Reloading: Getting started with Dillon Presses

[Sturmgewehre]

@markaveli44 I've been buying bullets from Kempfs Gunshop, although late last year he marked them up considerably more than they used to be which I thought was odd given the price of lead is down. I buy my powder from him at times or from my other local shop, Blythes Sports. They typically work with me on the price a little (Blythes, not Kempfs).

[Sturmgewehre]

@markaveli44 I've been buying bullets from Kempf's Gunshop, although late last year he marked them up considerably more than they used to be which I thought was odd given the price of lead is down. I buy my powder from him at times or from my other local shop, Blythes Sports. They typically work with me on the price a little (Blythes, not Kempfs).

[Sturmgewehre]

@markaveli44 I've been buying bullets from Kempf's Gunshop, although late last year he marked them up considerably more than they used to be which I thought was odd given the price of lead is down. I buy my powder from him at times or from my other local shop, Blythes Sports. They typically work with me on the price a little (Blythes, not Kempfs).

[gasitman]

One thing about dillon, as you can see, caliber change overs are a pain in the ass with Dillon as opposed to hornady. Thus the reason it is easier if you have the means to just buy another press. I have a dillon xl650 and have never changed over from 45 acp. Too much of a pain. But you can crank out 300 rounds an hour!

[docjekyll2002]

I'm thinking of getting one of these Dillons for 38 special and 45. I shoot that the most. But I was wondering since I got a Mosin Nagant, can i reload 7.62x54r easily with this machine? I know the Mosin ammo is cheap, but i'd just like to hand reload them too as a hobby. Any Mosin owners out there who reload, please let me know

[mikesmith007x]

Awesome video. I am new to reloading and your presentation, camera work and detail are extremely helpful. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Hope to see lots more to come!

[mohinderlamba]

Great Video. Thank You. However one comment. One of the devices you were using and calling it a micrometer is actually a vernier caliper and not a micrometer. Just FYI.

[Ca11MeKARMA]

I've been interested in realoading 338 lapua how much of a cost difference is it? Its probably a lot I know cause a box of good brand name 338 is around $100 or so for 20. please reply

[Sturmgewehre]

@Ca11MeKARMA Yes, it's a huge savings to reload once you get past the start-up cost. The brass is the most expensive part of the process, but you can reuse the brass several times and this where the real savings come into play. The other components are relatively cheap comparatively. If you plan on shooting the cartridge quite a bit, the only cost effective solution is to reload for it.

[SquidwardLWRC]

Great video. Great uality and devoid of the tired old cogger gruff vertan reloading tips. Very down to earth. HAve been shooting seriously for about 7 years and am looking to reload. I have a free source of brass as well and have already started collecting it. I am looking at the 650 and I appreciate you showing that press in your video. The initial investment is kinda steep which has me on the fence.

[C172Pilotdude]

I am selling a new set of Dillion Machines. PM for details.

[stealthyways]

@Sturmgewehre whats the possibity of getting a how to on .223/5.56 reloading and costs and what not. this is definantly something i would like to look into as im just starting to get more into the gun and shooting world and am on a budget

[DeadeyeSteve]

"with lube around the ring..." that's what she said! Excellent video!

[glock2026]

I almost forgot tip for you , above casefeeder on 650 ,mount a mirror above to check on brass without stopping to look inside to see how much you have . I have a 650 and a 550 , i loaded alot .

[glock2026]

This is a good video ,explainig reloads well. nice for those scared of progresive presses.

[legalsolutions07]

This is a very good and comprehensive video. You raise some very good and important points that pertain to all novice reloaders. And even though you highlight Dillon (I of course prefer Hornady:), the information you cover on presses was helpful.

[1Mjollnir1]

Good video.

How many times can one re-use a case?

[Sturmgewehre]

@1Mjollnir1 It depends on a lot of things, but for .45 ACP with my rather modest loads I get 6-8 reloads out of a case. Just check to make sure each case doesn't have any splits in the mouth as you load it into the press.  If you see a split, toss the case in the trash.

