i think i scored a deal on reloading gear now i have to figure out how to use it!

[SCAR]

I was talking to a buddy last week and told him I wanted to get into reloading and he told me he had a Dillon 550 he would trade.
I traded him a Beretta 96g Vertec that I bought used for $250 and I hated the way it shot.
I met him for the trade and was very happy when he gave me
Dillon RL 550 press
Mec 600 "JR" press
Rcbs RCII press
2 sets of 45acp dies
38/357 dies
44 special/ magnum dies
22 Hornet dies
3006 dies
308 dies
223 dies
500 357 brass
1000 45acp brass
500 40 brass
500 9mm brass
500 223 brass
200 3006 brass
100 308 brass
500 30 carbine brass
200 22 hornet brass
200 22 hornet bullets
He called me yesterday and told me he forgot to bring the primers he has and will get them to me.
I think I made a great trade but have no idea how to use all of this or what else ill need to pick up besides powder and bullets.
I know I want a tumbler, scalen calipers and case trimmer along with some books and manuals but what else do I need to get started? Anyone near Lowell what to teach me the ropes?
I think I will keep the 550 and maybe sell or trade the other 2 presses unless you think I have a need for all 3.
I think I got a great deal but am so new to reloading that I'm not even sure how good of a deal I got!

 

[Benjamin]

You should probably keep the mec 600jr because it is a shotgun shell reloader not a rifle press. You will need a powder scale to start loading rifle or pistol ammunition if you don't already have one. I would suggest selling off some of the brass a dies if you don't own a gun to shoot the ammunition they make. Of course some of that stuff is good just to have around. Sounds like you did very well. The best way to learn about reloading is to have someone who knows how to do it actually come and show you or you could go and watch them do it.

 

[Bull13]

Powder and bullets(projectile) could be the hardest parts to acquire. I have not looked recently, but powder had a long back order on most websites, and was constantly Sold OUT at the stores. Projectile for certain rounds can also be a challenge. Like 9mm and .380, .40 etc. These components are becoming expensive due to the constant assault on our freedoms, much like the rationing of factory rounds. Good luck! If you don't get any takers on training, I am willing to help. I know enough to keep you safe and get some nice match rounds, if you take the time and get a few items. Also, there are reload mags you can get at Cabella's or other store that deals in Magazines. Here is a on line link as well http://www.handloads.org/

 

[bigbird1]

you will want to keep all 3 presses, the rcbs 2 will come in handy for a small run of rifle shells or to just size 223 or 308 , ect. most people tumble size then trim the neck. so the single press will come in handy for that as it will take a beating and never care. if you are into lots of guns keep it all, you will use it later. but that's just me

 

[aclark]

Looks like a good haul. Get yourself a reloading book, Modern Reloading by Lee or ABC's of Reloading by Cheveleir (or something). As far as other equipment, get a powder scale, maybe a go/no go guage, and some of the bullets/powders etc and you should be good to go.

What do you plan on reloading?

 

[SCAR]

Thanks guys, I plan to mainly reload 223,308,40,45,9mm. I have around 10k rounds of the above alreay so I can take my time and learn before I need to reload. But I have guns in every caliber except 22 hornet and sense I can load it I will have to pick one up!
I know powder,primers and bullets are very expensive now so ill just shop around for deals and am in no hurry.

 

[PappyD]

You got an awesome deal! Be safe and get with a bud who has reloaded before (the seller?) and learn on your own too before you crank out that first round.

I'm currently looking for a 550. had one years ago but sold it and all the stuff I had during a moment of weakness. Something about babies and bills if I remember correctly.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[aclark]

If you have the time, wait for this fall. IndyGunWorks should be doing another reloading class that will REALLY help you out. He currently uses the 550 so you should be able to go right home and follow his directions. The class was great, and well worth the travel.

 

[Delmar]

I was talking to a buddy last week and told him I wanted to get into reloading and he told me he had a Dillon 550 he would trade.
I traded him a Beretta 96g Vertec that I bought used for $250 and I hated the way it shot.
I met him for the trade and was very happy when he gave me
Dillon RL 550 press
Mec 600 "JR" press
Rcbs RCII press
2 sets of 45acp dies
38/357 dies
44 special/ magnum dies
22 Hornet dies
3006 dies
308 dies
223 dies
500 357 brass
1000 45acp brass
500 40 brass
500 9mm brass
500 223 brass
200 3006 brass
100 308 brass
500 30 carbine brass
200 22 hornet brass
200 22 hornet bullets
He called me yesterday and told me he forgot to bring the primers he has and will get them to me.
I think I made a great trade but have no idea how to use all of this or what else ill need to pick up besides powder and bullets.
I know I want a tumbler, scalen calipers and case trimmer along with some books and manuals but what else do I need to get started? Anyone near Lowell what to teach me the ropes?
I think I will keep the 550 and maybe sell or trade the other 2 presses unless you think I have a need for all 3.
I think I got a great deal but am so new to reloading that I'm not even sure how good of a deal I got!

If you are a visual learner, watch a few youtube videos on reloading, as well. Most of the stuff at ammosmith.com is pretty good.

 

[Corky]

I think you got an excellent deal.
It would cost you more than $250 to replace all that brass.
Did the die sets come with toolheads for the 550?
Also, did you get caliber conversion kits for each caliber?
You might want to check out Dillons web site.
Dillon Precision: Reloaders, Reloading Equipment, Bullet Reloading, Bullet Reloaders

Some of the things you will need,
books and reloading manuals
powder scale
tumbler
calipers and micrometer
case trimmer
case gages for the rifle rounds

If you need help sorting it out let me know.
I'm in Crown Point.

Jeff

 

[NIFT]

Anyone near Lowell what to teach me the ropes?

First of all, I think you made out like a bandit! What a deal!

I just completed a Metallic Cartridge Reloading NRA class a week ago, but I am offering it, again, on Saturday, July 25. Two of the students in the last class were from Valparaiso and one from Indianapolis; so, I guess I wasn't too far away from them.

Bob Aldridge
260-459-2382
rbtaldridge@verizon.net