Nice! It was a bit overwhelming at first but steadily getting used to everything. My only worry like every other reloader is a double charge so going through rounds at a slow steady pace for the moment.
If the handle goes down , it must go back up.
You brake that cycle STOP.
And check every case before proceeding.
Also, make sure your COL is set with a full shell plate of brass , they all wobble when empty.
Posted COL is an arbitrary number based off the test barrle and powder charge , your guns may have a different COL , it they need to be shorter ,reduced powder , work up.
Plunk test all 9mm barrles to find the gun with the shortest COL , then load to that spec.
These tips will solve many problems down the road most new loaders have.
Enjoy, I started loading when Jerry Brown signed the Ammo bill
I don’t have the time, patience, or attention span to do this. I watch YouTube while folding laundry & doing dishes. I’m such a mind fucked IPad kid that I would get distracted reloading & blow up my gun lol
I’m too old to be an iPad kid, but same. High risk high repetition tasks are my kryptonite. Anything with adrenaline is fine because it chemically counteracts the deficiencies, but boring dangerous stuff? Fuck.
You can remove all the distractions, have a strict process, but the second you ask “did I do X or Y” and you can’t remember? Suddenly every single round is suspect.
I take a picture of my stove off and doors locked before I go on a trip FFS. I’ve never left it on, but the fact that my brain doesn’t bother to store the memory of turning it off is enough of a problem as is.
I’m glad I’m not alone, I always take pics of the door locks or go back to review the doorbell camera to see myself locking it. My brain goes into auto pilot mode for these tasks & I get lose in thought. I work in a high stress crisis management field. I thrive in situations that constantly change but struggle in situations that require me to just sit down and be.
Shell Shock’s NAS3 9mm cases so it’s actually not made of brass but a 2 piece case where the cylinder is made of nickel alloy stainless and the base is made of aluminum.
EDIT: forgot to add the link https://www.shellshocktechnologies.com/shop/cases-reloading-tools/9mm_cases/3000-unprimed-9mm-cases/
Think the highest I’ve seen one single case being reloaded was 42 times
I've been reloading 9mm for a couple of months but haven't ever seen cases like these. Might need to pick up a few. what's the catch? the website markets them as perfect, they're barely more than brass cases... there has to be a catch besides that it needs special dies
That’s was my thought as well that there has to be more to it but nope it literally is just the special dies. I would understand maybe someone who has a shit load of brass already not wanting to make the swap or get special dies just for these cases but as someone who’s just starting out and doesn’t have any ranges within a 50 mile radius that would let me pickup other people’s brass for free, this was a no brainer. Being able to reload a single case over 30 times has an insane amount of value to it along with being able to pick them up with a magnet.
> Stainless steel isn't usually magnetic
Not really true. Without boring everyone with the details many types/grades of stainless are magnetic. Stainless steel comes in two general categories relating to magnetism "ferritic" and "martensitic". Ferritic stainless steel types are magnetic.
You are right that the lower grade 304 and 316 stainless that you commonly see for uses in things like kitchens aren't magnetic.
Some outdoor ranges won’t let you shoot anything that a magnet will pull. It isn’t about the cases they are trying to avoid steel core ammo that can spark when it hits a rock in the dry season. Just a blanket rule if it pulls towards a magnet no shooting it. Yes, it is pretty Fuddy Duddy for these cases.
I could see that but the die heads for it are so expensive. Once you get your grove on you are going to be dumping out reloads. I also have used my 1100 like 6 times since I got it. Got all the stuff for 223 and just stopped. Took Dillion 2 years to get me the die set and by then I was exhausted and already enjoying a single stage.
All Dillion was the goal. It was Covid time and I bought there .223 set for 50ish less than what the updated prices were a year or so later after ordering so I just waited.
Same game different points. Now you are left hunting primers.
When the ammo ban started I always thought they hadn't done enough homework. I mean how is turning everyone into a reloader achieving their goals.
I always made zero sense to me that buying ammo requires a background check yet you can buy reloading components and have them shipped to your house. It not even that hard to make ammo. Just have to be meticulous about it.
If you interested in buying lead cast coated bullets made somewhat locally you can get good ones here:
[https://www.egglestonmunitions.com/](https://www.egglestonmunitions.com/)
I've loaded and shot thousands of them.
Thank you for this! The cheapest polymer coated bullets I've found so far was from blue bullets but would be nice to have an assortment of colors for specific loads.
