I started reloading using a Dillon 550, Blue Dot Powder, and 10mm.
Over time, I picked up the dies to do 6.5x55 Swedish, 30-06, and 7.5x55 Swiss.
For the pistol, I would throw charges with the press, and hand check them if I were trying to find max and accurate loads.
Once I found a load that worked, I checked every 5th or 10th charge to see that what I was throwing was where i wanted it.
With my rifles and Hogdon H4350, i found myself weighing every charge because A. I was making up my test loads, and B. after testing, I wanted to be damn sure my hunting loads were spot on.
Well... after spending x amount of time doing this, I'm thinking now about alternative methods for dispensing/weighing my loads.
At first I figured I'd sell off my Pact electronic scale and order a Pact Precision dispenser/scale. But I've seen some people griping about them. Then I saw the RCBS 1500 which people seem to like.
But then, the skinflint in me kicked in. I started to think, do I need the thing to automatically throw charges....or would I be happy enough hand throwing most of the load, and then trying one of the little Franklin electric tricklers to bring the loads to spec.
Anyone want to chime in with opinions? I know I don't shoot probably more than 150 of any rifle round in a year ('cept .223...but I don't reload that because my HK 630 makes a mess of the brass).
I generally make up 5 each test powder weight for a particular bullet, and probably 12-15 sets like that to find accurate and max loads. Once I've got the load, I probably put together20 to 40 shells at spec (of which 3 may find their way through deer