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Posted: 2/14/2012 12:11:15 PM EDT
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First I reloaded for about a year on an RCBS rock chucker for 9mm and 6.5x55 Swedish just kinda learning, and I got out of it after I moved a couple times and deployed.
I'm going to get back into it so I can shoot more, and I'm planning on for now looking to produce 3K 5.56, 2k 9mm and 1K .45 a year. At least for the next year or two. Is it reasonable to get just a turret press for this small amount? I'm fine with only producing 200 or so rounds an hour, as I can just set her up, run off 500 or so of whatever on a day off then do it for another caliber next weekend you know? Also, what would you guys suggest for the press? What company or models? |
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I never liked turret presses, they're the middle man of sorts between a single stage or progressive. I'd tough it out on your Rock Chucker until you have up enough money for a progressive, the money you would of spent towards a turret press can go against the progressive |
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Quoted: I never liked turret presses, they're the middle man of sorts between a single stage or progressive. I'd tough it out on your Rock Chucker until you have up enough money for a progressive, the money you would of spent towards a turret press can go against the progressive I'll second this. A turret isn't enough of an upgrade to warrant the expense IMHO. The money would be better used toward your future progressive. |
| I have a turret and while it is faster than a single stage I wouldn't buy one unless you got a great deal on a used one. A progressive would knock out your annual totals in no time and might be overkill for that amount...but if you get one you'll likely shoot more too. |
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Are there any decent progressives under 4 other than a dillon or the hornady LNL AP? Not sure what you mean here. Both the Dillon and Hornady are good progressive presses. I know they are, I'm looking for a decent press under 400, both of those are well over. |
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Are there any decent progressives under 4 other than a dillon or the hornady LNL AP? Not sure what you mean here. Both the Dillon and Hornady are good progressive presses. I know they are, I'm looking for a decent press under 400, both of those are well over. you can find used Dillon 550 presses for under $400, and with Dillon's lifetime no-questions-asked warranty, I would not hesitate in most circumstances to buy one |
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I would urge you to just suck it up and continue with your single stage until you can afford a 550, 650, or LnL but I agree that they are a pricey venture. For just one caliber without the case feeder your looking at $566.95 for the Dillon 650 new and about $76.95 per caliber conversion kit. Dillion does offer a 10% discount for active duty military service members. I myself came really close to getting a turret but after talking with some friends that reload I saw that it would just be spending money on something to get me by until I got a progressive. Also don't just dive in remember its also a hobby a way to relax and unwind. Its a great way to pass time in the winter if you don't have access to an indoor range (you can just stock pile your ammo til the spring).
Oh check out craigslist you'll be amazed at the folks that are selling reloading gear cheap. |
| I'll play odd man out and tell you to look at the lee classic turret. It's a lot cheaper to get started and you'll have less than 300$ into it. Once your comfortable you'll be able to do up to 260 rds/hour. Now you can look into a dillon or hornady but your costs will double. I liked my 550 but got tired of paying $100 for each caliber I wanted to load. I would think unless your loading thousands of rounds per month a turret will be perfect |
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I'll play odd man out and tell you to look at the lee classic turret. It's a lot cheaper to get started and you'll have less than 300$ into it. Once your comfortable you'll be able to do up to 260 rds/hour. Now you can look into a dillon or hornady but your costs will double. I liked my 550 but got tired of paying $100 for each caliber I wanted to load. I would think unless your loading thousands of rounds per month a turret will be perfect That's kinda my thinking, I mean, honestly I don't get time to shoot more than once a month and I normally only expend about 1-1.5K of 9 or 5.56 per year, I'm just looking to go up to 2K and stockpile some on the side. Running a few hundred rounds in a couple hour site own doesnt phase me in the least and id kinda rather sweat more in order to spend more on ammo than on sweating less and having less ammo. And I've seen some turrets going for under 100 used. We'll see, but i do appreciate all the advice from everyone. |
| Might just add another option for a press with fast die changes and your dies stay set, the Forster Co-Ax press. Kind of pricey for just a press but it's easy to use and loads quality ammo. Nothing wrong with a RCBS RockChucker or other single stage press either. Even if you upgrade later to a progressive, you will still have uses for your single stage press. The benefit of a turret press wouldn't be reason enough for me to buy one. |
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I started out with a turret press, a old Lyman All American. Turret presses are ok, but they aren't a good progressive press and they aren't really a good single stage press. You might want to do what I did. I reloaded on what I had (the All American and a Dillon SDB) until I found a great deal on a used 650. I picked it up for $250, and it came with several tool heads. Through the years I picked up another 650 (new) and I haven't used the All American or SDB in years. It's nice having one set up for large primers and one for small primers. One other thing. You aren't going to save any money reloading. You're going to end up shooting more!  |
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Let me finish my point now that I have free time to type.With your round totals you quoted in the OP, your looking at making/shooting 500rds/month, which is roughly about what I shoot as well.
I had a Dillon 550. I got it for less than retail. I had to buy conversion kits and dies for my calibers (9mm,.223,30-06 and 30 carb) I mainly shoot my 9mm and .223 but like to dabble with the others. I loved how I could crank out 400+ rd/hour, but I noticed how my press sat empty and unused 98% of the time. Which brings me to my point; if you want to reload your ammo just to feed your weapons in the shortest time possible, get a progressive. If you want to reload as a hobby and are more interested in working up your loads over the course of the year, then get the progressive. Long story short. I sold my 550 and all the accessories and other bells and whistles and got completely set up with a Lee Classic turret for right around $300. I had almost $600 left over that I was able to spend on consumables such as primers,powders etc... That really opened my eyes as to the real cost of the dillon. Now Im making about 200-250rds/hour and while it may take me a little longer, I have SIGNIFICANTLY less money tied up. Dont think Im here trashing Red or blue camps, Im not, I just know its easy to get caught up in the hype and overspend yourself quickly. If moneys no object......buy me one too 
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