Brand new reloader. What to buy?

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14 years 4 months ago #4512 by lotoofla
Replied by lotoofla on topic Re:Brand new reloader. What to buy?
I'm going to add something here, and that is if you don't know or fully understand what head space is, and that is for you to not use Dillon rifle sizing dies. These are the only dies that don't use a fixed head space. With the other brands of rifle dies you screw them down till they touch the shell plate and then add 1/8 turn more. With Dillon if you screw them down like before 1)You'll rupture the case. 2) possibly injure yourself or another shooter standing/sitting to the right of you. 3)Damage your rifle. best of luck.
Tom

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14 years 4 months ago #4514 by Maestro Pistolero
Replied by Maestro Pistolero on topic Re:Brand new reloader. What to buy?
"From what I'm reading, you think that this is a 'one time' expense. Well it AINT!!"

No, I just wanted an idea of the initial investment that would get me to the point of having everything I need actual load some quality rounds.

Excellent responses everyone. Thanks again.

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14 years 4 months ago #4516 by Maestro Pistolero
Replied by Maestro Pistolero on topic Re:Brand new reloader. What to buy?
Edge wrote:

Maestro Pistolero wrote:

What would my initial investment be for the a Dillon 550 B, and would that have the potential of loading accurate, match-grade rifle rounds?

In fact, how much should I budget for the whole kit and kaboodle, powder scale, powder thrower, dies for three calibers, (.308 Win/7.62, 5.56 Nato, and .45 ACP), press, etc? Assume I have nothing except brass.

Thanks for all the replies. You guys really know how to make a guy feel welcome.


If you can't find a used Dillon 550B, then the cost of a new one is $420. Then you need dies at $65 each set. Scale: anywhere from $30 to $400, depending on what kind, brand, manual or electronic, etc. Powder thrower comes with the Dillon, extra throwers with with quick change plates, $97. Then you'll need powder. I recommend buying the 5 or 8lb. jugs. That way you have a consistant lot, especially with long range rifle loads. $120 to $160 (multiplied by 3 for all calibers listed), depending on brand. Bullets: .30 cal 175gr Sierra Match Kings $150/500; .22 cal 60gr Hornady V-max $75/500; .45acp 230gr bullets $125/1000. Then you need primers.....lets just round off to $30 per 1000 any caliber.

So here's what you are looking at for all 3:

New Dillon 550B: $420
Dies: $65 x 3 = $195
Scale: $50
Extra Powder throws/quick change plates: $97 x 2 = $194
Powder: $130 x 3 = $390
Bullets: $150 + $75 + $125 = $350
Primers: $30 x 3 = $90

Total: $1689 to get started with all 3 at once.


That's exactly the breakdown I was looking for. Awesome.

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