Reloading for two different guns (or three??)

Not a particularly important question, but I'm wondering what you guys do about this.  I'm planning on reloading for both 38 Special for M-52, and 45 for my (soon to be two) 1911 bullseye guns.  For those of you who are doing something similar, do you load up a huge number of rounds for one gun, then do the other (what I used to do), or if the press is easy to switch over, just load up what you want for the first gun (maybe 200 rounds for me), switch, and then load for the other (maybe also 200 rounds).   This is what I think I'm likely to do when I get back home.

I can't think of any way that it makes much of a difference, other than time, and convenience.  If I'm smart, I'll load one caliber one day, and the other caliber the next day.

I don't have my notes with me, but Terry from Magnus recommended something that was also listed in this forum, and since he makes the bullets, why not follow his advice exactly.

Mike,

Since I reload using a single-stage press, changing between .38 and .45 simply involves changing a die.   I like reloading too much to go to a progressive press.    When you returning to the USA?

Don

i have a press for each caliber. If you are going to be using one machine, i recommend find a load that is accurate and functions 100%. Then go ahead and load a few thousand of each.

I run a pair of Dillon 650's with one set up for large pistol and one for small.  

I find a load that works for most guns in same caliber and load big batches.  I always have ammo ready.   I just started loading 9mm so before I switch back to .38 I will load a couple thousand rounds.  I have that many .38's on hand so that ammo will not stop me from practicing.  

The caviat is that for 50 yard match ammo I practice stringent quality control.  I may even load it on my 40+ year old Rock Chucker single stage press.

I agree with Mark and Chris. I like loading on 2 separate machines. I run a Hornady LNL and Dillon 550. If you have the space and cash, its well worth your time to leave them set up for the caliber.

Neither press is difficult to swap over per se, but the time consuming and fiddly bit is adjusting case expansion and powder throw in both. If you have nothing but time, swapping back and forth and doing big batches is completely viable. A separate toolhead and powder measure, left completely set up, is a big time saver on the dillon. Likewise, hornady's LNL bushings make the swap very fast. Powder measure/expander is always the slowdown, unless you have dedicated ones for each caliber.

If you’re flush, dedicated machines make it easy. If not a Dillon 650 or Hornady LNL AP are the easiest to change and have the best production. If all you load is Pistol for Bullseye then two separate Dillon 550 would make sense. The Dillon Square Deal machines aren’t flexible enough for our needs. I have no experience with RCBS machines but I hear they have had some issues.

I only have one machine and my default set up is for my wadcutter loads for my 1911. When I make either jacketed or hollow point for the 45 I am likely to make up a larger amount so I can switch back. If I am going to do any 38's then I stock up a little bit on 45, swap everything over and then I will make 500 38's and switch it back. If I had more room and just a little more extra cash I would love to get a second 550.

I only shoot .38 in Distinguished Revolver matches so I load it on an old three hole turret press made by Lee. I load my .45 stuff for my wad gun on a Dillon 550. Two machines for me. 

I have multiple heads however for the Lee for other pistol calibers I plink with so the Dillon is my dedicated 45 press. Everything else is on the Lee but it’s because everything else is in smaller quantities or batches. I currently shoot more 45 than anything else.

It takes me about 15 minutes to change over from 45 to 38 on my 550.  That being said, it would be nice to have 2 complete units.

I use two Star presses, one for 38, the other for 45. I use a single stage for the few odd loads such as 45 Colt, 44 mag and 357.

Have a 550BL and Super1050, both with full conversions... 550 isn't a really big issue to change out being that i hand prime the cases before loading, i do change out the primer punch to ensure fully seating of the primers. (I hand prime as i get flipped primers every so often when feeding through the primer tubes.) The 1050 is a PITA to change out but haven't loaded on it yet, but will load at least 1k or more before switching it over.

Right now I load all my 45 on the 1050 and everything else on the 550.
- Dave

Those with a LNL and 650 how would you compre the two. I have a 650 and have been eyeballing a LNL for a second press

Although I'm still using a single stage, I've pondered about buying a turret press.