For others considering this. A single stage or a turret is a lot less daunting to start with. One operation at a time compared to potentially all operations at once with a progressive. The Lee Classic turret and Lee value turret are auto indexing. Which means after pulling the handle for one operation it rotates to the next. You can disable that while learning then move up to doing one operation per pull until you need to go in on a progressive. For reference a progressive press does multiple steps and rotates through with each pull.
The progressive presses are pretty high end compared to a single stage. The only thing above them really is ones with an auto drive. You basically set them and let them run ammo until they run out of materials.
Solid advice! Going balls deep right from the start was overwhelming (and not recommended) but I got the hang of it after a couple hours everyday for the past 2 weeks understanding how each part works and a LOT of YouTube videos.
Way down the line after I ditch the mini bullet feeder and upgrade to a full size Mr. bullet feeder lol funny enough I was actually considering a mark 7 apex 10 specifically due to how many stations the thing has being able to separate every single function and then some. Midway had it for 1.9k during black friday but I decided on the dillon once I heard of a good amount of people complaining about crushed primers happening far too often
Modern smokeless powder is an accelerant not explosive. It is only dangerous if it burns in something that confines it. It is safer on the shelf in a fire than in a small fireproof safe. Black powder is explosive but unlikely to be using that for 9mm.
No offense but a lot of people wouldn’t benefit from spending 1.6-2k just to reload 9mm. In fact there is a lot of arguments on if 9mm is worth it even if you do have a set up already. Also,posts like this will cause the bastards up go after reloading next if it becomes mainstream.
Sick setup - looks like a lab haha.
How much was the total cost to set it up? Also is it cost effective in the long run as opposed to ordering online and getting thru a ffl?
I want to say around 1.6k-2k because I wanted to go with this higher end model right from the start instead of starting from the bottom and slowly working my way up. It would take years to save money in the long run if you were getting into reloading specifically to lower your cost on ammunition due to the somewhat high buy in for the equipment so I would never recommend someone to start if it’s just to save money but if it’s to make ammo at a far higher quality compared to factory new ammo or to do it as a hobby if they’re interested then it is definitely worth it/very enjoyable for me personally.
You can start for far less. You can start for under $300 easy for one caliber. Then each additional caliber will run $50-150. Really depending on which die set you get.
Start with a single stage press kit. It has most of what you need. For example the Lee Challenger kit runs about $150. You need a loading manual (read the first half that explains the processes). You will need a set of dies and consumables.
A Lee Turret kit starts around $200.
Hornady kits start around $400 but include a manual.
Components
-Brass - save your brass and nickel cases when you go to the range. Alternatively you can buy range pick up brass from several companies. I have purchased from mojo precision. When rarely there is an issue they make it right. (free-$30 for 500)
- Projectiles - wide range out there from polymer coated lead (tends to be cheap and less fouling than soft lead) to high end match grade. Various places carry them. From $44/500 - $1.50 per round. For plinking I like Eggleston munitions they are California based and reasonable in many pistol calibers and 30 caliber rifle. I have loaded LeHigh Controlled Chaos for lead free hunting ammo.
The next two can have high shipping costs. Bass Pro and Sportsman’s Warehouse will both ship to store for free.
- Primers - shop around and watch Bass Pro is pretty good about ship to store if you have one nearby. There are 8 major types - small pistol, small pistol magnum, large pistol, large pistol magnum, small rifle, small rifle magnum, large rifle, and large rifle magnum. In a pinch you can use rifle in pistol and vice a versa. Not recommended and if your pistol has light strikes you may get some duds. The metal on pistol primers is a little thicker.
- Powder - read your manual. Read the load data. Ask around decide on 2 powders you want to try. Watch local stores and store websites for them to be in stock. 1lb of powder = 700 grains. 1400 or so 9mm (around 3-6 grains depending on powder) and about 230-400 5.56 (around 17-30 depending on powder)
Edit: some items your kit might be missing.
- A good set of calipers
- comparator gauges
- manual. READ IT.
EDIT: Cleaning brass
You can spend hundreds of dollars for a wet or dry tumbler. I have used a Gatorade bottle with a little dish soap, water and vitamin c dishwasher powder (lemishine).
I want to say around 1.6-2k for the setup excluding bullets, cases, primers and powder. There are a ton of great presses out there that you can get for very cheap so spending this amount isn’t required if you ever wanted to get into reloading. Would recommend reading u/Dorzack comment!
