Basic reloading setup

I'd start here.

The Highroad Reloading Forum

Your best bet is to PM a Moderator and ask them to move this post to the Handloading section - while there are probably plenty of folks over here who can help you, the Handloading section will be much more likely to yield lots of info.

I'm in the same boat with 45, and after lengthy discussions on several boards determined that I simply wouldn't save any REAL money after the cost of reloading equipment, bullets, powder, primers, scale, calipers, reading materials etc.

Now if you just want to reload for the sake of doing it, go right ahead.

I started with a good RCBS single stage press. It was inexpensive, and the only additional materials I added were a scale, powder measure, and a good reloading manual. (just equipment, not supplies)Many manuals are from bullet companies, so if you decide to only load one brand (not caliber...brand. As in Sierra, Nosler, etc.) you could purchase the manual for that particular brand. Otherwise, I'd go with a Lyman manual because they include general specs for popular loads of several brands, and also a good basics section.

With a single stage, loading is tedious because you have to go through the entire process for each individual bullet. Very slow, but it will give you an excellent "feel" for the entire process.

After about two years, I had become proficient enough to notice how slow it actually was. So I then upgraded to a Dillon 550B progressive. This is where you put a casing in, pull the handle, and a finished bullet comes out (Several casings go through in stages).

Much faster. It is also appreciated because I know how slow a single stage is, yet I wouldn't have been as familiar with the process without that first single stage. (Which I now use for resizing and depriming, so it's not like it is useless if you decide to upgrade in the future.)

Hope this helps!

I bought a Lee Classic Turret for the ease of switching calibers. I have yet to save money, but I sure shoot more now

I'm in the same boat with 45, and after lengthy discussions on several boards determined that I simply wouldn't save any REAL money after the cost of reloading equipment, bullets, powder, primers, scale, calipers, reading materials etc.

Now if you just want to reload for the sake of doing it, go right ahead.

Click to expand...

If you don't think you'd save a LOT of money, you're just not shooting much, certainly FAR less than what I'm accustomed to when work, weather and health permit.

I saved the price of my first Dillon RL550B in no more than three months, I estimate, and that was back in the early '90s when ammunition was CHEAP. At one time, I was reloading 9x19mm faster than I could shoot it. I ran out of containers in which to keep it. I eventually had brown paper bags full of it.

I can't name a SINGLE shop around here which stocks 148gr. .38 Special flush seated match ammunition. That's the ONLY ammunition which my Giles .38 Special M1911 CAN shoot. I load my own or I don't shoot.

The savings on rifle ammunition are even more extreme. That of course leaves aside the fact that I can't BUY factory ammunition equivalent to my handloads, at ANY price. Know any factory ammunition maker who offers a .30-06 load using a 200gr. Sierra Match King over IMR4350 or H4350? Me neither. The ONLY .30-06 target loads I see use the obsolete 168gr. Match King and similar bullets.

Yeah, if you shoot a box of 9x19mm every 3-4 months, it'll take you a while to make your investment back. For some of us, that just isn't enough shooting.

If you shoot a bit... weekly range trips, minimum of 200 rounds, like me, then reloading is for you.
I shoot .44 special and .45 acp.
Factory .45 isnt cheap and the factory .44 specials should come with lube and a kiss.
I paid for my Lee turret press in the first month I had it.
I can load for around $6 a box of 50 now... and woud be a LOT less if I cast my own lead.


Jim

Reloading

You will find reloading to be a "sport" of its own. It is very addictive.

You might not save a lot because you will definately shoot more!

I find it enjoyable and relaxing.

I took the plunge and got a Dillon 550b. It's a large investment to get started but I don't regret it.

I think it best to find someone local to help you get started and you will find great advice on the forum.

Read The Highroad Reloading Forum, then the ABC's of reloading and the Lyman 49th edition manual BEFORE you buy anything. You need to know what you want before you start spending money. Read that stuff and talk to the guys in here, and then it'll be time to buy equipment.

I bought my Lee Classic Turret press right at one year ago. I've loaded over 3500 rounds of ammo. I've loaded 230gr Brass RN's for $8.15/50 and 230gr Lead RN for $6.41/50. I spent right at $500 for everything I needed to load and tumble my ammo in 45acp and 380acp including the bench and light. I have saved enough by "rolling my own" to pay for the equipment in one year. Having said that, if you own a gun and don't shoot it, you can save a lot more. I choose to shoot my firearms. And when I'm at the range, I can afford to let others try my firearms without flinching at every round they fire. I'm glad I added this hobby to my other one.

If, as you have indicated, initial price is your primary criteria, then NEW there is no way you are going to beat Lee presses. However, I clearly encourage each beginner to reload at a friend's house for several weeks until they get the hang of things, and then go buy a USED reloading setup off of Craig's List. When you buy used you get all the tools, containers, books, and even some leftover bullets and powder. Used is always the BEST price deal and an opportunity to end up with much higher quality equipment.

If you go with new, then please realize there is a LOT of equipment involved and none of the manufacturers of "reloading starter kits" offer everything you'll need. None. So if you have $325 to spend, save about $50 of that for incidentals like a Lyman manual and measuring calipers. You may also need a trimmer or trickler.

Other than that you can only narrow your search by telling us calibers you hope to reload, and how many cartridges per month.

Hope this helps!

First off, how many rounds will you be firing in a month? 308, 300 WSM, or 300WM is where you will really see some savings if you plan to shoot a lot. If you plan to fire a lot of 45's you can see some savings too, but not as much with common pistol calibers as with rifle. If you only plan to fire 40 rds/yr for sighting in and hunting, it won't help much. If you plan to shoot 100rds/month, you will be seeing a big difference. Handloading also lets you customize the load to your gun to get the most out of it. You can also load combinations that are not commercially available.

Look at the stickies at the top of the reloading section for a good start on the basics. For a minimal up front investment on equipment you will be looking at Lee brand equipment. I use it and many others do as well with no problems. It will last a long time if maintained and the warranty is good, but not like the others that cost many times more. Lots of new reloaders start out with Lee equipment and still have/use it even after going on to other brands. But really, don't kid yourself that you will save any money, you will still spend the same, just shoot a lot more.

As far as the saving money goes, I'm really just looking to turn money into more shooting instead of dropping it into some bottomless pit of ammo cost!

Click to expand...

And that is why a lot of us reload. To be able to shoot more for the same money. Search for Lee Classic Cast Press kit and you will find it is probably the most recommended kit for new reloaders. You will also find that as people get more experienced they tend to keep the press and not upgrade as it still handles their needs. It also seems like most everyone advises to order it from Kempfs, so I would look into that also. First off get the ABC's of reloading & at least the Lyman 49th manual and read them. That will help you to understand the process and terminology better and give you an idea of just how much fun you are in for.

Remember, this is a whole 'nother hobby unto itself. There are so many cool little gadgets and good to have thingies that it can get out of hand at times. We are your support group and can help. Once you have figgered reloading out we can talk about casting.....:banghead: