around especially with a progressive press. This comes from a hand loader since mid-90's as lots of other guys here have been at it longer than me. So we didn't just fall out of the back of the turnip truck. LOL. Beginning with a single stage press may very well be more rewarding as you get going and learn the do's and don'ts of the process. You may find spending the time is worth more than you could have imagined. Would be very good to read everything you can find in reloading manuals and good solid forums such as this one. ALWAYS remember SAFETY FIRST. Ask questions. It has been said the only crazy questions are the ones you did not ask.

This is very sound advice.

I am still using an RCBC Jr. Press (single stage) I purchased in the 69 or 70. I have successfully loaded thousands of rifle and pistol rounds with this setup and never found it lacking even though I load about thousand rifle rounds a year and about the same pistol rounds. However, I am not a "blaster" but a precision shooter.

A single stage press is a very wise choice for a beginner regardless of your shooting discipline because it allows you focus, slowly each step thus minimizing mistakes.

 

[bob332]

Which brand single stage would be recommended, as well as dies? I guess the same for tumblers and all the tools - does any brand stand above the others?

What reloading manual would be suggested?

 

[dgeesaman]

My thoughts: agree to get a single stage press. They are more consistent and much safer to learn on.

Reload vs box ammo: complicated comparison. In a word you can make better ammo by hand and per round it’s cheaper. But the equipment and process on the whole you won’t always save money.
Reloading hidden costs:
- load development rounds - it can take a few dozen rounds or twice that sometimes to develop a really good load
- match bullets that don’t work. Most rifles like some bullets better than others, both in terms of the bullet part number as well as by lot. I used to buy a 100-box of a few bullet part numbers but if I found one that shot great, the next boxes might be a different lot and not shoot as well. Now when I buy match bullets I buy 500-1000 minimum so that when a rifle like a bullet I have a useful quantity that will all perform well. Long term they will all get shot or traded away but up front that can be hundreds or thousands of dmolars in bullets that I’m not shooting now.
- barrels. When you load your own you tend to shoot more, and many calibers burn out the barrel in a thousand rounds or less.
- upgrades. You’re in a site about accurate shooting and understandably there are a thousand ways to upgrade tools, equipment, components, and more. Maybe you stay utilitarian and don’t re-buy everything in the upgrade process, maybe you do like many of us and you kind of make hand loading it’s whole own hobby.
- volume. If you intend to have hundreds of loaded rounds on hand at a time, you’ll need to buy a lot of brass too. If it’s anything other than fired or range pickup brass, buying hundreds of premium new brass is an extra hit on the wallet.

Box ammo: it’s just expensive, lower quality, variable from round to round and box to box. Availability can be a huge problem, note the thread about box 204 Ruger ammo.

 

[Bill Norris]

Which brand single stage would be recommended, as well as dies? I guess the same for tumblers and all the tools - does any brand stand above the others?

What reloading manual would be suggested?

I like the RCBS Rock chucker press. The Wilson & Redding dies work fine for me. As far as tumblers go I use the economical one from Harbor Freight. Most all of the hand tools will work but of course like anything else the higher dollar ones are supposed to be better and last longer. Just have to weed thru them and see what works best for you. Get a few manuals and read all of the Safety portions First and Often. Sierra, Hornady, Berger, Nosler, etc.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Which brand single stage would be recommended, as well as dies? I guess the same for tumblers and all the tools - does any brand stand above the others?

What reloading manual would be suggested?