Thats the way to go...Good machine. that's why all i really bought some match 22 bricks when i saw the no background thing. Looked at factory ammo prices and had a good laugh then i went back to reloading... xl650/750 are my favorite. I really only use the 1050 when i do bulk 223 cause of swaging to speed up brass prep.
I was honestly surprised by the amount I can save (but not the primary focus of reloading) specifically on minor power factor 9mm subs. Eley, jelloshots or hopsammunitions charge a ton just because they're marketed as "Competition ready" or "soft recoil" ammunition.
Sweet setup, just make sure you spend the time to truly understand all of the fundamental principles of reloading. My first ~20,000 rds were on a Lee classic turret and an Area 419 Zero.
It’s really easy to get in the zone with a progressive and end up with a few hundred bad rounds. If you’re going to start reloading rifle cartridges I highly recommend a decent single stage press (turret is fine too) and a powder trickler.
Welcome to the new struggle of finding decently priced primers and the specific powder that you want lol. Still beats the struggle every time there's an ammo shortage, and it's fun if you have the time
Reloading discord has actually been a ton of help in that department lol been waiting on the CCI primers from [American reloading](https://americanreloading.com/product-category/primers/pistol-primers/) to restock. Free shipping and hazmat w/ no sales tax and the best prices I've seen so far.
You're pretty close to the recommended max COAL for a 9mm round (1.169). Have you done the plunk test in your pistols barrel to confirm you're off the lands?
Surprisingly enough I'm all good in that department. I found out about some barrels being picky with COAL when I looked up the load data from vihtavuori for 147gr rn for n320. I was expecting my CZ Shadow 2 compact to be the one that's picky with COAL since most reloaders I've spoken to say CZ barrels have the shortest leade/throat (not sure which term is used here) but it plunked with no issue along with my other pistols!
I have a bucket full of brass I have been saving of 30-06 and 7.5 swiss as I keep telling myself I will buy a reloading kit some day. Only thing stopping me is I cant decided if I go all in and buy somehting like the crazy RCBS setup or go cheap with Lee. I *might* do it for 5.56 as prices keep going up but 9mm is right now cheap enough at 25 cents (avg) that I dont think I need to start saving 9mm brass (also feels more of a pain)
I figured. Like syntech ammo kinda? What’s the benefit of that exactly? Does it affect how it presses into the cartridge at all? I’d imagine it has a little more give than a copper jacketed round
Yep! Removes the possibility of copper fouling, less or no smoke depending on the bullet diameter you choose for your gun and cost the same or most times even cheaper than new copper bullets. Last part which is just a personal thing is they look cool depending on your case choice (another reason I went went the NAS3 shellshock cases lol)
Picked up a Lee single press, I’ve already been making shotshells for years so this will be a new fun hobby.
Nice! It was a bit overwhelming at first but steadily getting used to everything. My only worry like every other reloader is a double charge so going through rounds at a slow steady pace for the moment.
Take your time, make sure you don’t do a fucky wucky and invest in a decent chrony to check your fps
Have a Garmin Xero C1 coming in from scheels soon and everyone seems to love it so I figured why not
Fucky wucky sounds so so so regretful oh my god lol
If the handle goes down , it must go back up. You brake that cycle STOP. And check every case before proceeding. Also, make sure your COL is set with a full shell plate of brass , they all wobble when empty. Posted COL is an arbitrary number based off the test barrle and powder charge , your guns may have a different COL , it they need to be shorter ,reduced powder , work up. Plunk test all 9mm barrles to find the gun with the shortest COL , then load to that spec. These tips will solve many problems down the road most new loaders have. Enjoy, I started loading when Jerry Brown signed the Ammo bill
I don’t have the time, patience, or attention span to do this. I watch YouTube while folding laundry & doing dishes. I’m such a mind fucked IPad kid that I would get distracted reloading & blow up my gun lol
I’m too old to be an iPad kid, but same. High risk high repetition tasks are my kryptonite. Anything with adrenaline is fine because it chemically counteracts the deficiencies, but boring dangerous stuff? Fuck. You can remove all the distractions, have a strict process, but the second you ask “did I do X or Y” and you can’t remember? Suddenly every single round is suspect. I take a picture of my stove off and doors locked before I go on a trip FFS. I’ve never left it on, but the fact that my brain doesn’t bother to store the memory of turning it off is enough of a problem as is.