[TRAVERZULU3]

For someone starting out reloading, is the set up relatively straight forward for the Dillon 550B vs. the 650 and did you find you were able to adequately produce enough ammo to keep up with your shooting demands prior to your purchase of the 650. Sorry if this question is redundant to the others. Thank 's for the review, would love to see some more reloading vid'ds

[Sturmgewehre]

@TRAVERZULU3

Yes, I actually load more on my 550's still than I do my 650. The 550's are a little easier to use and are plenty fast enough.

[MrSteney]

Great video and nice setup. I was on a mission this weekend, I've almost seen all your videos now. Awesome channel. Keep up the good work.

[NovaScotiaNewfie]

Great vid!!

[coolusername2007]

Great video, thanks! I've thought about reloading and have seen the presses and supplies, but have never seen it done. Very cool. My suggestion for more vids would be more detail on where to start for all the different supplies (brass, primers, bullets, and powder). To me, because there are so many options, its hard to know where to even begin. Also, whether or not tumblers are needed. Finally, brass life and how to know when the brass shouldn't be used anymore.

[zazszdzfzgzhzjzkzlzx]

great video! I always thought reloading was very complicated and difficult, but you video has really shown me how easy it is, thanks a lot, youve got me interested in this now.

[famas626]

Hello, I am very interested in reloading. I have no experience in reloading whatsoever. After watching this vid i am very interested in the Dillion press but I see that it can be quite expensive and with all the calibers that I would like to reload it would seem that it can come out quite expensive. I wanted to know what would be the better buy. The Dillion or the Hornady press? Also are there dyes interchangeable with each other? Thanks so much.

[Sturmgewehre]

@famas626

The Hornady Lock and Load press is a great press. While I prefer Dillon products, there's nothing wrong with the Hornady progressive press. The dies can be used in just about any popular press. Some require adapters to "lock" in or for powder dispersion, but generally speaking dies are universal.

[gunhappyie]

Another excellent thread.

Would you reccomend a progressive press for a beginner as it would save a ton of time.

[Sturmgewehre]

@gunhappyie

Yes, I do recommend a progressive for a beginner. I see no reason to invest in a single stage press only to out grow it in a month or two. Reloading isn't that complicated so I don't see any need for a "beginner" press. Now, if you're only interested in reloading small volumes of rifle rounds for example, a single stage press might be a better option. For loading high volume for, say, handguns then the progressive is the way to go.

[cybrough]

Plated bullets are dipped in copper(?) rather then lead filled copper jacket. I guess the plated are not as thick as the jacketed. Plated cost between lead and FMJ. I don't know if I can shoot these in my glock I've read on the forums that it is ok but I would like someone who has used them to give an opinion. Thanks.

[dhena81]

The initial cost of the equipment is a lot for most people but if you shoot your guns it pays for its self in a matter of months in most cases depending on your addiction. Actually I'm lying you don't save any money you just shoot more often and go with more ammo. Go get a couple books and join a reloading forum this video was a general overview of progressive reloading. This video would be 4+ hours long if he was to answer everyones questions on just handgun reloading.

[boominrick1987]

great video, i just picked up a xl650 last month, i would love to see more reloading videos!

[stnls1911]

Awesome video!! I'm thinking about taking the reloading plunge myself.

[BeanDip0913]

Thanks for the video, it was nice to have this explained in a general manner.

[elsinaloa23]

Wow...I'm a long time shooter but when it comes to re-loading I'm an idiot. Thanks for the info...Im hesitant in touching the reload subject because of all the tools used. You gave a general knowledge...please make more vids!

[903lew]

Very good video, especially stressing the safety while handling primers and lead.

[hickmanplace]

Another great video!

[cybrough]

Is it safe to load plated bullets, not FMJ, for a G30?

[dhena81]

@cybrough What's a plated bullet I know Glock recommends not shooting lead bullets through their factory barrel.

