jayhkr

Ok, just curious as I'm JUST now beginning to build my reloading equipment (just buying a few things at a time as money rolls in) so I was curious if there was any difference as far as the actual reloading aspect went. So actually I could load then separate after the case was finished and keep them sorted in the boxes after all is done, instead of before I reload them. Thanks for the replies everyone!

Can I ask what you use? Curious about sorting by headstamp. Is there a reason? I understand sorting by caliber, but not by headstamp.

Thanks all! Just waiting on the tax man to hurry up! That and for the powder factories to get some powder brewing! I really appreciate everything everyone has said and suggested! I truly look forward in starting my reloading adventures with everyone here!

I would rather my money go towards the bulk components as they can be difficult to find at times. I'm not worried about pet hour output of a machine. I AM worried about being able to find the necessary components to be able to reload. I want to buy in bulk to obviously maximize my "per round" cost (hazmat fees, shipping fees). The amount I will spend on components has nothing to do with machine selection. I want more round making supplies than faster round making equipment. I'm odd it's okay.

Sounds good, I figured as much as needing it all, but good to know about the case gauge! I know a chronograph is needed for proper data, so I'll be speaking with the range master to see what we can come up with. They are pretty easy going people and they have a basement area that they use for competitions so that may be an area the allow me to use to test my reloads with the chronograph. Thanks again!!

Here's that OFFICIAL list I stated I would post! Think I'm going to change one thing and that's the electronic scale to a balance beam style one. I know I need a Chronograph, however the range I shoot at is indoors and I'm not sure I'll be able to stand back the required 10' from it to shoot. Might ask the range guys if I can use their downstairs "competition" area for using it every now and then, but that's the reason it's not on the list right now. So without further a due....THE LIST! Dillon Square Deal B - $380 9mm Case Gage - $15.50 Speer Manual - $30 10pk Depriming pins - $6 (not sure if these are really necessary but were recommended) 4#'s Powder - $60-67 4k CCI primers - $108 1k 124gr Bullets - $75-90 Tumbler Kit w/media - $75 Electronic Scale - $35 (need some real advice on this though, might not go with with electronic but go balance beam style) One Shot Lube - $15 Electronic Caliper - $25 Primer Flip Tray - $8 6 Ammo Boxes - $16 So on the high end I'm at $870 then add in the freight and hazmat for some of it and I'm rounding up to $925. I didn't put brass in there as I will have a good stash by the time all this gets bought. I chose the SDB as it's affordable, I won't be loading rifle, and it's nice and compact (which I like). So here's where you guys come in to add/remove items to better my price and ability to be efficient! Probably looking at purchasing throughout the next few months a little here, a little there as I find items on sale!

If you haven't seen: Dillon FAQ: http://www.brianenos.com/pages/dillonfaqs.html “Which Dillon”: http://www.brianenos.com/pages/dillon.html#which ... Lots of helpful info there. Oh yes sir I have looked over those sites many MANY times. I know you like to suggest the 550 for many reasons and I respect that immensely! I like the fact that the SDB IS small and compact. I don't like big clunky things cluttering up my work area. There are a lot of pros and cons to going bigger but I think for the money, I just can't justify spending the xtra $$ for going up a notch. Not if the SDB will take care of all my needs. Here's how I also look at it. Lets just say 5,10 or more years down the line I DO change my mind, lets face it the resell value on these bad boy machines won't be much of a loss if any at all. There will always be people out there looking for great reloading presses and the major selling point for me is the 100%, NO BS warranty for the life of the MACHINE!!! Shoot my grandchildren's grandchildren could still use this machine and have no issues getting help from the manufacturer. How many other products out there can one say about that!!