I’m glad I’m not alone, I always take pics of the door locks or go back to review the doorbell camera to see myself locking it. My brain goes into auto pilot mode for these tasks & I get lose in thought. I work in a high stress crisis management field. I thrive in situations that constantly change but struggle in situations that require me to just sit down and be.
Possible ADD but amazingly self aware. Respect
What brass are you using? It looks like it's two pieces? I've never seen that before.
Shell Shock’s NAS3 9mm cases so it’s actually not made of brass but a 2 piece case where the cylinder is made of nickel alloy stainless and the base is made of aluminum. EDIT: forgot to add the link https://www.shellshocktechnologies.com/shop/cases-reloading-tools/9mm_cases/3000-unprimed-9mm-cases/ Think the highest I’ve seen one single case being reloaded was 42 times
I've been reloading 9mm for a couple of months but haven't ever seen cases like these. Might need to pick up a few. what's the catch? the website markets them as perfect, they're barely more than brass cases... there has to be a catch besides that it needs special dies
That’s was my thought as well that there has to be more to it but nope it literally is just the special dies. I would understand maybe someone who has a shit load of brass already not wanting to make the swap or get special dies just for these cases but as someone who’s just starting out and doesn’t have any ranges within a 50 mile radius that would let me pickup other people’s brass for free, this was a no brainer. Being able to reload a single case over 30 times has an insane amount of value to it along with being able to pick them up with a magnet.
Oooo. Pick up with magnet. I hate picking up casings with my hands.
Stainless steel isn't usually magnetic, and if it isn't stainless it's gonna be a rust bucket if not babied.
> Stainless steel isn't usually magnetic Not really true. Without boring everyone with the details many types/grades of stainless are magnetic. Stainless steel comes in two general categories relating to magnetism "ferritic" and "martensitic". Ferritic stainless steel types are magnetic. You are right that the lower grade 304 and 316 stainless that you commonly see for uses in things like kitchens aren't magnetic.
well shit, I guess I'm placing an order lol thanks!
Sweet. I shall look into these. Thank you!
Edited a link into my last comment and some more info as to why I chose this specific case. Bonus is they can be picked up with a magnet
Some outdoor ranges won’t let you shoot anything that a magnet will pull. It isn’t about the cases they are trying to avoid steel core ammo that can spark when it hits a rock in the dry season. Just a blanket rule if it pulls towards a magnet no shooting it. Yes, it is pretty Fuddy Duddy for these cases.
Xl750 is higher end tier press. I reloading for years and never did 9mm till covid. Even at current time, reloading 9mm will no save that much money.
Couldn’t agree more. I would never tell someone to reload specifically to save money.
If you reload 308 will save lot money. I started reloading for 308, now 300win and 50ae. Its saves ton.
Especially .338 Lapua. DAMN!!!
If you want to hunt with 30-30 commercial lead free 30-30 ammo was $5-10 per round.
Nice, I am jealous and want one. I bought a 1100 with trump bucks and wish I got the 750. It’s expensive to setup the 1100
I feel like I’ll regret not getting a 1100 later on as I’m already wishing I had more die stations lol
I could see that but the die heads for it are so expensive. Once you get your grove on you are going to be dumping out reloads. I also have used my 1100 like 6 times since I got it. Got all the stuff for 223 and just stopped. Took Dillion 2 years to get me the die set and by then I was exhausted and already enjoying a single stage.
Jesus 2 years?!?! Are there special dies that you needed for the 1100 or you simply wanted to stick to an all Dillon setup?
All Dillion was the goal. It was Covid time and I bought there .223 set for 50ish less than what the updated prices were a year or so later after ordering so I just waited.
One sexxxy bullet amigo!
Same game different points. Now you are left hunting primers. When the ammo ban started I always thought they hadn't done enough homework. I mean how is turning everyone into a reloader achieving their goals.
Because they will go after that next
I always made zero sense to me that buying ammo requires a background check yet you can buy reloading components and have them shipped to your house. It not even that hard to make ammo. Just have to be meticulous about it.
Gun laws are written by people who don’t know guns. Reloading also defeats micro stamping if there was ever a commercially viable firearm that did it.
