Reloading is the one part of the hobby I haven’t jumped into.

My EDC is a .38 special.

The other calibers I have in my collection are: .300 blk 5.56 NATO .308 Winchester 9 mm .45 ACP .22LR (Don’t plan on reloading) 12 Gauge

Probably picking up my first .32 ACP soon


I’ve read a bit about progressive presses versus single stage.

https://www.dillonprecision.com/s000082

This seems like a do-it-all choice. But very pricey. Out of my budget by far.

Any recommendations for something a bit more conservative?

  • TheAgreeableSwede
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    28 days ago

    I highly recommend a Dillon progressive press with a minimum of the automatic powder dispenser. You really want to be able to crank out the volume for all of those calibers. If you had said you just wanted it for hunting or precision shooting, I would say cheap out for the single stage presses like a Lee. Dillon has really good customer service, I would give them a call.

    In summary, save up for the Dillon.

  • jerebediah@fosscad.io
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    27 days ago

    I started with a Dillon XL650. I can’t recommend it enough. Additionally, I began with pistol calibers because they are much easier to set up and reload. If you get into 300 blk/556, there is a lot more prep work to get started. Don’t sleep on Lee Carbide dies. At first, I only wanted Dillon, but man, are they expensive. It takes a lot to recoup the money in 9mm and 556. You will save more per round with the 300 blk, 308, and 45 ACP. Shotgun is a whole new system and won’t be compatible with the press, I believe.

  • Lost@fosscad.io
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    19 days ago

    It all depends on how much your time is worth and how accurate you want to be, I started with a single stage press. I still use it for rifle, but if you want volume with little thought the Dillon progressive is a good choice. Still do your do diligence, if you fuck up you can do damage to your firearms and your self if you make a mistake. Again i want to make clear reloading is not something to start on a whim, it can be dangerous if you go outside of safe pressures, but if you follow safe practices it is no more dangerous then driving a car. Also it is no longer really cheaper to reload then buying cheap, but quality ammo for you specific gun in bulk is cheaper.