Getting started...

[s0nspark]

Now that I am finally getting back to shooting 10mm, I am wanting to get my feet wet with reloading.

Although I don't have the budget for a Dillon 650XL, I also think (perhaps wrongly) that I am not best suited with a single stage press. Could some kind soul point me to some resources that will help me determine what equipment I absolutely must have and what would be nice to have as well?

Any recommendations for specifics are also most welcome. My budget to start will likely be in the $500-$600 range.

Thanks much!

[REDLINE]

I guess if you wanted something faster than a single stage press, but less expensive than an all out progressive press, you could opt for Lee's Classic Turret Press Kit that they retail for $300.  That press can be used in both single-stage fashion, and turret-fashion.  The details can be viewed here;  http://leeprecision.com/classic-turret-press-kit.html 



Lee claims with the above setup you're good for +250 rounds per hour.

Then you would still have +$200 left for:  a set of dies (~$50), 6" dial or digital caliper (~$30), a couple of load trays (~$10-$15), powder trickler (~$15), and whatever components (brass, bullets, powder, and primers) you can get with whatever you have left to spend.

That's just my 2 cents on an economical way to get started, taking into account being able to load faster than on a single-stage, without the expense of a progressive, and staying within your budget.

[s0nspark]

I guess if you wanted something faster than a single stage press, but less expensive than an all out progressive press, you could opt for Lee's Classic Turret Press Kit that they retail for $300.  That press can be used in both single-stage fashion, and turret-fashion.  The details can be viewed here;  http://leeprecision.com/classic-turret-press-kit.html 

Lee claims with the above setup you're good for +250 rounds per hour.

Then you would still have +$200 left for:  a set of dies (~$50), 6" dial or digital caliper (~$30), a couple of load trays (~$10-$15), powder trickler (~$15), and whatever components (brass, bullets, powder, and primers) you can get with whatever you have left to spend.

That's just my 2 cents on an economical way to get started, taking into account being able to load faster than on a single-stage, without the expense of a progressive, and staying within your budget.

Cool - thanks for the tip. I've been eyeballing the Lee kits... but wasn't sure how they compared to others.

I also see that the one you mentioned is ~$215 at MidwayUSA!

[The_Shadow]

I would advise to get the RCBS RockChucker Kit complete except dies...RCBS should have the $50 Rebate also.
http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/646599/rcbs-rock-chucker-supreme-single-stage-press-master-kit

Quality/Strong iron press and Quality scale with dampening for stable weights, many tools for the VALUE!

RCBS Rebate http://www.rcbs.com/pdf/RC249_RebateCoupon.pdf

[sqlbullet]

I started out with a Rock Chucker kit.  If I were buying today I would get a Lee Classic cast.

And if I were in the market for a progressive press, I would get the Hornady Lock-n-load AP.  Same features as the Dillon 650, similar no -bs warranty.  But about half the money, and no expensive tool head to buy for quick changes.

[REDLINE]

Cool - thanks for the tip. I've been eyeballing the Lee kits... but wasn't sure how they compared to others.

I also see that the one you mentioned is ~$215 at MidwayUSA!

Nice price!  Good luck with whatever you decide.