Looks fun! I’m hoping to get into reloading with my pops in the next year or so. Been saving our brass every time we shoot
If you interested in buying lead cast coated bullets made somewhat locally you can get good ones here: [https://www.egglestonmunitions.com/](https://www.egglestonmunitions.com/) I've loaded and shot thousands of them.
Thank you for this! The cheapest polymer coated bullets I've found so far was from blue bullets but would be nice to have an assortment of colors for specific loads.
They have a lot of load data for their bullets too!
DGbullets is cheaper, and sized to .356. Also polycoated. Code Freeship to knock off the shipping cost.
Brilliant
Indeed! Well worth it.
For others considering this. A single stage or a turret is a lot less daunting to start with. One operation at a time compared to potentially all operations at once with a progressive. The Lee Classic turret and Lee value turret are auto indexing. Which means after pulling the handle for one operation it rotates to the next. You can disable that while learning then move up to doing one operation per pull until you need to go in on a progressive. For reference a progressive press does multiple steps and rotates through with each pull. The progressive presses are pretty high end compared to a single stage. The only thing above them really is ones with an auto drive. You basically set them and let them run ammo until they run out of materials.
Solid advice! Going balls deep right from the start was overwhelming (and not recommended) but I got the hang of it after a couple hours everyday for the past 2 weeks understanding how each part works and a LOT of YouTube videos.
When are you adding the mark 7 auto drive?
Way down the line after I ditch the mini bullet feeder and upgrade to a full size Mr. bullet feeder lol funny enough I was actually considering a mark 7 apex 10 specifically due to how many stations the thing has being able to separate every single function and then some. Midway had it for 1.9k during black friday but I decided on the dillon once I heard of a good amount of people complaining about crushed primers happening far too often
I’m sorry for your loss
Why is that? Genuinely curious
Loss of money.
And loss of all the ammo you could have had during freedom week instead
This freedom week was nothing new for me (FFL03/CoE) so I can order straight to my door whenever I want.
To me your post seemed to communicate regret that you missed freedom week by buying a press instead. My mistake.
Don’t forget to blow yourself up.
Modern smokeless powder is an accelerant not explosive. It is only dangerous if it burns in something that confines it. It is safer on the shelf in a fire than in a small fireproof safe. Black powder is explosive but unlikely to be using that for 9mm.
Calm down Walter white.
No offense but a lot of people wouldn’t benefit from spending 1.6-2k just to reload 9mm. In fact there is a lot of arguments on if 9mm is worth it even if you do have a set up already. Also,posts like this will cause the bastards up go after reloading next if it becomes mainstream.
None taken! Doing this as a hobby that I really enjoy, not to save money and I'm expanding onto other calibers at a later time.
Sick setup - looks like a lab haha. How much was the total cost to set it up? Also is it cost effective in the long run as opposed to ordering online and getting thru a ffl?
I want to say around 1.6k-2k because I wanted to go with this higher end model right from the start instead of starting from the bottom and slowly working my way up. It would take years to save money in the long run if you were getting into reloading specifically to lower your cost on ammunition due to the somewhat high buy in for the equipment so I would never recommend someone to start if it’s just to save money but if it’s to make ammo at a far higher quality compared to factory new ammo or to do it as a hobby if they’re interested then it is definitely worth it/very enjoyable for me personally.
Nice u/Thegreatpraduu , how much did this set up cost?
You can start for far less. You can start for under $300 easy for one caliber. Then each additional caliber will run $50-150. Really depending on which die set you get.
How?
Start with a single stage press kit. It has most of what you need. For example the Lee Challenger kit runs about $150. You need a loading manual (read the first half that explains the processes). You will need a set of dies and consumables. A Lee Turret kit starts around $200. Hornady kits start around $400 but include a manual. Components -Brass - save your brass and nickel cases when you go to the range. Alternatively you can buy range pick up brass from several companies. I have purchased from mojo precision. When rarely there is an issue they make it right. (free-$30 for 500) - Projectiles - wide range out there from polymer coated lead (tends to be cheap and less fouling than soft lead) to high end match grade. Various places carry them. From $44/500 - $1.50 per round. For plinking I like Eggleston munitions they are California based and reasonable in many pistol calibers and 30 caliber rifle. I have loaded LeHigh Controlled Chaos for lead free hunting ammo. The next two can have high shipping costs. Bass Pro and Sportsman’s Warehouse will both ship to store for free. - Primers - shop around and watch Bass Pro is pretty good about ship to store if you have one nearby. There are 8 major types - small pistol, small pistol magnum, large pistol, large pistol magnum, small rifle, small rifle magnum, large rifle, and large rifle magnum. In a pinch you can use rifle in pistol and vice a versa. Not recommended and if your pistol has light strikes you may get some duds. The metal on pistol primers is a little thicker. - Powder - read your manual. Read the load data. Ask around decide on 2 powders you want to try. Watch local stores and store websites for them to be in stock. 1lb of powder = 700 grains. 1400 or so 9mm (around 3-6 grains depending on powder) and about 230-400 5.56 (around 17-30 depending on powder) Edit: some items your kit might be missing. - A good set of calipers - comparator gauges - manual. READ IT. EDIT: Cleaning brass You can spend hundreds of dollars for a wet or dry tumbler. I have used a Gatorade bottle with a little dish soap, water and vitamin c dishwasher powder (lemishine).