[ETHRON1]

Hey my friend....great overview....on reloading...I did a few myself...on the Lee Pro 1000 and an 18 part on basic reloading with a single stage press...

Nice reloading room...all I have is a Bench.....LOL

Great video....can't wait to see more...You got some serious equipment...NICE.

E1

[MrTotez]

It would be wonderful if you made a series on reloading, as a relatively new shooter and someone who is curious about all aspects of firearms ownership (as a great deal of people are nowadays) the notion of reloading one's own ammunition seems daunting. The way you put it and demonstrated reloading in this video was perfect for people who are interested in getting started and I think I speak for a great deal of folks when I say you would be doing the new firearms folk a great service.

[scabbynacker]

This video was a little all over the place, but it's understandable because reloading is such a huge topic.

You should do a whole series on reloading. You make way better videos than most gun folks on Youtube.

[newsjunkie3000]

Thank you very much for that informative video. I would appreciate more information about reloading!

[YoUB3TrOlLiN]

awesome video id love to see another video about this

[MrPdogg80]

Oh yeah one of the earlier comments mentioned 357 Sig. I have a glock 31 and whould be interested in any info on that caliber

[MrPdogg80]

Awesome video I've wanted to reload for some time now. But very expensive to get started also how many reloads do you typical get out of a casing.

[fltopsvet2009]

I want to start reloading, and I am new to the trade. What is a good starting point for someone like me to learn?

[tuberaider]

Great video, thank you for making it. I plan to start reloading soon.

[ueshiba]

sturm, you are a very organized individual sir. makes me want to clean my stuff. thanks for the vid.

[MARINE1146]

Great video bro...

They only issues I have with reloading that nobody ever discusses are the thousands of dollars in gear needed, so you are not saving ANY money until that money is recouped, and the second thing is the one variable we can NEVER get back. TIME!

It may eventually be cheaper, but I'd rather get a good price at a gun show, and be in/out in 30 minutes with 15-20,000 rounds of ammo and spend my valuable time alive shooting. Not everything is about money. Time is even more valuable

[Davidbirtles1]

This was one of your best videos in my opinion... thank you.

[miGsKills]

Great video. I myself shoot reloads most of the time for the same reason. I'd love to set up my own reloading station, but the equipment is a bit out of my price range for now. The service I get my reloads from aren't too bad price wise. About $20 for 100 .45ACP, FMJ reloads, $12 for lead.

[chanderson1]

Excellent video! Would love to see more on reloading techniques. I was wondering how important it is to clean the brass before reloading or how many times you can reuse brass safely.

[2Bad4u999]

Great video - please do more reloading videos. Thanks!

[Badin10tions]

12:48

Elaborate what you meant please.

PLEASE REPLY

[Sturmgewehre]

@Badin10tions

About long range accuracy? I was talking about rifles and making match loads custom tailored to your rifle.

[Badin10tions]

@Sturmgewehre What exactly do you mean, I'm new to guns, recently got my first one and am interested in long range shooting. You mean for example putting more gun powder in the load to propel it further? Please elaborate, it would be greatly appreciated if you teach me, thank you.

[Sturmgewehre]

@Badin10tions

It involves more than I can write here, but in essence people reloads for extreme accuracy because it gives them the ability to tailor the bullet type, weight, brand, to the rifle along with a finely tuned and tested charge of powder, primer, seating depth, crimp, etc. All rifles shoot differently and not all ammo shoots the same through different rifles of the same caliber. So it takes lots of time and tinkering to find the perfect round for a particular rifle.

[Jeenyus1983]

@Badin10tions i dont mean to butt in here...but reloading does give you the option of hotter loads (more powder) but more importantly for long range shooting--it gives you absolute consistency in the OAL (over all length) of the case and the ability to adjust for different rifles. where factory ammo is a generic for all rifles. Also-reloading gives you the ability to use top knotch components like Bench Rest primers, Match grade projectiles,cleaner burning powder (for AR's).etc etc...

[Badin10tions]

@Jeenyus1983 Thank you very much, I appreciate it. I actually had no idea of this.

