Reloading press/dies. What do I need?

[LostintheOzone]

I'm new here and new to reloading for a pistol so go easy on me.

I just bought a Colt 38 super and want to reload for it. I've reloaded thousands of rounds for my shotguns (competetive shooter) but never done any pistol reloading.

I want to shoot maybe 100 rounds a week tops so I don't think I need a progressive reloader. I'm very meticulous about my reloads and probably take more time than most to get it right. Time isn't a factor as I won't be shooting thousands of rounds in competetion. I will probably be loading for my 45 ACP also.

I won't be loading any rifle rounds as I don't have any and don't plan to get any.

I need some suggestions for a press and dies. The other stuff I can figure out.

Thanks.

Jim

[Kid Sopris]

RCBS Rock Chucker, Carbide Dies, (I prefer Redding) RCBS, Lee, Shell Holder, Wilson Case Length Gauge, Calibers, Powder, Primers, bullets and a Reloading Book. Lyman makes a good all around book.

Try the Hornady Hap Bullets from Midway, Superior Accuracy and proven track record.

Hornady Action Pistol (HAP) Bullets 9mm (356 Diameter) 125 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Box of 500 (Bulk Packaged)

[Oyeboten]

I have a Lyman 'Tru-Line Junior' Press, which is a moderately light weight Turret Press using the old "310 Dies" and Cartridge-Head Holders, and, start to finish, de-prime till done, being meticulous and observent of all details, I can load 100 Rounds in about an hour and a half.

This uses a seperate Powder Dispenser of whatever kind one likes, for charging the Cases.

A very good little Press for any of the Pistol Cartridges, and allows seating and crimping to be done in seperate stages if one wishes.

[ColtSnakes]

A Lee Anniversary kit, a set of dies, good manual, and some calipers will get you a good start for under 200 bucks....The suggested Rock Chucker is a good press but far press than you will need. I've got a Rock Chucker Master Reloading kit I have used for over 2 decades. It's good stuff. However, I have given away a couple of Lee kits as gifts and found they will do just as good of a job for far less cash.

[haggis]

Make sure you get a good powder scale - an inexpensive balance beam will do fine. You may charge by volume, but you want to check weights occasionally to make sure your volumetric device (powder dispenser, powder dippers) is correct.

Buck

[porsche]

Like Kid says, Rockchucker press but I will go one further. You can get the Rockchucker kit and save compared to single prices. Made by RCBS. That said I also agree with Colt snakes about Lee products being a value. You wont probably get everything on first time anyway, kind of like a separate hobby unto itself, reloading that is.

[Bart45]

I have a Redding press, and scale. Got the Uniflow RCBS measure as a "second" directly from RCBS. I like the RCBS Cowboy dies as I only load 45-70 and 45Colt. The Hornady lock rings are a great design and very secure once you get the die set where you like it. Carbide dies are great - no lube. Wish one was available in 45-70, would save a step.

[DFrame]

I've used most of the manufacturers over the years. All make quality products. I believe your approach is the correct one. Find a store that stocks presses and look them over. Buy the one you like. You might consider a turret press for the convenience of having all of your dies "in" the press which simplifies your operations without overly complicating anything. You will need a press, a set of dies, a shell holder, a scale, a reloading manual, and components to begin.
The old adage is that when you start reloading you don't really save much money but you shoot a lot more.

[Oyeboten]

Re-Loading is just so much fun too...

You can elect specific Loadings to suit different purposes.

I have not Loaded .38 Super myself, but, I used to re-Load a lot of .38 ACP.

One such option I elected in this, was to use regular Lead .357 diameter, 148 Grain semi-Wadcutters, with an appropriate and slightly reduced charge, for 50 Yard Paper Target Shooting, and, these Cartridges behaved wonderfully...and, of course, there is no off-the-shelf item like that, so, re-Loading allows many benifits beside that of saving Money over Factory ammunition or commercial Re-Loads.

[flanman]

RCBS Rock Chucker, Carbide Dies, (I prefer Redding) RCBS, Lee, Shell Holder, Wilson Case Length Gauge, Calibers, Powder, Primers, bullets and a Reloading Book. Lyman makes a good all around book.

Try the Hornady Hap Bullets from Midway, Superior Accuracy and proven track record.

Hornady Action Pistol (HAP) Bullets 9mm (356 Diameter) 125 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Box of 500 (Bulk Packaged)

what kid said!!!