Seems like a simple swap of turrets and you are reloading a different caliber and you still have your
dies setup on the turret you took off.  Since I dislike having to set up the dies each time, and I don't
have a dedicated press (or work area, for that matter), this seems like a decent compromise for
those not flush with cash (but then, what are you doing shooting bullseye in the first place!).
Obviously its not nearly as fast as a progressive, but setup would be pretty quick.

What do others think about using a turret press?

I have 3 550s.. one for small primer 38 super and one for 45. the third one is used for 223 or 308.. also have an old CPM that will do either 45 or 38 spl. I  load for two people so the extra loaders are worth every penny... If you keep you eye out you can find old units for cheap.

jglenn21 wrote:I have 3 550s.. one for small primer 38 super and one for 45. the third one is used for 223 or 308.. also have an old CPM that will do either 45 or 38 spl. I  load for two people so the extra loaders are worth every penny... If you keep you eye out you can find old units for cheap.

Now that may be an option!!

I have not reloaded on a 650, but I have loaded on a LNL, a 1050, a 550, a Camdex in 45, and many single stages.

IMO, there isn’t much to choose between the 650 and the LNL. The LNL has two advantages; the powder measure is better than the Dillon, and there’s less jerky indexing as the indexing is done in two stages. This gives smoother operation. The LNL has a spring retainer for the rounds so you don’t have to remove anything whereas the Dillon uses buttons which have a habit of rolling off the bench.

I bought a LNL. Mostly because of the measure.

I've got 2 of the Hornady LNL AP, one for small primer and one for large. As long as you invest in a powder measure in each caliber its no issue.

What I like is the powder inserts are cheap and very easy to swap and with the LNL bushings you can also switch seating dies for different bullet profiles, so you can make several different round configurations by swapping powder inserts and dies.

Small quantity pistol calibers and rifle I use a Rock Chucker.

zanemoseley wrote:I've got 2 of the Hornady LNL AP, one for small primer and one for large. As long as you invest in a powder measure in each caliber its no issue.

What I like is the powder inserts are cheap and very easy to swap and with the LNL bushings you can also switch seating dies for different bullet profiles, so you can make several different round configurations by swapping powder inserts and dies.

Small quantity pistol calibers and rifle I use a Rock Chucker.

Zane. You my friend are a bad influence on my wallet. Cabela’s has a lnl Ap on sale for 399. 

lablover wrote:

zanemoseley wrote:I've got 2 of the Hornady LNL AP, one for small primer and one for large. As long as you invest in a powder measure in each caliber its no issue.

What I like is the powder inserts are cheap and very easy to swap and with the LNL bushings you can also switch seating dies for different bullet profiles, so you can make several different round configurations by swapping powder inserts and dies.

Small quantity pistol calibers and rifle I use a Rock Chucker.

Zane. You my friend are a bad influence on my wallet. Cabela’s has a lnl Ap on sale for 399. 

Nice buy, a lot of press for the money. When your wallet recovers head to Inline Fabrication for his heavy mount, roller handle and upgraded output bracket. Just PM me before installing the roller handle, I have some words of wisdom for ya.

And case feeder and bullet feeder etc etc etc.  oh boy here we go

Honestly I don't think I would want a case or bullet feeder. I've got it worked out pretty good, I can pick up a bullet and case both at the same time with my left hand, simple and cheap. Also means way less to tinker with during caliber changes.

zanemoseley wrote:Honestly I don't think I would want a case or bullet feeder. I've got it worked out pretty good, I can pick up a bullet and case both at the same time with my left hand, simple and cheap. Also means way less to tinker with during caliber changes.

I like that. I have the Dillon 650and like it but it’s getting to be the whole large and small primer thing. Pain in the. Butt to swap so maybe the Dillon for small and lnl for the large.  Yup works for me

Zane. Pm on the way

zanemoseley wrote:Honestly I don't think I would want a case or bullet feeder. I've got it worked out pretty good, I can pick up a bullet and case both at the same time with my left hand, simple and cheap. Also means way less to tinker with during caliber changes.

With a case feeder and a Bullet feeder production really steps up. Try them. You won’t be sorry.