[MrM2hb]

Great reloading room--I am jealous!!!

Very good video.

[vicospriteg]

Keep it up bro!

[TxSoldier77]

I noticed you were reloading lead bullets. Who do you like to use for lead bullets?  I'm considering using lead for my 9mm reloading needs.

[Sturmgewehre]

@TxSoldier77

I use lead because its much cheaper than jacketed bullets.

[frankgon4]

Good informative video. Not sure why someone did not like it.

I started learning reloading with 45 Colt. I have since done .40, .45 acp, .44 magnum, .357 magnum. I have not yet tried SIG357, but plan to in the future. Any tips on SIG357 reloading techniques?

[enscribe]

more

[aikidokamks]

Nice video. Im considering reloading once I get out of an apt. I also need to get one of those INGO hats.

[mechanicalbu11]

Any opinions on the FNP tactical 45?

[Sturmgewehre]

@mechanicalbu11

Yes, I have one and enjoy shooting it. Ironically, the reason I bought it was to be able to easily mount a RDS to the pistol and as time has gone on... I've found I really don't care much for mounting red dots to pistols. I plan on buying a suppressor for it here soon though and do enjoy shooting it.

[mechanicalbu11]

@Sturmgewehre Just put one on layaway, soon it will be mine and i too will get a osprey suppressor for it. What suppressor are you going to use?

[Sturmgewehre]

@mechanicalbu11

Not sure what suppressor I will use just yet.

[Sturmgewehre]

@fentressmatthew

Yup, it's a Glock 21 SF with a 1913 rail and ambi mag release (the pistol developed for the military trials).

[Oaktree406]

@Sturmgewehre Hey man great video, very imformative and educational and one quick question, what is your opinion on the M&P 45? Thanks.

[Sturmgewehre]

@Oaktree406

My experience with the M&P pistols is somewhat limited, although I do plan on picking one up this year to test out. But from what I've seen so far, they are very good pistols for the money. Ergonomically, I do believe they are superior to the G21SF (my personal favorite polymer .45) and from what owners tell me, every bit as reliable. So, I don't think you can go wrong with one.

[Albee4ty5]

Very informative. I would really dig any and all videos using the Dillon presses. I am planning a purchase of a Dillon in the next year. Thanks.

[northcountryscout]

Yes, please do a detailed vid on set-up and use of a 550 both a pistol cartridge (.45 ACP would be great) and a rifle cartridge (5.56 or .308). I would be very, very grateful. I just built my bench and am ready to place my order for two 550s. I only have experience with single stage presses and am ready to make the jump to a progressive.

[Glockster42]

That is a KICK ASS reloading room. Just awesome!

[Sturmgewehre]

@Glockster42

Thanks. It's my home away from home.

[burgerboy13]

Hey thanks, very informative

[powerai]

COOL video about reloading.

[lvcsslacker]

I'm one of the people that's intimidated by the initial investment. there's a lot that is needed to go into it. books, presses, dies, etc... it's a lot to get into!

another question though, with the 550, you can basically do the same thing as the auto one, right? load up all 4 stations and go?

[Sturmgewehre]

@shootcentermass

I served in the Marines.

[RyanR3volution]

I know so little about reloading, does one machine reload for multiple calibers? I shoot 7.62x39, 9mm, and .308 could one machine handle those?

[Sturmgewehre]

@RyanR3volution

Yes, a Dillon RL 550B would handle all those calibers. You just need to buy the dies and a few spare tool heads.

[RyanR3volution]

@Sturmgewehre

Cool, thank you. Keep up the good work.

[TacticalMichigan]

This is the best reloading video I've seen on Youtube. Very informative!

[SugarFreeTargets]

How do you know what type of powder to use for your bullets?

[Sturmgewehre]

@SugarFreeTargets

Google! :) There are a number of powder options available. A good reloading manual, or just using the internet (what I do) will help you find a powder that suits you. Actually, there are lots of good options. I use Bullseye because it works well with large volume cases with modest charges like the .45 ACP.