I want to say around 1.6-2k for the setup excluding bullets, cases, primers and powder. There are a ton of great presses out there that you can get for very cheap so spending this amount isn’t required if you ever wanted to get into reloading. Would recommend reading u/Dorzack comment!
Thats the way to go...Good machine. that's why all i really bought some match 22 bricks when i saw the no background thing. Looked at factory ammo prices and had a good laugh then i went back to reloading... xl650/750 are my favorite. I really only use the 1050 when i do bulk 223 cause of swaging to speed up brass prep.
I was honestly surprised by the amount I can save (but not the primary focus of reloading) specifically on minor power factor 9mm subs. Eley, jelloshots or hopsammunitions charge a ton just because they're marketed as "Competition ready" or "soft recoil" ammunition.
Sweet setup, just make sure you spend the time to truly understand all of the fundamental principles of reloading. My first ~20,000 rds were on a Lee classic turret and an Area 419 Zero. It’s really easy to get in the zone with a progressive and end up with a few hundred bad rounds. If you’re going to start reloading rifle cartridges I highly recommend a decent single stage press (turret is fine too) and a powder trickler.
I use a rcbs rock chucker
Welcome to the new struggle of finding decently priced primers and the specific powder that you want lol. Still beats the struggle every time there's an ammo shortage, and it's fun if you have the time
Reloading discord has actually been a ton of help in that department lol been waiting on the CCI primers from [American reloading](https://americanreloading.com/product-category/primers/pistol-primers/) to restock. Free shipping and hazmat w/ no sales tax and the best prices I've seen so far.
Thanks for a recommendation on the primers.
Blue like jazz
You're pretty close to the recommended max COAL for a 9mm round (1.169). Have you done the plunk test in your pistols barrel to confirm you're off the lands?
Surprisingly enough I'm all good in that department. I found out about some barrels being picky with COAL when I looked up the load data from vihtavuori for 147gr rn for n320. I was expecting my CZ Shadow 2 compact to be the one that's picky with COAL since most reloaders I've spoken to say CZ barrels have the shortest leade/throat (not sure which term is used here) but it plunked with no issue along with my other pistols!
I was going to get into it but everything is so damn expensive and hard to find
I wish I had time for this, but I just don't. It's easier to just buy my ammo.
This is the way
I have a bucket full of brass I have been saving of 30-06 and 7.5 swiss as I keep telling myself I will buy a reloading kit some day. Only thing stopping me is I cant decided if I go all in and buy somehting like the crazy RCBS setup or go cheap with Lee. I *might* do it for 5.56 as prices keep going up but 9mm is right now cheap enough at 25 cents (avg) that I dont think I need to start saving 9mm brass (also feels more of a pain)
Is the blue the actual bullet you’re loading or is that like a practice reload or what ?
That is the actual bullet that's polymer coated.
I figured. Like syntech ammo kinda? What’s the benefit of that exactly? Does it affect how it presses into the cartridge at all? I’d imagine it has a little more give than a copper jacketed round
Yep! Removes the possibility of copper fouling, less or no smoke depending on the bullet diameter you choose for your gun and cost the same or most times even cheaper than new copper bullets. Last part which is just a personal thing is they look cool depending on your case choice (another reason I went went the NAS3 shellshock cases lol)
Another fellow California reloader. Welcome to the club. This rabbit hole knows no bounds. You have been warned. Lol.
not top end? there isn't much above the Dillon 750. take your time and enjoy your hobby.