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Old 02-27-2014 | 06:20 PM
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emtrescue6's Avatar
emtrescue6
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Joined: Nov 2010
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My 2 cents...

I have several presses...most are 50 year old CH Magnum single stage presses (3 in all...the one I started with was my grandfathers)...I do have a 3 station/stage CH Magnum press as well used mostly for a few straight wall rifle cartridges...and I did get bit by the Dillon (a 550b) bug...I use it, but not often (mostly for 9mm/40 and 45). I love the Dillon, but I still prefer to do 90% of my loading on the CH's...one of which is also set up as only a de-priming station.

I guess my point is two fold...a good quality older press (if you can find one used) is a great investment and will outlive you...the CH that came from my grandfather has got to have a million loaded rounds under it. Secondly, a single stage press will do 99% of the work most loaders need/want.

Buy a couple reloading manuals and read them before you buy any gear...Nosler, Lee, Hornady, Speer...all good manuals.

Electronic gear is nice...I buy it, use it, box it up and put it on the shelf most times and revert back to old school tools. A good beam scale, powder trickler, case prep tools (debur, chamfer, etc), a quality set of calipers, and a press and dies will get you started.

Take your time and develop a routine...I complete the same steps everytime...write your process and hang it on the wall and follow it...it helps avoid errors that can be costly and dangerous (double charged cases, no charges cases, reverse set primers....)...it's not being over-dramatic to remind people can be killed or maimed if you good up.

Create a space for nothing but reloading....a designated area where distractions are minimal and the workspace can be kept clean.

Expect to spend way more than you plan...it happens! Don't get hung up on brands...buy what you like and what works for you. Have fun!
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