[oPaRaLyZeRx]

@Sturmgewehre Hey sturm, I am about to start reloading 9mm and I really am clueless on how to do it. I would REALLY appreciate it. Also have you had any experience with lee reloading equiptment...? Thanks so much!

[TacticalMichigan]

Nice reloading room!

[Transporter1022]

Reloading does save alot of money. But in some calibers its even cheaper to buy surplus. I got 2,160 rounds of 5.45x39 for a little under $300. And its also cheaper if buy steel cased brown bear or wolf.

[robrobinette]

I love my Dillon RL550B. I reload 300 BLK, .308, 6.5 Grendel, 5.56, 9mm, 10mm and 40 S&W on it. Reloading is therapeutic. There's something about the sound of a freshly minted round dropping into that blue cartridge bin.

[GuyKeefer]

Great video and great timing. I'm medically retiring from the Army and going back to school in about 3 months and am looking at reloading so that I can continue shooting without spending all the money. I do shoot a lot of pistol, but from the little I've read, necked cartridges like .223 and .308 are more complex to reload. I'd love it if you could make a short video on the basics of rifle ammunition reloading.

[blacktastic696969]

Great video!



[TexasLegend93]

Make more reloading vids!!!!!!!!!!!

[kullwarrior]

@MARINE1146 True, I was told if you shoot over 2k rounds a year you should seriously consider reloading. Keep in mind that in Canada ammo is already more expensive to begin with and we don't have cheap ammo like Wolf to play with.

[wildcatactual]

@MARINE1146

I'm not sure what reloading equipment you're pricing at "thousands of dollars" but you can get a complete Dillon 550 progressive like Stg showed in this video for about $600-625. Lee's Turret Press kit including carbide pistol dies will set you back about $225.

While time is certainly valuable, so is money. If you don't have a lot of cash, you can't shoot much at all. Skills deteriorate quickly as a result. It's a trade off but one well worth the effort & expense.

[Sturmgewehre]

@MARINE1146

For rifle ammo, the savings is far less. But I save $15+ per box of 50 rounds on .45 ACP. I shoot 300-500 rounds every time I take my .45 ACP out of the safe. That's a $90 savings in one range trip if I shoot 300 rounds. In a few months I've saved enough for all of my gear, easily. But with rifle ammo, for me, there's not much savings in reloading so I buy Wolf and go shoot.

[Glockster42]

@MARINE1146 Wow, when I find 15-20K of ammo in one place that i can afford all at once it will be a first. until then I will reload about a thousand rounds at a time.

[Glockster42]

Small world, I just finished up my video of the RL550B, but you beat me to it. Yours is much better detailed. Well done my friend.

[MrSGL21]

@MARINE1146 and the myth continues. video response inbound.

[Lvl22nerd]

thank you thank you thank you sturm

[sniper4usmc]

Defensive Load,,is it better to buy Factory or reload?

[Sturmgewehre]

@sniper4usmc

I'm not sure one is "better" than the other. Some argue that using reloads in a defensive situation opens you up to civil action by the victim (victims family). I'm not sure this has ever happened, but given the large number of really good defensive loads commercially available, I just buy mine. For practice you can replicate the load by reloading so you can practice with a similar load that you carry.

[firearms1894]

Awesome detailed informative video. We have just started using the Dillon 550 after years of it sitting up, and we are having a good time. Thanks for sharing and posting.

[Trvlngnrs]

Great video!

I've been contemplating getting into reloading. This is a wonderful help. A couple videos on setting the press up for 9mm or .45's, along with trouble shooting/common rookie problems video would be much appreciated.

[warriorzon1]

thanks for the upload

[SOLOK1LLA]

awesome vid i just got my dads reloader he never used its a rock chucker master reloading kit and im wanting to start reloading my own ammo

[Mrbodhisattva1]

one day i'll have a similar set up lol

[aintgonnaworrynomore]

Great video, thanks.