should I reload for my .357

[Jeff Loveless]

My theory is that you will learn more about ballistics, building cartridges and general firearm knowledge 'learning' on a single stage press. You're more in control and bear the consequences of your work, good or bad. Of course it's also slower. But it's class time experience too.

Later, maybe, you'll want to move up to a progressive. Then it becomes more like assembly line work but it is faster.

It is easier to work up a load with a single stage press, loading a few rounds at a time and then crank them out in volume on a progressive.

For a single stage go with the Rockchucker and a Lee hand prime tool.

For a progressive look at Dillon.

Buy components in bulk once you establish what you'll be using most.

And at all times be alert. And keep some form of records or you'll wind up licking the same calf twice.

jeff

 

[Walter]

I'll 'Ditto'...

...what Jeff said about keeping records. That is VERY important.
Get yourself a spiral notebook and meticulously record every aspect
of every batch of cartridges you reload.

I start with a new page for every new batch. I record date,
caliber, type of powder, weight of powder, brand and type of
bullet, brand and size of primer, brand of cartridge case, and,
how many times this particular case has been reloaded, and finally,
overall length of cartridge. And maybe something else I am
forgetting at the moment.

I take my notebook to the range with me. Either while I am shooting,
(while allowing barrel cool-down), or after I finish shooting, I make
notes at the bottom of the "load" page on how those particular
rounds shot.

A year, or five years later, you will be surprised at how valuable all
those reload notes are.

Walter

 

[Tim R]

What Walter said, we must have gotten the same press. I bought mine around 83 and started off with '06. Not too hard. Then moved to pistol. My old RCBS gear loads '06, 308, 30-30, 300 HH Mag and soon 223 when my WOP upper gets here. For pistol it's 9mm, 38, 357, 40 and 45.

I also keep detailed records of what I've loaded. It has helped me trouble shoot in some cases. I don't like kissin' the same calf twice either. Course a good looking heifer (blond and long legged) might be a different story.