So, I have been reloading for shotguns since I was a kid, and for rifles since I was in my early twenties. But I have never reloaded for handguns.
Coincidentally, I have recently caught the 1911 bug, and have just about decided to jump in feet first for a lot of reasons, among them the fact that I live in Cali.
I'll take all the input I can. Almost bought a Dillon 550 in the Free Classifieds here last week, and may regret not having done so, but ...
OK, so what machine for the long haul?
I take it buying 1000 rounds of factory .45 ACP ammo and saving the brass is a plan with some merit.
What should a newbie know going into this?
The 550 is best non-auto indexing progressive press to make double charges with. That said, if you learn how to double, and then manage your routine - you can crank out zillions of perfect rounds.
The SDB is an auto-indexing progress. It is very hard to cause a double (but it can be done). The SDB takes up less space on your bench and it comes setup for the caliber of choice.
I load 45acp on an SDB.
