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Old 02-28-2012, 01:24 AM
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Lane Lane is offline
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I ran into the same questions and confusion - here's how I started:

MidwayUSA was running a Christmas special for the Lee Classic Single Stage Anniversary Kit (Looks like it's still under $100). This includes pretty much everything you need except the dies. I added a set of calipers and some extra quick change bushings (and eventually a different scale - I didn't care for the Lee scale). I also bought some case trays for the calibers that I reload for.

Since then, I've added a tumbler, media separator, and have upgraded to a Dillon 550B progressive.

This is a good way to get started. Working with a Single Stage gives you a chance to learn the individual steps and build good habits for making safe, reliable reloads. The only squib I've had was on the progressive press.Since then, I've added a tumbler, media separator, and have upgraded to a Dillon 550B progressive.

With the single stage, I could do 50-100 rounds per hour; with the progressive, I can do 4-500 per hour. Changing caliber on the single stage takes seconds; changing caliber on the Dillon takes 15 minutes or so (and I've purchased a second head).

A lot of folks will bash Lee - they are definitely at the low end of the scale - but they have amazing customer support. They have a great warranty, and if something breaks, they pop the replacement in overnite mail. I've had a couple of parts break and they replace it, no questions asked.

As a side note, I usually buy my powder and primers at local gun stores (online appears cheaper until you pay the hazmat fees...) and get my bullets from Precision Delta.

Hopefully this helps. Keep in mind, you don't spend less money when reloading, you just shoot more.


Lane
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