Frist Step Into Handloading

[Rooster41]

I have been debating on either a single stage or turret press. I cannot spend to much, so cost is a bit of an issue. On the other hand I want to be able to make a good amount of reloads for low-cost target shooting, rather than making precision hunting or carry loads. I leave those roles for high end factory ammo.

I would suggest the Lee Turret.  Can be had for a low cost.  the changable turret plates allow you set your dies and then you can change the plate for another caliber.  It save time setting your dies each time.  I see Shadow already mentioned the pass thru sizer. 

Im a firm believer that you should practice with what you carry occasionally.  This can get expensive fast buying factory SD ammo.  What I have done is made my handloads to mimic the factory.  First I buy factory SD ammo in a bullet that I can buy to handload with, example Hornady XTP.  Then I chrongraph the factory ammo and begin building my handloads to match the speed as close as I can to the factory rounds.  In the end, you can have 100 rounds of handloads( for a little more $), that are almost identical to 20 factory SD loads.  I carry a 45 acp and carry 185 gr Hornady Custom XTP SD loads and load my casing with 185 grain XTP.  You would never notcie a difference as far a point of impact goes. Every few hundred rounds, I will shoot my box of factory loads to check my work compared to the factory rounds. 

[snuffy]

I use Xtreme plated bullets at about .12, primers .03, and powder .03, for a total of 18 cents each. I've managed to save a good supply of brass from factory ammo I've shot. I also have a good supply of new Winchester and Starline that is still new and unfired that I'll use when I decide to load hotter. Right now I"m happy at low to mid range for practice. I've used my G29 in GSSF matches for Major Sub and Heavy Metal and lose the brass but really enjoy shooting it.

[DenStinett]

I would suggest the Lee Turret.  Can be had for a low cost.

Here's a few links to the Lee Turret Press

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1311.R1.TR7.TRC1.A0.H1.Xlee+turret+p&_nkw=lee+turret+press&_sacat=0&_from=R40

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=lee+turret+press%2C+hole&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Alee+turret+press%5Cc+hole

http://www.brownells.com/search/index.htm?k=lee+turret+press%2c+hole&ksubmit=y

http://www.midwayusa.com/find?userSearchQuery=lee+turret+press%2C+hole

[CCantu357]

Thanks for all the info fellas. I just bought the newest edition of the ABCs Of Reloading, looks like a new author but great information for a novice like me. I will definitely look into that turret press.  Seems faster than a single stage while still being simple. As a new guy I do not want to move to progressive presses just now. I have always wanted to get into reloading, and now I can't wait to start.