Want to start loading for the 10mm and was hoping someone local could help. I am not sure what to use, a single stage or a progressive? Would like to find someone to share expenses on supplies, and some on hand learning.
Thanks
Sumoj275, I usually recommend people start with a single stage press, like the RCBS Rock Chucker kit and a set of carbide dies. RCBS also has $75 dollar rebate when you spend $300, so keep that in mind. This press is one with good compound leverage & strength to do pistol and rifle cartridges.
Video to give you an idea of what takes place
Press
http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/937051/rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-master-single-stage-press-kit (http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/937051/rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-master-single-stage-press-kit)
Dies
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/373992/rcbs-carbide-3-die-set-with-taper-crimp-40-s-and-w-10mm-auto (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/373992/rcbs-carbide-3-die-set-with-taper-crimp-40-s-and-w-10mm-auto)
Shellholder
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/144563/rcbs-shellholder-27-357-sig-40-s-and-w-10mm-auto (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/144563/rcbs-shellholder-27-357-sig-40-s-and-w-10mm-auto)
Just think of the reloading press as an investment in your future for custom ammo to sustain your needs.
A good set of Stainless Steel Digital calibers can be found on sale at Harbor Freight for $10.
The thing is to take your time get an understanding of how to set up the dies for the various steps you need to accomplish.
If you shoot any kind of volume, you'll want a progressive press. That being said, I second Shadow's recommendation for the RCBS kit. Ther is a lot of good gear in there that I'd like to keep around. Even though most of my loading is on a Pro 2000 progressive (fantastic press, by the way), I wouldn't want to live without my Rock Chucker. Start with the kit. Gain an intimate understanding of the die setups, then move to a progressive. Truly though, a guy could get started with a progressive. Running one case at a time at first.
Try to find the older kits that come with the Speer manual and 5-0-5 scale. The Speer #14 is an EXCELLENT tutorial on reloading. RCBS no longer catalogues the 5-0-5 scale and I cant couch for the next model. But I can for the 5-0-5. Having a stand-alone powder dispenser is really nice for working up loads, and the Uniflow is great.
Dial calipers are often identical, regardless of brand. If you look at RCBS, Lyman, Cabelas, Harbor Freight, etc., they all look identical except for the label. The HF are inexpensive and no different than those sold by the reloading companies.
I have two sets of RCBS 10mm dies and recommend them highly. Add a set of check weights, shell holder, and a kinetic bukket puller. A vibratory case cleaner is great too.
Thank you guys. I do want a progressive eventually but for now it is so I can afford to shoot my bigger calls like 10, 44 mag, 45 colt, 7.65x53mm, 303 British, etc.
As to the machines/tools, I like the 550b from what I'm reading but will take a look at the RCBS progressive too. A buddy had the Hornady and he complained about it all the time, and he was an engineer. Another press I looked at was the Lee classic turret but it's not progressive in the sense the others are but it said it can do 200 rds an hour which seems like a at least several mags for a range trip.
If you decide to go progressive, I would recommend the Dillon 650 if you can afford that one. Just remember that the accessories add up in the progressives press world. However the single stage presses are simplistic but very effective at producing quality ammo. There are things that the single stage can do that the progressives can not do easily.
Pass through sizing is one operation. Depriming of crimped primed brass in preparation for primer pocket uniforming and crimp removal. Bullet sizing and even swaging. With dies from companies like Corbin you can actually make your own jacketed bullets (many steps to that one) but can be done. Collet bullet pulling is another.
Good luck with what you decide.
Shadow named some of the operations that makes having a SS press nice. I never do pass through sizing, but do primer Locke swaging, bullet pulling, rifle ammo, and other odd jobs. I wouldnt want to be without one. The new pro chucker presses from RCBS look great, but have some serious problems with fragile priming parts that need to be reworked. I would not hesitate to recommend the discontinued Pro 2000 if you can find one. It leads the league in simplicity of operation and ease of caliber changeover. Mine has been absolutely reliable and sturdy. Die and shell plates should be available for a Llong time.
If you need a case feeder, then you'll want a 650. The 650 was designed for a case feeder, so if not going to use one, then a 550 would arguably be a better choice.