> I am considering getting into reloading as a hobby. Handgun
calibers
> only, primarily 45acp, maybe .357/.38.
>
> My current research has shown that this is not necessarily
something
> to pursue to only save money, but to allow one to shoot MORE!
>
> I am wanting advice on a beginning set-up. Brands, suppliers,
etc. I
> have found a wealth of information @ The High Road Forum, but
imagine
> that many folks on this list reload to support a shooting
habit and
> probably know what really works. So, hopefully, you can steer
me away
> from newbie mistakes!

> - John Maldaner

The price of a Lyman handloading manual and maybe a video from
Dillon (The video instruction manual for the 550B is only $5.95)
would be well worth it.
Look under "books" and "videos and DVDs" on their product list
at:
http://dillonprecision.com/default.cfm

IDPA match and practice pistol ammo calls for a progressive
loader unless you have a LOT of spare time and are easily
amused.

I won't get into the "learn on a single stage" vs "jump in at
the deep end with a progressive" debate except to say that I
know people who started out with a progressive with little
trouble. The ones with the LEAST trouble took advantage of the
fact that it is possible to run one round at a time through a
Dillon machine so as to learn exactly what is going on at each
stage. Some had it figured out in a box, some in a case, but it
was a good way to break in before going at full capacity and
speed.

I have no experience with any current production progressive but
Dillon. Lee, Hornady, and RCBS users may chime in.

I have loaded ammo on all Dillon progressives except the 650
(and gave it a lot of study before going all the way to 1050.)

**I recommend the 550B.**
It uses standard dies (unlike SDB), is mechanically simpler than
650 or 1050 and is much less expensive than 1050.

You can get all sorts of shopping lists for other equipment, so
I will just mention three items.

1. You MUST have a powder scale, to set a measure by. For
pistol ammo you will likely use it only for that and an
occasional check weight. A balance beam scale will do that
nicely and save money vs a digital.

2. Dillon dies are made to suit their loaders but there are
some special needs.
If you load .45 ACP with cast bullets, you NEED a Lee Carbide
Factory Crimp Die. If you use mixed brass you need one a LOT.
Substitute it for the plain taper crimp die. I have one on my
1050 which is used strictly for .45 ACP SWC.
If you load .45 ACP with jacketed or plated bullets, you NEED
the undersize sizing die made by Lee and available either direct
from them or from EGW. I have one on my 550 which I use for
loading .45 ACP JHP and FMJ so I don't have to change settings
on the big machine. The regular taper crimp is ok for jacketed.

You can use almost any other make of die in a 550, the 7/8 x 14
thread was standardized by the old Pacific company long ago.
The inexpensive Lee dies will work but I replaced their O-ring
lock rings with narrower nuts for access. I'm going to buy some
of the newest 1" lockrings from Dillon to make changes and
adjustments easier to get at.

3. If you load .45 ACP in commercial or military match brass,
you are ok with the basic setup. If you use GI brass or mixed
brass containing some, you will have to remove the primer pocket
crimp. Dillon makes a device to swage it out, Lyman makes a
reamer to cut it out for less money.

You will also have to inspect mixed .45 brass for the latest
little gift to handloaders. Winchester and Federal NT
(Non-Toxic, "unleaded") ammo now has a SMALL primer instead of
the large primer of standard .45 ACP. There is not much choice
but to chuck it out. Winchester recommends not reloading it for
some reason. Probably because they don't want to go to the
trouble to work up load data for it, I know of no technical
reason not to. I am sure it can be done, but why bother unless
you have a large supply?

Brian Enos sells Dillon equipment at a discount.
http://www.brianenos.com/pages/home.html
There is a lot of discussion on reloading on his board, too.

Dillon has terrific customer support and will answer questions
and send out replacement parts cheap to free.

Jim w.