Here’s a pretty easy read on Reloading basics.https://ramshot.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/WesternPowdersHandloadingGuide8.0_WEB.pdf

 

[Bill Norris]

Just a couple of key notes I have found to be beneficial with the press and seems to promote a better quality hand load. Very easy to apply both.
=================================================================
When running the cases into the bushing/die always pause at bottom of press handle movement
for dwell time. App. 5 seconds. And never allow press handle to bump or bounce hard at end of stroke.
=================================================================
When seating bullets always pause at bottom of press handle movement for dwell time. App. 5
seconds. And never allow press handle to bump or bounce hard at end of stoke.
=================================================================

 

[bob332]

This may sound crazy and also a good thing, but you are kind of pushing me out of reloading. Due to medical conditions and the fact I live in PHX, AZ I only have about a 7mos window to shoot due to the heat, on a good year. Creating a new hobby is something I don’t think I have time for because everything takes me longer due to the medical issues. I would much rather know this now than after I have a press inbound. I knew learning a new hobby would be time consuming but it may be too much time than just getting a case of 5.56 x 45 or 6.5Grendel and going to the range, while every so often pick up some commercial “Match” ammo as I would like to move out to 500-600yds or even a bit farther. Reloading sounds good, but when I have 1/3 the year cut off, I need to prioritize. I can shoot indoors the whole year for pistol but I would reload only if I could benefit everything I shoot, not just pistol as I think reloading would favor the rifle rounds more than pistol.
Thank you all for the time and knowledge passed, it has helped me greatly.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

This may sound crazy and also a good thing, but you are kind of pushing me out of reloading. Due to medical conditions and the fact I live in PHX, AZ I only have about a 7mos window to shoot due to the heat, on a good year. Creating a new hobby is something I don’t think I have time for because everything takes me longer due to the medical issues. I would much rather know this now than after I have a press inbound. I knew learning a new hobby would be time consuming but it may be too much time than just getting a case of 5.56 x 45 or 6.5Grendel and going to the range, while every so often pick up some commercial “Match” ammo as I would like to move out to 500-600yds or even a bit farther. Reloading sounds good, but when I have 1/3 the year cut off, I need to prioritize. I can shoot indoors the whole year for pistol but I would reload only if I could benefit everything I shoot, not just pistol as I think reloading would favor the rifle rounds more than pistol.
Thank you all for the time and knowledge passed, it has helped me greatly.

Reloading is more time consuming than many would realize, but on the other hand it is a very enjoyable hobby.
Pay attention to brass prices on the classifieds here. You will be able to recoup some of the cost of your factory ammo by selling it as once fired brass here.

 

[bob332]

Reloading is more time consuming than many would realize, but on the other hand it is a very enjoyable hobby.
Pay attention to brass prices on the classifieds here. You will be able to recoup some of the cost of your factory ammo by selling it as once fired brass here.

Thanks and will do

 

[old codger]

I agree with the other guys about the best choice at this time would be a single stage or turret press. Unless you have access to good quantities of components this is a terrible time to get into a progressive. With the shortage of cases, bullets, powder and especially primers you will miss out on the greatest advantage of a progressive which is speed. I have a 550 and since this shortage of components I find myself using my turret most often and load smaller batches of ammo.
Whatever you decide good luck!

 

[NZ_Fclass]

I love my Dillon 550. But I cannot live without a single stage press too. There's jobs that a Dillon is ill suited for - brass forming, loading a few rounds in a different primer size than you are set up for, seating depth testing at the range..etc.etc..

 

[topclass2017]

I would definitely recommend starting with a single stage press. There are lots of pitfalls to work around especially with a progressive press. This comes from a hand loader since mid-90's as lots of other guys here have been at it longer than me. So we didn't just fall out of the back of the turnip truck. LOL. Beginning with a single stage press may very well be more rewarding as you get going and learn the do's and don'ts of the process. You may find spending the time is worth more than you could have imagined. Would be very good to read everything you can find in reloading manuals and good solid forums such as this one. ALWAYS remember SAFETY FIRST. Ask questions. It has been said the only crazy questions are the ones you did not ask.

I started on a single stage to learn the ins and outs (RCBS rock chucker), then changed to a Dillon 550, then a turret, and have been back to using my single stage for the last 8 years or so. While a single stage is "slower" than a dillon (only one activity going on at a time), for me, it allows greater quality control at every step of the process. While there were some benefits to a turret, but I still prefer a single stage press. I use hornady lock n load bushings, so once my dies are set up changeover from one handloading function to another, or one caliber to another, is quick and easy.