To load 900 rounds of 9mm/month, there is NO advantage to the 550, and the savings is actually closer to $225, I believe - That's worth it. I agree. I dont buy that anyone can load ammo faster on a 550 than a SDB. The facts just don't add up. I've loaded on both, and there really is no time savings on a 550. FYI, ive been using the same depriming pin for over 2 years now. Never had an issue with it. I load close to 2k rounds a month. Great deal guys!! I'm actually not looking so much on speed of production as I am on literally just having fun learning and then shooting what I make only to make my accuracy better in the long long. I'm so glad that this forum is here where people can give honest opinions and not "push" the bigger badder faster machines on new guys because they THINK they are the better knower of things! I don't have a small workbench but not a great big one (4x8 and another that is 3x6) so sure I could get a bigger machine if $$ were there, but my philosophy in life is it isn't always necessary to "Super Size" your order every time. Sometimes it's just nice to go with small and simple if it'll get the job done! I figured for $6 bucks though getting the 10pack of those pins would just be nice in if I happen to screw up and break one. My question is will the ones offered on Brian's site work on the SDB dies, as I didn't see them offered under the SDB accessories page? Biggest issue right now for me (and everyone else) is just finding that dog gone powder. That's what I'm waiting for before I make any type of purchase right now. Thanks guys!

I guess I don't consider 500 rds a lot since I'm usually with a few friends when I go out. It might not be EVERY week either. I will look in to Manny and see what he offers. Thank you! I'll have to post my official/non official list here soon with some price break downs for you all to critique on too. Really appreciate all the help thus far.

Finding the hardest part is getting Powder right now. Been looking for a few days for anything reasonable for a 9mm. Have a gun/knife show coming to town next week, might as well save up and buy 8# of something there.......assuming I'm first through the door (like Black Friday all over)

I am in Kansas, just not near Kingman. I'm in Kansas City, however I do get over to Topeka once in a while. Always looking to buy local when I can, even if I have to drive a moderately short distance. Wichita may be a bit far though for supplies.

So I'm still on the fence about this model or the 550. Only will be reloading handgun, 99.99% will be 9mm. I MIGHT shoot 4-500 rounds every other week depending on who comes with me. That's max amount (unless I'm on vacation of course). Is the extra $$ really worth the upgrades to the 550, or should I keep the savings on the SDB and put that towards more bulk supplies? (when I can find them). Right now I'm looking at around $1k for the press, dies, case gage, manual, 10pk of depriming pins, 4#'s powder, 4k primers (to save on hazmat cost) 1k 124g bullets, Tumbler kit, Scale, caliper, primer tray and a few extra ammo boxes. There's roughly $150 difference between the SDB and 550, not HUGE, but enough to make me rethink if it's necessary. Don't need dies for the SDB nor did I see an option for the 10pk of depriming pins. Of course the extra supplies I haven't really done a ton of shopping around on, as I'm sure I can find better deals once I start digging harder into. This was just a few sites I visited, plus I still need to talk to a few of my LGS to see what they can offer.

I honestly think I'm going to gobwith the SDB. I will not be going into anything other than handguns so there really is no need for a bigger setup. Im not planning on going into tournaments or competitions so the ammo output doesn't need to be huge. I really appreciate everyone's help. Now on to the fun part of hunting down everything I need in bulk!

Thanks everyone! Lots to really think about, even though it seems pretty even as far as SDB and 550. There are reloading classes I think I read about somewhere local, I'll have to sign up and maybe that'll shed more light for me! As far as qty percweek, unless I'm on vacation it would be right at 500 a week. I only get to the range at MOST twice a week, usually just once though. Thanks again everyone!

Ok, so I did some more research on the subject and have started to turn more to Dillon. BUT here's the $$$ question. Between the Square Deal and the 550 which would be easier for an amateur to start/learn on? I figured if I'm going to spend a bit more on quality I should get what best fits my reloading ability. So lets say I have $800 to play with and don't need to buy brass at the moment. What would be your list if you were just starting out and needed to stay on budget. Need "the list" and possibly suggestions on the best place to find some/most of it. Wish I could spend more but thats what I'm limited to. So spend my money guys! I would only be reloading 9mm and would probably only need to reload less than 500 a week so high production isn't a priority. I'm a casual shooter looking to reload more as a hobby than anything. So, knowing what a lot of you wish you would had done differently your first go around, how would you spend $800 on a new setup?